Ted Lasso Season 4 could have taken a completely different direction before the creators decided to continue the story with AFC Richmond’s women’s team. Series co-creator Brendan Hunt revealed that the upcoming season went through several possibilities during early discussions, including whether the story should move away from Richmond entirely or introduce a new team in the United States.
Speaking to USA Today, Hunt explained that the creative team did not immediately jump into another season after completing the third installment. Instead, they spent time deciding whether there was enough story left to justify bringing back the beloved Apple TV+ series.
Hunt said, “We should make sure it’s a good idea,” while discussing the writers’ approach before developing Season 4. The team eventually concluded that the world of Ted Lasso still had more stories to tell, leading them toward the continuation teased in the Season 3 finale.
Brendan Hunt Reveals How Ted Lasso Season 4 Found Its New Direction
According to Brendan Hunt, the biggest creative question surrounding Ted Lasso Season 4 was deciding what kind of team Ted Lasso would coach next. The idea of a women’s football team was already being considered, but the writers debated multiple versions of the concept.
“Jason was pretty sure at that point he wanted to do a women’s team, but even then it was like: ‘Should it be the Richmond women’s team? Should it be a team in America?’”
Hunt told USA Today.
The writers eventually returned to the ending of Season 3, where the possibility of an AFC Richmond women’s team was shown during the final montage. That connection convinced the creators that the story should remain centered around Richmond.
Hunt explained,
“No, no, the show’s in Richmond, and we put the Richmond women’s team there in that final montage. Let’s follow that.”
The decision allows Season 4 to expand the Ted Lasso universe while keeping the emotional foundation of the original series intact.
Season 4 Brings Ted Lasso Back to Football After His Return to Kansas
The new season begins several years after Ted left AFC Richmond and returned to Kansas City to spend more time with his son Henry. While Ted initially settles into a quieter life working at a local grocery store, his former Richmond connections eventually pull him back into football.
The arrival of Rebecca Welton, Keeley Jones, and Leslie Higgins creates a new opportunity when Ted is asked to coach Richmond’s women’s team. Hunt explained that this decision also connects to Ted’s personal journey as a father.
“When this offer comes in, all of a sudden, of coaching the women’s team, it starts to shine some light on the fact that if he’s not being the best Ted he can be, then is he inherently not being the best dad he can be?”
Hunt said.
The storyline explores whether following his passion and becoming the best version of himself is also part of being a better parent.
Brendan Hunt Defends Jason Sudeikis’ Constant Rewrites During Production
Hunt also addressed Jason Sudeikis’ reputation for continuing to rewrite scenes until filming is complete. He described the process as one of the reasons the show maintains its quality.
“Jason will be on that laptop trying to make the show better until the last possible second,”
Hunt said.
“And I think that has been one of the things that’s made the show the best show it can be.”
According to Hunt, Sudeikis’ background as a writer on Saturday Night Live influenced this approach. The actor and producer believes scenes can always improve until they are officially filmed, and Hunt praised the cast for adapting to last-minute changes.
Ted Lasso and Coach Beard’s Surprise World Cup Appearance Explained
Beyond Season 4, Hunt also revealed how he and Sudeikis ended up appearing as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard during the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show. The unexpected cameo happened after Coldplay singer Chris Martin contacted Sudeikis about including the characters in the event.
Hunt revealed that Sudeikis immediately suggested bringing Coach Beard into the appearance as well. The cameo remained secret for months before the performance, making the moment even more memorable for the actor.
Hunt described the experience as “absolutely surreal” and said it would remain a special memory for the rest of his life.
With Ted Lasso Season 4 introducing a new team while returning to the themes of hope, growth, and personal change, the series is preparing for another emotional chapter.
| Premiere Date | August 14, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Network / Service | Apple TV+ |
| Creator | Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Joe Kelly, Brendan Hunt |
