Good news, Greyhounds: Apple has confirmed that "Ted Lasso" will be returning to Apple TV for its fourth outing this year. Today, we've learned that we'll be reunited with the staff and players at AFC Richmond sometime in "summer 2026" (via Deadline).

Summer 2026 might not be the most precise "Ted Lasso" season 4 release window, but it's at the very least good to know the series' long-awaited return is on the horizon.

If a release update isn't enough to get you hyped, this huge update's got more "Ted Lasso" info to offer. Apple has also treated us to a handful of first-look images from the new installment, plus a short synopsis for the forthcoming season.

It reads: "In season four, Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women's football team. Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would."

The first of those images shows Sudeikis' title character and series newcomer Tanya Reynolds ("Sex Education") pitchside, and seemingly confirms she'll be working alongside Ted as an assistant coach. You can see the rest of them below:

"Ted Lasso" season 4 will see Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift all reprising their respective roles at AFC Richmond, plus the return of Annette Badland's hilarious pub landlord, Mae Green.

In addition to Tanya Reynolds, we already knew that the latest season would also see Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern, and Grant Feely joining the gang. Most of the newcomers' roles remain undisclosed, though Grant Feely ("Obi-Wan Kenobi") has also joined the cast as Ted's son, Henry, replacing Gus Turner.

Our last update came when "Ted Lasso" season 4 went into production, but with a projected release window in place, I'd wager more info about the new season should arrive soon enough. In the meantime, now might be a great time to plan a rewatch. You might not "believe" me, but summer will roll around before long.

All three seasons of "Ted Lasso" are available to stream on Apple TV now.

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“Ted Lasso” season 4 is finally happening, with filming now officially underway. After weeks of scarce updates, fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Hannah Waddingham recently confirmed that “Ted Lasso” season 4 would start filming in July (which is now clearly true), and Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a first look at the new season on X.

The image, featuring returning cast members Jason Sudeikis, Juno Temple, Jeremy Swift, and Waddingham herself, is the clearest sign yet that AFC Richmond isn’t hanging up its cleats just yet.

Apple TV Plus also released a quick heart-warming video featuring the “Ted Lasso” characters sharing laughs and bonding around a diner table, giving fans a cozy sneak peek at the team’s dynamic in season 4.

While season 3 wrapped up in a way that felt like a series finale, the creative team always left the door open. Now that “Ted Lasso” season 4 is official, it might not be the same story fans are used to. Co-creator Bill Lawrence has hinted at a new direction, saying season 4 would tell a “different story,” and even described it as “almost a self-reboot.”

Although season 4 is still planned to take place in London, filming is reportedly beginning in the United States. Since the season 3 finale showed Ted heading back to America, it’s likely that the new season will pick up from that moment. Judging by Cook’s post, this moment could easily serve as a strong and fitting way to start the season.

Whether it’s a continuation, a soft relaunch, or a whole new direction, one thing is clear: the world of “Ted Lasso” isn’t done just yet. And with production underway, fans can start getting excited for what’s next.

Who’s returning in ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4?

As production for “Ted Lasso” season 4 is underway, several key cast members are set to return, along with some new faces.

Jason Sudeikis will, of course, lead the new team as Coach Ted Lasso. Hannah Waddingham reprises her role as Rebecca Welton, the club’s owner. Juno Temple brings her vibrant energy back to the team as Keeley Jones, while Brett Goldstein continues as Roy Kent, the seasoned veteran whose passion and experience remain a driving force on and off the field.

Jeremy Swift reprises his role as Leslie, the team’s operations director. Brendan Hunt returns as Coach Beard, Ted’s loyal assistant whose unique coaching style adds a distinctive touch to the team’s strategy.

Additionally, Grant Feely has been cast as Henry, Ted's son, marking a recasting from previous seasons.

The cast will also welcome several new faces, including Faye Marsay, Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Abbie Hern, Rex Hayes, and Aisling Sharkey. While their exact roles remain under wraps, it’s likely they’ll be playing members of the revamped AFC Richmond women’s team.

Apple hasn't announced an official release date for “Ted Lasso” season 4 yet, but expect more updates as production progresses. In the meantime, all three previous seasons of “Ted Lasso” are available for streaming on Apple TV Plus.

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"Ted Lasso" season 4 is going to kick off filming this summer, according to cast member Hannah Waddingham, who called the writer's room "literally Jedi Knights" in an interview.

"We start shooting in July," Hannah Waddingham, who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton in the show, told the U.K. morning show Capital FM (spotted by Games Radar). "We thought we'd mourned the loss, and now it's rising from the dead!"

The return of "Ted Lasso" was confirmed back in March by co-creator and series star Jason Sudeikis, who said at the time that the team was in the process of writing episodes. He also teased that the titular character would return as the coach of a women's team, something hinted at during season 3.

"Our writers are literally Jedi Knights. They're just incredible. And we've got like a full room of real feminist men," Waddingham told the morning show. "So we've got all the fabulous women there, and the men that are in there, and I think you really see it in the scripts."

"It's just so beautifully drawn," she added.

It's a bigger confirmation than we got in April when Nick Mohammed, who plays kit-man turned coach Nathan Shelley, teased that he was starting filming an "unnamed project" in April. It was fairly clear that he was hinting at "Ted Lasso" thanks to a conspicuous "Believe" sticker.

What's next for Lasso and crew?

Series co-creator Bill Lawrence has described "Ted" Lasso season 4 as a self-reboot.

"I don’t want to speak for him [Sudeikis], but it’d be interesting to see that there’s always another story to tell with characters that people like, but it’s a different story. It’s almost a self-reboot. I think that he always had in his head another story he wanted to tell.”

At the end of season 3, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) became head coach with Rebecca remaining as the club owner. The finale also teased Keeley (Juno Temple) pitching Rebecca on starting an AFC Richmond women's team, which, as mentioned, could be coached by Ted.

There are story strings to pull, but if it's a self-reboot, it could go in entirely different directions.

Filming may be starting soon, but it'll be a minute before we actually get to see what's happening in the halls of AFC Richmond. In the meantime, you can watch the best shows on Apple TV Plus, or all the best shows like "Ted Lasso."

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Rumors of a potential “Ted Lasso” season 4 have been swirling pretty much since the third season of the Emmy-winning Apple TV Plus series had its finale back on May 31, 2023 (to middling results, admittedly).

And now nearly two years later, fans officially have confirmation that "Ted Lasso" season 4 is in the works, straight from the coach's mouth.

During a March 14 appearance on "New Heights," the podcast from pro-football-playing brothers Travis and Jason Kelce, "Ted Lasso" co-creator and series star Jason Sudeikis gave "the official word" that the team is currently in the process of writing episodes for the fourth season.

Not only that but Sudeikis also teased that things will be looking a bit different in the show's fourth installment, with the titular soccer coach working with a team other than AFC Richmond. “Ted’s coaching, yeah, a women’s team. So there, that’s…” Sudeikis revealed.

However, the actor-producer didn't give too many details beyond that — when Travis Kelce inquired about the plot and location of the upcoming new episodes (“Is he coming back to the States or …?”) Sudeikis good-naturedly shut down that line of questioning. “Yeah, that’s too many questions," he joked, adding that the production team was still working out some details.

With word of season 4 officially out, Sudeikis released a statement via press release confirming the news: "As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season 4, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering that wherever they land, it’s exactly where they’re meant to be."

Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV Plus, added: "Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fan base all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief."

What will 'Ted Lasso' season 4 be about?

Previously, co-creator Bill Lawrence discussed a potential fourth season with The Los Angeles Times, seemingly confirming what Sudeikis has recently said about a new chapter for his Ted Lasso character.

“One thing that [Jason Sudeikis] was always very clear about, without divulging anything, is that the story that we came up with for the first three seasons was Ted Lasso had a beginning, middle and end; without a doubt it had an end, you saw him jumping around and go home.”

Lawrence added, “I don’t want to speak for him, but it’d be interesting to see that there’s always another story to tell with characters that people like, but it’s a different story.

"It’s almost a self-reboot. I think that he [Sudeikis] always had in his head another story he wanted to tell.”

We'll see exactly how that new chapter plays out for Ted and all of your favorite characters when "Ted Lasso" season 4 sprints its way onto Apple TV Plus. As always, Tom's Guide will have all the intel surrounding those upcoming episodes, from plot points to character details to teaser trailers, and more.

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Ever since “Ted Lasso” wrapped up its third season in 2023, fans have been eager for any sign that AFC Richmond’s story might not be over just yet.

While co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis has maintained that the show was designed as a three-season arc, speculation about a continuation has never fully died down. Now, a recent comment from Moe Jeudy-Lamour, who played goalkeeper Thierry Zoreaux, has reignited the discussion in a big way.

In a recent interview, Jeudy-Lamour initially claimed he hadn’t heard any updates about the show’s future. However, he then casually mentioned that he believes Apple TV Plus has “signed on for three more seasons.” It’s by far the most specific hint yet that “Ted Lasso” is coming back for more.

While no official announcement has been made, Jeudy-Lamour’s remark has certainly fueled excitement. Whether it means a full-fledged return for “Ted Lasso” or another expansion of its universe through potential spinoffs, one thing is clear. There’s still plenty of interest in keeping the Greyhounds on the pitch.

If you’re patiently waiting for more “Ted Lasso” news, here’s all the rumors we’ve heard so far, including another new update from Juno Temple below, which mentions the idea of a potential spin-off.

Another ‘Ted Lasso’ star isn’t in favor of a spin-off

While rumors of “Ted Lasso” season 4 continue to gain traction, Juno Temple has weighed in with her own thoughts on the show's future. The actress, who plays fan-favorite Keeley Jones, recently shared that she’s heard whispers about a possible fourth season.

When speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Temple said: “I’ve heard the kind of stunt version of, yeah, potentially, it sounds like there might be a season 4. I don't know when. I don't know exactly who, what, why, where, but I think it sounds like those cogs are turning.”

However, when it comes to a potential spin-off, Temple isn’t as enthusiastic. She expressed hesitation about continuing the story without the full “Ted Lasso” team: “The idea of a spinoff with Ted Lasso is a complicated one for me, because it so feels like a team that I don't know if I would want to do a spinoff. I don't want to be a part of it if everybody else isn't. It's a team. It's a real team!”

While spin-off ideas have been circulating, Temple’s comments suggest that if “Ted Lasso” does return, it may be in its original form rather than a separate series.

Is ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 actually happening?

Rumors of a potential “Ted Lasso” season 4 have been swirling for months, though Apple TV Plus has yet to officially greenlight the project. Updates on the show's future have been few and far between, leaving fans to piece together clues from cast and crew comments.

At the start of October 2024, “Ted Lasso” season 4 was reportedly ‘confirmed’ and set to begin pre-production in January 2025, according to MacStories writer Sigmund Judge. That report surfaced just a few months after “Ted Lasso” was rumored to be making a return, with Deadline revealing that Warner Bros. Television had extended the contracts of three key cast members.

The actors in question were Hannah Waddingham, who portrays AFC Richmond’s owner Rebecca Welton, Brett Goldstein, known for his beloved role as Roy Kent, and Jeremy Swift, who plays Rebecca’s trusted advisor and Director of Football Operations, Leslie Higgins.

Later in October, Warner Bros. TV Group's chairperson and CEO, Channing Dungey, said: “We are in conversations about season four and they are very exciting conversations, but it's still early days. We had always been clear that there wasn't going to be more Ted Lasso if Jason and [the] team weren't feeling excited about it, and I can tell you firsthand that he's in a place where he's feeling really excited and feels good about it.”

Then, in January 2025, Nick Mohammed, who plays Nathan Shelley, hinted at an upcoming project that required him to adjust his schedule for some unspecified “filming.” While he didn’t reveal the name of the project, there was a major clue pointing to “Ted Lasso.” As he playfully urged fans not to speculate, a familiar detail stood out in the background, which was a piece of paper with the unmistakable “Believe” sign stuck to the back.

The latest update we have on “Ted Lasso” season 4 is from creator Bill Lawrence. In a recent conversation with The Los Angeles Times, Lawrence hinted at what fans might see in season 4 when asked about continuing the story: “One thing that [Jason Sudeikis] was always very clear about, without divulging anything, is that the story that we came up with for the first three seasons was Ted Lasso had a beginning, middle and end; without a doubt it had an end, you saw him jumping around and go home.”

Thankfully, Lawrence provides some reassurance by sharing more details from Sudeikis: “I don’t want to speak for him, but it’d be interesting to see that there’s always another story to tell with characters that people like, but it’s a different story. It’s almost a self-reboot. I think that he [Sudeikis] always had in his head another story he wanted to tell.”

Based on these rumors and updates, it seems highly likely that “Ted Lasso” will return for season 4. With so many hints pointing toward a continuation, fans can only hope it won’t be long before Apple TV Plus makes it official!

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More and more hints that a fourth season of "Ted Lasso" is on the cards at Apple TV Plus have been piling up in recent months — and we just got our biggest tease yet.

While promoting his new live show "Show Pony" as his comic persona, Mr. Swallow, "Ted Lasso" star Nick Mohammed — who you'll know as affable kit-man turned fellow football coach, Nathan Shelley — revealed he was having to rearrange some early dates of his forthcoming U.K. tour, due to start in April.

Towards the end of the video he shared on Jan. 16, Mohammed confirms that this change is being made because it's due to some "filming" on an unnamed new project that he's been unable to reschedule.

While Mohammed doesn't name the project in question... there's an obvious clue that it's almost certainly more "Ted Lasso".

As he tells us not to speculate on what this mystery new project might be... you can see the instantly recognizable "Believe" sign stuck to the back of a piece of paper.

What's more, Mohammed says that this new project will be "announced shortly". Hopefully, this tease means that we'll finally be getting confirmation from Apple that a fourth season is happening, and an idea of what the show might tackle next.

What else have we heard about 'Ted Lasso' season 4?

This comes just a couple of weeks after series co-creator Bill Lawrence said "Ted Lasso" season 4 would be "almost a self-reboot."

Speaking to The LA Times, Lawrence said he and Sudeikis originally conceived the show as a three-part story with that definitive end — Ted leaving Richmond and heading home — in mind.

However, he went on to talk about what the potential next story might be, commenting: "I don’t want to speak for him [Sudeikis], but it’d be interesting to see that there’s always another story to tell with characters that people like, but it’s a different story. It’s almost a self-reboot. I think that he always had in his head another story he wanted to tell.”

What could 'Ted Lasso' season 4 be about?

Well, with Lasso back home in Kansas, it seems very much like the show will focus on life at AFC Richmond without him. After all, when a fourth season was tipped last August, we learned that three major stars — Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, and Jeremy Swift — had had their contracts renewed.

As for potential storylines, the season 3 finale ended with Roy Kent (Goldstein) stepping up as Head Coach, Rebecca (Waddingham) staying on as club owner, and Nate rejoining the team. A montage also showed Keeley (Juno Temple) approach Rebecca with a proposal for an AFC Richmond women's team, which certainly could feature, too.

If we really are staring down the barrel of a "Ted Lasso" season 4 announcement, though, we should hopefully get a clear idea of both when the fourth season might arrive, and what it might be about.

While we wait, be sure to check out all the best shows on Apple TV Plus that you can stream right now, or all the best shows like "Ted Lasso" if you need a similar show to fill the void.

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Most “Ted Lasso” fans are aware that updates have been few and far between regarding any kind of future for the show. However, a new year brings a small update for a possible season 4, thanks to co-creator Bill Lawrence.

In a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times, Lawrence teased what fans can expect from “Ted Lasso” season 4 when asked about carrying on the saga: “One thing that [Jason Sudeikis] was always very clear about, without divulging anything, is that the story that we came up with for the first three seasons was Ted Lasso had a beginning, middle and end; without a doubt it had an end, you saw him jumping around and go home.”

Given that the show was originally conceived as a three-part story for Apple TV Plus, it’s understandable why fans are both curious and concerned about how it will continue without losing its essence.

Fortunately, Lawrence offers some reassurance, sharing additional insights from Sudeikis: “I don’t want to speak for him, but it’d be interesting to see that there’s always another story to tell with characters that people like, but it’s a different story. It’s almost a self-reboot. I think that he [Sudeikis] always had in his head another story he wanted to tell.”

This candid quote makes it seem like the continuation of “Ted Lasso” is a concept that Sudeikis has had in mind for a while. While this is all the information available for now, it'll likely be some time before we receive any more updates on the future of "Ted Lasso".

If you're desperate to know more, here’s what we know about “Ted Lasso” season 4 so far and what we might expect to see.

What to expect from ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4

Although Apple TV Plus has yet to officially greenlight the highly anticipated fourth season, Warner Bros. TV Group Chairperson and CEO Channing Dungey recently shared updates on its development (h/t Variety): “We are in conversations about season four, and they are very exciting conversations, but it's still early days."

