Ted Lasso is back for its fourth season, premiering August 5 on Apple TV. The Emmy-winning comedy sees Jason Sudeikis return as the titular coach, who has left behind his coaching duties at AFC Richmond to return to Kansas City and work at a grocery store. However, an offer from Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), Keeley (Juno Temple), and Higgins (Jeremy Swift) to coach AFC Richmond's new women's team prompts Ted to move back to London with his son, Henry, and ex-wife, Michelle.
New Team, New Challenges
Season 4 shifts focus to the Lady Greyhounds, AFC Richmond's newly formed women's team. While key figures like Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) continue to manage the men's team, the women's squad faces the challenges of establishing itself, including skepticism from male fans and a lack of resources. The team's roster includes new talent such as Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds), an initially skeptical assistant coach, Gemma (Abbie Hern), a former professional player now pursuing law, Lizzie (Faye Marsay), a single mother balancing her dreams with family, Boots (Jude Mack), the team's confident goalie, and twin defenders Niamh (Aisling Sharkey) and Siobhan (Rex Hayes).
The season is exploring the complexities of women's sports, highlighting issues such as underfunding, pay disparities, and low media attention. Ted's unwavering positivity, empathy, and belief in the team's capabilities position him as an ally to the underdog squad. The narrative aims to celebrate and champion women's sports while raising awareness of the obstacles female athletes face.
Unresolved Storylines and Character Dynamics
Despite the fresh focus on the women's team, some established storylines and character dynamics remain central. Roy and Keeley's relationship, a consistent fan favorite, is still in flux, with the two remaining close friends despite evident chemistry. Rebecca continues her long-distance relationship, though its longevity is questioned. The season also touches on the ongoing, complex dynamic between Coach Beard and his partner, Jane (Phoebe Walsh).
While Season 3 faced criticism for pacing and narrative choices, early episodes of Season 4, ranging from 42 to 48 minutes, suggest a continued commitment to the show's established format. The series retains its signature humor and emotional depth, with Sudeikis's performance as Ted Lasso drawing praise for capturing both the character's upbeat nature and his emotional complexities. The performances of Waddingham and Temple are also highlighted as essential to the show's appeal.
Season 4's initial episodes aim to re-establish the core elements of the series while introducing new characters and themes. The success of the Lady Greyhounds, both on and off the pitch, will be a key focus as the season progresses, with the show aiming to deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with its audience. New episodes of Ted Lasso premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV.