After a seemingly definitive farewell, Ted Lasso Season 4 is officially in production, but prepare for a major pivot: the story is set to focus on a brand-new roster of characters.
TL;DR
- Ted Lasso Season 4 is confirmed, and filming officially began in July 2025.
- Original cast member Nick Mohammed revealed the new season centers on "a whole different set of characters."
- Ted Lasso will return to coach a newly formed women's football team, with many beloved original cast members supporting the new narrative.
Remember that bittersweet feeling when Season 3 of Ted Lasso wrapped up? It felt pretty final, didn't it? Ted (Jason Sudeikis) packed his bags and headed back to America, seemingly closing the book on AFC Richmond and his heartwarming journey across the pond. Many fans thought that was it, a complete story with every loose thread tied up, even if some felt a bit rushed. The show, which started as a charming comedy, had grown into a global phenomenon, celebrated for its relentless optimism.
So, it came as a genuine shock when Apple TV+ officially greenlit a fourth season in March 2025. The initial buzz was that the story would continue with the beloved characters left behind, like Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) stepping into management roles, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) making big moves for the club, and Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) sparking the idea for a women's team. That seemed like a natural progression, a baton pass to the next generation of Richmond leaders.
A Major Team Roster Change-Up Revealed by One of Our Favorites
However, what we thought was going to happen is now being seriously challenged. Nick Mohammed, who brilliantly portrayed Nate Shelley, recently dropped a bombshell that changes the entire playbook for Season 4. In a recent interview, he explained his tight-lipped stance: "I think sworn to secrecy is about right. Look, I know that it's about a whole different set of characters. I can't even talk about it without giving anything away! We'll have to see. We'll have to see who pops up where and when." (Source: Collider, Nick Mohammed interview, November 1 and 3, 2025)
"I know that it's about a whole different set of characters. I can't even talk about it without giving anything away!"
— Nick Mohammed on Ted Lasso Season 4 (Collider interview)
This confirmation that Season 4 centers on "a whole different set of characters" is a massive pivot, suggesting that while some familiar faces might appear, they won't be the main focus. We already knew the official plot involves Ted returning to Richmond to coach a newly formed women's football team. This move introduces a fresh roster of players, shifting the spotlight from the men's team we've grown to adore.
Meet the New Lineup and the Familiar Faces Still on the Field
The cast for Season 4 will indeed feature a blend of returning fan favorites and exciting new talent. Jason Sudeikis is back as Ted, leading the charge for the women's team. He'll be joined by other key players from the original ensemble:
- Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton
- Juno Temple as Keeley Jones
- Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard
- Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent
- Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins
But get ready to welcome some new talent who will be filling out the women's team. The confirmed new cast members include:
- Tanya Reynolds (from Sex Education)
- Faye Marsay (from Andor)
- Jude Mack (from Back in Action)
- Abbie Hern (from Enola Holmes 2)
- Rex Hayes
- Aisling Sharkey
Even Ted's son, Henry, will see a change, with Grant Feely (known from Obi-Wan Kenobi) taking over the role previously played by Gus Turner. While Rebecca, Keeley, and Higgins will likely play prominent roles in managing and promoting the women's team, and Ted coaching it, they'll primarily be interacting with this new group of athletes. This means characters like Jamie Tartt, Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh), and Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernández) from the men's team may have more limited appearances, as their main stories largely concluded in Season 3.
The Balancing Act: Will Sidelining Beloved Characters Be a Bold Win or a Misstep?
The true magic of Ted Lasso wasn't just about football; it was about the deep, human relationships and the found-family dynamic that blossomed within AFC Richmond. The idea of shifting the focus almost entirely to a new group feels less like a continuation and more like a "soft reboot." It's a bold creative gamble. For many fans, the idea of sidelining the ensemble they've grown to love is potentially divisive, especially when characters like Roy and Coach Beard were perfectly set to continue their arcs as managers.
For example, imagine Sarah, a devoted fan since 2020. She adored the intricate friendships and rivalries that developed, particularly the growth of Nate Shelley. While she understands the need for new stories, the thought of losing the weekly dose of banter between Keeley and Roy, or Rebecca's formidable presence, makes her nervous. She wants to believe in the new direction but worries if it will capture the same heart. This move really asks us, the audience, to leap of faith with the showrunners.