Dungey also hinted that Jason Sudeikis, who plays Coach Lasso, appears open to returning in some capacity. “We had always been clear that there wasn't going to be more Ted Lasso if Jason and [the] team weren't feeling excited about it, and I can tell you firsthand that he's in a place where he's feeling really excited and feels good about it.”

At the start of October 2024, it was reported by MacStories writer Sigmund Judge that “Ted Lasso” season 4 would enter pre-production in January 2025. This news followed a report from Deadline a couple of months earlier, which revealed that Warner Bros. Television had renewed the contracts for three key stars of the show. These included Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), and Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins), who are all central characters in the series.

We don’t know much else regarding the release window or plot, but we can make an educated guess about what it might be about. Season 3 of “Ted Lasso” ended with Ted (Jason Sudeikis) leaving AFC Richmond to return to Kansas and focus on his son, marking the conclusion of his journey in England. Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) decides to keep the club and pursue personal happiness, while Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) becomes head coach, signaling his growth. Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed) finds redemption and re-joins the team.

In season 4, the narrative could center on life at AFC Richmond without Ted, focusing on Roy’s leadership, Nate’s redemption, and Rebecca’s personal journey. Ted might reappear in Kansas with a limited or cameo role, as his arc largely concluded in season 3.

For now, you can binge-watch some of the best shows on Apple TV Plus. Here’s our guide on everything new on Apple TV Plus in January 2025 for more recommendations.

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"Ted Lasso" season 4 is looking even more likely than ever, thanks to some new comments from a senior Warner Bros. exec.

While the long-awaited fourth season still hasn't been given the go-ahead by Apple TV Plus, Warner Bros. TV Group's chairperson and CEO, Channing Dungey, has just made it sound like a return to AFC Richmond is all but certainly happening.

This news comes from Mipcom in Cannes (h/t Variety), where Dungey commented on the future of "Ted Lasso" whilst discussing the upcoming "Harry Potter" TV show coming to Max.

"We are in conversations about season four", Dungey said, "and they are very exciting conversations, but it's still early days." What's more, Dungey went on to tease that Coach Lasso himself, Jason Sudeikis is seemingly interested in coming back on board in some capacity.

"We had always been clear that there wasn't going to be more "Ted Lasso" if Jason and [the] team weren't feeling excited about it, and I can tell you firsthand that he's in a place where he's feeling really excited and feels good about it", Dungey added.

These comments echo what Dungey said over the summer when she hinted that discussions about a fourth season (or some sort of spinoff) had happened and that the appetite for more was there as long as they had the "right idea".

What else do we know about 'Ted Lasso' season 4?

The rumor mill has been hard at work for some time already. At the start of October 2024, "Ted Lasso" season 4 was reportedly 'confirmed' and set to begin pre-production in January 2025, according to MacStories writer Sigmund Judge.

That report came just a couple of months after "Ted Lasso" was tipped for a comeback by Deadline, who broke the news that Warner Bros. Television had picked up the options on three major "Ted Lasso" stars' contracts.

Those stars were Hannah Waddingham, who plays AFC Richmond's owner, Rebecca Welton, along with Brett Goldstein (fan-favorite Roy Kent) and Jeremy Swift, who plays Rebecca's right-hand man and Director of Football Operations, Leslie Higgins.

Alas, with all these rumors, we're still waiting for a formal announcement, so we'll just have to follow Ted's teachings and "Believe" that the show has a bright future.

In the meantime, you can stream all three seasons of "Ted Lasso" over on Apple TV Plus. And if you need something new to watch while you wait, don't forget to check out our round-ups of the best shows like "Ted Lasso" and the best Apple TV Plus shows you can stream right now.

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Updates on “Ted Lasso” have been scarce as of late, but we finally have some exciting news for fans of this sports comedy-drama.

According to Sigmund Judge, a writer for MacStories and co-host of the Magic Rays of Light podcast, “Ted Lasso” is set to return for a fourth season on Apple TV Plus. Of course, nothing has officially been greenlit yet by the streaming service, but we’ve already had strong hints over the past few months that this show is coming back. 

Back in August, Deadline reported that “Ted Lasso” season 4 was tipped with major stars set to return. Apple TV Plus has renewed its contracts for several key cast members, including Hannah Waddingham, who portrayed AFC Richmond's owner Rebecca Walton; Brett Goldstein, who played former player-turned-coach Roy Kent; and Jeremy Swift, who took on the role of Leslie Higgins, the friendly Director of Football Operations at AFC Richmond.

Now, Judge has revealed in a social media post that “Ted Lasso” season 4 is “set to begin pre-production in January. According to my sources, the football drama is now confirmed to return next year with a fourth instalment, with London shoots beginning in early 2025!”

Apple TV Plus hasn’t yet commented on season 4, and there’s obviously no release date. But based on the news we’ve been getting, including the strong hint that Apple would like to see the show continue in some form, we might be seeing that season renewal very soon. 

What would ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 be about?

Season 3 of “Ted Lasso” concluded with Ted (Jason Sudeikis) deciding to leave AFC Richmond and return to Kansas to be closer to his son, marking the end of his time in England. Rebecca (Waddington), after considering selling the club, chooses to keep it and begins to focus on her personal happiness, with hints of a new romantic possibility.

Roy Kent (Goldstein) steps up as the new head coach of AFC Richmond, signaling his growth as a leader, while Nate Shelley (Nick Mohammed), after reconciling with the team, finds redemption and returns to the club.

If “Ted Lasso” returns for a fourth season, it could explore life at AFC Richmond without Ted. The focus might shift to Roy as head coach, navigating the team’s future challenges, and Nate’s continued redemption arc. Rebecca’s evolving personal life and her role as club owner could also take center stage. 

For those worried about Ted not returning, the series will most likely revisit him in Kansas, balancing his life as a father with any lingering connections to Richmond. There’s also a chance he will only have a small role (maybe even a cameo) considering his story arc felt complete at the end of season 3. Regardless, we can only wait and see until Apple TV Plus officially confirms the next season. 

For now, why not binge-watch some of the best shows on Apple TV Plus? You can also check out everything new on Apple TV Plus this month.

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"Ted Lasso" is (almost) officially back and it's officially time to believe again.

Deadline is reporting that Apple TV Plus has exercised its contract options for several cast members: Hannah Waddingham, who played AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Walton; Brett Goldstein, who played the player-turned-coach Roy Kent; and Jeremy Swift, who played the affable AFC Richmond Director of Football Operations Leslie Higgins.

Of course, for anyone who has seen the show, it'd be impossible to run things back without these three, especially Waddingham and Goldstein. But, you've probably noticed a few names missing there, and there's a reason why.

Where's Jason Sudeikis?

Yes, "Ted Lasso" season 4 — which despite some erroneous reports is not officially greenlit yet — is still missing a few key players from its roster. Namely ... it's missing Ted Lasso, famously played by Jason Sudeikis.

Before you start to panic, there's a perfectly good reason for this, and it's not that Sudeikis wants nothing to do with the project. Unlike Waddingham, Goldstein and Swift, who all have options for a fourth season in their contracts, Sudeikis does not. Nor does star Juno Temple, who played the bubbly fashion model-turned-businesswoman Keeley Jones. 

Apple will also need to go back to the negotiating table to bring back star/show co-creator Brendan Hunt, who played the eccentric Coach Beard.

The good news is that these stars have indicated a willingness to return, at least in some capacity. In fact, this isn't even the first hint we've had in recent months that "Ted Lasso" could be back for a fourth season.

Unfortunately, it looks like Phil Dunster, who played AFC Richmond star Jamie Tart, will not be returning to the show — at least, not in a starring role. Deadline reports that his contract has not been picked up, likely due to scheduling commitments to Prime Video show "The Devil’s Hour" and Apple TV Plus show "Surface."

I want to believe again, but I'm a little concerned

At least three stars are back, others seem likely to return and only one is out so far. That should be cause for celebration for most "Ted Lasso" fans.

I'm a little concerned though. It's not like I don't want to believe in the potential of a season 4, but I felt that the show ended on the right note — at least for Sudeikis's Lasso. He finally got to return home and be with his family now that he's at peace with emotional demons from his past. And despite not being a particularly good soccer coach, he nearly took AFC Richmond to the Premier League title. His story arc felt complete.

That said, some characters could be explored further. Hunt's Coach Beard and Goldstein's Roy Kent in particular still have a way to go as characters, and given their acumen for coaching soccer, it'd make sense if they finally secured Premier League glory for Richmond. Lasso would have done the work to make them better people, which was his greatest asset as a manager, but they'd be the ones to actually succeed based on technical expertise.

Now, I'm worried that work will be undone. Given Sudeikis's level of creative control, I'm hopeful that he won't give in to notes from Apple and force Lasso back into the story for the sake of it. If he returns as Coach Lasso and not just as a producer and occasional guest star, I want to believe it will be because there's more story to tell for that character. 

The good news is that since "Ted Lasso" season 4 is now (almost certainly) inevitable, I'm going to find out.

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Apple TV Plus stands out as one of the best streaming services for its focus on high-quality original content. Known for acclaimed series like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Slow Horses," the platform offers compelling storytelling, strong acting performances, and impressive production values across a range of genres including drama, comedy, and sci-fi.

While its library may be smaller compared to some competitors, Apple TV Plus emphasizes quality over quantity, appealing to viewers looking for well-crafted entertainment. If you’re on the hunfor a good show to watch, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve chosen three of the best shows currently in the top 10 list. Whether you're a regular viewer or thinking about giving Apple's shows a try, these are must-sees! 

This is based on the Apple TV Plus top 10 shows as of Friday, June 28.

‘Land of Women’

"Land of Women" is the newest drama series based on the best-selling novel "La tierra de las mujeres" by Sandra Barneda. The show stars Eva Longoria as Gala, a New York woman whose life is turned upside down after her husband gets involved in financial crimes. To escape the scandal and threats from dangerous criminals, Gala, her mother, and her daughter flee to a small town in northern Spain. As they adapt to their new life, they encounter secrets, form new relationships, and face the challenges of their new reality while striving to protect their family.

If any show had to be on the same level as comfort food, it would probably be “Land of Women”. While you shouldn’t expect any shocking twists or surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat, enough story is given to keep you entertained throughout. 

Watch on Apple TV Plus 

‘Trying’ 

"Trying" is a British comedy-drama series that follows the lives of a couple, Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), who are desperate to start a family but face challenges with infertility. As they navigate the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive, they decide to pursue adoption. The series explores the ups and downs of their journey, showing their attempts to meet the strict criteria for adoptive parents and deal with the social workers. The couple's journey is further complicated by their interactions with eccentric friends and family members, each offering unsolicited advice and support in their unique ways.

Throughout the series, "Trying" delves into themes of love, commitment, and resilience. Nikki and Jason's relationship is tested as they confront their fears and insecurities, but their unwavering support for each other remains the heart of the show.

Watch on Apple TV Plus 

‘Presumed Innocent’

In the mood for some legal drama? "Presumed Innocent" should be your next watch, and yes, it’s a remake of the 1990 movie starring Harrison Ford. The series centers on Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), a prosecutor in a large city who finds himself accused of the brutal murder of his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve). Her murder shakes the legal community and Rusty's life as he struggles to prove his innocence. 

As Rusty becomes the prime suspect, his personal and professional worlds begin to unravel, revealing hidden secrets and challenging his perception of truth and justice. “Presumed Innocent” promises to be a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and I'm sure you'll be questioning the nature of Rusty's innocence and the flawed justice system.

Watch on Apple TV Plus 

APPLE TV PLUS TOP 10 SHOWS RIGHT NOW

1. "Presumed Innocent" (2024)
2. "Dark Matter" (2024)
3. "Land of Women" (2024)
4. "Defending Jacob" (2020)
5. "Acapulco" (2021)
6. "Ted Lasso" (2020)
7. "Trying" (2020)
8. "Loot" (2022)
9. "Palm Royale" (2024)
10. "The Morning Show" (2019)

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"Ted Lasso" fans, rejoice: the Apple TV Plus tentpole comedy series might not be over after all.

Jason Sudeikis' heartwarming soccer comedy show ran for three seasons and came to an end in 2023. Fans have been hoping the series might well return in some way for a while, and some stars have posited that the show could live on already (looking at you, Nick Mohammed joking about a fourth season on Twitter/X). But our biggest hint yet that the series might continue comes from Warner Bros. TV Group CEO and chairman, Channing Dungey.

Whilst speaking at the Banff World Media Festival on Monday, June 10 (as reported by Deadline), Dungey said Apple would like to see the show continue in some form, whether that's as "Ted Lasso" season 4 or as some sort of spinoff set in the same universe — and she thinks co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis could be willing to make more... as long as they have the 'right idea'.

"We've had conversations about all of the above", she said. "I think Jason Sudeikis is open to the idea, but I think he wants to have the right idea, which I appreciate it. We at Warner Bros. appreciate, Apple appreciates, because it's the sort of thing where you don't want to go do more, just for the sake of more, you want to go do more, because you actually have something to say, you have a story that you want to tell. We'll see what happens'. 

So yes, it's not a 100%, definitive claim that "Ted Lasso" will be back, but at the very least, Dungey's comments make it sound like there's an appetite for more. If this has left you with a desire to revisit the show, you can stream all three seasons of one of the best Apple TV Plus shows right now

How did 'Ted Lasso' end?

"Ted Lasso" season 3's twelfth and final episode found AFC Richmond on the precipice of winning the Premier League, provided they beat West Ham and Manchester City lost their final match. Whilst Richmond won their game, so did City, leaving them second in the league overall.

Even though Richmond didn't quite get a fairytale ending, so many of its major players did. Owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) made the decision to sell 49% of the club to Richmond's fans (and perhaps struck up a romance of her own), Roy Kent took over as Richmond's new manager and began therapy with Dr. Sharon. 

Plus, Coach Beard remained in the U.K. and married Jane, Keeley approached Rebecca with a proposal for a Richmond Women's Football Team, and Trent Crimm wrapped up his book about the club, renaming it "The Richmond Way" (after feedback from Ted).

So, where did Ted end up? After struggling with being so far from his family, Ted made the decision to return home to the U.S. But he didn't turn his back on the sport permanently: we learned that he'd begun coaching the soccer team his son, Henry, played for, and his happy smile made it look like this was the right decision for him. 

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Consistency is key when it comes to crafting top-tier television. The best TV shows maintain a relatively steady quality throughout their entire run. But if there’s one show that failed in this area, it’s Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso”. Lasso’s third outing was so bad it made me question whether I’d ever liked the show at all. Fortunately, “Trying” is different, and is aging a lot more gracefully than Coach Lasso. 

I’ve been advocating for “Trying”, an Apple TV Plus original comedy with a similarly optimistic tone as “Ted Lasso," for literally years at this point. I’ve written numerous articles detailing why it’s my favorite show on the streaming service, but even I’ll admit, I was a little concerned ahead of “Trying” season 4. 

The show’s fourth season deploys a time skip, which is a storytelling device that can yield mixed results, and I also felt that “Trying” season 3 ended in such a perfect spot that it felt like an appropriate series finale. I wasn’t sure we even needed more. But, now that “Trying” season 4 has arrived, and I’ve watched the first two episodes, I’m relieved that my fears were unfounded. The show is as good as it's ever been. 

“Trying” is showing “Ted Lasso” how it’s done, as this Apple TV Plus original is doing a remarkable job of keeping a consistently high-quality level across multiple seasons. 

‘Trying’ is an Apple TV Plus gem

If you’ve never watched “Trying” let me give you a quick sales pitch to convince you to give this very simple, but seriously charming, comedy a watch. 

"Trying" centers on Nikki Newman (Esther Smith) and Jason Ross (Rafe Spall), a young(ish) couple living in London, England who desperately want to start a family of their own. After struggling to conceive naturally, they decide to try adoption. This kicks off a whole series of comedic situations as they attempt to navigate the complex process of proving they are capable of raising a small human — to both the authorities and themselves.

It’s a very basic setup, and while later seasons do shift to cover slightly different ground, there are no dramatic twists or intense melodrama to be found across any of the seasons. “Trying” isn’t that kind of show. Instead, it’s the television equivalent of a warm hug. I’ve rewatched the first three seasons multiple times as it’s so comforting and it makes for a great mood-booster after a draining day. 

The biggest selling point is the note-perfect chemistry between the show’s two leads. Nikki and Jason are extremely likable as individuals and as a couple. Plus, they have a great comedic dynamic, with Spall serving up hilarious deadpan quips and Smith bringing a lot of exaggerated physical comedy to the table. They’re instantly believable as a real couple.  

