So we know beloved hit Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso will return for a fourth season. Though sources now say its production start will hit a delay of a few months. But perhaps more interesting than that: When it comes together, it will center on the formation of the AFC Richmond women’s soccer team. That departure from the show’s previous focus on the men’s squad is a major Ted Lasso season 4 shift.
Rumors have noted Coach Lasso himself (Jason Sudeikis) may be less involved this season, if at all. Maybe that’s reflected in the plot pivot. The fictional Premier League team AFC Richmond tapped a low-level American college football coach to manage the club — a ludicrously unrealistic premise, yet a charming and funny show — but for the new women’s squad he’ll merely consult, perhaps, and maybe only by SMS.
Ted Lasso season 4 shift: After a production-start delay to mid-2025, AFC Richmond will build its women’s squad
Production on Ted Lasso season 4, originally slated to begin in January 2025, has been pushed back to May or June 2025, according to Sigmund Judge, host of the “Magic Rays of Light” podcast. The delay suggests that fans might have to wait until late 2025 or potentially 2026 for the season premiere. The London-based filming schedule remains unchanged. That should maintain the show’s fairly authentic British football atmosphere (as far as I know, as a Yank — but a Yank who somehow manages to appreciate both Ted Lasso and actual Premier League football).
The shift to focusing on a women’s team isn’t entirely unexpected. It was subtly teased in the final moments of the show’s third season, which concluded in 2022. This new direction, following lots of hand-wringing and rumors over time about a possible new season despite the original three-season plan, could offer fresh storytelling opportunities while building on the established AFC Richmond universe.
Focus on women’s team seems savvy
EXCLUSIVE: London filming for #TedLasso S4 is now set to begin in May/June with focus shifting at AFC Richmond to the formation of its women’s team.
— Sigmund Judge (@sigjudge) February 5, 2025
The development of a women’s team storyline represents a strategic evolution for the series, which has already garnered significant success for Apple TV+. The show has consistently been one of the streaming service’s most popular offerings. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook himself expressed interest in its continuation beyond the original run.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, this new direction suggests that Apple TV+ is committed to expanding the Ted Lasso universe while potentially introducing new characters and dynamics to the beloved series. The focus on women’s football could also reflect the growing global interest in and support for the women’s game, which includes a perennially powerful U.S. Women’s National Team.
Ongoing contract negotiations
Behind the scenes, Warner Bros. has already begun securing talent for the upcoming season. Key cast members Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift have reportedly had their options picked up. However, uncertainty remains regarding Jason Sudeikis’s involvement, as the actor has previously expressed satisfaction with the original series’ conclusion and hasn’t shown interest in reprising his role, though cameo appearances haven’t been ruled out.
The production’s legitimacy gained credibility in October 2024 when “Season 4” appeared in the Film & Television Industry Alliance’s production database. Further confirmation came in January 2025 through Nick Mohammad, a cast member known for his previous “accidental” revelations about the show.
Watch Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
While waiting for the fourth season, you can stream the first three seasons of Ted Lasso now. The service is available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 471 wins and 2,090 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
In addition to award-winning movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso), Apple TV+ offers documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
