Apple TV+ announce return of Ted Lasso and confirm Jason Sudeikis' future on show
The football comedy kept millions of people entertained during the pandemic
Apple TV+ have confirmed the return of Ted Lasso after two years of fans wondering if they had seen the last of Jason Sudekis following the last season's cliffhanger.
Premiering back in 2020, the show follows former SNL star Sudekis as a lovable American football coach who is hired to manage a British football team, despite having no knowledge about the sport.
Boasting an esemble cast that includes Game Of Thrones' Hannah Waddingham, comedian Nick Mohammed, Wild Child's Juno Temple and The Devil’s Hour actor Phil Dunster, the series was praised for its positive outlook on life.
Season three, which aired in 2023, saw fan favourite Roy Kent (Emmy winner Brett Goldstein) step up as assistant coach, alongside coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), while Ted (Sudeikis) dealt with personal issues back home.
In a heartbreaking season finale, Ted made the decision to head back to America to be with his ex-wife and young son, putting an end to his time managing AFC Richmond.
Despite the titular character appearing to have moved on from football and the connections he made, it was confirmed on Friday (March 14) by Apple TV+ that Sudeikis is returning for a fourth season.
"As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to ‘look before we leap’, in season four the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it’s exactly where they’re meant to be," he said.
Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+ added: “Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief.
“Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show.”
Created by Scrubs screator Bill Lawrence, Ted Lasso has won 13 of its staggering 61 Emmy nominations, including Sudeikis being named the best lead actor in a comedy series gong in 2021 and 2022.
While broadcast details are yet to be announced, its expected that the fourth season will see Ted manage AFC Richmond's new women's team.
Another possible direction for season four could see AFC Richmond's men's team competing in the Champions League, allowing the large cast of characters to explore new surroundings.
Over the course of the three seasons, Ted has interacted with a number of faces from the football world, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and former Premier League referee Mike Dean.