The supporting cast is similarly excellent, with Nikki’s sister Karen (Sian Brooke) and her eccentric partner Scott (Darren Boyd) two of my favorites. And while “Trying” is mostly a breezy comedy show, there are moments where it’s not afraid to get a bit serious. This includes a sensitive handling of the difficult nature of the adoption process. 

If it wasn’t already clear, I strongly recommend this Apple TV Plus show. And if you’re a fan of “Ted Lasso” then you especially need to watch. “Trying” similarly thrives thanks to a sunny tone and a general sense of optimism alongside a loveable cast of likable characters. 

If you’ve never watched the show, stop reading this article now, but if you’re all caught up on Nikki and Jason’s quest to start a family, let’s talk “Trying” season 4… 

'Trying' season 4 is another winner

As mentioned, rather than picking up immediately following Nikki and Jason’s wedding at the end of “Trying” season 3, the show’s fourth season fast forwards six years. Nikki and Jason now have more than half a decade of parental experience and Princess (Scarlet Rayner) and Tyler (Cooper Turner) are becoming moody teenagers. 

Across the first two episodes of “Trying” season 4 (which debuted on May 23), pretty much everything I love about the show, and talked about above, has been retained. The tone is easy-going, the comedy is pleasant and the characters are as loveable as always. Plus, the banter between Nikki and Jason remains top-notch. 

The biggest shift is that Princess is now coming into her own as a character, rather than being more of a plot device as she was in seasons 2 and 3. I’m excited to see her arc across the rest of the show, especially as her search to find her biological mother seems set to cause some major waves. Although, this is “Trying” so I’m not expecting too much drama. 

Tyler has felt a little underutilized in the first two episodes, so I’m hoping he’ll be given more to do as the season progresses. And I wouldn’t say no to a reappearance of Jason’s best friend Freddy (Oliver Chris), though I suspect a line in the first episode may have written him out of the season. At least we did get an appearance from Jason’s dad Vic (Phil Davis), who is always a hoot, and I enjoyed the scene where he expressed his love for his son through soccer terminology. 

“Trying” season 4 is off to a strong start. The show isn’t attempting to reinvent itself, but it’s settled into a pleasant groove already, and I’m eager to see more from Princess (and Tyler) as the now teenage pair add a fresh dynamic to the show, which should keep things from feeling too familiar. 

“Trying” is now available to stream on Apple TV Plus with new episodes dropping weekly until July 3. 

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Just seven years ago, Apple, the consumer tech giant, entered the streaming stratosphere with the launch of Apple TV (formerly Apple TV Plus). Despite initial scepticism about Apple's ability to compete with streamers like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, the service has successfully proven critics wrong, with acclaimed films and television series.

While its content library is not as extensive as its competitors', Apple serves subscribers a platter of high-quality originals, very much focusing on quality over quantity. Despite this, Apple has stayed consistent with a monthly drop (or two) of original content.

However, some question whether Apple TV is worth maintaining an ongoing subscription to, especially given a recent price hike. To help you decide if Apple TV is best for you, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on what the service will cost you this year, what’s included in its monthly plan and more.

If you’re interested in price comparisons across streaming services available in Australia or what the best streaming services in Australia are, we’ve got you sorted. Or if you're wondering what to watch tonight, our continuously updated guide could help you find your next binge-watch, too.

Apple TV Australia plans and prices

Apple TV currently offers two subscription plans:

Monthly plan | AU$15.99
Annual plan | AU$159.99

Apple makes subscribing to its TV service incredibly simple by having just one tier to select. This is an ad-free monthly subscription, which you can share with up to five Apple Family members. You can experience up to 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos soundtracks and more, at a decent price of AU$15.99 p/m.

Unlike some of Apple's other products that are geared towards Apple loyalists, Apple TV can be accessed by anyone, virtually anywhere. As expected, it's available on iPhones, iPads, Macs and the Apple TV media player. But you can also access Apple TV on a wide range of other devices, including game consoles, TVs or a web browser.

Aside from a monthly Apple TV plan, you can bundle your Apple subs (think Apple Fitness, Music, Arcade, etc.) under a single Apple One monthly plan. Starting from AU$24.95p/m for an individual plan, these bundles automatically include Apple TV, so if you've invested in an Apple ecosystem, you might already have access without even knowing.

How to pick the right plan for your needs

For most streaming services — Apple TV included — plan prices typically revolve around two key factors: number of screens and streaming resolution. Obviously, some other factors go into this, like catalogue access and other non-streaming-related benefits, but for the most part, plans are based on the former.

The biggest difference between Apple TV and other streaming services is its accessibility. Unlike services that offer similar price points, you can stream Apple TV on up to six screens at the same time — at least two screens more than any other platform. And if you’re looking to watch content offline, Apple has unlimited downloads per device.

This could mean, for larger households, you can stream on different devices under the same Apple ID. However, if you want to set up user profiles, you’ll need to add a different Apple ID per household/ Apple Family member if you want to keep viewing recommendations separate (and if you don’t want family-friendly content coming up in the middle of a Severance binge).

Are there ways to save on subscription costs?

You can access a complimentary three-month subscription to Apple TV when you purchase an eligible Apple device, so you can give it a go and stick around afterwards if it's up your alley. If you haven't made a recent Apple purchase, you can take advantage of a 7-day free trial that you can cancel anytime.

If you’re on an Apple Music Student plan, you’ll get a free sub to Apple TV too, so that’ll save you a chunk of change if you’re a budget-conscious uni student.

Meanwhile, switching to an annual sub can save you AU$31.89 per year, which leaves you a little wiggle room if you decide to rent or buy iTunes content.

How does Apple TV pricing compare to other streaming services?

Apple TV doesn't seamlessly compare to other services, as it only offers one subscription tier. It used to offer a mid-range cost, but with an August 2025 price hike, it's now AU$15.99p/m and AU$159.99 per year for a standard, ad-free plan. When compared to other plans, it's now above the average cost of a streaming subscription, now AU$15.77p/m.

How does Apple TV's content catalogue compare?

In terms of content, Apple TV offerings feature primarily original content and other licensed content that is available to either rent or buy. Notably, Apple TV has a running list of original content releases since its launch, and while it’s not as extensive as Netflix’s catalogue, Apple TV originals are on par when it comes to quality.

Apple TV is home to 313 original titles, which include 101 movies and 212 television shows. When compared to other services, Apple TV has the second smallest content library, just ahead of BritBox's 261 titles.

Apple TV original shows include feel-good soccer comedy, Ted Lasso, Morning Wars, an unapologetic, candid workplace drama led by powerhouses Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, and mind-bending sci-fi series Severance.

Recent additions include the For All Mankind spin-off, Star City. In June, Apple TV premieres the remake of Cape Fear and the second season of Colin Farrell's Sugar.

Has the Australian Apple TV price increased over time?

Over the past few years, the streaming service has upped its subscription price a number of times, resulting in a AU$5 increase from AU$7.99 p/m to AU$12.99 p/m and a subsequent increase to AU$15.99 p/m.

However, you may incur extra costs by buying or renting other licensed content, as mentioned above. If you’re keen to rent or buy something that isn’t available to stream yet, you may want to consider Prime Video too, as it is also a prominent feature (and prices per rental can be a bit pricey on Apple TV).

Is an Apple TV subscription worth it?

If you’ve gotten this far, you’re probably still debating whether an Apple TV subscription is worth signing up for, so here’s our recommendation.

Apple TV used to be affordable enough to justify a year-round subscription, but with recent price hikes and the ending of originals, some may find it hard to stick with it.

However, Apple TV has a plethora of new releases coming out this year, and while we recommend committing to it this month, we may change our minds next month. Apple does offer a 7-day free trial, as well as other ways to access a complimentary sub, so we recommend giving that a go before deciding if it’s worth keeping or cancelling.

If you’re thinking of cancelling your subscription, we have a guide on how to cancel Apple TV AU that you may want to check out.

Well, that was quick. Apple's already enabling the folks who think a Ted Lasso spinoff should or could happen, and it did so with a single tweet. 

Earlier today (June 6), less than a week after the Ted Lasso season 3 finale aired, Apple TV posted an image of Beard (Brendan Hunt), Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Nate (Nick Mohammed) from that episode on its Twitter account. The trio are wearing new Richmond zip-ups, staring up and smiling — at the pieced-together 'BELIEVE' sign off camera.

The tweet has only three words: "Smells like potential." Which definitely sounds like what you'd say about a show you want to produce.

And in that moment, the minds and hearts of Ted Lasso fans sped up again, as everyone's still been left with the question of "Will Ted Lasso season 4 happen?" For its part, Apple has been completely quiet about what comes next for AFC Richmond.

So far, only one cast member has reacted to this tweet. Nick Mohammed, Nate himself, quote-tweeted Apple TV's post with the mouth-zipped face emoji.

Of course, these are just tweet, and we can't read too much into them. But if your brain is spinning, know you're not alone. What, exactly, could Apple be teasing? Here's what we think (and thought well before Apple's tweet).

Analysis: The Richmond Way is the Ted Lasso spinoff we 'believe' in

After the finale, Ted's story is (for now) complete. It began with his trip to accept a job in England, as he had trouble managing anxiety and the end of his marriage. Eventually, Ted found himself in the UK thanks to therapy, camaraderie and the "beautiful sport." 

As all of the folks behind the show have said, Ted Lasso was designed for three seasons. Admittedly, the third was a bit bloated on run times, and suffering from weak subplots (Zava and Jade, thank you for your service, but you deserved better).

That said, we already know life at AFC Richmond will kick on. First, the season 3 finale (and the tweeted image) show Roy, Beard and Nate continuing to coach the Greyhounds and try and win the Premier League title. Meanwhile, Keeley (Juno Temple) and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) are all-in on an AFC Richmond Women's Team ("a KJBR Joint," as she's working with Barbara now).

So, that's material for at least one new show, especially when you remember Roy is starting therapy with Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles). Plus, you still have the mess left over from Roy and Jamie (Phil Dunster) asking Keeley to choose between one of them.

If that sounds like Ted Lasso without Ted Lasso, you're not wrong. That's why we're calling it The Richmond Way — the title of the book that Trent Crimm (James Lance) wrote about Lasso's time at Richmond. To quote another show that had a third season this spring: this is the way (that makes sense to me).

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I'd bet "Ted Lasso season 4" are the words on every Apple exec (and some Lasso fans') wish list. So, if you've watched the Ted Lasso season 3 finale, and you've found yourself wondering what's next — we can help you figure it all out. 

Will we get more of Coach Lasso, AFC Richmond, its woofing Diamond Dogs and that lovable scamp Jamie Tartt? It's hard to tell. But if social media posts are worth anything, it's clear that Apple's teasing another season — or a spin-off, more on that below.

Even though Apple doesn't release viewership numbers, we're guessing that Ted Lasso isn't just one of the best Apple TV Plus shows — it's one of its most popular titles in the service's short life. Which is why we bet that Apple TV Plus execs would be as happy as Higgins when they signed Zava were Ted Lasso season 4 to happen.

Here's what we know.

Yes, that quote ends teasing a spin-off, more on that below. Lawrence elaborated, saying "I don’t think anything is closed off, but out of just respect, we’re going to wait ... None of us are worried about Jason figuring out what he wants to do. And when he does, then we’ll start talking about all that stuff."

Back when they were still writing the season, Brett Goldstein (i.e. Roy Kent) spoke similarly, saying "We are writing it like that ... It was planned as three."

As for why Ted Lasso season 3 could possibly not be the big ending? Back in June 2021, an Entertainment Weekly interview with Jason Sudeikis quoted him mentioning Apple's "iMoney Truck" as a means for which more Ted Lasso universe content could come to fruition. 

The man behind Coach Ted left things open, stating "I mean, I don't know. The story that I know is the one that I wanted to tell, and so that's the one we're telling with the help of numerous people in front of and behind the camera, so it's by no means me typing every key stroke and saying every word. It's nowhere near like that. But the story that's being told - that three-season arc - is one that I see, know, and understood. I'm glad that they are willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don't know."

Apple TV's Ted Lasso spin-off tease

And, now, Apple's tweeting like a Ted Lasso spin-off is in the cards, posting the following tweet on June 6th, 2023:

Then, Nick Mohammed (Nate) quote-tweeted that, with the "zipper-mouth face" emoji — as if to say "please stop asking me."

What could this be about? Well, as I'll explain below, I think a Ted Lasso spin-off called The Richmond Way seems like the most possible follow-up.

Ted Lasso season 4 possibilities

What could Ted Lasso season 4 be? Well, our best bet would be that it's something that happens a bit down the line, almost like Sex and The City's And Just Like That... revival, or Party Down season 3.

One expects that Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) won't be coaching his son Henry (Gus  Turner) forever. It's possible, but it would also be kinda weird for him to follow his son to high school or college, and keep coaching him throughout. Once that part of his "coaching career" is over, especially if Henry is off at college, we imagine Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) would make an offer to bring Ted back. Richmond loves them some Coach Lasso, it makes sense.

Especially if, somehow Richmond still hasn't won the Premier League title and become champions by then. We doubt that Richmond would get relegated back down to the Championship league, because Ted Lasso's already told that story. 

But, that leaves one problem: Ted Lasso, as a show, was never about winning the title. There's personal growth that underpins the whole story, and I can only see Sudeikis coming back if he found a new personal story that he wanted Lasso to live.

And what about Ted Lasso spin-offs?

TV show spin-offs that expand the universe of a show can be very tough to exectuite. If you don't believe me, just look up "Joey" — the quick-to-fail Friends spin-off.

So, say Ted doesn't come back to Richmond. It would be weird for Apple to declare it's got "Ted Lasso season 4," right? Which is why I'd bet on a spin-off show titled The Richmond Way, the title of Trent Crimm's book about the Greyhounds during Lasso's run.

The opportunity for material is all there, starting with Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) going to therapy with Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles). Despite his willingness to become a Diamond Dog, he's still a work in progress. Need evidence? Consider that preposterous moment where he and Jamie (Phil Dunster) asked Keeley to choose between them.

Speaking of Keeley, she's also pitched Rebecca on an AFC Richmond Women's Team ("a KJBR Joint," as she's working with Barbara now), which Rebecca seems to have bought in on. Finding a new coach for that team, or watching Roy try and coach that team, seems like a pitch that some Apple executive already has written in their iPhone's Notes app (what would a story about Ted Lasso be without Apple product placement?).

Outlook: Should there be a Ted Lasso season 4, or spin-off?

I could quote Roy Kent, but I'll opt to make like Ted and avoid profanity.

No, there should not be any more Ted Lasso content. Not only because of how its third season had as many problems as Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernández) has lovers, but because all of the characters seem to have (by design) finished their stories. 

Even though I just pitched you on ideas for Ted Lasso season 4 and possible spin-offs, I just don't see the need for them. Much like I bet Jason Sudeikis is, I'm ready for  something new. 

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I’m just going to come right out and say, Ted Lasso season 3 was bad. Like really bad. Not since Game of Thrones has a television show whiffed so hard in its final stretch. In fact, Ted Lasso’s third outing was so bad, it had me questioning if I ever liked the show in the first place. 

Perhaps the kindest thing I can say about Ted Lasso season 3 was that it started out merely disappointing. The first few episodes of the season weren’t exactly great, but they were easy-to-watch TV. However, the second and third acts of Lasso’s seemingly final season bordered on car-crash television. 

Following a string of episodes overflowing with corny jokes, terrible storylines and illogical characterization, my motivation to continue watching was on the floor. To be honest, I only slogged through the final two episodes to give the show a fair shake before writing this obituary. 

Over the last week, we’ve said goodbye to multiple beloved and critically-acclaimed shows with Lasso, Barry and Succession all ending (or at least Lasso seems to be done — there's no official statement yet). And while I’ll greatly miss HBO’s satirical drama and will look back on all four seasons fondly, Lasso’s last ride will stick in my memory for all the wrong reasons.

The writing was woeful this season

Back in 2021, I defended Ted Lasso season 2 after it received criticism for a drop in quality. I argued that the show had evolved beyond a simple fish out of water story, and its handling of Nate’s dramatic turn to the “dark” side and Ted’s (Jason Sudeikis) anxiety issues were bordering on masterful. 

It’s seriously hard to believe the same writing team responsible for those extremely well-plotted storylines also mapped out Ted Lasso season 3. In a word, the quality of writing this season has been atrocious. Frankly, even suggesting anything was “mapped out” is being generous because Ted Lasso season 3 feels like a series cobbled together with no overarching plan. 

You could fill multiple articles pointing out all the bizarre plotlines and unsatisfactory character arcs starting with the totally pointless inclusion of Zava (Maximilian Osinski) in the first third of the season. 

Then, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), who was once among the show’s strongest characters, was relegated to the side-line all too often with odd moments such as her visit to the psychic as she pondered her own fertility. 

Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) was another previously-excellent character totally misused this season. Her storyline about starting her own PR firm felt like a backdoor pilot for a Keeley-centric spin-off show, and a lackluster one at that. And when she was properly reintegrated with the main cast, she was thrown into a predictable love triangle between Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster). 

Of course, the biggest victim of the show’s increasingly lackluster writing was the Wonder Kid himself, Nathan "Nate" Shelley (Nick Mohammed). Previously the show’s most tragic character having defected to West Ham United at the end of season two, his redemption was inevitable, so inevitable it seems that the writers decided they didn’t actually need to bother writing it. 

Within a few episodes of Season 3 beginning, Nate is basically back to his old self, and already yearning to return to Richmond. Apparently, all Nate needed to see the error of his ways with some time spent with slimball Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head). Not to mention the comfort of his new girlfriend Jade (Edyta Budnik), who was pleasant but barely-written. As viewers, we were robbed of the catharsis of seeing Nate realize his error, grapple with guilt and work hard toward his redemption. Instead, he was instantly made likable again from pretty much episode one. 

In fact, Ted Lasso season 3 retroactively made the previous season worse by spoiling the show’s best storyline. That’s a sin that is hard to forgive. 

Ted Lasso became all 'tell' with no 'show'

Throughout Ted Lasso season 3, there was a bizarre quirk where major events kept happening off-screen. Here's a short list: Keely and Roy breaking up (and getting back together), Nate quitting his job as manager of West Ham, the Richmond team agreeing to ask Nate to come back, Ted telling Rebecca he’s going back to the U.S. and Ted telling the squad he’s going back to the U.S. These are all crucial moments in the show, and none were shown on screen. 

In fact, when the penultimate episode ended on a cliffhanger as Ted revealed he had a truth bomb to drop on Rebecca, I genuinely joked that we wouldn’t see the conversation on screen. And then audibly laughed out loud when I started the next episode and it was quickly established that everybody now knew Ted was returning to the States. 

Important conversations and events happening off-screen is a common storytelling trope, and it can be used effectively, but to use it so often, and for such important moments, is truly baffling to me. I think a large part of the reason I never got emotionally invested in Ted Lasso season 3 was that it's hard to care about what's happening when so many of the major beats take place in between episodes. 

Not to mention it’s a little maddening that we didn’t get to see things like how the Richmond squad took Ted’s big news, but we did have to spend three agonizing minutes watching them perform a cringe-inducing musical number from The Sound of Music. 

Seriously self-indulgent 

I’ve said it before, but it’s such a major problem that it bears repeating, the decision to switch from the 30-minute episodes of seasons one and two, to supersized hour-long episodes in season three was a catastrophic mistake. The finale was 79 flipping minutes, and my word did it feel every single second of its bloated length. Which is annoying when there’s all the aforementioned stuff they didn’t show.

Ted Lasso season 3 was absolutely overstuffed with characters and plotlines and tries to cover way too much ground across its 12 episodes. A more ruthless edit could have trimmed everything down and kept the show moving along at a comfortable pace. Instead, the additional runtime has been used to throw everything possible into the mix and the result is an unfocused mess. 

I can’t help but look at unnecessary plotlines such as disgruntled businessman Edwin Akufo (Sam Richardson) returning to start a soccer super league in episode 10, and feel like they should have been left on the cutting room floor. Or what about the absolutely needless inclusion of Ted’s mom in episode 11? Yes, Becky Ann Baker was solid casting, but the character's introduction at such a late stage was unneeded. 

Ted Lasso season 3 could have been so much better if there was significantly less of it. I can’t help but feel the final season stinks of self-indulgence as if the writers were given a little too much freedom by the bigwigs at Apple.  

So long Coach Lasso … I hope 

What does the future hold for Ted Lasso? Well, the final scene of episode 12 certainly suggests that this is where we leave Ted. He’s back home in America, coaching his son’s soccer team and seems to be happy. It’s a highly predictable ending, but a very fitting one for the character all the same. 

However, while Ted Lasso season 3 certainly seems to be the final outing, it’s not actually been officially confirmed quite yet. More Ted Lasso does remain a possibility, and at the very least, I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of spin-off shows were announced. After all, Ted Lasso is the biggest show on Apple TV Plus, it’s hard to see the streamer not wanting to continue the franchise in some form. 

There was a time when I may have welcomed a Roy Kent and/or Keely Jones show or maybe would have even pined for a proper Ted Lasso season 4, but after the pretty terrible season of television we’ve just been presented with, I’m very happy for things to end right here. Let’s just hope that the upcoming Trying season 4 doesn’t disappoint quite as much. 

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When I finished the Ted Lasso season 3 finale — which could very well be the series finale because nobody's announced Ted Lasso season 4 — this morning, I was full of emotion. That's nothing unusual, as Ted Lasso is the kind of series that always generates feels. 

The thing is, for as positive as I was about this finale, my brain couldn't stop wondering "what if?" about scenes I believe were either never made, or left on the cutting room floor. And this is why I've started to hope we get a Ted Lasso finale director's cut soon. While the series has been wrapped with a very pleasant bow, this ending left out certain scenes that one would expect to see. 

After the spoiler warning, I'll explain all why this Ted Lasso finale works, and the few things it could have used to be an even better exit. Congrats to the Apple TV Plus team, though, this one was a winner.

Ted Lasso's finale teased a huge hookup that didn't happen

I am thanking the TV gods that Ted Lasso didn't deliver on the wishes of some fans. Search the phrase 'TedBecca' online, and you'll find that some viewers who have been pining for Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) to be a thing.

So, when a rumpled Ted greeted Rebecca in her kitchen in the morning, I'm sure the TedBecca believers were screaming in jubilation. There was a tension in the air, as Ted asked if Rebecca wanted to "talk about it" — and she did not. 

Fortunately for the rest of us who don't need every pair of colleagues eventually hooked up, that delayed discussion is actually about Ted leaving Richmond. To create more confusion, a barely-dressed Beard (Brendan Hunt) and a besuited Jane (Phoebe Walsh) walked in — and we learned they all spent the night at Rebecca's.

Clearly, the Ted Lasso writers wanted to wink at the TedBecca fandom, but it turned out that the gang had some wild night together. I'm OK with the little wink, but I really would have loved a scene about that night. Either as a flashback or something else. Because, otherwise, it looks like all wink and no plot.

This brings me to my other gripe ...

Ted Lasso's goodbye felt half-finished

Yes, the AFC Richmond team sent Ted off in proper fashion, both with a huge win and a performance "So Long, Farewell" from The Sound of Music. But we never actually got to see Ted tell his football family he was leaving.

The same is true for the conversation that was cut off as the penultimate episode ended, when Ted told Rebecca he had big news for her. I don't know why you leave those conversations out, and his farewell talks to the team later in the episode were not enough of a substitute.

There must have been looks of surprise or understanding up and down the rooms, and those would have truly helped this finale feel more monumental. While it's not hard to assume the Ted Lasso folks probably felt like they were at their limits with a 79 minute finale — remember when Ted Lasso episodes were half an hour? — one more scene that combined both announcements would have been excellent. 

This is a group of characters who wear their emotions on their sleeves, which would have made those scenes amazing. What's another few minutes, anyway?

Outlook: Ted Lasso's finale was predictable, and that's great

In my Ted Lasso finale preview, I confidently predicted Ted going back to the Unites States and Richmond beating West Ham (though I thought it would seal a bigger victory, damn Man City). And I almost declared that Keeley would refuse to choose between Roy and Jamie, and push them both away. I even wrote it before erasing it. 

All of that happened, with almost no other surprises, but it wasn't a downer. While Ted Lasso's third season had weird decisions — Rebecca and Keeley deserved more, and Nate's redemption felt as clumsy as Jade felt undeveloped —  all of its characters finished the season as you'd have expected. 

Those characters acting true to form and not surprising us for the sake of finale twists, gave us fantastic moments, such as Nate sobbing on Ted's shoulder as he finally apologized and Roy begrudgingly asking to become a 'Diamond Dog.' I was only moderately confused about how Ted was so calm when West Ham temporarily went up 3-2. 

Yes, he's grown smart enough about the game to have seen an offsides his whole team missed, but how were Ted's nerves not acting up? A friend suggests that's because of the peace he found with his decision to go home, which reminds me how much I would have liked to have hear him make said decision aloud. 

Also, Ted Lasso pulled off the surprising trick of giving everyone happy endings, without having it feel forced. Aside from if you (like Rebecca) wanted Ted to stay in England, Ted Lasso delivered all the right results. In the end, it was completely — as Rebecca's Dutch gentleman would say — gezellig.

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Let the tears commence! You can watch the Ted Lasso season 3 finale right now. The odd thing is, though, Apple TV Plus (and the previous Ted Lasso episode) have basically spoiled what's going to happen. 

But even though we've watched it, we won't say if our predictions are right. That said, we can tell you the finale is 79 minutes long.

Since the first episode of this season, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) himself has asked why he's still here. He's been called "a mess," and now Ted's mother (Becky Ann Baker) told him that his son Henry (Gus Turner) misses him dearly. 

Also, look back at how his ex-wife Michelle (Andrea Anders) left things. Ted saw she wasn't wearing an engagement ring, and she was seemingly disappointed with her trip to Paris with Dr. Jacob (Mike O'Gorman).

Then, Ted told Rebecca he has a big surprise for her. Oh, and Nate (Nick Mohammed) has also been welcomed back to Richmond.

If Ted Lasso (one of the best Apple TV Plus shows) doesn't end with Richmond beating West Ham to win the championship in the finale, and Ted leaving the team in Nate's hands to reunite with his family in America? I will be shocked. I'll be surprised if Ted Lasso season 4 actually happens.

Then, outside of the fictionalized Premier League action, we have the two big remaining questions. What will happen with the trio of Keeley (Juno Temple), Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) as they left off on unsettled terms after Roy told Keeley he didn’t want to “just be friends".

So, scroll down to learn everything you need to know about watching Ted Lasso season 3's finale online!

How to watch Ted Lasso in the US, UK and Australia

Ted Lasso airs exclusively on Apple TV Plus, which starts at $6.99 / £6.99 / AU$9.99 per month.

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

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I'm preparing for the Ted Lasso season 3 finale by placing my expectations in the mid-height position, because I'm still a bit perplexed by all of the odd decisions made in its twelve episodes. If this is supposed to be the series finale, as they've often hinted, I would have expected one of the best Apple TV Plus shows to go out on a higher note.

Ted Lasso's third season keeps making mistakes I see as big enough to have the crowd at Nelson Road Stadium shouting for their money back. Each episode delivers moments that makes me go "Wait, really? That's what they think is a good story idea?"

That said, I can't say I'm not enjoying the series overall. The Premier League travails of AFC Richmond may not have been perfect, but they keep swinging back to being good enough. Season 3 episode 11, titled "Mom City" was such a perfect distillation of this mixed bag that I thought I'd look at it as a way to prepare all for the finale. 

Now, I am not sure this needs a spoiler warning for details about last week’s episode, but I don’t want people calling me a wanker for not erring on the side of caution.

Ted Lasso season 3 just gave me whiplash twice — but it's OK

Up first in episode 11, we got a rapid switch of tone from three of our favorites from Richmond. Captain Isaac (Kola Bokinni), left wing Colin (Billy Harris) and kit man Will (Charlie Hiscock) all showed up at A Taste of Athens to ask Nate (Nick Mohammed) to come back to coach the Greyhounds. 

I can't say Nate's return wasn't expected (my colleague Mike Prospero called this last week), but the jump to this request felt especially rushed. Where was the scene where the players actually debated if they should do this or not? How do you jump from the team angrily screaming for Nate's head when they saw him tearing up the sign to this?

And, then, the Nate's redemption storyline is still made all the more dull by Jade (Edyta Budnik), his girlfriend with no personality. She exists as a hostess and a sounding board for Nate. Her lack of depth makes this story even shallower.

Still, though, it's all kinda-saved in the end, thanks to Nick Mohammed's solid acting and the fantastic monologue from Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) at the end. While he was still pushed to deliver far more exposition than he should have, the emotional second-chance-filled backstory of Ted and Beard hit me right in the feels.

Ted Lasso's penultimate episode took all of the surprise away — and then Apple made it worse

Throughout Ted Lasso season 3, the faint throughline of "why is Ted still here?" has kicked about. It started early on, as we could all see Ted's malaise. And then, in episode 11, the big conversation between Ted and his mother (Becky Ann Baker) basically shouted that he's going to return to the states to be there for his son. 

And right as the episode was about to end, Ted told Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) that the cleat would be on the other foot: he's the one with a big surprise to tell her. Sure, some people may be tricked into thinking Apple TV Plus will finally deliver the "will they or won't they? moment, but the reveal is obvious. After this season, Ted's stepping down, and Roy or Nate — possibly both — will step up.

Even in episode 9, as Keeley's story was reduced to waiting for Jack to text back, after having (relatably) sent way too many texts without getting a reply, she felt like more of an aside than a character.

And, then, well, the Apple TV app just had to go and make it all the more obvious, by showing the episode title for the finale. Sure, episode 12 could be titled "So Long, Farewell" because they're going to watch The Sound of Music to follow up You've Got Mail. But the mix of that title and this image is convincing:

Maybe it's all setting up for a big twist, but after Michelle Lasso (Andrea Anders) returned from Paris sans-engagement ring, all feels almost-too obvious. That said, I've never rooted for TedBecca — the 'shipping of the coach and owner — so I'm more than happy to see Ted and his family reunite.

Outlook: Even the little things don't really matter when I'm shouting for Richmond

Ted Lasso season 3's other peculiarities, such as Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) having a mother (Leanne Best) who looks far too young to be his mother (the actors are only separated by 12 years), kept giving me pause. 

In the end of the day, the good overtakes the bad, just like how it seems Richmond will defeat the foes they fight. We don't know if the show will be as direct as to place Rupert (Anthony Head) and West Ham as their final match of the season, to win the league. Or will Zava (Maximilliann Osinski) show up?

Either way, it feels as if I'm going to walk away from Ted Lasso the way the titular coach may leave Richmond. Aware of the flaws and mistakes, but happy I was there.

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Before Ted Lasso's watch ends, I hope it can turn things around in its final two episodes.

I've been a huge fan of Ted Lasso, and was surprised as many at how a TV commercial could be built into one of the best Apple TV Plus shows, and one of its most popular. The first two seasons were a great exercise in showing how you could build a smart and funny show in 30 minutes or less. 

However, I, like many others, feel that season 3 isn't quite living up to the billing of the first two. And it's starting to feel like Ted Lasso is falling into the same trap as another super-popular show that didn't quite stick the landing. 

In its final season, Game of Thrones squandered most of the goodwill it built up as it tried to cram too many plots into too few episodes. As a result, we had characters zooming from one corner of Westeros to the other in record time, with heel turns and heroics that felt completely unearned. 

The same is happening with Ted Lasso. As the show has expanded in length — most of Season 3's episodes are an hour long, twice that of the first two seasons — they've become flabby, with storylines that either go nowhere or get resolved without any hard work. 

Ted Lasso season 3 should have been two seasons

I thought Nate's departure from AFC Richmond was surprising, but his decision to leave West Ham was even more abrupt. We know that Rupert is slimy, but was a "boys night out" enough to make Nate want to quit? His reasons for ditching Richmond seemed a bit opaque at the time. And now it just feels like a plot device.

My theory — and I'm not alone in this — is that Ted might return to the U.S. and be reunited with his wife, while Nate returns to Richmond to take over as the head coach. If this happens, there needs to be a lot more reconciliation in the next two episodes to make this believable. 

Nate hasn't even talked to any of his old mates — aside from an apology note to the current kit man — so it would be a mighty big ask of the Greyhounds to forgive and forget. For all his development, I can't see Roy turning the other cheek so easily. 

And what about Ted? few episodes back, it looked like the groundwork was being laid for Ted to get back with his ex-wife Michelle, but there's been no mention of her, or Ted's son, since. Is he secretly interviewing with Big Ten universities? 

And what's going to happen with Rebecca? How many times is she going to look at that green matchbook without lighting it up? Was the fact that we saw it next to Ted's green toy soldier a hint at what's to come or merely a red herring? 

Keeley's journey has been even more bizarre. While it's great to see her get a prominent plot, the rapid-fire combination of Jack leaving and Keeley's PR firm losing its funding felt way too forced. 

Outlook: At least Jamie Tartt makes me 'believe'

Of all the characters' journeys, Jamie Tartt's has felt the most complete. We've seen him go from an immature, self-centered showboat to a compassionate person who truly cares about his teammates. 

Intertwined with that is Roy Kent's transformation from a surly ex-footballer. In many ways, he was as self-centered as Jamie, but has been slowly opening up over the course of the show and the season. 

With just two episodes left for Ted Lasso, I still believe. I hope my faith will be rewarded.

