Created by Seth MacFarlane.
Ted TV series premiered on January 11, 2024.
Distributed by NBCUniversal Television and Streaming and streams exclusively on Peacock.
Ted (TV Series) Review
Ted (TV series) is a comedy prequel created by Seth MacFarlane.
It follows teenage John Bennett and his talking teddy bear, Ted, in the 1990s.
Season 1, The first season introduces John and Ted’s chaotic friendship.
The show mixes rude humor, school problems, and family life.
Ted often causes trouble, but their friendship is the heart of the story.
Season 2, The second season continues their wild adventures with bigger jokes and crazier situations.
The comedy becomes sharper and the characters grow a little more.
Overall, Ted is a funny and nostalgic series.
Fans of the movies will enjoy the humor, friendship, and outrageous moments.
CR Rating: 8.5/10.
Ted Actors
Seth MacFarlane as Ted
DOB: October 26, 1973.
Bio: American writer, actor, animator, director, and producer best known for creating several hit animated series and comedy franchises.
He first rose to fame as the creator of Family Guy and later expanded his creative reach with projects like American Dad! and the sci-fi comedy drama The Orville.
Role: MacFarlane voices and performs Ted, the foul-mouthed, beer-loving teddy bear magically brought to life by a childhood wish.
The series serves as a prequel to the films and follows Ted living with teenager John Bennett and his family in the 1990s.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (15 eps).
Interesting facts: MacFarlane insisted the show have high CGI standards for Ted and he returns not just as the voice but as a performance-capture performer.
Notable Works: Family Guy, American Dad!, The Orville, Ted (films).
Max Burkholder as John Bennett
DOB: November 1, 1997.
Bio: American actor who began his career as a child performer and gradually transitioned into teenage and adult roles in television and film.
He gained early recognition for playing Max Braverman in the acclaimed NBC family drama Parenthood.
Role: Burkholder plays John Bennett, the teenage best friend of the foul-mouthed living teddy bear Ted.
Set in the 1990s, the series follows John as a socially awkward high school student navigating family life, friendships, and adolescence while Ted’s reckless behavior constantly drags him into absurd situations.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (15 eps).
Interesting facts: Burkholder started voice work very young and brings that experience to scenes where John’s imagination and reality blur.
Notable Works: Parenthood, The Purge.
Alanna Ubach as Susan Bennett
DOB: October 3, 1975.
Bio: American actress and voice performer known for her wide range across television, film, and animation.
She began acting at a young age and built a steady career playing memorable supporting characters in both comedy and drama.
Role: Ubach plays Susan Bennett, John’s caring and patient mother.
Susan serves as the emotional glue of the Bennett household, trying to maintain order while dealing with a rebellious teenager, family tensions, and the bizarre presence of a foul-mouthed talking teddy bear.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (15 eps).
Interesting facts: Ubach has a long voice-acting and theatrical background, which helps with the show’s heightened, sometimes surreal tone.
Notable Works: Legally Blonde, Meet the Fockers, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, voice work in animated series and video games.
Scott Grimes as Matty Bennett
DOB: July 9, 1971.
Bio: American actor, singer, and voice performer with a career spanning television, film, and animation.
He began acting as a child in the 1980s and later became widely recognized for roles in major television dramas and comedies.
Role: Grimes plays Matty Bennett, John Bennett’s outspoken and often over-the-top father.
Matty is loud, opinionated, and frequently caught up in conspiracy theories and exaggerated reactions to everyday problems.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (15 eps).
Interesting facts: In addition to acting, Grimes is an accomplished singer and has released music albums.
Notable Works: ER, Band of Brothers, voice work on animated series.
Giorgia Whigham as Blaire Bennett
DOB: August 19, 1997.
Bio: American actress and the daughter of actor Shea Whigham.
She has built a steady career in teen and genre television, often portraying sharp, sardonic characters.
Role: Whigham plays Blaire Bennett, John’s older cousin who temporarily moves in with the Bennett family while attending college.
Blaire is protective of John, worldly, and frequently serves as a foil to both John and Ted.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (15 eps).
Interesting facts: Whigham’s casting was highlighted as bringing contemporary teen authenticity to the period setting.
Notable Works: 13 Reasons Why, The Punisher, Scream.
Tara Strong as Ted’s “I Love You” sound bite (replay)
DOB: February 12, 1973.
Bio: Canadian-American voice actor and one of the most prolific performers in modern animation and video games.
Known for her versatility, precise comedic timing, and dynamic vocal range, Strong has voiced a vast array of iconic characters across cartoons, video games, and animated features.
Role: Strong provides the recurring “I love you” sound bite for Ted.
This tiny, repeated cue serves both comedic and emotional beats throughout the show.
Interesting facts: Strong often voices multiple characters in projects and her cameo here underlines the show’s voice-casting pedigree.
Notable Works: The Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans, countless animated roles.
Penny Johnson Jerald as Principal Bernard
DOB: March 14, 1961.
Bio: A veteran American television actor celebrated for her commanding presence and versatility.
She has appeared in iconic series ranging from The Larry Sanders Show to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, often portraying authority figures who balance warmth, intelligence, and intensity.
