With less than a week left for the Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere on Apple TV+, one character is once again at the center of fan outrage. Dr. Jacob Brianson, the therapist who started dating Ted’s ex-wife Michelle, has become a major talking point as viewers prepare for the show’s return on August 5, 2026.
The controversy, which first erupted during Season 3 in 2023, has been reignited by fans who feel the show never properly addressed the ethical violations of Dr. Jacob’s actions. With the new season just days away, audiences are wondering whether the series will finally provide the closure they have been waiting for.
What Happened with Dr Jacob in Ted Lasso Season 3
In Ted Lasso Season 3, Ted, played by Jason Sudeikis, discovers that his ex-wife Michelle, played by Andrea Anders, is dating Dr. Jacob Brianson, portrayed by Mike O’Gorman. The situation is particularly troubling because Dr. Jacob was the same marriage counsellor the couple saw during their divorce.
From the beginning, Ted felt that Jacob always supported Michelle more during their sessions, making him feel left out. The revelation that his former therapist was now dating his ex-wife left many viewers shocked and angry.
The ethical concerns surrounding this storyline are significant. Therapists are not permitted to have romantic relationships with their clients, current or previous. In real life, such actions could lead to the revocation of a therapist’s license.
Fans Demand Consequences for Dr Jacob
A Reddit user who claimed to be a therapist called out the character of Dr. Jacob, pointing out that he first became Michelle’s therapist and later started couples therapy with them, which they felt was not the ethical thing to do. The user added in the post:
The only indication we get this is wrong is Dr. Fieldstone calling it borderline unethical. There is nothing borderline about it, an intimate relationship with a client is a career killer, you will lose your license if a regulatory board finds out, and, depending on the state, a criminal offense.
The user pointed out that Dr. Fieldstone’s description was too mild, saying a therapist dating a client is a serious violation that can lead to losing their license, and hoped the show would show Dr. Jacob facing consequences.
Another Reddit user wrote:
Get in line, we all want him in jail or license suspended. But the show isn’t about that kind of stuff.
The finale hinted that Michelle broke up with Dr. Jacob, leaving viewers curious to see what happens to him in Season 4.
Why the Dr Jacob Storyline Frustrated Viewers
The Dr. Jacob storyline in Season 3 was arguably the show’s biggest miss, something that felt unnecessarily cruel in a series that has otherwise tried to emphasise happiness and lighthearted charm amidst some occasional dark moments.
When Ted discovers that his ex-wife is dating the Doctor, he has a momentary emotional response but fails to explore it further. There is no closure offered to this situation, and Ted kind of moves on from it on his own. This lack of a proper response to the revelation feels off, considering that the show is so focused on emotional growth and character development.
The ethical dilemma is acknowledged very briefly, and only one character, Sassy, points it out. However, it is only a fleeting mention of what should have been a more seriously discussed matter. If mental health is one of the central themes of the show, this undermines the responsible portrayal of rightful practices.
The problem is not only a misrepresentation of the profession by showing therapists doing uncharacteristic things on TV, but it also risks spreading a lot of misconceptions about something as sensitive and important as mental health.
Ted Lasso Season 4 Release Date and What to Expect
Ted Lasso Season 4 premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The season will consist of 10 episodes, with new episodes releasing weekly every Wednesday until the finale on October 7, 2026.
The new season picks up as Jason Sudeikis’ titular Ted faces a new challenge: coaching a second-division women’s soccer team. Season 3, originally intended to be the show’s final season, ended with Ted leaving AFC Richmond and returning to Kansas City to be closer to his son Henry.
The trailer, released on July 29, 2026, shows Ted back in Richmond, taking charge of the club’s women’s team as it prepares for life in the second division. Set to Mumford & Sons’ “Run Together,” the trailer blends the show’s trademark optimism with the challenges of building a brand-new squad from the ground up.
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Returning Cast and New Additions
Jason Sudeikis reprises his role as Ted alongside several returning cast members:
- 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), Faye Marsay (Andor), Jude Mack, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern, and Grant Feely, who takes over the role of Ted’s son Henry.
Will Season 4 Address the Dr Jacob Controversy
As of now, the creators of Ted Lasso, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, Jason Sudeikis, and Joe Kelly, have not directly addressed the controversy around Dr. Jacob’s relationship with Michelle or the possible professional consequences of his actions as her therapist.
Fans are hoping that Season 4 will finally provide some resolution to this storyline. The abrupt introduction and eventual neglect of the plot seems like a missed opportunity in the grand scheme of things, something that would not be expected from the makers of Ted Lasso.
With the show returning after a three-year break, many viewers are eager to see whether the writers will address the ethical violations that were glossed over in Season 3.
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