Jason Sudeikis was offered over $1 million per episode to return for Ted Lasso Season 4. But he said no. The actor recently opened up about why he initially walked away from the hit Apple TV+ comedy, revealing that money was never the issue.
The fourth season of the Emmy-winning series premieres on August 5, 2026. It picks up three years after the Season 3 finale. Sudeikis returns as the optimistic American coach, but this time he is leading a second-division women’s football team.
Why Jason Sudeikis Said No to More Ted Lasso
Sudeikis told The Hollywood Reporter that his decision not to continue the show was not a negotiation tactic. He genuinely believed the story was finished.
“The story was told. Ted went home to be with his son. I wasn’t going to have Ted uproot their life to justify the money truck. It made no sense to me.”
The Season 3 finale showed Ted Lasso returning to Kansas City to be with his son Henry. Other characters like Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), and Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) also had their stories wrapped up. Sudeikis always planned for the show to run for three seasons.
The actor had spent five years writing, rewriting, and starring in the series. By the end of Season 3, he was completely drained. He pulled all-nighters to finish scripts and was ready to move on to other projects.
His personal life also played a role. Sudeikis was going through a public separation from Olivia Wilde during the show’s early years. His castmates and co-creators did not want to pressure him into making more episodes.
What Changed His Mind
Sudeikis eventually changed his mind. The reason was not the money. It was the character himself.
“It is infectious to play a character who sees the best in people and isn’t mad at the world for all its foibles and bullies and shadows.”
He found that playing Ted Lasso had a positive effect on him. Fans would tell him that the show “saved” them. Sudeikis would reply, “It saved me too”.
“I know I needed this. I needed it as much as other people do.”
Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent, also pushed for more stories. He believed there was more to explore in the world of AFC Richmond.
The team discussed spin-off ideas, but Sudeikis wanted to continue the original series instead. He eventually agreed to return for Season 4.
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What to Expect from Season 4
Season 4 takes place three years after the events of Season 3. Ted Lasso returns to Richmond to coach a new women’s team.
The season has 10 episodes. New episodes will drop weekly on Apple TV+ every Wednesday until October 7, 2026.
Returning cast members include:
- Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton
- Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent
- Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard
- Juno Temple as Keeley Jones
- Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins
New cast members joining Season 4 include:
- Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education)
- Jude Mack
- Faye Marsay (Andor)
- Rex Hayes
- Aisling Sharkey
- Abbie Hern
- Grant Feely
Brendan Hunt, who also co-created the series, said getting back into character was easy. He mentioned that questions about Ted’s return and his relationships will be answered quickly in the new season.
Hannah Waddingham shared her excitement about returning to the role. She called the new actresses joining the cast “magic”. She also reflected on how she felt when Season 3 ended, saying that losing a character you have bonded with is like losing a friend.
The fourth season of Ted Lasso premieres on August 5, 2026, exclusively on Apple TV+.
Also Read: Michael J. Fox Opens Up About Acting Return and Parkinson’s Battle
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