Role: Bernard is the school principal at John Bennett’s school, frequently intervening whenever Ted and John push the rules.
She serves as a foil to Ted’s antics, enforcing institutional order while providing comedic friction that propels the boys’ schemes.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (3 eps).
Interesting facts: Jerald’s pedigree in prestige TV helps the show land scenes that need real authority and comedic timing.
Notable Works: The Larry Sanders Show, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, 24.
Ian McKellen as Narrator
DOB: May 25, 1939.
Bio: One of Britain’s most celebrated actors, renowned for his work on stage and screen.
With decades of experience in Shakespearean theatre, blockbuster franchises like The Lord of the Rings and X-Men.
Role: McKellen serves as an occasional, grand-toned narrator for the series, providing context, commentary, and dramatic contrast to Ted’s crude humor.
His voice adds a layer of sophistication and playful irony, elevating the comedy through juxtaposition with his classical delivery.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (3 eps).
Interesting facts: The series’ choice to cast a classically trained actor like McKellen for a lowbrow comedy narration was widely noted as a clever and whimsical touch.
Notable Works: The Lord of the Rings, X-Men, extensive stage work.
Marissa Shankar as Sarah
DOB: N/A.
Bio: A young actor building her career in television, Shankar portrays college-age characters with authenticity and emotional nuance.
She brings relatability and presence to teen and young-adult storylines, grounding the show’s mix of comedy and coming-of-age drama.
Role: Sarah is Blaire’s girlfriend and a college student navigating relationships, tuition, and personal growth.
Her relationship with Blaire deepens the series’ exploration of teen sexuality, social pressures, and the absurd complications introduced by Ted’s antics.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (4 eps).
Interesting facts: Plays into the show’s attempt to depict genuine teen relationships alongside the absurdity of a talking bear.
Notable Works: Recurring TV credits.
Ara Hollyday as Andrew
DOB: N/A.
Bio: A young actor and teen series regular, Hollyday brings energy and authenticity to ensemble school casts.
He specializes in portraying typical high school dynamics, from friendships to rivalries, with believable timing and relatability.
Role: Andrew is a classmate of John and Ted at John Hancock High.
He contributes to the social texture of the series, participating in comic setups, group hijinks, and on-campus storylines that make the school sequences feel vibrant and lived-in.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Represents the show’s commitment to casting a believable high school ensemble.
Notable Works: Young TV credits.
Liz Richman as Polly
DOB: N/A.
Bio: A young supporting actor, Richman contributes to teen ensemble casts with comedic timing and grounded performances.
She often plays classmates or peer allies who provide humor and relational texture in school-centered storylines.
Role: Polly is a student in John Hancock High who appears in John and Ted’s social orbit.
Her small arcs explore typical high school dynamics and serve as situational comedy moments that complement the main characters’ adventures.
Seasons & Episodes: S1-2 (6 eps).
Interesting facts: Ensemble teen actors like Richman help the show string together episodic gags and longer character arcs.
Notable Works: TV guest credits.
Mike Henry as Bank Employee
DOB: November 7, 1965.
Bio: A veteran voice actor and on-camera performer, Henry is known for animation (notably Family Guy) and live-action work.
He often brings broad, physical comedy and memorable energy to guest and supporting roles.
Role: Appears in a Season 1 guest spot as a bank employee.
His scenes provide brief comedic beats or physical humor, adding texture to the world of John Hancock High and the town around Ted.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 (1 ep).
Interesting facts: Henry has a long history of voice and sketch work and is adept at making small roles memorable.
Notable Works: Voice work, sketch comedy.
More Actors
Season 1 (2024)
• Don Lake as Bert.
• Charly Jordan as Sheila Borgwat.
• Gail Goldberg as Gert Fetchco.
• Jack Seavor McDonald as Clive.
• Erin Moore as Jessica.
Season 2 (2026)
• Scott Michael Campbell as Bernie Bennett.
• Peter Macon as Avery Lawrence.
• Michaela McManus as Charlotte Robicheck.
• Ross Partridge as David Robichek.
• Brennan Lee Mulligan as Chris.
FAQ – Ted TV Series
What is the Ted TV series about?
The show is a prequel to the Ted movies. It follows teenage John Bennett and his talking teddy bear Ted living in Massachusetts during the 1990s, dealing with school, family life, and wild adventures.
Is the Ted series connected to the movies?
Yes. The show is a prequel that takes place years before the events of the Ted films starring Mark Wahlberg.
When was Season 2 released?
Season 2 premiered on March 5, 2026, with all episodes released at once on Peacock.
How many episodes are in the series?
Season 1 has 7 episodes, while Season 2 has 8 episodes.
Where can you watch the Ted TV series?
The series is available to stream on Peacock.
Conclusion
Ted (TV series) is a fun comedy that expands the story of the famous talking teddy bear.
Created by Seth MacFarlane, the series mixes crude humor, teenage problems, and family moments.
Both seasons show the chaotic friendship between Ted and John as they deal with school, relationships, and everyday trouble.
While the jokes can be bold and sometimes outrageous, the show still has a lighthearted and nostalgic feel.
Overall, Ted is an entertaining series for fans of the movies and viewers who enjoy edgy comedy with a bit of heart.