Ted Lasso Season 4: Everything We Know About the Mid-2026 Return to Apple TV+
Introduction: The Beloved Comedy Returns
Apple has officially confirmed that work has begun on the fourth season of its highly successful original series, with Jason Sudeikis set to reprise his award-winning role. After what many viewers considered a conclusive ending to Season 3, the return of Ted Lasso represents a significant moment for Apple TV+ subscribers and football comedy fans worldwide. The show has cemented itself as a cultural sensation, garnering widespread praise and clinching 13 Emmy Awards. The announcement of a fourth season signals both the show’s enduring popularity and Apple’s commitment to expanding its most successful original programming.
Release Window and Production Updates
Warner Bros. Television boss Channing Dungey confirmed that filming is underway and that the team is actively discussing a mid-year release in 2026. There is no locked in date from Apple yet, but the internal expectation is sometime from the second quarter onward, which puts Ted Lasso season four somewhere between late spring and summer next year. This timeline aligns with previous seasons’ release patterns and could prove strategically advantageous.
The release timeline places the show right around the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, and whether Ted Lasso returns during the tournament or just after it wraps, the timing would give Apple TV a massive sports-fueled lead in. The global sporting event could provide the perfect backdrop for the show’s return to screens.
New Direction: Women’s Football at AFC Richmond
Reports indicate the story will shift toward the creation of a women’s team at AFC Richmond, which helps explain the influx of new cast members and the longer development timeline. This fresh direction represents a significant evolution for the series. Many viewers felt Ted Lasso had already told a complete story, a concern even echoed by Brett Goldstein. However, rather than simply extending the original arc, the show now appears to be expanding its world, with the hope that Ted Lasso can recreate its magic by shifting focus to a new set of characters.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Awaits
Ted Lasso Season 4 represents both a continuation and reinvention of one of streaming television’s most beloved series. With production well underway and a mid-2026 release window confirmed, fans can look forward to reuniting with familiar characters while welcoming new faces to AFC Richmond. The strategic timing around the 2026 World Cup and the bold narrative shift to women’s football demonstrate Apple TV+’s confidence in the show’s ability to evolve while maintaining its signature warmth and humour. Whether this season becomes the show’s finale or opens doors to further adventures, viewers worldwide are eager to see if Ted Lasso can capture the magic that made it a cultural phenomenon once more.