Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso returns with its fourth season on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. The dramedy continues to champion kindness while introducing a new women’s team and a fresh assistant coach.
Season 4’s New Direction
New showrunner Jack Burditt, known for his work on 30 Rock and Modern Family, takes the reins for the latest batch of episodes. Critics received five of the ten episodes, each running about 45 minutes, giving them a chance to gauge the shift in tone. The series trims its roster, keeping only Roy Kent, played by Brett Goldstein, as the sole remaining male player‑turned‑coach.
The most visible addition is Alice, portrayed by Tanya Reynolds. She arrives as the new assistant coach for the inaugural women’s team, a storyline that pushes the series into fresh territory. The women’s squad—still unnamed in the early episodes—has yet to leave a lasting impression on screen, but the show hints at potential growth for characters like goalie Boots, motherly Lizzie and prickly Gemma.
Seeing as she’s the single most interesting part of the new season — not least because she’s the only lead who’s yet to succumb to the Pluribus‑ian hive mind of Lasso‑style positivity — it’s easy to want to lend it to her.
— The Hollywood Reporter reviewer
What Longtime Fans May Miss
The review notes that while the series remains “sweet but empty,” the removal of many familiar faces leaves a noticeable gap. The original charm of the show rested on a cast of kindly heroes who offered grace at every turn. With most male players gone, the dynamic shifts, and the series leans heavily on the new women’s team to carry the emotional weight.
Fans who cherished the original ensemble may find the season’s focus on a single new character and a less chaotic plot a bit underwhelming. The reviewer admits to a growing impatience, describing the season as “unimpeachably well‑intentioned but frustratingly hollow.” Still, the core message—that decency matters—remains intact, offering a gentle reminder of the series’ original spirit.