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2023 is a little confusing for me. Not only are Marvel movies running the risk of losing money, but people seem to be turning on two TV shows that were generally assumed to be universally adored. The Mandalorian and Ted Lasso were bonafide darlings of streaming television, but both shows’ third seasons seem to have flipped that consensus on its head.

And honestly, I do not understand it in the slightest. While there's been a lot of grousing from folks, including some of my colleagues at Tom’s Guide, I’ve found both shows to be very enjoyable. There have been some ups and downs, but my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, it feels like people are being overly-critical for the sake of it.

The Mandalorian hasn’t changed, but that might be the problem

Well actually, now that I think about it, it’s not a huge surprise that people seem to have turned on The Mandalorian the way that they have. As the saying goes, nobody hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans. While true of any major fandom, there’s something particularly unique about the salty toxicity in a lot of Star Wars-centric discourse.

Considering how loud groups of people will scream to the heavens about how bad they think the latest instalment in the saga is, it’s a wonder any of them said anything nice about The Mandalorian to begin with.  It makes me wonder whether people were so enamored with Grogu that it didn’t give them much time to find something to complain about.

The Mandalorian hasn’t really changed since its debut in 2019. The show is still essential a TV series made of side quests, with little threads that build up to a climactic finale. The third season stuck to that formula, and that might be the cause of animosity from fans.

Take Grogu for example, because even the adorable frog-eating green goblin is starting to lose his magic. While his babyish antics were cute and endearing in previous seasons, The Mandalorian season 3’s plot could have progressed mostly-unchanged had Grogu stayed with Luke Skywalker learning how to Jedi. So with little to do, Grogu’s only purpose was to stand around gurgling and being cute — and those green-tinted glasses are starting to wear out.

Grogu losing his appeal isn’t why people have turned on The Mandalorian, but it’s a prime example of the problems people seem to have. Tom’s Guide Streaming editor Henry T Casey has noted many times that he feels the third season felt incredibly aimless, pushing him away from Star Wars and left him on the verge of quitting the show.

But me? I was quite happy to sit back and watch the action, enjoy the guest stars, and wait for the little teases to bring Mando (and the audience) to the season’s final conclusion. While the franchise has grown and gotten more complex, Star Wars is, at its core, easily-digestible science fiction for the casual viewer. The Mandalorian season 3 absolutely accomplished that.

Mando was never going to be profound, highbrow sci-fi that’s supposed to make you think. That’s what we have Star Trek for.

Ted Lasso is as entertaining and wholesome as ever

At its core Ted Lasso hasn’t changed all that much, either. It’s still a story about the football coach that’s woefully out of his depth, but survives life’s trials and tribulations with a smile and a chipper anecdote. It’s still as funny and heartwarming as it ever was, and I’m genuinely enjoying what the shop has brought to us as part of the third season. Heck, I don’t even like football/soccer.

That’s not to say that the third season is perfect. There’s plenty to pull apart, including the fact we have just two episodes of the final season to go and there’s still no resolution in sight. So the whole thing is feeling a little rushed, and at times feels more like the show is judging characters for potential spin-off potential. 

Similarly, the shows villains haven’t been given any time to be, well, villainous. Nate’s story has been on the backburner, and while the start of the season showed him apparently struggling with his antagonistic side, he almost immediately reverted back to the same awkward Nate he was at Richmond. Even Rupert, Rebecca’s evil ex-husband, was afforded some modicum of redemption during the Akufo League meeting.

For its faults, I’m still really enjoying Ted Lasso’s third season. I’m not sure how the show will wrap up in the time we have left, but I’ve never finished an episode and wished I’d watched something else. Yes, I’m enjoying binge-watching Frasier a heck of a lot more, but I’m not dragging myself through each episode of Ted Lasso for the sake of it. Not like Henry did with The Mandalorian, at least.

It’s not a perfect season, but like The Mandalorian, Ted Lasso season 3 is still the same thing it always was. The only major change here is that the conflict between the main characters has decreased as they’ve adopted the Lasso way of thinking, and lack of conflict between characters rarely makes compelling television.

That could well be why Isaac took an entire episode to confront Colin, after learning his teammate was in the closet. The writers were simply trying to create some drama to make things a little more interesting. Though I do agree with Henry, it wasn't a great dramatic device.

The fact that the show’s villains are decidedly less villainous, sporadic appearances of Edwin Akufo not-withstanding, doesn’t exactly help this matter either. Not that either of these things has really affected my enjoyment of the show. Ted Lasso's still just as fun and heartwarming as ever, and that’s all that really matters to me.

Bottom Line

There does seem to be a lot of negativity at the moment, especially where once-beloved franchises are concerned. Marvel movies are another example of that, with fans seemingly tipping themselves to the opposite end of a scale from "best thing ever" to "worthless pile of garbage that ruined my life." It seems Mandalorian and Ted Lasso haven’t quite lived up to some expectations, and both shows are having the same kind of effect. Long delays between seasons couldn't have helped.

But it seems both shows are simply doing much the same thing they always have been. Or at least it feels like that way to me, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying them both as a result. Whether it’s Din Djarrin doing battle with a creepy robot spider creature, or Ted Lasso apparently proving that angry footballers don’t perform well on the field.

But as much as I don’t understand that seemingly over-the-top criticism, I’m not going to let it stop me enjoying both shows.

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I recently labeled Ted Lasso season 3 my “biggest TV show disappointment in years” but after consuming a couple more episodes of the Apple TV Plus series I would like to revise that stance. Because this latest, and potentially final, season of the soccer-themed comedy series isn’t merely disappointing, it’s a downright disaster. 

In fact, I’m finding each new episode such a chore to finish that I’m starting to wonder what I ever saw in this show in the first place. I’m finding Coach Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) more nauseating with each passing scene, and I’m now actively rooting for whoever AFC Richmond is playing against each week. I’m starting to hope they get relegated back down to the Championship! For the Americans out there: the Championship is the name of the tier under the Premier League.

All the problems I discussed in my first article remain very much present. The writing continues to be aimless and the stretched-out hour-long episodes painfully drag on, but new issues are appearing at an alarming rate as I progress in Ted Lasso season 3.

In a matter of weeks, Ted Lasso has gone from a show I would enthusiastically recommend to all, to something that I can’t wait to stop watching. And that really sucks. I don’t particularly want to watch, think or even talk about Ted Lasso anymore, but as Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles) told Ted in season 2, you can’t go bottling up your feelings, so here are the latest reasons this once-great TV show is drawing my ire. 

The Nate storyline ain’t great 

The tragic downfall of assistant coach Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed) was one of my favorite parts of Ted Lasso season 2. His fall to the “dark side” was expertly crafted and the scene where he angrily confronts Ted remains one of the show’s best-ever moments. I was thrilled to see where this plot would go now that Nate is the manager of West Ham. 

I expected over the course of season 3, that Nate would start resentful but then slowly realize he’d made a mistake, have it out with Coach Lasso, and likely be redeemed towards the end. But Ted Lasso season 3 has instead decided to skip straight to that final step without doing any of the legwork. 

As a viewer, we’re being asked to root for Nate in his quest to find love, but we’ve not been given any reason to actually like him again. His redemption arc has been entirely skipped. 

Nate and Ted have had only a single face-to-face scene together so far this season, and the hatchet is most definitely not buried. My dislike for Nate's actions last season still burns brightly, and I’m finding it very difficult to care about his love life or whether or not he gains the approval of West Ham owner Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head) he so desperately desires. 

The fact that Nate’s love interest, Jade (Edyta Budnik), is a complete nothing burger of a character with zero personality (a flaw of the writing, not Budnik’s performance) is not helping matters either.

Fan-favorite characters have nothing to do  

Ted Lasso season 3 has constantly struggled to juggle its large cast. This problem hasn't been helped by the introduction of unnecessary new characters like Zava (Maximilian Osinski). But the two of the biggest victims of this issue have been fan-favorites Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham). 

Roy Kent has been sidelined pretty much all season. After his off-screen breakup with Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), he’s just sort of been hanging around. His gruff man shtick is getting pretty old at this point, and his bromance with Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) was already covered in season 2 anyway. Frankly, Roy feels like a spare part that the writers just don’t know what to do with right now. 

The same is very much true of Rebecca, the owner of AFC Richmond. Her storylines have been all over the place this season covering everything from a visit to a psychic, her unresolved feelings for right back Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh), concerns about her fertility and a fun evening with a hunky Dutch bloke who lives on a riverboat. 

The consistency of the writing has dropped in quality across the board, but Rebecca has been one of the biggest victims, which is a great shame as Waddingham is fantastic in the role. 

Even Keeley, who’s getting more screen time than ever this season, is spinning her wheels far too regularly even when she's supposed to be at the center of a storyline that isn't really about her. And, as I’ve said before, the fact it’s the two leading female characters who are suffering the most due to a clear drop in writing quality this season is especially disappointing. 

But wait, it gets worse!

One of the big questions that Ted Lasso season 3 has me asking is, “Who is this show even aimed at?” It’s a potty-mouth series with plenty of adult gags, but also includes segments such as the “Hey Jude” scene in episode 8 which felt ripped straight out of a family movie primarily targeting young children. In fact, Coach Beard’s (Brendan Hunt) speech had my toes curling. 

Now Ted Lasso was always a pretty saccharine show, but in season 3 its crossed way over the thin line between heartfelt and sappy. And the whiplash that comes from overly mushy sentimentality being followed by a scene where the cast tie strings to their genitals and run around a soccer field, is hard to get over.   

There’s a tonal mishmash at the heart of Ted Lasso season 3, and this isn’t helped the writer's desire to tackle every single social issue under the sun in a very simplistic way. I have no problem with the show addressing current and important issues like homosexuality and immigration, but these big topics are often handled with all the subtly of a children’s preschool show. Frankly, Ted Lasso season 3 has all the nuance of an episode of Sesame Street.  

For example, looking back at episode 8, the disastrous “We’ll Never Have Paris”, there is a scene where the AFC Richmond squad discusses Keeley’s leaked sex tape. They agree that they should delete any explicit images they’ve ever been sent by a current or former partner, and that fundamentally Keeley shouldn’t be ashamed of her actions, it’s the person who leaked the video online that is at fault. 

Let me be clear: this is an excellent message to send to viewers, and I firmly agree with the show’s conclusion that Keeley is a victim of a violation of her privacy. However, the way the scene plays out is downright patronizing. Each character took their turn to stand up and deliver their unnatural-sounding dialogue practically directly at the camera. It all felt like watching an afterschool special — and a bad one at that. 

Outlook: Ted Lasso is a chore to watch now 

The most damning indictment of my newfound dislike for Ted Lasso is that I’m finding it a real chore to sit down and watch episodes in a single sitting. I’ve consumed the last few episodes in bitesize sessions because watching the show for a whole hour at once is seriously unappealing to me. 

I’m sure that a lot of love and care has gone into making Ted Lasso season 3, and following up two extremely well-regarded seasons would be tough task for any creative team, but I’m genuinely shocked at how far Ted Lasso has fallen and how quickly as well. This show was once the reason to get Apple TV Plus, but it’s been eclipsed by the likes of Shrinking and Trying in my eyes. 

With just three episodes left, Ted Lasso's season 3 is a total mess with disjointed writing, an uneven tone, and far too many inconsequential plot threads. Perhaps it will all come together as we approach the season, and seemingly the series, finale, but my expectations are not high at this point. Sorry Coach Lasso, I don’t believe you’ve still got it.   

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As I watched Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9 with my morning coffee, I started grumbling about this, the latest chapter of Coach Lasso's run. With only four episodes to go in the season (and likely the series), Ted Lasso spent one on side-stories — and not doing them quite well. 

Yes, I'm starting to join the chorus of folks with bones to pick about Ted Lasso's current run, including my colleague who judged Ted Lasso season 3 as disappointing. And it all makes me ready to revise my Ted Lasso season 3 review at the end of the season.

While this latest episode may have hit us with the expected feel-good moments, along with some character growth, it also had me releasing profanity like I was Roy Kent. Not as loud as he does it, mind you. I'm not trying to wake my neighbors. But I've got to explain why this episode has me upset.

This article contains spoilers about Ted Lasso season 3, up through episode 9.

Ted Lasso season 3 is playing with fire, and fumbling the torch

I know I'm probably mixing metaphors when I say Ted Lasso is fumbling the ball, but much like Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) back when he took the job at Richmond, I don't really know football (or what Americans call soccer) that well. That said, I have been getting more and more annoyed since I wrote about how there are aspects of Ted Lasso season 3 that I love and hate.

The story of Richmond left winger left winger Colin (Billy Harris) being a closeted gay man has felt like a risky story plot the jump. But up until this week, it's felt like one that Ted Lasso's handled well, especially when writer Trent Crimm (James Lance) and Colin shared excellent conversations about being in the closet back in Amsterdam.

But this week's next segment of that story truly felt like a mistake, and one to fill time and create unnecessary tension. We spent far too much time waiting for team captain Isaac (Kola Bokinni) to explain himself to Colin after Isaac learned his secret.

Then, we had to wait until 40 minutes into this 44-plus minute episode to see Isaac simply tell Colin he felt betrayed that it took so long for him to tell him. And throughout the episode, Isaac was consistently weird to Colin in the locker room and on the pitch, creating some sort of possibility that his reaction was something negative.

Sure, there were clues, starting with Isaac's attempt to bring the NBA's "Malice at the Palace" to Richmond. You could have seen the captain nearly brawling with a fan who shouted "you're all playing like a bunch of fa**ots!" as a sign that he was definitely on Colin's side. 

I don't buy that Isaac would take this long to have that conversation if he's as much of an ally as he seems to be. All of the episode, I think, would have been better had it been bookended with Isaac asking why Colin didn't tell him up front, and then asking his doofy questions at the end.

The women of Ted Lasso continue to get the short end of the stick

Next up, we need to talk about Keeley (Juno Temple), a long-time main character, and Jade (Edyta Budnik), someone who has gotten a lot more time than you might have expected. And I hate to lump them both into the same section, but they're emblematic of a bad pattern this year. Last time I wrote about Ted Lasso, I groused about Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) getting lackluster plotting, and now I'm back again to talk about two of the other female characters on the series.

Keeley's spent the last two episodes dealing with the aftermath of an NSFW video she recorded and sent an ex that leaked onto the internet — and the entire story has barely been about her. It was originally about her boss and lover Jack (Jodi Balfour) mishandled all of it. Then, we pivoted to the Richmond team's history of sexting, followed by Jamie (Phil Dunster) processing it all maturely and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) failing to do so.

You may have noticed a severe lack of Keeley in the above, in her own storyline. Yes, while there was a brief moment where Keeley refused to apologize for it all, but I can't fathom an explanation about why she's feeling so tangential to her own scandal.

Even in episode 9, as Keeley's story was reduced to waiting for Jack to text back, after having (relatably) sent way too many texts without getting a reply, she felt like more of an aside than a character.

Next, there's Jade, a tertiary character in Ted Lasso season 2, who we met as the hostess of A Taste of Athens. You know, that Greek restaurant that Nate's obsessed with. Well, somehow Nate lucked into sort-of-dating Jade, after she was mean to him. She's somehow becoming an important character in Ted Lasso, or at least a part of Nate's redemption story.

But aside from that all, there's nothing to Jade. She's as thinly-written as the models that Rupert (Anthony Head) has tried to set Nate up with this season. We don't know why Nate likes Jade beyond her looks, though one might guess that her being cold to him could be a turn-on. This may very well be because Nate tends to take up all of the oxygen in any given room (unless Ted's there), but it's made Jade feel like a one-dimensional character.

Outlook: Make it all make sense

Right now, with three episodes left to go in Ted Lasso, I'm not sure if any of these plots can be saved, though I'd love to think they will be. The best case scenario for Colin would have him be the face of a new Pride campaign in the world of football, while I'm still wondering what took Isaac so long.

Keeley seems destined to choose being alone, which would come right after Roy Kent works up the confidence to admit he deserves something more than the nothing he's got. Jade? I'm not sure if Nate will be welcome at the inevitable end-of-the-season party at Ola's, Sam's (Toheeb Jimoh) restaurant, or if she and Nate will even last the season.

None of these plots is truly central for the show, but they will matter somewhat for the end of the season and how we see Ted Lasso in retrospect. Will season 3 wind up being seen as a plodding way to end a once-beloved show? I'd hope it can still make us 'believe,' but I'm more apt to quote Mr. Kent and say "oi, f**k off!"

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For the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to convince myself that I’m enjoying Ted Lasso season 3. But after slogging through another underwhelming episode earlier this week, I’ve come to the conclusion that whatever magic the show had has been lost for me. 

I’ll admit when I first started starting watching Ted Lasso, I wanted to dislike it. That didn't last, as it smashed through my defenses with its infectious optimism and its lovable cast of characters. Then Ted Lasso season 2 took things up a notch, and I found myself enjoying its sophomore effort even more than its debut season. 

