Look, for about two years, we all just sort of assumed Ted was gone. He got on that plane, he went back to Kansas, and we collectively sighed while watching him coach his son’s soccer game in that final montage. It felt like a goodbye. But Apple TV+ and Warner Bros. had other plans, and honestly, the "Believe" signs are coming back out. If you’re wondering when does Ted Lasso season 4 come out, you aren't alone—the internet has been a frenzy of rumors for months.
The short answer? We’re looking at mid-2026.
I know, I know. That feels like a lifetime away. But let’s get into the weeds of why it’s taking this long and what Channing Dungey, the Chairman of Warner Bros. TV Group, actually told people. She basically confirmed that the release window is "sometime from Q2 forward" in 2026. If you do the math, that means April, May, or June of next year.
The Long Road Back to Richmond
Television moves slow these days. Especially for a show that supposedly "ended."
Production for the new season actually kicked off in the summer of 2025. They’ve been filming in both London and Kansas City, which makes sense given where we left Ted. Most of the heavy lifting on the scripts happened earlier that year after Jason Sudeikis finally gave the green light. For a long time, it was widely reported that the show wouldn't happen unless Jason was "feeling it." Apparently, he found a story worth telling.
Bill Lawrence, the co-creator, mentioned in late 2024 that the return feels like a "self-reboot." It’s not just "Season 4"; it’s a bit of a new chapter.
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When Does Ted Lasso Season 4 Come Out? (The 2026 World Cup Factor)
There is a very specific theory floating around the industry right now. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, 2026. Most of the matches are being played right here in the United States, with others in Canada and Mexico.
It would be a massive missed opportunity for Apple not to align the Ted Lasso season 4 premiere with the biggest soccer event on the planet.
Imagine the marketing. You’ve got the world's eyes on the sport, and then you drop the return of America's favorite fictional coach right in the middle of it. It’s almost too perfect. Because of this, many insiders are circling June 2026 as the most likely landing spot. It fits the "mid-year" and "Q2" window perfectly.
Who is Actually Coming Back?
This is where things get a bit messy. Not everyone is returning as a series regular.
- Jason Sudeikis is 100% back as Ted.
- Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), and Jeremy Swift (Higgins) were the first ones to have their contract options picked up.
- Juno Temple (Keeley) and Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard) are also confirmed.
But here’s the kicker: Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt) might not be a regular this time. He’s been busy with other projects like The Devil’s Hour and an upcoming HBO comedy with Steve Carell. We’ll probably see him in a guest capacity, but don't expect him in every episode. Also, Nick Mohammed (Nate) hasn't been officially confirmed as a series regular yet, though he’s been dropping massive hints on social media about "filming conflicts" with his comedy tour.
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The New Faces
We’re getting a lot of new blood. Since the plot is shifting toward the formation of the AFC Richmond Women’s Team (which Keeley pitched at the end of Season 3), the cast is expanding.
- Tanya Reynolds (from Sex Education)
- Faye Marsay (from Andor)
- Abbie Hern (from My Lady Jane)
- Grant Feely (he’s playing a teenage Henry Lasso, taking over from the younger actor)
What is the Plot This Time?
Ted is back in the UK. That’s the big reveal. While the end of Season 3 saw him living his best life in Kansas, the official logline for the new season says he’s taking on a "second division women's football team" at Richmond.
The theme for the year is apparently "Leap Before You Look." It’s a bit of a departure from the "Believe" era. It sounds like the characters are going to be making some impulsive, high-stakes decisions.
There’s also the Roy Kent of it all. Remember, he’s the manager of the men’s team now. Having Ted back in the building—but coaching a different squad—is going to create a really interesting dynamic. Is Roy going to feel overshadowed? Is Ted going to stay out of Roy's way? Probably not.
Why the Wait is Actually a Good Thing
Honestly, after the mixed reception to Season 3, a long break might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Season 3 felt bloated to some fans. The episodes were long—sometimes over an hour—and the storylines felt a bit scattered.
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Taking three years between seasons (2023 to 2026) gives the writers time to trim the fat. They’re treating this like a fresh start. By focusing on the women’s team, they can bring back the "underdog" feeling that made Season 1 so special. We’re going back to basics.
What to Do While You Wait
If you’re staring at your Apple TV+ subscription wondering what to do until Ted Lasso season 4 arrives, there are a few things to keep you occupied.
- Watch "Shrinking": It’s co-created by Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence. It has the same DNA as Lasso but with a bit more of an edge. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford are incredible in it.
- Follow the Cast: Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein are everywhere lately. Their various specials and side projects are usually worth a watch.
- Re-watch the Amsterdam Episode: It’s still the best hour of TV the show ever produced. Fight me on it.
We might get a teaser trailer toward the end of 2025, maybe during the holiday season. Apple loves to drop big announcements during their keynotes or major sporting events. Until then, just keep that "Believe" sign taped above the door.
The most important thing to remember is that the production is moving. It’s not a "maybe" anymore. It’s a "when." And that "when" is looking very much like the summer of 2026.
Keep an eye on official Apple TV+ social channels for the first real footage. Once that teaser drops, we’ll finally have a specific day to circle on the calendar. For now, we wait and hope that the biscuits stay delicious.
Next Steps:
- Check your Apple TV+ subscription to see if you have access to the "Ted Lasso" bonus shorts or "The Richmond Way" behind-the-scenes content.
- Set a Google Alert for "Ted Lasso Season 4 official trailer" to ensure you're the first to see the 2026 footage.
- Revisit Season 1 to remind yourself of the core character arcs before the "reboot" feel of the new season changes the status quo.