Ted Lasso returns at an important time for Apple TV
The Verge • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Apple TV is set for a strong 2026 with a diverse lineup, highlighted by the return of its hit series Ted Lasso for a fourth season that acts as a soft reboot featuring a new cast alongside familiar characters.
- Season 4 shifts focus to a fledgling women's soccer team, with Ted Lasso returning as their inaugural coach, marking a significant change from the previous seasons’ storyline centered on AFC Richmond’s men's team.
- The new season introduces an all-new team and assistant coach Alice, exploring the real challenges faced by women’s football such as underfunding, media neglect, and injuries, adding depth and contemporary relevance to the show.
- Despite the risk of replacing beloved characters with newcomers, early episodes recapture much of the original’s charm while addressing current issues in women’s sports, providing fresh narrative opportunities.
- Ted Lasso’s return aligns well with Apple TV’s growth and the heightened interest in soccer following recent men’s and upcoming women’s World Cups, positioning the show as a key asset in Apple TV’s streaming strategy.
