Ted Lasso: What It Means To "Be A Goldfish" (2024)

The Ted Lasso season 3 finale brought back Ted's famous saying, "be a goldfish," and the meaning of this seemingly random saying is both deep and dates back to the show's first season, bringing it full circle. Ted Lasso season 3 appears to be the end of the show, and the series has been an incredible hit for Apple TV+ since it came out in 2020. Ted Lasso's success is due in part to the down-to-earth wisdom provided by Coach Lasso throughout the series, and one of his most cryptic sayings was his advice to be a goldfish.

Coach Lasso (Jason Sudekis) may come off as goofy, but his character shows from the start of the series through the end of Ted Lasso season 3 that his outlook on life can help lead to happiness, success, and kindness. Ted's wisdom and caring disposition help create a winning culture centered around supporting each other and players believing in their teammates. One particularly useful piece of advice comes in Ted Lasso season 1 when Ted asks his star defender, Sam Obisanya, to be a goldfish.

Ted Lasso's "Be A Goldfish" Saying Explained

Ted Encourages Players To Maintain A Goldfish's Short Memory

Ted Lasso tells his players to be goldfish because goldfish are said to have a 10-second memory. His advice to "be a goldfish" means to move on from mistakes rather than lingering on them. "Be a goldfish" is about more than just sports, however. Lingering over mistakes is all too easy in life, but this memorable saying from Coach Lasso serves as a reminder that people are defined by how they react to mistakes, not their mistakes themselves. It's important to accept mistakes in any part of life and be able to move on quickly.

Being a goldfish applies to any aspect of life, but it is especially wise in the context of sports. Regarding soccer specifically, every player is bound to make a mistake over the course of a 90-minute match. It's essential for any player to be able to forget those mistakes and move on to the next challenge.

Little pieces of sports wisdom like this demonstrate why Ted, a man who doesn't know a thing about soccer, is able to coach the sport. He may not have the built-in knowledge of soccer tactics other coaches in the UK do, but as a motivator and a leader, Coach Lasso is able to give his players the tools they need to succeed.

Why Henry's "Be A Goldfish" Line Was The Perfect Way To End Ted Lasso Season 3

The Reveal That Ted Teaches His Son The Same Lessons Is A Heartwarming End

Ted's son, Henry, saying "be a goldfish" in the Ted Lasso season 3 finale is the perfect way to end the show because it harkens back to what Ted is all about, and it shows that he has instilled these values in his son as well. In the end, Ted is trying to make all of the players of AFC Richmond be the best people he can.

It isn't about winning or even about the game, Ted treats his players like he treats his son. His real mission is to help the people in his life be the best possible versions of themselves, which the "be a goldfish" saying in Ted Lasso perfectly encapsulates.

Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is an American football coach who moves to England when he's hired to manage a struggling soccer team despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them thathe's fit for the job. Ted Lasso has become one of Apple TV Plus’ most successful shows, earning over 10 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Jeremy Swift , Phil Dunster , Hannah Waddingham , Nick Mohammed , Brendan Hunt , Jason Sudeikis , Brett Goldstein , Juno Temple , Toheeb Jimoh , James Lance

Release Date

August 14, 2020

Seasons

3

Showrunner

Bill Lawrence