On August 5, the fourth season of 'Ted Lasso' launches on Apple TV. The end of the third season was already three years ago. Many fans had assumed that the popular comedy series had concluded with that season. In fact, the show's producers, including lead actor Jason Sudeikis (50), had repeatedly emphasized throughout the entire run that 'Ted Lasso' was conceived from the beginning as a three-season story. 'It's about the ramifications of good, bad and absent fathers,' Sudeikis said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in January 2021. 'This three-season narrative arc is based on that.'
Sudeikis also confirmed this concept to Entertainment Weekly. 'The story that's being told - this three-season arc - is something I see, know and understand. I'm glad they're willing to pay for those three seasons. What happens after that, who knows? I don't know.'
Hit for Apple
Why Apple TV still wanted to hold on to the series is obvious: 'Ted Lasso' was not only popular with audiences, but was also widely acclaimed. The show received a total of 13 Emmys, including the award for best comedy series in 2021 and 2022. Lead actor Jason Sudeikis was also honored multiple times for his role: He won the Emmy twice in the category of 'best lead actor in a comedy series.'
In the fourth season, the series has lost none of its magic. The ensemble once again presents itself in strong form and the new characters are also convincing. While the plot draws on familiar narrative patterns from previous seasons, it gets a creative twist from the new setting. This makes everything feel familiar and new at the same time.
What season four of 'Ted Lasso' is about
Three years after his return to his hometown of Kansas City, Ted Lasso is tracked down by his former companions from AFC Richmond and brought back to Nelson Road. The next challenge is already waiting for him there: He takes over coaching the women's team. In London, Ted reunites with Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), who is now coaching the men's team alongside Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein).
While club management including Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) and Leslie Higgins (Jeremy Swift) work to promote women's football more strongly, Ted quickly realizes that his new players are underpaid and barely noticed. In addition, they still need to be convinced that success doesn't depend solely on believing in yourself.
Lots of Humor, Lots of Heart
'Ted Lasso' succeeds with season 4 in making a convincing comeback because the series picks up exactly where it has always been strongest: It has a successful mix of humor and character moments. After just a few episodes, it becomes clear that the new season has lost none of its lightness and emotional depth.
Content-wise, the season once again takes up the central themes of previous seasons, including belonging, responsibility and personal development. With the building of the women's team at Richmond, it also takes a new direction that offers plenty of room for storylines both narratively and socially.
The season is all about 'Leap Before You Look' - a motto that was already established before writing the fourth season, as Jason Sudeikis revealed to the news agency spot on news. 'The slogan was there from the beginning. It's not all that different from Ted's own decision to take the plunge with this venture. Because even though he's going to the same place and can count on the support of his family, it's still a new world for him to be coaching a women's football team.'
New Conflicts
Skepticism at the club, discussions about budgets and infrastructure, as well as initial conflicts between old and new characters create additional tension. At the same time, important relationships are further developed and especially the character Keeley gets more screen time. Compared to the third season, where her storyline ran separately from the Richmond team, this time she is closely integrated into the women's team story. This puts her more at the center and makes her an important building block in the new season.
Particularly successful so far is the season's balance of humor, nostalgia and character development. Familiar supporting characters are meaningfully integrated into the story, quieter scenes provide emotional depth.
Cast in Top Form
The ensemble presents itself in strong form. Jason Sudeikis slips into his signature role as Ted Lasso with his usual confidence. He gives the character warmth, humor and vulnerability, making Ted extremely relatable again. With ease, Sudeikis first brings laughs and moments later brings tears.
The rest of the cast is also convincing. Juno Temple moves into the spotlight as Keeley in this season because she is considered the driving force behind the women's football team. Success is important to her, and accordingly the pressure and strain she is exposed to are also great. Temple convinces not only with her wit, but also in the more emotional scenes.
Hannah Waddingham also delivers a strong performance as club owner Rebecca and credibly conveys her own internal conflict. Brett Goldstein's Roy Kent is back again and his characteristically stoic manner once again provides good entertainment. Among the newcomers, Tanya Reynolds stands out particularly positively. She plays Alice Chilton, Lasso's new co-coach, who brings a difficult football past with her and is initially rather introverted. Over time, however, the character opens up more and more and scores with dry humor.
Conclusion
The first episodes of the new season already show that 'Ted Lasso' has lost none of its strengths. At the same time, the new setting opens up new narrative possibilities that deliver humorous and emotional moments. The ensemble around Jason Sudeikis also presents itself in strong form.
