When Ted Lasso first kicked off on Apple TV+, it was more than just a feel-good comedy—it was the streamer's saving grace. Before the show's debut, Apple TV+ was struggling to carve out a name in the crowded streaming landscape. Then came the mustachioed coach from Kansas, and suddenly the platform had a global hit on its hands. Now, three years after the Season 3 finale, the beloved series is back for a fourth season, but according to star Jason Sudeikis, the original plan for this comeback was almost completely different.
In a recent interview, Sudeikis revealed that the early brainstorming sessions for Season 4 took the show in a surprising direction. "In the early, early stages, we had a couple ideas of maybe coaching over here in the States," he said. The idea was to keep Rebecca and the Richmond family involved by having Rebecca buy a team in America—possibly a women's team. But the creative team eventually realized that the heart of the show lies in Richmond. "The natural thing just felt like… just locking into the women's team and then accepting the premise that 'No, he's going to go back,'" Sudeikis explained.
That decision means Season 4 will see Ted and Coach Beard return to AFC Richmond, but this time as head coaches of the newly formed women's team, The Lady Greyhounds. It's a fresh chapter that keeps the spirit of the original while introducing new dynamics and challenges. The shift also aligns with the recent FIFA World Cup buzz, but as Sudeikis noted, taking Ted out of Richmond would have changed the show's very essence.
For fans who need a refresher, our Season 3 recap covers the key twists that set up this surprising return. And if you're wondering about the new faces, the cast is expanding to include Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Faye Marsay (Andor), and Abbie Hern (My Lady Jane), with Grant Feely taking over the role of Ted's son, Henry.
The returning regulars are all back: Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, Juno Temple as Keeley Jones, Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins, and Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton. Their chemistry is what made the show a phenomenon, and it's clear the writers are leaning into that strength.
While the U.S.-based idea might have been a fun experiment, it's hard to imagine Ted Lasso without the pub, the training ground, and the quirky community of Richmond. The show's charm has always been its blend of optimism and British football culture, and keeping that intact was the right call.
Season 4 premieres on August 5 on Apple TV+. For more on what's coming to the streamer, check out our look at Dark Matter's mind-bending Season 2 and other upcoming releases. And if you're in the mood for a classic, Clue returns to Paramount+ this August.
With the new season promising fresh storylines and a new team to root for, Ted Lasso is poised to remind us why it became a cultural touchstone. The wait is almost over—get ready to believe again.
