Ted Lasso stars credit women’s sports for Season 4 renewal

Apple TV+ has officially renewed *Ted Lasso* for a fourth season, with stars Hannah Waddingham and Jason Sudeikis confirming the hit comedy-drama will return in 2024. The show’s creators had hinted at a possible end after Season 3, but Waddingham—who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton—revealed she was confident the series would continue. “I could have told him we were coming back,” she said, laughing off earlier uncertainty. Sudeikis, the show’s creator and star, had previously suggested Season 3 might be the last, but the overwhelming success of the series, especially its embrace of women’s sports, has kept the door open.

The decision to bring *Ted Lasso* back ties directly to its shift in Season 3 toward a storyline centered on women’s soccer. The season followed AFC Richmond’s women’s team, the Kickers, as they fought for recognition and funding, mirroring real-world battles in women’s sports. That arc resonated deeply with audiences and critics, proving the show’s ability to tackle serious issues while keeping its signature humor. Apple TV+ reportedly saw the potential to expand the franchise, especially as women’s sports gain more attention and investment globally.

The show’s cast has been vocal about the importance of its women-led sports narrative. Waddingham, who also stars in the British football drama *Ted Lasso*’s spin-off *Ted Lasso: The Early Years*, has praised the shift for bringing fresh energy to the series. “Women’s sports was the perfect storyline to bring back the show,” she said, noting how it allowed the writers to explore new dynamics and challenges. The women’s team storyline also helped diversify the show’s appeal, attracting fans who might not have tuned in for football alone.

Season 4 is expected to dive deeper into the women’s team’s journey, possibly exploring their progress in the league while maintaining the show’s heartfelt, optimistic tone. With the success of women’s sports in real life—from record-breaking viewership at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to growing investment—Sudeikis and the team may use the show to reflect and amplify those real-world changes. The renewal ensures *Ted Lasso* stays relevant, blending comedy with timely social commentary.