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Arts & Culture
14 March 2025

Ted Lasso Returns For Season Four With New Challenges

Jason Sudeikis is back as he takes on coaching women’s soccer team.

Apple TV+ officially announced on March 14, 2025, the much-anticipated return of the hit comedy series "Ted Lasso" for its fourth season. Fans of the show can rejoice as Jason Sudeikis, who stars as the titular character, will return as both the lead and executive producer. This announcement came after months of speculation about the future of the beloved series, which has captured hearts globally since its debut.

Sudeikis hinted at exciting new directions for the show. According to his statement, Season 4 will center around the theme of taking risks. He stated, “in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering just where they’re meant to be.” This sets the stage for Lasso’s new challenges as he transitions from coaching men to taking on the helm of FC Richmond’s new women’s team.

Originally introduced as part of NBC Sports' coverage of the English Premier League back in 2013, the character of Ted Lasso became so popular it led to the creation of the now-famous show. Since it first premiered on Apple TV+ in August 2020 throughout the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, "Ted Lasso" has garnered immense acclaim, winning multiple awards and becoming a touchstone of hope and humor.

Season 3 concluded with Ted Lasso returning to Kansas after leading AFC Richmond to its best-ever finish—second place in the Premier League. This season, instead of heading back to the UK, Lasso is set to coach the new women’s team partly inspired by the earlier hints dropped by Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham. Fans are eager to see how Lasso applies his uplifting coaching style to female athletes.

While the full cast for the new season hasn’t been confirmed yet, original members like Sudeikis, Waddingham, Brett Goldstein (Roy), and Jeremy Swift (Leslie) are locked down for their return. Juno Temple, who plays Keeley Jones, is also currently in negotiations. The new season’s writing team, mostly comprised of returning members, has reportedly been working on scripts for several months.

The production team is targeting July 2025 to start filming the new episodes, with the premiere episode expected to shoot in Kansas City, marking the first time the show will film there, rather than entirely relying on California’s locations like previous seasons.

Jack Burditt, known for his work on acclaimed shows like "30 Rock" and "Modern Family," is onboard as co-showrunner and executive producer, joining Sudeikis to lead the writers' room. This collaboration aims to maintain the series's heartwarming and uplifting tone.

Over its first three seasons, "Ted Lasso" became not only one of Apple TV+’s flagship series but also one of its most-watched shows, earning 13 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series for its first two seasons. Sudeikis himself won the title of Outstanding Lead Actor as well, echoing his character’s personal growth alongside the show’s comedic themes.

The show's universal message of kindness, camaraderie, and hope has struck chords with many viewers, especially during challenging times, leading to its continued popularity and strong fandom. “If ever there was a show the world needed more of right now, it would be 'Ted Lasso'” said Channing Dungey, the chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, expressing confidence and excitement about the new season.

Despite the show’s significant success, Sudeikis had initially planned for it to be just a three-season arc. The demand from fans, coupled with his willingness to explore new narratives, changed this direction. The season finale of Season 3, titled “So Long, Farewell,” wrapped various storylines, but left room for the continuation of Lasso’s adventures.

Ted Lasso’s forward momentum invites questions about his new role and challenges. He must engage not only with adults but also with young female athletes, potentially broadening the audience's appreciation for women's sports. This shift opens the door for numerous plot lines, exploring themes of empowerment, teamwork, and personal growth among the characters.

With all the nostalgic elements and brand-new storylines anticipated, "Ted Lasso" continues to prepare for launch onto the small screen with fans more than eager to see what the charismatic coach will achieve next.

It remains to be seen just how Ted will adapt to coaching women, but as Sudeikis noted, the essence of the character remains: “He’s eternally optimistic and hopeful and sincere.” This promise of positivity will undoubtedly resonate with audiences once again, with people everywhere ready to cheer Lasso on as he leaps before he looks.