Ted Lasso Season 4 First Look: AFC Richmond's Female Team & Cast Shake-Up Revealed
After a hiatus of nearly three years, the beloved Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso is poised for a dramatic return to screens, with AFC Richmond welcoming back their iconic American coach in a brand-new capacity. First-look images have been released, showcasing Jason Sudeikis reprising his role as the optimistic Ted, alongside Hannah Waddingham as club owner Rebecca Welton, but this time on the pitch coaching a freshly formed team comprised entirely of female players.
A New Coaching Dynamic and Cast Changes
The teaser for the upcoming series features not only Ted and Rebecca but also familiar faces including Juno Temple's Keeley Jones and Jeremy Swift's Higgins, all appearing thrilled by Ted's comeback. This follows the emotional conclusion of season three, which saw Ted fly back to America to reunite with his family, seemingly closing his chapter in England.
However, the narrative takes a significant turn. The series, which originally followed Ted's folksy leadership transforming an English football team, hinted at a new direction in its finale with Rebecca and Keeley beginning to form a women's team. Now, this plotline is central to season four, focusing on Ted and Rebecca's concerted efforts to build and coach this female squad.
Notably, the cast has undergone some key changes. Ted's young son, Henry, previously portrayed by Gus Turner, has been recast, with Grant Feely, a 14-year-old actor known for roles in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Five Nights at Freddy's, stepping into the role. In a scene set in the local pub, Ted is seen alongside the show's landlady May, played by Annette Badland, and the new face of Grant Feely.
Training Scenes and a New Coaching Trio
Further images depict the characters diving into training sessions. Ted is joined by his loyal best friend, Coach Beard, portrayed by Brendan Hunt. However, a conspicuous absence is noted: Nathan 'The Great' Shelley, played by Celebrity Traitors star Nick Mohammed, is missing from the action. Instead, Ted and Beard form a new coaching trio with a female staff member, portrayed by Tanya Reynolds, known for her role in Sex Education. Interestingly, the new coach appears somewhat disappointed to be joining Ted pitch-side at AFC Richmond.
Fan Reactions and the 'Woke' Debate
The announcement of season four, confirmed by Jason Sudeikis himself during an episode of the New Heights podcast, has sparked a fervent response on social media. While many fans expressed excitement, labeling the female team plot as "great news" with "lots of scope for comedy," a vocal segment has criticised the direction as overly "woke."
Comments on platform X ranged from concerns about the show becoming "woke filth" to pleas against focusing solely on a women's team, with some users suggesting they would prefer an AFC Richmond spin-off without Ted. Nonetheless, other supporters reminded critics that the women's team was subtly hinted at in the season three finale, expressing faith in the writers to deliver another quality series.
Production Details and Critical Backdrop
While Apple TV+ has not provided a specific release date, the new season is anticipated to premiere this summer. The company confirmed that Brett Goldstein, famed for his role as coach Roy Kent, will return as a writer and executive producer. This comes on the heels of season three's positive critical reception, praised for its humour, heartwarming moments, and crisp writing.
Despite the acclaim, some social media users have argued the show should have concluded with season three, feeling it reached a natural endpoint. Yet, the promise of more story, as hinted by Sudeikis, suggests Ted Lasso is ready to tackle new challenges, blending its signature charm with a fresh narrative centred on women's football at AFC Richmond.