The glowing early praise for the latest season (check out our Ted Lasso season 3 review) had me believing the show’s creative team had done it again, but halfway through what appears to be the show’s final season, I’m itching for the finale already. And I don't seem to be the only one with issues this season as a Ted Lasso backlash is gathering some steam on social media, though one of my colleagues is able to find things he loves and hates about Ted Lasso this year.

It’s pretty telling that in recent weeks the release of each new episode on Apple TV Plus has felt like an annoying obligation rather than something to eagerly look forward to. To be honest, I have quite a lengthy list of problems with Ted Lasso season 3, some big and some small, but I’ve distilled my issues down to the four core flaws (of a show that's been one of the best Apple TV Plus shows) that are the most severe.

I’m already bracing myself for backlash. I’m aware that my dissatisfaction with Ted Lasso's long-awaited return likely falls into the “unpopular opinions” category, but these four reasons are why Ted Lasso season 3 is my biggest TV show disappointment in a very long time. 

Ted Lasso season 3 is aimless 

Ted Lasso season 3 is running into a problem that plagues many shows as they get deeper into their runs: storylines become increasingly aimless with too many characters to juggle. 

A great example of Ted Lasso’s underwhelming approach to storytelling this season would be the sudden emergence and then disappearance of Zava (Maximilian Osinkski). This larger-than-life character was introduced in episode 2, scored some goals for Afc Richmond, delivered a few comedically pompous quips, then in episode 5 announced his retirement from the sport of soccer. Leaving this viewer wondering why he was added to the show in the first place. 

Perhaps Zava will return in a later episode (maybe in West Ham colors?), but for now, he’s a character that added very little to the show. His inclusion ultimately felt like filler. And it’s not just new characters that are getting the short end of the stick either. Club owners Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) and PR guru Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) also seem to be spinning their wheels. 

It’s particularly disappointing that Ted Lasso's two prominent female characters are the biggest victim of the show’s increasingly weak writing. But right now, Rebecca and Keeley are having a little impact when it comes to driving the show forward, and on too many occasions are shoved to the side to accommodate another repetitive Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) bromance beat.      

Episodes are far too long 

Curiously, Ted Lasso season 3 has transitioned the show away from its previous 35-minute episodes to jumbo-sized episodes that can run more than an hour in length. Series co-creator Brendan Hunt told TheWrap that this change “wasn’t that conscious of a decision” but perhaps it's something the show’s creative team should have thought twice about.

Ted Lasso worked extremely well as a 30-minute comedy show in its first two seasons. Episodes were generally zippy, packed with jokes and would move the main plotlines along at a solid pace. In season 3, episodes stretch on for far too long with storylines regularly dragged out. The longer runtimes have only further added to the overall aimless feel of the show right now. 

Did we need multiple scenes of the Richmond squad trying to decide whether to go to a party or a sex show in episode 7? And what of the yawn-inducing plotline in episode 5 where Keeley discovers a disgruntled former employee has left a stinky sheep in the conference room of her PR company? These storylines could have been tackled in single scenes but instead were drawn out beyond breaking point. I can’t help but feel a more ruthless edit would have greatly improved the overall pacing of the season. 

There is a very good reason that the vast majority of sitcoms have shorter episodes than prestige dramas, and Ted Lasso season 3 seems to have forgotten that. Hunt also noted that “Apple didn’t seem to mind if they were longer than expected” and I can’t help but wonder if the longer episodes aren’t a sign of a little too much self-indulgence from the writers. Sometimes a tighter leash is needed to keep a show on track.  

I’m sick of Ted always being right

Is it just me or is the character of Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) becoming slightly insufferable this season? He’s still plenty charismatic, his optimism is inspiring, and I love that his personal struggles and anxieties are still being explored. But just once I'd like his "take the high road" approach to be presented as flawed. 

Case in point, in episode 3, Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) and Roy want to show the team footage of Nate (Nick Mohammed) ripping up the iconic “Believe” sign to fire up the Richmond players ahead of their match against West Ham. But Ted disagrees with this plan. 

Nevertheless, at halftime, and without Ted’s permission, the duo shows the squad the footage and the whole squad is outraged. They emerge for the second half and their anger boils over. They receive multiple red cards and suffer a heavy defeat. Congratulations Ted, you were right, yet again! 

There have been cases like this throughout the show’s run, where Ted has refused to follow advice or change up his approach to a situation, and it pretty much always pans out that he was correct to ignore what those around him suggested. 

It would have been extremely refreshing if Ted’s approach had been shown to be incorrect on this occasion. Perhaps viewing the footage could have increased the team’s determination rather than just turning them all into hot-heads. This would have made it clear that Ted is not totally infallible, and sometimes he needs to listen to those around him.  

In the end of season 3's latest episode, we saw the team right one of Ted’s comical wrongs. Roy Kent knew that pushing Total Football this quickly was wrong, and Ted should be thanking Jamie for doing the real coaching work for him.

Outlook: Can we get some more focus on the game?

This fourth issue may be rather personal to me specifically as a soccer (football!) loving Brit, but I want to see more on-the-pitch action in Ted Lasso season 3. 

Obviously, I understand that Ted Lasso is not a sports documentary. If I want one of those, I can rewatch Sunderland ‘Til I Die on Netflix. Nevertheless, the on-the-pitch events have felt pretty irrelevant this season, and that's a shame. 

I’m not expecting an episode where we watch AFC Richmond play a full match, but I want more scenes on the training pitch showing the squad working on tactics, and to be kept up to date with the team’s progress in the Premier League as they seek to “win the whole f**king thing.” The good news on this front is that the latest episode, The Strings That Bind Us, focused significantly more on this aspect as Roy got ... creative in his attempts to teach the Richmond players Total Football tactics. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that episode 7 is a sign of things to come. Perhaps as we build towards the season (and maybe series?) finale, there will be a larger focus on the drama on the pitch.

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I still 'believe' in Ted Lasso season 3, even if it seems like I'm one of the few I know who still do. Judging by some folks' opinions I've heard, Ted Lasso's final season should have come out on Netflix instead of Apple TV Plus. 

Unlike Apple, the big red streaming machine is comfortable doling out whole seasons at once (though it's splitting The Witcher season 3 in half, as it did with Stranger Things and Ozark). That could have helped with some claims I've heard that this season's been plain bad — or a bit too slow for some.

And while I don't agree with them completely, I sit somewhere in the middle of the conversation. I like that the season releases weekly, as each episode's (mostly) told a good little story that ties into the larger season at AFC Richmond. I'll admit, though, I'm still sometimes shaking my head. Just like the pub-goers who are frustrated with the Greyhounds at present day.

So, to try and figure out what works and what doesn't with Ted Lasso season 3, here are the three things I love about the the new season and two I'm still not convinced about.

The best parts of Ted Lasso season 3

Ted's story of actually-coaching soccer is overdue and perfectly done

The weird thing about Ted Lasso's first two seasons was that AFC Richmond was able to finally excel out of relegation despite having a coach who doesn't really ... coach. Sure, they had help from Nate's tactics, and his 'false 9' formation, but it was always weird that this show could continue with a coach that doesn't know the game.

There's a message in there that the game doesn't matter, and it's one that they're finally throwing away.

I've been delighted to see Ted (Jason Sudeikis) take up some interest in the strategies of the beautiful game. Early on this season, he was trying to read the history of it all with Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics, though that didn't last. Then, in episode 6 ("Sunflowers," the memorable Amsterdam trip), Ted managed to dream up the famed Total Football strategy. 

And while it could feel like a cheap out for that stratagem to fall into the team's lap, it wasn't that easy. In episode 7 (the comically-named "The Strings That Bind Us,") Total Football didn't work within the Richmond ranks until the team figured out how to play it differently than was explained to them — and in a way that fits thematically with the series. 

Speaking of which:

Jamie Tartt and Roy Kent's bromance is a delight

As was teased by Keeley (Juno Temple) talking to her friend Shandy (Ambreen Razia), today's Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) isn't the selfish weirdo we first met. Season 2 saw (some) his ego broken down, and the humiliation he suffered at the hands of his father in the locker room in front of his team was a true low point. 

Since then, Jamie's slowly risen in every way possible, especially as he's growing into an actual leader of Richmond. Being a star player is one thing, but actually making the team more cohesive is another. 

Similarly, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein)'s breakup with Keeley has been used well to slowly unravel his tightly-wound persona. Now, he's giving quiet somber monologues about fear and being humble enough to let Jamie teach him how to ride a bicycle. 

And their burgeoning friendship has been pure fun to see, even when it's just about Jamie explaining to Roy why he sleeps in just a tee-shirt and nothing else. Sidenote: I'm convinced Ted would say Jamie dresses "Winnie The Pooh style" if he ever saw it.

The Nate Shelley redemption project is a perfectly bumpy road

After Nathan "Nate" Shelley (Nick Mohammed) revealed Ted's anxiety attacks to the press, and joined up with Rebecca's ex-husband Rupert (Anthony Head) at West Ham, the "Wonder Kid" rocketed to the top of both the Premier League and the list of the most villainous TV betrayals of all time.

Now, with that heel turn in the recent past, it's been clear that Nate's path forward may end at redemption. Fittingly, Nate's got a bumpy road to travel. He's slowly beginning to see how Rupert is a bastard, both with his adultery and how he makes Nate call him "Mr. Mannion" — unless they're in public where his image is on the line. Additionally, Nate's utter discomfort when encountering Ted in the elevator felt like a perfect way for the character to serve some penance. 

Throughout the season, we've gotten to learn why Nate isn't actually a villain. For one, he was not really into Anastasia (Elee Nova), the model who Rupert set him up with. When faced to choose between her and the modest Greek restaurant he loves, he chose the restaurant. Then he realized he had to choose Jade (Edyta Budnik), the hostess at said restaurant, who always bristled when Nate acted the way he thought the world wanted him to act.

Once Nate just started acting like himself, smiles formed here and there. Then, in a warm sub-plot from the most recent episode, Nate finally started to learn about dating — as his mother Maria (Neelam Bakshi) told him about how she and his father went from cold to warm when they first got together. But much like how Total Football had to have a bump in the road, Nate fell in the street (breaking his gift for Maria) before he asked her out, and went through the "have I been stood up?" moment at said date. That's how you get people to root for someone they booed, show them falling and in pain.

The worst parts of Ted Lasso season 3

Rebecca's story feels utterly hollow

One of the biggest flaws of the season can be best summarized by how the "good stuff" is nearly-entirely about the men of the show. Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) is basically living a life of small coincidences seemingly tied to her maternal clock. 

Meeting with Tish, the psychic her mother practically forced on her, Rebecca collected a series of call-backs from that conversation. Tish "saw" a green matchbook, heard the phrase "sh*te in knining armor" and spoke of Rebecca being upside down, drenched and safe.

So far, we've seen these phrases play out. Sam gave her a green matchbook at his restaurant's opening, her now-ex John Wingsnight once called himself a "sh*te in knining armor" and the last bit describes her night with the unnamed man in Amsterdam.

Tish gave Rebecca these little before saying that the Richmond owner would be a mother, something she's concerned with given her age. Outside of this barely-a-story, Rebecca's season has been about wanting revenge against Rupert and trying to let Ted be Ted. 

Right now, it feels like the Ted Lasso writer's room has some way to pull Rebecca's story together with string, but even if Waddingham nails the landing on her part, I'm worried it will still feel threadbare.

Zavamania fizzled faster than it started

I'm trying to avoid judging Ted Lasso season 3 by its first seven (of 12) episodes, but the entire Zava storyline feels more like padding than ever at the moment. The mononym'd megastar athlete played by Maximilian Osinski still feels like a creation to help pass the time.

Sure, he gave Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernández) opportunities to say silly things. Yes, his existence gave Jamie Tartt reason to push himself harder. And, right, he helped Richmond win. But those things could have happened in any other number of ways that felt more natural. 

The only way to save Zava would be if the guy somehow signed to West Ham for a climactic match against Richmond where the Greyhounds' Total Football was enough to stop him.

Outlook: I'm optimistic for Ted Lasso's final five

If I didn't bring up a character or story you have a problem with, let me know in the comments below or on Twitter, I'm @henrytcasey. But, for now, I think I trust the Ted Lasso team to land the plane well.

There's stuff I love I haven't explained here, such as how the other Richmond teammates feel more like the zany cast of The Muppet Show. How the Colin (Billy Harris) and Trent Crimm (James Lance) storyline has played out wholesomely, and teases a great moment for the former. 

I don't need AFC Richmond to win the Premier League, I just need this season and show (this definitely feels like the end) to end now.

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So much for inspiration through anger. You can watch Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5 right now to see the aftermath of AFC Richmond sabotaging its own aspirations, falling 4-1 to West Ham after being down 2-0 at the half. 

Last time, the coaches — without telling Ted (Jason Sudeikis) — showed the team the footage of Nate (Nick Mohammed) ripping up the "BELIEVE" sign last season. And while it was done with the intent to motivate, the Greyhounds hit the field to attack and hurt Nate and Rupert's West Ham team. New star Zava (Maximilian Osinski) looked incredibly confused by it all. As you'll see below, this week's all about trying to pick up the pieces.

Off the field, we've learned that Rupert (Anthony Head) is cheating on his new wife Bex (Keeley Hazell) — which both Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and Nate know about. Rupert also set Nate up with Anastasia (Elee Nova), whom he introduced as a fan of Nate's. Nate's reaction suggested that she's a celebrity. Oh, and Ted told his ex-wife Michelle (Andrea Anders) that he was upset about how he learned of her current involvement with their former marriage counselor.

As for what's happening in the Premier League this week? Apple's official description for Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5, titled "Signs," reads: With their season in a tailspin, Richmond try to right the ship against mighty Manchester City. Off the pitch, everyone faces their own setbacks.

And that's what we'd expect — save for the setbacks. This will be the first episode that I hadn't seen when I wrote our Ted Lasso season 3 review, where I raved about how the new season is still worthy of being called one of the best Apple TV Plus shows. 

So, re-watch the season trailer below, and scroll down to learn everything you need to know about watching Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5 online on Apple TV Plus!

How to watch Ted Lasso in the U.S. and possibly for free

We're assuming Ted Lasso fans may have already signed up for Apple TV Plus, and probably can't use the Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial. 

But if you're on a Roku device, you should be able to get three free months of Apple TV Plus. Existing and new Roku owners can get this offer, just add Apple TV on your Roku to get the deal (you may need to set up a new account to avoid doubling up on your current Apple ID).

Ted Lasso season 3 episode schedule

There are 12 episodes in Ted Lasso season 3, and Apple TV Plus has said it will release one per week on Wednesdays. Here's the schedule:

• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1: March 15
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2: March 22
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3: March 29
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4: April 5
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5: April 12
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 6: April 19
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 7: April 26
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 8: May 3
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9: May 10
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 10: May 17
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 11: May 24
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 12: May 31

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — such as in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

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Everybody’s favorite soccer coach is currently basking in the spotlight over on Apple TV Plus right now. And that’s understandable, Ted Lasso is the show that put the streaming service on the map, and its third season has got off to a pretty excellent start (although some viewers aren't impressed). And yet, I can’t help but feel there’s a show on Apple TV Plus right now that is equally deserving of attention: The Big Door Prize. 

This dramedy blends together smart humor with more serious topics like growing older and struggling with a sense of unfulfillment. Okay, so those are far from the most original themes for a streaming show, but The Big Door Prize gets a lot of mileage from a pretty familiar formula. And it’s series like this that keeps Apple TV Plus in the conversation when it comes to discussing the best streaming services.  

What is The Big Door Prize about?  

Based on the novel of the same name by author M.O. Wash, The Big Door Prize opens with high school teacher Dusty Hubbard (Chris O’Dowd) celebrating his 40th birthday with his loving wife and snarky teenage daughter. He’s a man with a simple but fulfilling life, until that harmony is upended by the mysterious appearance of a strange machine at his local grocery store. 

This blue machine with Morpho written across it doesn’t dispense candy; rather it’s able to predict the maximum potential of anybody who uses it. Soon the citizens of the small town of Deerfield are making massive life decisions based on what the Morpho machine has told them, and Dusty becomes obsessed with it. However, skeptical of its legitimacy, he refuses to get a life potential reading of his own, at least at first. 

Eagle-eyed observers might notice that each episode of The Big Door Prize is named after a character in the show (episode 1 is called Dusty, episode 2 is called Cass etc.). That’s because in each episode, a different member of the cast takes center stage. This helps to explore the impact of the Morpho machine from a variety of perspectives. Sure, it might sound like a gimmick but it’s a very smart way of telling this particular story.      

What do critics say about The Big Door Prize? 

