AFC Richmond might not have played its last match after all, as news emerges of a potential fourth season of “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+. Reports from multiple outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Variety, and The Wrap indicate that Warner Bros. Television has exercised options on lead actors Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift, suggesting intentions to bring the trio back for another season. They portrayed Rebecca Welton, Roy Kent, and Leslie Higgins in the beloved series about an American coach, played by Jason Sudeikis, who takes the helm of an English soccer team.
Although a fourth season has not been officially confirmed, sources indicate that Warner Bros. plans to contact additional cast members to negotiate new contracts. It is believed that Sudeikis is already involved as an executive producer, with production for the potential new season possibly starting in early 2025.
The development comes as a surprise since many considered the third season’s finale in May 2023, which saw Sudeikis’ character leave AFC Richmond for the United States, to be the conclusion of the series. Earlier, the creative team had hinted at a three-season narrative arc for the show.
Producer and actor Brendan Hunt previously mentioned in an interview that they had always intended for the series to conclude after three seasons. He expressed a desire to honor that vision but acknowledged the immense affection audiences have for the series.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the third season, Apple TV+ did not market it as the show’s finale, and Sudeikis along with the producers remained ambiguous about the show’s future right up to the finale. During the 2022 Emmys, when asked if Season 3 marked the end, Sudeikis noted that the decision involved more factors than just himself.
Earlier this month, co-creator Bill Lawrence conveyed that the show’s future depended largely on Sudeikis’s preferences. He affirmed that while fans are excited about the possibility of continuation, they respect whatever decision Sudeikis chooses to make.
“Ted Lasso” debuted in 2020, shortly after the launch of Apple TV+, and quickly gained acclaim, winning two consecutive Emmy Awards for Best Comedy Series for its first two seasons, with significant accolades for Sudeikis, Goldstein, and Waddingham for their performances.
In contrast, critical reception for the third season was not as high, with some critiques noting issues with pacing and focus, leading to Season 3 losing out on the Best Comedy Series Emmy to “The Bear.”