Jason Sudeikis, the lead actor and co-creator of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, has spoken out about the "very difficult" conversations he had with actors from the show's original cast. These calls were made to inform them that their characters, members of the fictional AFC Richmond men's football team, would not be returning for the highly anticipated fourth season, which is set to premiere on 5 August 2026.
The hit comedy, which initially concluded its third season in 2023 with Ted Lasso's character returning to the US, was unexpectedly revived by Sudeikis and his fellow co-creators. The new creative direction for season four will centre on an all-female football team, a significant departure from the previous seasons' focus on AFC Richmond. This shift necessitated the difficult decision to write out many of the beloved supporting characters.
Sudeikis, aged 50, explained to The Hollywood Reporter that he felt it was crucial to personally deliver the news to the actors involved. "Because I didn't want them to hear it on the internet," he stated, emphasising his affection for the cast and the shared experience of creating the show. While the original AFC Richmond team will not be returning, several prominent cast members, including Sudeikis himself, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein, are confirmed to reprise their roles in the upcoming instalment.
However, some notable absences have already been confirmed. Phil Dunster, who played the popular character Jamie Tartt, will not feature in season four due to scheduling conflicts with his role in Steve Carell’s comedy Rooster. Dunster previously likened leaving the show to "the end of school when you graduate." There is currently no update on the return of supporting actors such as Toheeb Jimoh (Sam), Cristo Fernández (Dani), Kola Bokinni (Isaac), and Billy Harris (Colin), though the possibility of guest appearances remains open.
In another casting adjustment, the role of Henry, Ted Lasso's son, has been recast, with Grant Feely taking over from the previous child actor. The official synopsis for season four reveals: "Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team. Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would." The series, which has garnered numerous accolades including multiple BAFTA nominations and Golden Globes, is available to stream in the UK on Apple TV+.