Actress Hannah Waddingham accidentally revealed the planned premiere date for the new season of the cult comedy series. Speaking to journalists on the red carpet during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, she said the fourth season of "Ted Lasso" will likely appear on Apple TV+ in August 2026. Apple has officially only confirmed the series' return in mid-2026. The new season will focus on the women's football team AFC Richmond, called the Lady Greyhounds, to be coached by the title character played by Jason Sudeikis.

Unplanned date reveal

Hannah Waddingham, who plays Rebecca Welton, during an interview for Deadline at the BAFTA awards, accidentally indicated August as the premiere month, then wondered if she was allowed to say it. Her words have been interpreted as credible leaks.

New chapter in the story

The fourth season will present a "completely different story", focusing on the women's football team AFC Richmond, named the Lady Greyhounds. Ted Lasso will return to the club to take on the role of coach for this team.

Release schedule consistent with tradition

The August premiere fits into the series' previous release calendar. The first season was released in August 2020, the second in July 2021, and the third in March 2023. This timing also follows immediately after the World Cup, which could boost viewer interest.

The fourth season of the popular Apple TV+ comedy series "Ted Lasso" will most likely debut in August 2026. This information, though unofficial, was revealed by one of the production's stars, Hannah Waddingham. The actress, who plays AFC Richmond club owner Rebecca Welton, during an interview for Deadline on the red carpet of the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 23, when asked about the premiere date, replied: "August, I think." Then, as Deadline reports, she turned to the side asking: "Can I say 'August'?", and ultimately confirmed: "I think it's August." Her statement, combined with a quick attempt to retract it, has been considered by media as a credible leak regarding the planned premiere window. The series "Ted Lasso", created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly, debuted in August 2020 and quickly became a cult hit on Apple TV+, winning numerous Emmy Awards for its optimistic story about an American football coach who takes over an English football club. In the new season, the plot is set to focus on a "completely different story" related to Richmond's women's football team, called the Lady Greyhounds. "I can't wait for everyone to see what they've come up with" – added Waddingham, commenting on the series' new direction. Officially, Apple has only confirmed that the series will return in mid-2026, without specifying a particular month. The August date is not surprising, considering the premiere history of previous seasons: the first appeared in August 2020, the second in July 2021, and the third in March 2023. As noted by the Polish portal Antyweb, the August premiere window falls right after the FIFA World Cup, which could perfectly capitalize on increased interest in sports topics. In the fourth season, Ted Lasso, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, is set to return to Richmond to take on his biggest challenge yet – coaching the women's team, which likely plays in the second division. This is a fundamental change compared to previous seasons, which focused on the men's AFC Richmond team. The production, which Sudeikis also co-produces, remains one of the pillars of Apple TV+'s offering.

Mentioned People

  • Hannah Waddingham — British actress, portraying the role of Rebecca Welton, owner of AFC Richmond club in the series Ted Lasso.
  • Jason Sudeikis — American actor and producer, portraying the title role of Ted Lasso and co-creator and executive producer of the series.
  • Baz Bamigboye — Journalist for Deadline, who conducted the interview with Hannah Waddingham at the BAFTA awards.