Its likely no coincidence that “Ted Lasso” Season 4 arrived on the heels of World Cup mania.
The show’s marketing team capitalized on the strategic timing during the recent World Cup final. During the halftime show, more than a billion viewers watched Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) deliver a choreographed pep talk to Justin Bieber, encouraging him to “bring the love” and “Beliebe” before taking the field.
For those who couldn’t get their fill of World Cup action, “Ted Lasso” made its timely return on Wednesday. And for those who enjoyed the tournament but have yet to watch the 13-time Emmy-winning series, there may be no better time to start.
The fourth season delicately shakes things up. After stepping away from his role as AFC Richmond’s coach, Ted Lasso has spent the past three years cheerfully sweeping floors and stocking shelves at an American grocery store.
He is eventually called back to England to coach Richmond’s inaugural women’s team, alongside the perpetually scowling assistant coach Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds).
“When this offer comes in, all of a sudden, of coaching the women’s team, it starts to shine some light on the fact that if he’s not being the best Ted he can be, then is he inherently not being the best dad he can be?” series co-creator Brendan Hunt, who also plays coach Beard, told USA Today.
He added, “Does part of being a good dad mean showing your child you being the best version of yourself, and you leaning into your mission, not just trying to make time for other people in your life, no matter how beloved or legitimate those people may be?”
Here is what some critics and fans are saying about “Ted Lasso” Season 4.
What critics are saying
Early critics reviews for “Ted Lasso” Season 4 are mixed. Some critics applaud the revival for recapturing the show’s signature warmth and charm, while others dismissed it as a tired, uneven comeback that should have remained benched.
Here is what some critics are saying about “Ted Lasso” Season 4.
- “‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 doesn’t beat the charges, nor does it earn its return,” writes IndieWire. “The fourth season ... remains torn between two worlds and continues to suffer from the same tonal imbalances that felled the former final season.”
- The Guardian called the new series “twee nonsensicality,” adding, “Think of it as the TV equivalent of Taylor Swift: ruthlessly efficient, reassuringly dorky, blatantly basic and as monocultural as any Apple TV offering is going to get.”
- “It remains perhaps the most insistently warmhearted series on television, full of kindly heroes who are open of mind and generous of spirit,” writes The Hollywood Reporter, adding that the series “struggles to find anywhere interesting left to go.”
- Variety called the new season “both a promising reboot and tedious sequel.”
- “Ted Lasso-mania has finally gone too far,” wrote The Telegraph, while adding, “New ‘Ted Lasso’ is the same as old ‘Ted Lasso’: a surprisingly delicate balance between the sickly-sweet and the smutty that leaves you marveling at how they keep getting away with it.”
- “The show has nowhere to go but limp on like an aging striker whose powers are fading before their eyes,” panned the Independent.
- According to the New York Post, the new season “resets the show with a jolt of much-needed energy.”
- “Ted Lasso successfully builds something new — and manages to move forward without losing what made it special,” praises Collider.
- Time magazine writes, “It doesn’t quite work.”
- “Nothing will top the original experience,” according to RogerEbert.com, “but it’s still a breezy good time that brings a glow to your heart.”
What fans are saying
“Ted Lasso” Season 4 also drew mixed reactions from fans. While some praised the premiere for checking all the boxes, others said its rocky start left them disappointed.
Here is what some fans are saying about “Ted Lasso” Season 4.
When does ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 come out?
The fourth season of “Ted Lasso” premiered on Apple TV+ on Aug. 5. New episodes from the 10-episode season premiere every Wednesday.
“Ted Lasso” Season 4 is rated TV-MA for frequent profanity, adult humor and mature thematic elements.