‘Ted Lasso’ Returns for Season 2 With a Spectacular In-Person Premiere Event; Plus: Where to Get Your Free Lasso Biscuits

It's good to be Apple TV Plus these days, with a critically acclaimed (and now Emmy nominated) hit like "Ted Lasso" entering its second season. Apple, you may have heard, has some cash, and the spent some on the show's Season 2 premiere event last week. I got to go, and was quite impressed by the size and scope of it. This wasn't your average TV premiere. The red (er, blue) carpet was held outdoors on the roof of the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, where Apple built a custom blue soccer pitch for the series. Before screening the first two episodes, guests ate stadium food like sliders, popcorn and hotdogs. The afterparty moved to nearby Cecconi’s for what was described as "elevated pub food," such as fish and chips, sausage rolls, chicken/veggie tikka skewers, pizza and more. And everyone left with a box of Ted Lasso's “biscuits with the boss."

In the audience were star Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso” exec producer & writer), Hannah Waddingham (“Rebecca”), Brendan Hunt (“Coach Beard” & executive producer), Jeremy Swift (“Higgins”), Juno Temple (“Keeley”), Brett Goldstein (“Roy Kent” & writer), Cristo Fernández (“Dani Rojas”), Moe Jeudy-Lamour (“Thierry Zoreaux”), Sam Richardson (guest star), Bill Lawrence (executive producer & writer), Bill Wrubel (executive producer & writer), Joe Kelly (executive producer) and Marcus Mumford (composer).

Also on hand were Apple CEO Tim Cook and worldwide video heads Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg.

Attendees were required to show proof of vaccination, and also that morning were also told that a negative COVID-19 test was required. Apple set up rapid testing in the Pacific Design Center parking garage, and although it was one extra step before entering, I think it gave everyone there extra piece of mind. So much so that, as I mentioned above, people were shaking hands. Again, let's stop doing that!

Meanwhile, even if you didn't get a chance to attend the premiere, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some "Ted Lasso" biscuits (aka shortbread cookies, for us Yanks). Believe:

Free “Ted Lasso” Biscuits, Tea and Coffee at Go Go Get Em Tiger TODAY:

Starting today, Monday, July 19, through Friday, July 23, four Go Get Em Tiger locations across Los Angeles will have complimentary biscuits available in their signature pink box, with a note from Coach Lasso for fans to enjoy, with every coffee or tea order while supplies last.
On July 19, biscuits and coffee or tea will be FREE for all guests from 10 a.m. PT to close.
On July 20-23, biscuits will be free with purchase and fans can get coffee or tea for $1 with Apple Pay.

Free “Ted Lasso” Fan Experience at Palisades Village:

Between Wednesday, July 21, and Monday, August 30, Apple TV Plus is bringing AFC Richmond Stadium to Palisades Village (15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades). Guests to the “stadium” can enjoy complimentary biscuits and their own “Believe” sign.
The stadium installation will be open daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT.

Free “Ted Lasso“ biscuits in the Valley:

Fans can enjoy complimentary biscuits, tea and coffee at a pop-up location at the Studio City Farmer’s Market and other pop up locations in the Valley on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday July 25.

My Evening (Sorta) With Tom and Katie

I generally don't do the red carpet at events, but the Monday night premiere of controversial new miniseries "The Kennedys" was different on a number of fronts. First off, it was controversial -- dumped by History channel, shopped around and finally salvaged by little-known network ReelzChannel.

And secondly, the guest list promised some real star wattage (unusual for a basic cable screening, doubly unusual for a screening surrounding a channel that no one had previously heard of). Stars Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes were in attendance, and Katie brought along her husband -- this guy named Tom Cruise.

Standing outside the Motion Picture Academy theater in Beverly Hills, I chatted with "The Kennedys" executive producer Joel Surnow, as well as director Jon Cassar. Then I stood back to watch the media circus as Tom and Katie passed through. Armed with my Blackberry, I caught a few pics (above and below).