Apple TV Plus has rapidly earned itself a reputation for producing critically acclaimed shows including the likes of Severance, For All Mankind and, of course, Ted Lasso. The Big Door Prize is another to add to this list as this show has been a treat with critics. 

Over on the review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, The Big Door Prize has scored an impressive 94% from 31 reviews, which is enough to earn it the coveted Certified Fresh seal of approval. Its audience score is similarly high at 93%, showing that viewers are just as receptive to this one as critics — which isn’t always the case like with The Night Agent on Netflix.   

Craig Mathieson of Australian publication The Age was impressed with Chris O’Dowd’s performance, saying “O’Dowd, who has come a long way from The IT Crowd, is a terrific emotional weathervane, with Dusty buffeted as his own certainties disappear."

Another positive write-up came from Amber Dowling of Variety: “It takes a beat to get into the unique tone of the series, and to accept the magical realism that stops by now and again. But by the end you do care about what happens to these people.” Robert Lloyd of The Los Angeles Times was similarly taken with the series, writing “The Big Door Prize is easy to like and even embrace.”

Of course, not every critic was quite so enthusiastic about the low-stakes show. Nandini Baliai of RogerEbert.com was particularly scathing, saying that The Big Door Prize “attempts to marry drama and comedy and fails at both, all while featuring Pinterest-perfect production design and writing that smarts of the Hallmark Channel.” But this more negative review is something of an outlier. 

Why you should watch The Big Door Prize on Apple TV Plus 

If you’re looking for something to watch that goes down easy, then The Big Door Prize is an obvious choice. But it would be a mistake to dismiss this show as simple. It’s got plenty to say about human nature and what it really means to “live your best life.” 

It’s a smart and thoughtful comedy with just the right amount of drama to keep you interested between episodes. Plus, there are currently four episodes available — new ones dropping weekly — so right now you’ve got a small stack to binge-watch if you’re just discovering the series. 

In fact, The Big Door Prize actually pairs nicely with Ted Lasso. They’re the type of shows that could imagine being part of the same evening lineup back in the days when network television was king. 

So, if you’re an Apple TV Plus subscriber and you’re looking for something new to watch that doesn’t star an eternally optimistic soccer coach, The Big Door Prize should do nicely. And be sure to watch Shrinking as well, it’s another Apple TV Plus winner. 

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Who ordered a bittersweet reunion? When we watch Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4, we know we're going to see Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and the guy he used to call "Nate the great" reunite. And we're guessing it won't feel so great. 

The good news, though, is that it seems that Apple TV Plus knows exactly how it should release this episode (at least for us in the U.S.). We say that because, if you haven't noticed, Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3 (and those before it) dropped earlier than we anticipated.

As for what's actually happening in Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4, Richmond's on a roll thanks to Zava, who can't help but insult most people he talks to. But the big news is that the Richmond vs West Ham game that many have awaited and Rebecca's probably worried about is here. Such is life in the Premier League.

There's also the matter of Colin (Billy Harris), the Richmond left-back who audiences learned is closeted and in a relationship. On top of that, independent journalist Trent Crimm knows this secret. 

We at Tom's Guide have already watched the first four episodes, so check out our spoiler-free Ted Lasso season 3 review to see what we think. Oh, and if you're confused about all these release times? Our Ted Lasso season 3 episode schedule has you covered.

So, re-watch the season trailer below, and scroll down to learn everything you need to know about watching Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4 online!

How to watch Ted Lasso in the U.S. and possibly for free

We're assuming Ted Lasso fans may have already signed up for Apple TV Plus, and probably can't use the Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial. 

But if you're on a Roku device, you should be able to get three free months of Apple TV Plus. Existing and new Roku owners can get this offer, just add Apple TV on your Roku to get the deal (you may need to set up a new account to avoid doubling up on your current Apple ID).

Ted Lasso season 3 episodes schedule

There are 12 episodes in Ted Lasso season 3, and Apple TV Plus will release one per week on Wednesdays. Here's the schedule:

• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1: March 15
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2: March 22
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3: March 29
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4: April 5
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5: April 12
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 6: April 19
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 7: April 26
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 8: May 3
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9: May 10
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 10: May 17
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 11: May 24
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 12: May 31

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get a Paramount Plus free trial for 30 days
• 5 new to Hulu movies you should watch this month
• How to watch the John Wick movies in order online

It seems as if fewer people 'believe' than before when it comes to Ted Lasso season 3. The third, and likely final, season of Apple TV Plus big sports comedy/drama series (which just aired episode 3) is finding itself in an odd moment.

For starters, its Rotten Tomatoes scores show some fluctuation in the wrong directions. Most glaringly, Ted Lasso's audience score dropped for the second season in a row, with 95% for season 1, 84% for season 2 and 75% for season 3. Its critics score may be a strong 92%, but that's also a dip down from last year's 98%.

The more I look around — and the more people I talk to — the more I realize that many aren't enjoying this season as much as my Ted Lasso season 3 review shows I did. Here's why.

1. It's been a slow starter

As much as I love the meta-game of watching show-runners move characters around the proverbial board when it comes to season premieres, I understand that others may not. So, when Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1 didn't have a single game of soccer, those who want to see forward progression in AFC Richmond's time in the Premier League may have felt slighted.

While the first episode gave us interesting moments with Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and the rest of the team — and seeing Nate (Nick Mohammed)  under Rupert's (Anthony Head) thumb — only truly gave us one big moment: Roy and Keeley breaking up.

Then, in episode 2, we had one game, and not only it was a draw — it wasn't the most important part of the episode. Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 was more about new characters fans may not care about — Shandy Fine (Ambreen Razia) is charming, but Zava (Maximilian Osinski) is not going to be everyone's cup of tea — with the courtship of the latter taking up a lot of oxygen.

Sure, it gave Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) a big monologue and the whole episode was about her history with Rupert, but many could have wanted more. But many people I've talked to speak of the first episode of this long awaited season — which was expected last summer, and was besieged by delays — just found the first two episodes to be lacking.

2. Times have changed

This is one argument I don't really agree with at all, but for the sake of explaining the consistent "huh?" I've seen about this new season, I'll go through it. At The New York Post, entertainment critic Johnny Oleksinski argues that now that we're out of the lockdown years, "Care Bear Ted has overstayed his welcome," and that "Audiences are no longer looking to be coddled."

He elaborates, saying that Ted's "non-stop goodness is flippin’ exhausting, and no longer required." And soon harped on hating Ted's response to Nate's mockery, writing "That was the fill-in-the-blank moment of every episode that’s meant to make us cry tears of affirmation. However, I didn’t weep this time — I winced. This constant sweetness has gone from necessary to nauseating."

Oleksinski argues that "Ted isn’t a character anymore so much as a flat embodiment of the askew motivational 'Believe' poster he hangs in the locker room." And he goes onto write that TV has changed since Ted Lasso's arrival — with the darker The Last of Us, Fleishman Is In Trouble and Succession all angling for less positivity.

If I had to counter this take, I'd say that the closer you look at Ted Lasso, and see Ted's ennui in the season three premiere's opening, the less optimistic the show really is. Everyone's anxiety — including that of Rebecca and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) is keeping things tense. But, yes, Ted may be too much now for some.

3. The myth doesn't match the man

Then there's the cognitive dissonance with Ted Lasso the character vs Jason Sudeikis the person. While we're all adult enough to know what acting is, Sudeikis' public presence has been a charm offensive for as long as I can remember.

But, then, the details of his split with Olivia Wilde were made public, and as Vox's Constance Grady points out, it "changed the way watching Ted Lasso feels." Specifically, the fact that the man who plays lovable Ted Lasso was the one who sent child custody papers to Wilde — that were given to her on stage at CinemaCon 2022 — is a detail that is hard to forget. 

Of course, Ted Lasso's revealed its protagonist is more than his sunny disposition, as I've said above. And while I can see Ted as a character — this isn't pro wrestling, I don't believe it's real — the fact that Ted's still going through a divorce will only remind some audiences of the real-life split we know about.

Outlook: Did the Ted Lasso wait hurt?

All of the above show that Ted Lasso's season 3 delays may have hurt it in the near run. Of course, as the third season continues, and the drama of Richmond's quest for success will likely ramp up in the near future.

Let us know in the comments below if you disagree with the general consensus that this season is a downgrade. Because I certainly believe this year is better than last — and I still think it's one of the best Apple TV Plus shows.

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Oh, Apple, we 'BELIEVE' in you! You can now watch Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3, as it just dropped 'early.' Just like ho Apple TV Plus released Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 earlier than you might have anticipated, and at just the right time if you ask us.

As for this week's edition of Richmond Goes To the Premier League, though, we have two new chess pieces in play, and one character having taken a new job. The latter, of course, is Trent Crimm (James Lance), who's talked his way into the Richmond locker room to write a book about the Greyhounds. 

Crimm's entrance into the fold allowed for moments with Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and helped create an environment where the team coach could get more vulnerable as he continues to slowly open up about his breakup with Keeley (Juno Temple). My Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 recap explained it all.

The biggest new character introduced, though, is the mononymous Zava (Maximilian Osinski) who just left Juventus and almost signed with Chelsea, and then with Richmond rival West Ham. Yes, Rupert (Anthony Head) practically talked this egotistical athlete — who is believed to be a trophy-generating machine that leaves chaos in his wake — into signing for his newly acquired team. But one big speech from Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) was all it took.

Lastly, Keeley ran into old friend Shandy Fine (Ambreen Razia) at a commercial shoot, and wound up offering her a job at KJPR. 

We at Tom's Guide have already watched the first four episodes, so check out our spoiler-free Ted Lasso season 3 review to see what we think. The show has definitely has earned its spot in our guide for what to watch in March 2023. Oh, and if you're confused about all these release times? Our Ted Lasso season 3 episode schedule has you covered.

So, re-watch the season trailer below, and scroll down to learn everything you need to know about watching Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3 online!

How to watch Ted Lasso in the U.S. and possibly for free

We're assuming Ted Lasso fans may have already signed up for Apple TV Plus, and probably can't use the Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial. 

But if you're on a Roku, you should be able to get three free months of Apple TV Plus. Existing and new Roku owners can get this offer, just add Apple TV on your Roku to get the deal (you may need to set up a new account to avoid doubling up on your current Apple ID).

Ted Lasso season 3 episodes schedule

There are 12 episodes in Ted Lasso season 3, and Apple TV Plus will release one per week on Wednesdays. Here's the schedule:

• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1: March 15
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2: March 22
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3: March 29
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4: April 5
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5: April 12
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 6: April 19
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 7: April 26
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 8: May 3
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9: May 10
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 10: May 17
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 11: May 24
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 12: May 31

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get a Paramount Plus free trial for 30 days
• 5 new to Hulu movies you should watch this month
• How to watch the John Wick movies in order online

Once you've learned what a "sour yell" sounds like, our Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 recap will make more sense. But don't expect any run of the mill play-by-play below. Yes, we're going to break down all of the events of the episode that just dropped on Apple TV Plus. Don't worry about that.

Instead of a top-to-bottom recap, we're focusing on the five biggest themes and stories of the week. And it's a big one. Not only does the Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley (Juno Temple) breakup from last week continue to ripple around Richmond, but Ted (Jason Sudeikis) is actually trying to learn about soccer strategy. 

Re-live the entire episode below — once you get past this mighty spoiler warning, that is!

1. Ted Lasso season 3 is all about new jobs

Keeley and her CFO Barbara (Katie Wix) begin the episode reminding us that KJPR is no Richmond. As much as Keeley wants to make the office fun, this team is much dryer. Also, Barbara sets up a predictable situation: Keeley shouldn't let the commercial go over on time because that's money out of their pocket. Later, Keeley asks for Ted's advice about how to get their group to work together, and he pitches an outside-the-office activity. 

Later, on the job, Keeley runs into Shandy (Ambreen Razia) an old friend, who praises her for "making it out" of the sports player WAG (wives and girlfriends) circle she was in, and offers some advice about how to get their shoot done right. This leads Keeley to hire her as a consultant for affiliate management and client relationships. Barbara, though, is not exactly happy about this, and throws cold water on the idea, barely mincing words with her reaction. Barbara, we learn, has been sent to work at many companies and loves snow globes, and Keeley manages to talk her into being more open-minded about Shandy.

Then, we jump over to Richmond, as Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is hosting Trent Crimm (James Lance) in her office, with Higgins (Jeremy Swift) and Keeley also there. He wants to write a book about the team, and while those three don't want him to — Rebecca gives the decision over to Ted. 

And Ted being Ted, he invites chaos into his locker room by telling Trent he's up for the idea. Later in the episode, we see Roy isn't happy with this at all, and demands that the entire team give Crimm the cold shoulder, with the threat of a head-butt for those who talk to Trent. Ted, trying to diffuse this, puts Trent in Roy's office. Roy isn't exactly a caring coworker, though, and later tells Crimm to "f*** off."

And then the third piece of Job Week falls into place as Higgins learns that superstar footballer Zava (Maximilian Osinski) is leaving Juventus. After a brief disagreement about the U.K. and U.S. versions of The Office, we learn that Higgins and Keeley want to sign him for his talent and social media clout. He's played for 14 teams in 15 years, and according to Higgins, he always leaves "behind nothing but chaos and trophies, beautiful, shiny trophies." 

In short: Ted Lasso season 3 may feel a bit rushed as we see a musical chair of jobs going on, but it's clear that showrunner Bill Lawrence & Co. have a chess board they're setting up.

2. Rebecca is possibly too revenge-driven this year

As the first episode suggested, Rebecca's emotions this season are all about wanting the worst for her ex Rupert (Anthony Head) and his West Ham team. Now that they both own teams in the Premier League, it's apparently not big enough for the both of them.

And it doesn't seem to matter if Richmond may get caught in the crossfire, as Rebecca went from being against the Zava signing to singing "Zava-dabba-doo!" once she learned that Rupert wants him. Trent Crimm spells all of that out, which renders Rebecca speechless for a moment, and she actually owns her decision. 

Meanwhile, Rebecca's dealing with her mother's continuing eccentricities, including an offer to meet with her favorite psychic. In a monologue later in the episode, Rebecca reveals how a young Rupert made her feel special and chosen. 

After an interaction with Rupert, where she congratulates him on West Ham's win over Leicester — and he praised Nate while indirectly burying Ted — Rebecca deals with Zava in person. And after Zava acts like a totally arrogant child to her, saying meeting him was "an honor" for her, Rupert stuck the knife in deeply on Rebecca saying that he bought West Ham after Richmond because he gets tired of the "same old, same old." And while that temporarily hurt her, it only served to raise her ire and motivation: Rebecca delivers a powerful monologue to Zava — as he was at the urinal — about how he's a "chickens**t," and not as good as he is supposed to be. 

In short: Rebecca's focus isn't on winning a championship, but upsetting Rupert. 

3. Roy and Keeley's breakup may have been about fear

After Richmond player Isaac (Kola Bokinni) tells Keeley he wants a shoes deal, she runs into Jamie (Phil Dunster), who's stammering over himself as he talks to her, and becomes very shy as Roy walks up. 

Isaac, in a moment that could be called back to later, outs himself to Jamie as a body language expert. By observing the lack of eye contact and crossed arms, Isaac figures that they're broken up. Jamie then looks on as the recently-broken-up couple walk away. And while it looks like he's going after Keeley, he doesn't.

Jamie walks into the darkened office that Roy was taking a moment of alone time in, where he asks if they broke up — claiming he used "body science" to deduce it. After trying to show empathy and assuming Keeley broke up with Roy, Jamie expresses the same question we all did: why did Roy dump Keeley? 

And Roy refuses to let him know. Instead, he asks if Jamie was trying to see if it would be OK for him to ask her out. Jamie does not deny this at all, but he tries to hug Roy, who is too ... much of himself to know what a male friend trying to hug you looks like — and shoves him away. 

Roy then demands Jamie keep this secret, and Jamie demands that kit boy William (Charlie Hiscock) — who was in the room with them — keep the secret as well. Will promises secrecy after mentioning he had a breakup, too. 

Neither of them broke the news to the team, but once the gossip (likely from Isaac) spreads, Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) yelps and Ted faints. Ted's even breaking out his breakup playlist. And the Ted Lasso writers, always loving a repeated joke, have everyone in the locker room freak over the news that Roy broke things off — and wasn't the one who got dumped. 

Even Bruce, Roy's favorite member of the Chelsea security team, doesn't understand why he would break up with her. Though as Roy does get a bit of adoration from his former home-club fans, he doesn't seem to actually enjoy it, or is hurting through it. As that's happening, without saying a thing, Rebecca comforts Keeley.

But at the end of the episode, Roy delivers a monologue that we can try and scrape out some understanding of his current state of mind. At his final season at Chelsea, he didn't play well, thought he couldn't keep up and that he wasn't good enough. So he left. It's a speech that's clearly about his decision to leave Keeley, where Roy implies he didn't think he was going to be doing enough for her. To break up before she breaks up with him. And he says that the day taught him that he should have stayed with Chelsea and enjoyed himself. He ends saying "but that's not who I am, I guess." To which Ted says, "not yet."

