Jason Sudeikis, the star and co-creator of Apple TV+'s hit series Ted Lasso, has revealed the emotional toll of informing previous cast members about the show's new direction. Ahead of the highly anticipated fourth season, which launches on August 5, Sudeikis reportedly made 'very difficult' individual phone calls to actors whose characters from the fictional AFC Richmond team would not be returning.
The series was initially expected to conclude with its third season finale in 2023, seeing Sudeikis's titular character return to the United States after a successful stint coaching a British men's football team. However, Sudeikis, 50, and his co-creators later decided to continue the show, opting for a significant creative pivot: focusing on an all-female team. This shift meant that many of the beloved players from the original AFC Richmond squad would no longer be central to the storyline.
Sudeikis explained to The Hollywood Reporter that his motivation for making the personal calls was to ensure the actors heard the news directly from him, rather than through online channels. He emphasised his affection for the cast, stating, 'Because I didn’t want them to hear it on the internet. And because I love those guys and we all went through something together.' This personal approach highlights the close bonds formed during the production of the critically acclaimed show, which has garnered numerous accolades including multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globes.
Despite the changes, several key cast members are confirmed to return for the fourth instalment. These include Sudeikis himself, alongside Hannah Waddingham (who won a BAFTA TV Award for her role), Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein (who also secured a BAFTA TV Award for his performance). However, the fate of supporting actors such as Toheeb Jimoh (Sam), Cristo Fernández (Dani), Kola Bokinni (Isaac), and Billy Harris (Colin) remains uncertain, though potential guest appearances have not been ruled out. Phil Dunster, known for his portrayal of Jamie Tartt, will be absent due to prior scheduling commitments with another comedy series.
The new season's official logline states that Ted returns to Richmond to coach a second-division women’s football team, embarking on his 'biggest challenge yet'. This new focus is likely to resonate with UK audiences, given the growing popularity and success of women's football in the country, particularly following the Lionesses' triumph in recent years. British viewers can stream all seasons of Ted Lasso, including the upcoming fourth series, exclusively on Apple TV+, which offers a free seven-day trial for new subscribers before a monthly charge of £9.99.