Ted Lasso Season 4 Doesn’t Learn from the Past’s Mistakes: Review

The highly anticipated fourth season of Ted Lasso premiered on August 5th, 2023, on Apple TV, much to the delight of fans who have long awaited to see where the beloved show could go next. Based on the wire material, the season brings back the original cast, with star, Brendan Hunt, executive producer, confirming the story could continue beyond Season 3.

Focusing on Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) returning to England to coach AFC Richmond's women's team, the show delves into the many issues facing women's sports today, such as insufficient resources and the public assumption that women's sports are less important. Despite these challenges, Ted's optimistic approach continues to guide his team toward success.

The show maintains its familiar tone and character dynamics from the previous seasons, with Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) continuing to manage the team alongside her closest friend, Keeley (Juno Temple), and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) as the men's team coach. The season also introduces new characters, such as Alice (Tanya Reynolds), the less-than-perky assistant coach, and Faye Marsay's star player, whose identity is primarily defined by her role as a mother.

While the new season continues to utilize the same runtimes and episode structure that made Season 3 enjoyable, some of the familiar shenanigans surrounding Keeley and Roy's relationship feel forced and frustrating. Despite the show's consistent strengths, Season 4 may lack the narrative progression and evolution that kept viewers engaged in the previous installments.

As Ted Lasso continues his journey in women's soccer, fans will have to wait and see if this back half of the season lives up to the promising start.