In a significant development for fans of “Ted Lasso,” producers have taken steps towards the much-anticipated fourth season of the hit Apple TV+ series. Warner Bros. Television has exercised options for three key cast members: Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift. Waddingham portrays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Walton, Goldstein plays the tough Roy Kent, and Swift is the Director of Football Operations, Leslie Higgins.
The studio plans to reach out to additional cast members who have SAG-AFTRA contracts with expired options, meaning new deals will need to be negotiated. This group includes co-creators and executive producers Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, as well as Juno Temple, who plays Keeley Jones. Notably, Phil Dunster, known for his role as Jamie Tart, has not had his option picked up, likely due to commitments to other series including Prime Video’s “The Devil’s Hour” and Apple’s “Surface.”
While it remains uncertain which other cast members may be contacted, many have expressed willingness to return, and guest appearances are a possibility.
The initial steps toward a fourth season hinge on budget approvals and scheduling, particularly as actors with lapsed options may have taken on roles in other productions. Meanwhile, preparations are being made to establish a writers’ room, with production targeting an early 2025 start if all aspects align. Warner Bros. Television and Apple TV+ representatives declined to comment.
The movement toward a Season 4 signals that Jason Sudeikis, who has been a crucial creative force behind the show, is supportive of the next installment. His approval is essential for the studio to move forward, as the show’s future has always been linked to his vision.
Sudeikis originally envisioned “Ted Lasso” as a three-season narrative, and despite its remarkable success, he had not ruled out the possibility of extending the story. Season 3 was not marketed as the series’ conclusion, suggesting a potential for continuation if the right concept is found. For the show’s dedicated fans, developments over a year after the Season 3 finale indicate that such an idea may have surfaced.
Launching during the pandemic in August 2020, “Ted Lasso” resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming a defining series for Apple TV+. Its appeal has been underscored by numerous accolades, including 13 Emmy Awards across its three-season run, highlighting its cultural impact. The finale in May 2023 provided a fulfilling conclusion for its characters, hinting at new beginnings for Keeley and Rebecca with a women’s soccer team, while Ted was seen happily coaching his son.