Ted Lasso Season 4 is finally here: Full returning cast, major exits, new women’s team, premiere date and everything fans need to know

Entertainment
Micheal Olaleye
August 5, 2026
18

Jason Sudeikis (right) with Tanya Reynolds in ‘Ted Lasso’ season four. Image Credit: Apple TV

After more than three years away, Ted Lasso is back on Apple TV+ with a dramatically different storyline that reshapes the beloved comedy-drama while keeping its signature optimism intact. The fourth season officially premiered on August 5, bringing Jason Sudeikis back as the ever-positive coach, but this time, he is no longer leading AFC Richmond.

Instead, viewers are introduced to a new chapter that sees Ted return to England to coach a second-division women’s football club known as the Lady Greyhounds. Alongside the new team comes an expanded cast, several notable departures, and a renewed focus on women’s sports.

The latest season has already sparked conversation among fans eager to see how the Emmy-winning series reinvents itself after what many believed was its final season.

Ted Lasso Returns Home Before Receiving an Unexpected Offer

Season 4 begins with Ted Lasso living back in Kansas City, where he has settled into a quieter life after leaving AFC Richmond at the end of Season 3.

Rather than coaching professionally, Ted is working part-time at a grocery store while spending more time with his son, Henry. His peaceful routine changes when familiar faces from Richmond – Rebecca Welton, Leslie Higgins and Keeley Jones – arrive with an unexpected proposal.

Rebecca reveals plans to launch a professional women’s football club and asks Ted to become its head coach.

Initially hesitant, Ted reflects on his passion for coaching before ultimately embracing the opportunity to return to England for another challenge.

Why Season 4 Focuses on Women’s Football

Jason Sudeikis explained that the decision to shift the story toward women’s football was inspired by his growing appreciation for women’s sports.

According to Sudeikis, attending women’s sporting events, including WNBA games with his family, helped shape the creative direction of the new season.

The actor said he wanted Ted to enter unfamiliar territory, allowing viewers to watch the optimistic coach learn alongside his players while bringing his trademark leadership style into a completely different environment.

The move also reflects the rapid global growth of women’s football and provides the series with fresh storylines after concluding the AFC Richmond arc.

Major Cast Members Returning for Season 4

Although several familiar faces remain part of the series, the cast has undergone significant changes.

Returning stars include:

Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso
Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton
Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent
Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard
Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins
Juno Temple as Keeley Jones

These returning characters continue to provide continuity while supporting Ted’s transition into coaching a new team.

Several Fan-Favorite Characters Exit the Series

One of the biggest surprises heading into Season 4 is the absence of several popular AFC Richmond players and staff members.

Characters not returning include:

Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster)
Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed)
Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh)
Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernández)
Isaac McAdoo (Kola Bokinni)
Colin Hughes (Billy Harris)
Trent Crimm (James Lance)
Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles)
Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head)

Their departures align with the show’s new storyline, which shifts away from AFC Richmond and focuses almost entirely on Ted’s latest coaching journey.

Meet the New Lady Greyhounds

Season 4 introduces a host of new characters who make up Ted’s latest squad.

Among the newcomers are:

Tanya Reynolds as assistant coach Alice Chilton
Faye Marsay
Jude Mack
Abbie Hern
Rex Hayes
Aisling Sharkey

Grant Feely also takes over the role of Henry, replacing Gus Turner, who portrayed Ted’s son during the first three seasons.

The new ensemble brings fresh personalities and challenges as Ted adapts to coaching women’s football for the first time.

Jason Sudeikis Explains Ted’s New Beginning

Speaking about the new season, Jason Sudeikis described Ted as someone rediscovering what he genuinely loves.

He explained that the coach had stepped away from football after returning home but gradually realizes that coaching remains his true passion.

Sudeikis also noted that working with a women’s team presents Ted with unfamiliar situations, encouraging him to grow personally while continuing to mentor others.

The actor suggested this new environment allows the character to ask different questions about leadership, communication and teamwork than audiences have previously seen.

Ted Lasso Continues Its Message of Optimism

While Season 4 introduces an entirely new football club, different players and a fresh setting, the emotional core of Ted Lasso remains unchanged.

The series continues to explore friendship, resilience, kindness and personal growth while expanding its focus beyond the men’s game.

For longtime fans, the new season represents both a continuation and a reinvention—offering familiar warmth alongside new challenges that could carry the franchise into another successful chapter.

With Apple TV+ betting on a refreshed cast and storyline, the latest season aims to prove that Ted Lasso’s philosophy can inspire success regardless of which team he coaches.

FAQ

Is Ted Lasso Season 4 officially released?

Yes. Ted Lasso Season 4 premiered on August 5, 2026, exclusively on Apple TV+, marking the return of Jason Sudeikis after more than three years.

Where can I watch Ted Lasso Season 4?

Season 4 is available exclusively on Apple TV+. New episodes are released according to Apple’s weekly streaming schedule.

What is Ted Lasso Season 4 about?

The new season follows Ted Lasso as he returns to coaching, this time leading the Lady Greyhounds, a second-division women’s football team in England after spending time back in Kansas City with his son.

Why is Ted no longer coaching AFC Richmond?

Season 3 concluded with Ted leaving AFC Richmond to return to the United States and be closer to his family. Season 4 begins after that decision, with Ted later accepting a new coaching opportunity involving women’s football.

Which original cast members return in Ted Lasso Season 4?

Returning stars include:

Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)
Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton)
Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent)
Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard)
Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins)
Juno Temple (Keeley Jones)

Which characters are not returning for Season 4?

Several fan favorites do not appear in Season 4, including:

Jamie Tartt
Nate Shelley
Sam Obisanya
Dani Rojas
Isaac McAdoo
Colin Hughes
Trent Crimm
Dr. Sharon Fieldstone
Rupert Mannion

Their absence reflects the show’s shift away from AFC Richmond.

Why did so many cast members leave Ted Lasso?

The departures are tied to the new storyline. Since Ted is no longer coaching AFC Richmond, many characters connected directly to the men’s team are no longer central to the narrative.

Who are the Lady Greyhounds?

The Lady Greyhounds are the women’s football team Ted coaches in Season 4. The squad introduces several new players and coaching staff, creating a fresh setting for the series.

Who are the new cast members in Ted Lasso Season 4?

New additions include:

Tanya Reynolds
Faye Marsay
Jude Mack
Abbie Hern
Rex Hayes
Aisling Sharkey

Grant Feely also takes over the role of Henry.

Why does Season 4 focus on women’s football?

Jason Sudeikis said the creative direction was inspired by his appreciation for women’s sports and his experiences attending games with his family. The new setting also allows the series to tell fresh stories after concluding the AFC Richmond arc.

Is AFC Richmond featured in Season 4?

AFC Richmond remains part of Ted’s history, but the main story now centers on the newly formed women’s club rather than the men’s Premier League team.

Will Jamie Tartt appear later in the season?

Based on officially announced cast information, Phil Dunster is not part of Season 4. Apple has not announced any surprise appearances.

Is Ted Lasso Season 4 a continuation or a reboot?

Season 4 is a direct continuation of the original series. It follows the events of Season 3 while introducing new characters, locations and storylines.

Why did Ted return to England?

Ted initially declines Rebecca’s coaching offer but later realizes that coaching remains his passion. He ultimately decides to return to England with his family to begin a new chapter.

Is Ted Lasso Season 4 worth watching?

Fans looking for the show’s trademark optimism, humor and emotional storytelling will find familiar themes alongside a refreshed setting. The season introduces new characters while continuing Ted’s personal journey.