Jason Sudeikis, the star and creator of the Apple TV+ comedy "Ted Lasso," initially turned down returning for a fourth season of the show, despite a lucrative $1 million per episode salary for the third season. Sudeikis, 50, told The Hollywood Reporter that his reluctance stemmed from a feeling that the narrative had reached its natural conclusion.
"The story was told. Ted went home to be with his son," Sudeikis explained, referring to the Season 3 finale where the titular character returned to Kansas City, Missouri, to be a more present parent. He added that he did not want to "uproot their life to justify the money truck."
Despite his initial hesitation, Sudeikis changed his mind, citing the character's positive outlook as a significant factor. "It is infectious to play a character who sees the best in people and isn’t mad at the world for all its foibles and bullies and shadows," he said. He also acknowledged that embodying the optimistic coach provided a beneficial perspective during a period of personal upheaval, including a public custody battle with Olivia Wilde, with whom he shares two children.
The decision to continue the series came after Sudeikis felt the need for the character's perspective. "I know I needed this. I needed it as much as other people do," he stated.
Shift in Direction for Season 4
Season 4 is set to feature Ted Lasso coaching a women's team. While Sudeikis and other main cast members like Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Juno Temple are expected to reprise their roles, Phil Dunster, who played Jamie Tartt, will no longer be a series regular, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with another project.
Brendan Hunt, who co-created the show and plays Coach Beard, expressed openness to another multi-season arc for the show's new direction, telling Entertainment Weekly he's "not against" it.
"Ted Lasso," which premiered in 2020, followed an American football coach navigating the world of English soccer. The show became a critical and commercial success for Apple TV+, garnering multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards and launching the careers of its ensemble cast. Season 4 is scheduled to premiere on August 5 on Apple TV+.