Steadily, Apple TV+ has established a reputation for itself as a streaming service that prioritizes quality over quantity. The two series most emblematic of that motto, however, just happen to be the most prominent shows released by the tech giant thus far.
Alena Smith’s Dickinson and Bill Lawrence’s Ted Lasso have amassed sizable audiences and fervent fan followings, while also managing to be entirely different in terms of form, tone, and story. Both have reasonable arguments for the title of Apple’s best original series to date–here’s how they compare.
Dickinson: Anachronisms
What has elevated Dickinson above similarly designed period pieces is its lean towards an anachronistic style. Modern needle drops and lingo/slang that represents young adult culture in the 2010s and 2020s dot every frame of the Amherst-set series.
This really helps establish it as a special show that’s never quite been seen before. It’s undoubtedly delightful whenever a character drops a line like “[Nathaniel] Hawthorne can eat a d***.”
Ted Lasso: Optimistic Balm
Obviously, that particular quotation has a bit of a cynical, albeit humorous, bite to it. No such punchlines exist on Ted Lasso. The cynical figures on that show never punctuate a scene; the tone always belongs to the cheerful and hopeful nature.
During these days, Ted Lasso speaks to the idea many audiences want to watch people be good and kind to each other. It’s a salve and an antidote to the bitterness that infuses reality.
Dickinson: Stellar Lead Performance
Acting is always a major factor in determining which shows are aces. While Ted Lasso definitely has performers doing great work, the best single acting turn on either show comes from Hailee Steinfeld in the lead role of Emily Dickinson.
Steinfeld masterfully captures the understood aloofness of Emily, while also injecting humanity and passion into her. She always seems to be on the verge of tears and laughter simultaneously. As an up-and-coming star, Steinfeld captures brilliance on Dickinson.
Ted Lasso: Breakout Supporting Cast
The lead performance on Ted Lasso is also quite winning. Jason Sudeikis even won over some Golden Globes voters. Yet, he also steps back to allow the supporting cast to shine brightly throughout the series.
Ted himself is great, but the supporting staff makes Ted Lasso a new classic. Hannah Waddingham is a revelation as the complicated antagonist, Rebecca. Juno Temple is hysterical as Keeley. And Brett Goldstein as aging superstar Roy Kent might just be the best of the bunch.
Dickinson: Literary-Minded
There have been many classic sports shows over the years. But Dickinson is refreshing because it is one of the few series that speaks to the great loves of English majors.
The immaculate poetry of Emily Dickinson dances across the screen in shimmering lettering. Some of her most famous works are even turned musical! For the literary-minded television fans, Dickinson feels like the show to be watching.
Ted Lasso: Sports-Adjacent
While the literary lovers flock to Dickinson, there is still merit to the fact that Ted Lasso largely deals with the desired success of a soccer club in England. It thrives, however, by dealing with the sport storylines in a secondary, adjacent capacity.
What matters most on Ted Lasso is the characters, as well as their interactions with one another. Yes, fans want to see Richmond win, but it’s not the series’ top priority.
Dickinson: Quality Guest Spots
Dickinson has the benefit of an extra season with which to embrace some amazing guest stars. So far, stars like John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, and Zosia Mamet have come by that yellow house in western Massachusetts to play ball with Steinfeld.
What’s more, they help bring some iconic American literary figures to life. Mulaney portrays Henry David Thoreau, Mamet thrives as Louisa May Alcott, and Kroll is delicious as Edgar Allan Poe. Cameos are taken to the next level on Dickinson.
Ted Lasso: Clear Arc
Like Emily Dickinson’s real life, the story can get a bit messy at times. But for anyone who follows football teams in England, they can probably tell the clear arc that Ted Lasso is following.
Ted Lasso proves that a series with an obvious road map can still be enthralling. It’s about the journey, not the destination, even if the forthcoming two seasons have pretty decent projections.
Dickinson: Magical Elements
These days, a show that takes big swings is a show to be appreciated. Dickinson could have just been another period drama about a historical figure. Instead, its high energy leads it into new territory with magical and enchanting sequences.
Visions of the future are held, Death is embodied, and ghosts pay Emily a visit. An ambitious show may not always be a special one, but Dickinson hits its loftiest goals with steady aplomb.
Ted Lasso: Emotional Nuance
A truly magical element of Ted Lasso is that, while it’s typically referred to as the “kind show,” it’s so much more than that. Ted isn’t at all some unattainable goal of human niceties.
Instead, he’s a man who also loses his temper at times and sometimes becomes overly emotional or unreasonable. What matters is that he always works to improve himself and understand his shortcomings. Ted Lasso is exceptional because it recognizes the reality of human feelings.
