When Ted Lasso premiered in 2020 on Apple TV+, no one could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. What started as a comedic sketch about a clueless American football coach hired to lead a British soccer team quickly turned into one of the most beloved shows on television, capturing hearts worldwide with its mix of humor, heart, and feel-good optimism. The series has earned widespread critical acclaim, winning multiple Emmy Awards and other accolades for its writing, performances, and uplifting message. Now, as the possibility of Ted Lasso Season 4 looms on the horizon, fans are eagerly asking what’s next for Ted and the lovable crew of AFC Richmond.
A Recap of the Journey So Far
Before diving into the possibilities for Season 4, it’s worth revisiting the journey of the show’s first three seasons. Ted Lasso begins with Ted (played by Jason Sudeikis) being recruited to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League football club. The catch? Ted has zero experience coaching soccer (or “football” as it’s called in the UK) and is actually a coach for American football. The owner of the team, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), initially hires Ted as a way to sabotage the team in order to get back at her cheating ex-husband, but Ted’s unyielding optimism and compassion slowly win over Rebecca, the players, and eventually, even the fans.
The show’s charm lies in its sincerity, and each character has grown in unexpected ways. Season 1 established Ted as a fish out of water, leaning heavily into the comedic potential of a coach who knows nothing about the sport. However, as the series progressed, the story took deeper emotional turns. In Season 2, Ted grapples with mental health challenges, including anxiety attacks and struggles with loneliness, while the team faces its own set of difficulties after being relegated from the Premier League.
Season 3 saw the culmination of many long-running storylines, with AFC Richmond returning to the Premier League and finally overcoming its status as the league’s perennial underdogs. Ted’s leadership and empathy helped the team find its footing, while key characters like Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), and Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed) underwent significant personal growth.
Season 3 Finale: A Fitting End or New Beginnings?
The Season 3 finale left many viewers with mixed feelings. On one hand, it wrapped up many of the storylines that had been building throughout the show. Ted, after guiding AFC Richmond to success, seemed to be ready to return to the U.S. to be with his son. Nate, who had betrayed Ted and Richmond in Season 2 by taking a coaching job with rival club West Ham United, experienced redemption and reconciliation. Roy Kent and Jamie Tartt, once bitter enemies, developed a deep friendship. Rebecca found a new sense of purpose beyond revenge, and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) continued to be Ted’s quirky, reliable sidekick.
For some, the Season 3 finale felt like a satisfying conclusion to the show, leaving many characters in a place of growth and hope. However, the door was also left open for more stories, particularly with AFC Richmond on the verge of something great. Ted’s departure from the team, while emotionally resonant, doesn’t feel entirely final. In many ways, Season 3 ended with more questions than answers, which has sparked speculation about whether Ted Lasso will return for another season.
Will There Be a Ted Lasso Season 4?
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Ted Lasso Season 4, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from swirling. The creators of the show, including Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly, have been cagey about the show’s future. Sudeikis, who also serves as the show’s co-creator and head writer, has hinted in interviews that Season 3 was envisioned as the end of the story he wanted to tell. However, he’s also left the door open for more episodes, saying that while the current arc may be over, the possibility of continuing the story exists.
Fans are hopeful that the series will return, though it might look a little different. One potential option is a spin-off series focusing on the other characters, such as Roy, Rebecca, Nate, or Keeley Jones (Juno Temple). Each of these characters has enough depth and complexity to carry their own narrative, and a spin-off could explore new dynamics while preserving the core spirit of the original show. Another possibility is that the show could continue without Ted at the center, focusing on the team’s growth under new leadership.
Additionally, Apple TV+ would likely be keen to continue Ted Lasso, given the show’s immense popularity and critical acclaim. Streaming platforms are always looking for content that drives subscriptions, and Ted Lasso has been one of the flagship series for Apple’s streaming service. It wouldn’t be surprising if the company made efforts to extend the show in some form.
Storylines We Could See in Season 4
If Ted Lasso does return for a fourth season, there are several potential storylines that could be explored:
1. AFC Richmond’s Championship Quest
A major throughline of the series has been AFC Richmond’s journey from being a mediocre, relegated team to a legitimate Premier League contender. With the team now back on track, Season 4 could focus on AFC Richmond making a serious run for the league title or even competing in international tournaments like the UEFA Champions League. Ted may no longer be at the helm, but his influence on the team would still be felt, and viewers could see how the players and coaching staff adapt to their newfound success.
2. Roy Kent’s Growth as a Leader
Roy Kent has been one of the standout characters in the series, evolving from a gruff, foul-mouthed former player into a more vulnerable, empathetic coach. As Ted steps back, Roy could step into a more prominent leadership role with AFC Richmond, guiding the team and continuing his personal journey of self-discovery. His complex relationship with Keeley, which hit a rough patch in Season 3, could also be explored further in Season 4.
3. Nate’s Redemption
Nate’s arc has been one of the most dramatic in the series. After betraying Ted and leaving Richmond to coach West Ham, Nate struggled with guilt and the consequences of his actions. Season 3 ended with him returning to Richmond and making amends with Ted, but his journey of redemption is far from over. Season 4 could delve deeper into Nate’s attempt to regain the trust of his former teammates and establish himself as a key part of the team once again.
4. Rebecca’s Future
Rebecca’s character has evolved significantly over the course of the series. Initially driven by bitterness and revenge, she has become one of the emotional anchors of the show. With her personal growth, there’s still much to explore in terms of Rebecca’s future both as the owner of AFC Richmond and in her personal life. Her relationship with her ex-husband, Rupert (Anthony Head), remains a potential source of conflict, and her evolving friendship with Keeley could also be expanded upon.
5. Ted’s Return?
Even if Ted leaves Richmond, there’s always the possibility that he could return in some capacity. Whether it’s a guest appearance, a major storyline involving his life back in the U.S., or even a full-fledged return to coaching, the door hasn’t been completely shut on Ted’s future in the series. His connection to the players and staff is undeniable, and it’s hard to imagine the show moving forward without at least some involvement from the character who started it all.
What Ted Lasso Means to Fans
One of the reasons Ted Lasso has resonated so deeply with viewers is its message of kindness, empathy, and perseverance in the face of adversity. In a world often filled with cynicism and negativity, Ted Lasso has provided a refreshing alternative, offering a reminder that positivity and human connection can triumph even in difficult circumstances.
The show’s emphasis on mental health, particularly in Season 2, has also struck a chord with audiences. Ted’s struggles with anxiety, as well as the depiction of therapy through his sessions with Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles), have opened up important conversations about the importance of mental well-being, especially for men who may feel pressure to suppress their emotions.
Fans have grown attached to the diverse cast of characters, each of whom brings something unique to the table. From the bombastic Jamie Tartt to the lovable Coach Beard, every member of AFC Richmond has a story to tell, and the show’s ensemble cast has been instrumental in its success.
Conclusion
Whether or not Ted Lasso returns for a fourth season, the show has already left an indelible mark on television. Its blend of comedy, heartfelt moments, and inspiring messages has made it a favorite among viewers of all ages. While the future of AFC Richmond and its colorful characters remains uncertain, the legacy of Ted Lasso as a beacon of optimism and hope will continue to endure, reminding us all to “believe.”