Ted Lasso enthusiasts, major news has emerged regarding the much-anticipated fourth season of Apple TV+’s acclaimed soccer comedy. Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind the series, has exercised the options for three of the original cast members, according to sources. The cast members include Hannah Waddingham, who portrays AFC Richmond’s owner Rebecca Walton; Brett Goldstein, known for his role as Roy Kent; and Jeremy Swift, who plays Director of Football Operations Leslie Higgins.
With this key trio secured, the studio plans to reach out to other cast members under SAG-AFTRA contracts whose options have expired, signaling the need for new agreements. This could include co-creators and executive producers Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) and Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard), as well as Juno Temple, who portrays Keeley Jones. Notably, it appears Phil Dunster, who plays Jamie Tart, has not had his option renewed, likely due to commitments with other projects, including Prime Video’s The Devil’s Hour and Apple’s Surface.
While specific details about which other stars might be contacted for Season 4 remain unclear, the cast has consistently expressed willingness to reprise their roles if given the chance. Many could potentially return for guest appearances.
The efforts to reunite the cast set the stage for a Season 4 approval, dependent on budget considerations and scheduling conflicts, as cast members whose options have lapsed may have committed to other series. In parallel with outreach to the cast, preliminary steps are being taken to form a writers’ room. If all goes well, production for the fourth season is targeted to begin in early 2025. Representatives for WBTV and Apple TV+ have declined to comment.
The push for a Season 4 indicates that Sudeikis, the central figure both on and off the screen, is supportive of continuing the series, as the studio would not advance without his agreement. Since its inception, the continuation of Ted Lasso has largely depended on Sudeikis, who first created the character for NBC Sports videos. Although he initially envisioned the comedy as a three-season arc, he has left the door open for more content, provided the right concept emerges. Fortunately for fans, reports suggest that a viable idea has been identified more than a year following the Season 3 finale.
Premiering in August 2020 at the height of the pandemic, Ted Lasso quickly resonated with audiences for its uplifting tone and endearing lead character, becoming Apple’s most-watched original series. The show not only attained immense popularity but also garnered 13 Emmy Awards over its original three seasons, including two for Outstanding Comedy Series and acting awards for Sudeikis and Goldstein, as well as Waddingham.
The Season 3 finale, which aired in May 2023, featured potential new ventures for Keeley and Rebecca, along with positive resolutions for all main characters, including Ted, who was last seen coaching his son on a Kansas soccer field.