Remembering the Pandemic Magic: A Counterpoint on Timing and Expectations
When Ted Lasso first premiered in August 2020, it wasn't just another show; it was a cultural phenomenon. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions worldwide were cooped up, feeling lonely, and desperate for some warmth, Ted Lasso offered a much-needed "hug." It became a comfort show, a shared emotional safe space that felt like a gentle pep talk from a mustached coach. This perfect timing amplified its impact, turning it into something deeper than just a sports comedy. The show swept the 2021 Emmy Awards, with Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, and Brett Goldstein all taking home acting accolades, alongside the series winning Best Comedy. (Source: FandomWire, "How Ted Lasso Became Our Cozy Pandemic Blanket," 2025)
Now, as Season 4 arrives, the world is a very different place. The universal need for that specific brand of pandemic-era comfort isn't as acute. This presents a unique challenge: can Ted Lasso recreate that magic without the same global emotional backdrop? While the writing and acting remain stellar, the initial success was undeniably tied to that collective moment in time. The showrunners face the pressure of not just telling a good story, but one that resonates as deeply as its predecessor, without the unique circumstances that fueled its initial rise. It's a limitation that the team behind the show must navigate, proving it still matters in an entertainment landscape that's louder and tougher to impress.
The 'Wonder Kid's' Return: Nate Shelley's Ambiguous Future
What about Nick Mohammed's character, Nate Shelley, often known as "The Wonder Kid"? His arc was one of the most compelling and controversial of the series. After his villainous turn and subsequent redemption in Season 3, where he was welcomed back into the AFC Richmond fold, fans are naturally curious about his role. Mohammed has been incredibly coy, saying he's "sworn to secrecy" but has also hinted at knowing more than he can say, even mentioning socializing with the cast while they're filming. (Source: BuddyTV, "Ted Lasso Season 4: Nick Mohammed is ‘Sworn to Secrecy’," November 3, 2025)
Given that Nate was last seen coaching alongside Roy and Coach Beard, and both Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt are confirmed to return, it would seem logical for Mohammed to reappear. However, his continued ambiguity suggests his role might be more infrequent or a surprise reveal, aligning with the idea of focusing on a "different set of characters" while still allowing familiar faces to pop up. His return, if it happens, would need to thoughtfully address his complex journey without overshadowing the new narrative.
Behind the Scenes: Production Underway and Promises of "Big Things"
Filming for Ted Lasso Season 4 kicked off in July 2025 in Kansas City, where Ted's character originates, before production is expected to return to London. The show's creators and producers are certainly talking up the new season. Bill Lawrence, who helped craft the first two seasons, has expressed his excitement, noting that Jason Sudeikis is creatively driving this new chapter. Matt Cherniss, Apple TV+'s head of development, also has "high hopes," teasing that "if you love Ted Lasso, you're gonna love the next season."
While the exact release date remains a mystery, the fact that cameras are rolling and key creative minds are enthusiastic is a good sign. The challenge, and the promise, lies in how this evolution of the series can capture new viewers while satisfying the loyal fanbase who fell in love with a coach who believed in the inherent goodness of people, one biscuit at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ted Lasso Season 4
- Prepare for a fresh narrative perspective: Don't expect a direct continuation of the men's team's story; the focus is shifting.
- Your favorite characters may not be the central focus: While familiar faces are returning, their roles might be more supporting or intermittent.
- Embrace the new: The show is making a bold move by introducing a new team and cast, so try to approach it with an open mind.
- The core spirit should remain: Despite the changes, the creators are hinting that the heart and humor Ted Lasso is known for will still be present.
- BuddyTV, "Ted Lasso Season 4: Nick Mohammed is ‘Sworn to Secrecy’ – Will Nate Shelley Return?", November 3, 2025.
- CinemaBlend, "Ted Lasso Season 4: Nick Mohammed Has Me Thinking Nate Is Returning More Than Ever Before", 2025.
- ComicBook.com, "Ted Lasso Season 4: Nick Mohammed Teases What to Expect From New Season", 2025.
- Deadline, "‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4: Juno Temple & Brendan Hunt Return; New Cast Includes Tanya Reynolds, Faye Marsay & Ted’s Son; Photo Marks Start Of Filming", October 31, 2025.
- FandomWire, "First Time Was a Charm For Ted Lasso, But Fourth Time Feels Riskier: Can The Apple TV Show Make Magic Again?", 2025.
- MovieWeb, "Ted Lasso Season 4: Nick Mohammed Teases What Fans Can Expect From Its Return", 2025.
- ScreenRant, "Ted Lasso Season 4 Focuses On New Characters, Says Star Nick Mohammed", November 1, 2025.