The latest season of Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" has included a callback to pop superstar Taylor Swift and the widespread cultural impact of her Eras Tour. In the premiere episode of Season 4, the characters encounter a Kansas City boutique that saw a surge in business attributed to Swift's influence.
The storyline unfolds as AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton, along with Keeley Jones and Leslie Higgins, travel to Kansas City to persuade Ted Lasso to return to England to coach the club's new women's team. During their visit, they explore local shops, including the fictional boutique "Dazzle Me Moi."
Initially hesitant about the store's flamboyant style, Rebecca learns from the owner how the boutique achieved significant success. The owner explains that a backup dancer for Taylor Swift, during her Eras Tour stop in Kansas City, purchased an outfit, posted it on social media, and subsequently drove considerable customer traffic to the store. "We’ve been poppin’ and hoppin,’ and guys have been shoppin’ ever since. Women helping women, am I right?" the owner tells the characters.
Inspired by this anecdote, Rebecca decides to purchase a bejeweled pantsuit, reflecting on the theme of mutual support among women.
According to executive producer Jamie Lee, the decision to feature Swift in the script stemmed from discussions within the show's writing room. Many of the female writers were inspired by the record-breaking Eras Tour and its significant cultural footprint. "Taylor’s always in the mix of the conversation. It’s kind of impossible not to talk about her because she’s just so famously incredible," Lee stated at the Season 4 premiere in Los Angeles.
The Kansas City stop of Swift's Eras Tour in July 2023 also holds personal significance, as it was where NFL player Travis Kelce reportedly made his initial approach to the singer. Kelce recounted on his podcast, "New Heights," that he had prepared a friendship bracelet with his number on it to give to Swift but was unable to do so as she did not meet fans after her shows to preserve her voice. Despite this, the pair reportedly began dating a couple of months later.
Season 4 of "Ted Lasso" is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.