In short: There's still some hope for Roy and Keeley.

4. Ted's taking football seriously — and team chemistry just as importantly

Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) walks in on Ted reading his copy of Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics, which we first saw Beard reading on their plane ride to England in season 1. Oh, and he even said "football" instead of "soccer" without trying. 

Chelsea score first and early, which sends Richmond to the locker room — where Ted pushes Roy to stop beefing with Trent Crimm. And after Ted gives a touching explainer about Hallmark Christmas movies, Roy actually does it. Well, after shouting "Crimm!" and summoning the journalist to the showers, Roy explains his long-standing one-sided feud was all about Crimm's harsh words about a rookie Roy Kent that stung so hard hat Roy carried them in his wallet since he was 17 years old. Both admit they've been too gruff, and then forgiveness is given. Roy even tears up the news scrap he'd saved. 

The team then coalesces around a new strategy, which led to a 1-1 draw — thanks to Dani Rojas' (Cristo Fernández) face scoring a goal — practically a win for the team.

In short: Richmond will need more than ties, but Ted's focus on the cohesion continues to be a force for good. Speaking of which...

5. Richmond's newest problem wears sunglasses indoors

The quest to sign Zava is a sprint of a "Will he or won't he?" situation, as time is of the essence this season. Even though Zava rejects the idea of signing with West Ham, this only makes Rebecca more sure that it will be done: rejection only makes Rupert pursue something more passionately.

Zava, a smug dude in a fur-lined suede coat, who got viral fame as The Veggie Dog Vigilante, is the kind of guy who is never seen without his sunglasses on during this episode. He also is the talk of the town, as he makes everyone in Richmond's locker room squeal and yelp — and sends Higgins into fanboy behavior, snapping photos. 

Richmond's season-opener is a moment for celebration for the fans at the pub, who dress in their finest. Over at Chelsea's stadium, though, Higgins believes that Zava's signing to the team, and the star makes an appearance. Then, we learn two things: Jamie Tartt doesn't care about Zava, and Dani Rojas played in El Chapo's youth soccer league.

And at the last second, Zava declines to play for Chelsea, and chooses Richmond instead. And he did it at a Chelsea press conference about his signing, angering Rupert, and leaving Richmond's management and fans celebrating. Except for Jamie, who's shaking his head. 

In short: Zava seems like a short-term gain that will boost the team — and help propel them to big possibilities late in the season — and that also will lead to other problems.

Outlook: Ted Lasso season 3 did a whole lot in 46 minutes

I absolutely love Ted Lasso season 3 so far (I've also seen episodes 3 and 4), but upon rewatch, Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 almost felt hurried. To introduce and sign Zava to Richmond in one episode, and have Trent Crimm and Keeley's friend Shandy also get new gigs, you almost can see the seams of the series.

That said, when Ted Lasso hits the touching moments of Roy's speech at the end, I find it tough to argue that Bill Lawrence & Co. don't know what they're doing. We look forward to Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3.

Oops, Apple did it again: you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 right now. Yes, if you were wondering if Apple TV Plus would do "it" again — they did. And by "it," I mean "release a Ted Lasso episode early, on a Tuesday night," which they very well should.

But as for this week's episode, we begin with plenty of questions. And they start with "Jake, Jake who?" 

At the very end of last week's episode, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) learned that his wife Michelle (Andrea Anders) seems to have a new guy in her life, or at least a new friend who's willing to spend the cash to get Ted and Michelle's son Henry (Gus Turner) a version of Thanos' Infinity Gauntlet that lights up. Some conspiracy theorists think this is a veiled reference to Harry Styles (who appeared in the post-credits scene of Marvel's Eternals) and to whom Sudeikis' ex Olivia Wilde has been connected to.

The actual Ted Lasso relationship drama of the premiere, though, saw Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley (Juno Temple) tell young Phoebe (Elodie Blomfield) — and us — that they're breaking up. Making matters more complicated, the couple failed to actually give a legitimate reason for their breakup. Roy claimed it's about them both being too busy, but even Phoebe could tell that's not exactly the truth.

Elsewhere, Richmond became the joke of the town, as every outlet claimed they're going to finish in 20th place in the Premier League this season. And then Ted tried to make things better, with a very corny and metaphorically-sound road trip to the London sewer system. 

But when visual evidence of that made it to the press, everyone kept laughing at Richmond, including turncoat Nate (Nick Mohammed), who roasted Lasso and his former team to the press. Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) took these jabs very personally and is pushing Ted to take things seriously. 

We at Tom's Guide have already watched the first four episodes, so check out our spoiler-free Ted Lasso season 3 review to see what we think. The show has definitely has earned its spot in our guide for what to watch in March 2023. Plus, view the trailer and learn everything you need to know about watching Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 online!

Oh, and if you're confused about all these release times? Our Ted Lasso season 3 episode schedule has you covered — and will have you ready for Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3.

How to watch Ted Lasso in the U.S. and possibly for free

We're assuming Ted Lasso fans may have already signed up for Apple TV Plus, and probably can't use the Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial. 

But if you're on a Roku, you should be able to get three free months of Apple TV Plus. Existing and new Roku owners can get this offer, just add Apple TV on your Roku to get the deal (you may need to set up a new account to avoid doubling up on your current Apple ID).

Ted Lasso season 3 episodes schedule

There are 12 episodes in Ted Lasso season 3, and Apple TV Plus will release one per week on Wednesdays. Here's the schedule:

• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1: March 15
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2: March 22
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3: March 29
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4: April 5
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5: April 12
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 6: April 19
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 7: April 26
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 8: May 3
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9: May 10
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 10: May 17
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 11: May 24
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 12: May 31

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get a Paramount Plus free trial for 30 days
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Like many people, I was delighted to see the return of Ted Lasso on Apple TV Plus this week. And while I greatly enjoyed the premier episode, it left me with an overpowering sense that Ted Lasso season 3 needs to be the last one.  

Whether or not this is the final season of Ted Lasso appears to be somewhat up in the air right now. Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent and has written multiple episodes, has already reiterated that the show “was planned as three” seasons, and the same sentiment has been echoed by showrunner Bill Lawrence.

And yet, to date, Apple has not come out and given us concrete confirmation that we’ve just started Ted Lasso’s final ride. Of course, it's only natural that a streamer would want to hold onto one of its biggest hits for as long as possible. After all, popular shows keep subscriber numbers healthy. But I'm hoping Apple will make the bold call to say goodbye to Ted in just a few weeks' time. 

Even after just a single episode, it's hard to ignore the evidence that Ted Lasso season 3 is positioning itself as an end — and I firmly believe that’s the right play. 

Ted Lasso is reaching a natural end

As we enter season 3, Ted Lasso is presenting itself very much as a TV show that is building towards a final conclusion.

The eternally optimistic coach is not the same man who arrived in England back in season one. He’s now won over most of his critics, and has earned the respect of the AFC Richmond squad, as well as club owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham). 

Rather than Ted’s arc in this third season being a fish out of water story, it appears that over these 12 episodes, Ted will grapple with one of life’s biggest questions: Where do I belong? And regardless of whether he ultimately decides to stay in England, or move back to Kansas to be nearer his son, once this arc is concluded, it’s hard to see exactly what stories would be left to tell with this lovable character that wouldn’t just see him spinning his wheels.  

The same is true of the show’s other key character, Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed). After transferring to the dark side at the tail end of season 2, he’s now the head coach of West Ham United under the thumb of Ruper Mannion (Anthony Head). 

Considering the type of show Ted Lasso is, it seems highly likely that at some point this season Nathan will find his redemption and make amends with Ted and the AFC Richmond team. And, just like Ted, at that point, Nathan’s arc will have been brought to a (hopefully satisfying) conclusion. 

The progression of AFC Richmond as a collective also seems to be reaching a natural endpoint. Relegated from the English top-flight in season one, and promoted to the Premier League in season two, the scrappy underdog squad are now fighting to prove themselves worthy of a place at the top table. Perhaps they’ll fall short of “winning the whole thing” but either way you have to imagine, the team will come out of this season with their heads held high.  

It really does feel like all the threads that started across the show’s first and second seasons are drawing to a natural conclusion as we enter the third collection of episodes. If these arcs are dragged out into a fourth season, or characters are made to regress for the stake of new dramatic plotlines out, I’ll be seriously disappointed. 

Fortunately, I have faith in the Ted Lasso writer's room. The show’s creative team has already delivered gold twice, and based on the first episode of season 3 are about to do the same a third time. I really do believe Goldstein when he says the show has been written as a three-season project, and I think that was a very wise decision. 

Better to finish as champions 

Perhaps the wildcard in this situation is Apple. Apple TV Plus is still finding its feet in the streaming world — even if we already class it as one of the best streaming services — and it’s likely that Ted Lasso put the service on a lot of subscribers' radar in the first place. 

However, there is real value to letting a show go out while it's on top. A great recent example of what happens when a streamer refuses to let a popular series end is You season 4 on Netflix. What started out as a fun, but pretty illogical, thriller series has now devolved into a repetitive mess of plotholes and poor characterization. 

Of course, there’s an irony that Netflix, a streamer infamous for canceling shows too soon, has allowed You to stretch well beyond its sell-by date. But either way, the news of You season 5 felt more like a punishment than a reward. 

I’m really hoping that Apple TV Plus doesn’t make the same error. Let Ted Lasso go out while it’s practically universally beloved. If Apple can’t bare the thought of saying goodbye to its biggest hit just yet, then there’s always the option of a spinoff show that could tell new stories with some of the less explored characters of the main show (Although I'm of the opinion any spinoff would feel forced).  

Whatever happens, Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1 felt like the beginning of the end (Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 should likely continue that), and while that’s a little bittersweet, it’s the correct call for this particular show. Better to wave goodbye as a champion than ruin your legacy by becoming relegation fodder.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 online right now
• The 9 best shows you’re not watching on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and more
• Ted Lasso season 3 review: Seeing is believing

Now that Ted Lasso's met the press (again), we bet many folks are trying to figure out Ted Lasso season 3's episode schedule. Not only because of how you can't wait to see Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 (humble brag: I've already seen it for our Ted Lasso season 3 review), but because of the odd way in which the first episode came out.

As you probably know, Ted Lasso comes out on Apple TV Plus. And, yes, if you were waiting until today (March 15) — some other folks beat you to it. Apple did that sneaky early release time thing it often does, and may have set expectations out of wack.

So, if you kept hearing on Tuesday night that Apple TV Plus dropped Ted Lasso early, you heard right. Tom's Guide has reached out to Apple TV Plus to see if that will continue to be the case this season.

Frankly, we hope that Apple's early streaming options become its standard operating procedure. As we follow Lasso & Co. in their quest to climb the Premier League table, it would be a lot easier if episodes arrived during primetime. When TV shows drop early in the morning, it makes for a hectic way to watch, as you're trying to avoid spoilers.

So far, Ted Lasso season 3's first four episodes (the ones we've seen), have definitely earned its spot in our guide for what to watch in March 2023. Keep reading for all the details about how you'll stream this season. 

Ted Lasso season 3 episodes schedule

The 12 episodes of Ted Lasso season 3 are scheduled to release at a clip of one per week. Apple TV Plus schedules them for Wednesdays, but more on that below. Apple TV Plus will release one episode per week on Wednesdays. Here's the Ted Lasso schedule:

• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1: March 15
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2: March 22
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3: March 29
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4: April 5
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5: April 12
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 6: April 19
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 7: April 26
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 8: May 3
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9: May 10
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 10: May 17
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 11: May 24
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 12: May 31

What time do Ted Lasso season 3 episodes come out?

There are two answers to this question — how things are supposed to work, and how they worked for Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1.

The premiere episode went live at 9 p.m. ET. / 6 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. GMT / 12 p.m. AEDT on Tuesday (March 14).

We don't expect that to be the norm, though we'd love it. The standard Apple TV Plus launch time for new Ted Lasso episodes is 3 a.m ET / 12 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. GMT / 6 p.m. AEDT.  Of course, this will change later this month when GMT because BST.

Ted Lasso's third season premiere getting an early drop fits Apple TV Plus' habit of releasing certain episodes at 9 p.m. ET the night before episodes scheduled to drop.

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

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Good morning, sunshine: it's time to watch Ted Lasso season 3 on Apple TV Plus. And, yes, if you were waiting until today — some other folks beat you to it. Oh, and for everyone who's already watched episode 1, check out our Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2 preview.

The new season — likely the final one, at least if you don't count potential spinoffs — sees Coach Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and AFC Richmond competing in the Premier League after a rough road out of the relegation.

Of course, they didn't make it out unscathed. Nate (Nick Mohammed) abandoned the team and betrayed Ted's trust, and is now working as manager for Rupert (Anthony Head), which should annoy Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) greatly. 

Meanwhile, the season finale set Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Keeley (Juno Temple) up to continue their unresolved relationship issues. All the while, Jamie (Phil Dunster) is actually maturing.

We at Tom's Guide have already watched the first four episodes, so check out our spoiler-free Ted Lasso season 3 review to see what we think. The show has definitely has earned its spot in our guide for what to watch in March 2023. Plus, view the trailer and learn everything you need to know about watching Ted Lasso season 3 online!

Oh, and if you're confused about all these release times? Our Ted Lasso season 3 episode schedule has you covered.

When does Ted Lasso season 3 come out?

Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1 debuted at 9 p.m. ET. / 6 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. GMT / 12 p.m. AEDT on Tuesday (March 14).

That was earlier than most anticipated, as the regularly scheduled time for its Apple TV Plus launch was Wednesday (March 15) at 3 a.m ET / 12 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. GMT / 6 p.m. AEDT. 

This matches how previous Apple TV Plus shows have debuted at 9 p.m. ET the night before episodes scheduled to drop.

Apple is only releasing one episode per week, and the full schedule is below.

How to watch Ted Lasso in the U.S. and possibly for free

Ted Lasso fans, we're assuming, may have already signed up for Apple TV Plus, and probably can't use the Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial. 

But if you're on a Roku, you should be able to get three free months of Apple TV Plus. Existing and new Roku owners can get this offer, just add Apple TV on your Roku to get the deal (you may need to set up a new account to avoid doubling up on your current Apple ID).

Ted Lasso season 3 episodes schedule

There are 12 episodes in Ted Lasso season 3, and Apple TV Plus will release one per week on Wednesdays. Here's the schedule:

• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 1: March 15
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 2: March 22
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3: March 29
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 4: April 5
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 5: April 12
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 6: April 19
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 7: April 26
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 8: May 3
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 9: May 10
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 10: May 17
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 11: May 24
• Ted Lasso season 3 episode 12: May 31

How to watch Ted Lasso season 3 from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad — in one of the few countries where Apple TV Plus is not available — you will likely run into geo-fenced restrictions on the platforms and services you can use. But with the help of a virtual private network (VPN), you can watch Ted Lasso season 3 and all the other shows you want on the services you already pay for no matter where you are. 

Based on our testing, the best VPN is ExpressVPN, which is easy to use and delivers fast internet speeds, making it simple to set up for streaming in no time at all. It also works on practically any device, starting with iOS and Android and including streaming devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. 

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At the core of the upcoming Ted Lasso season 3, we find one giant cause of anxiety. Yes, fictional soccer team AFC Richmond is done with knocking on the Premier League’s door, having been elevated to the big table. But that just seems to be the beginning of a larger headache. 

The latest reveal for the new season came in the form of a mostly speech-less new Ted Lasso season 3 trailer, which you can watch below. Everyone from Ted to the Richmond team to even Nate is on shaky territory for much of the trailer. From Ted's anxiety hitting again on the field to the ongoing drama with Roy and Keeley, nothing seems quite as optimistic as it once was.

So, having watched that trailer about a dozen times, I've whittled my demands for the new season — topics I believe we should get some clues and answers to early on — down to five questions.

Here's what's got me worried — in the best way — about Ted Lasso season 3.

1. Where is Ted Lasso going?

My biggest frustration with The Mandalorian season 3 premiere episode was that the series felt aimless and thematically flat. Ted Lasso's never had a problem with those issues, but that Mando episode has me just thinking about how shows are best when they know where they're going. And since we know Ted Lasso's stories are meant to end after this season, I have faith they know where they're going — which is why I want to watch Ted Lasso season 3.

As to why this matters, just take the word of Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, Chernobyl), who told Collider "I write to endings. Endings are everything to me. I don’t know how to write, if I don’t know how it ends. And also, if the show doesn’t have an ending, it means nothing ultimately is truly purposeful."

And while the obvious destination is some sort of championship game in the Premier League, you don't need to be a soccer expert to know that's the last of Ted's concerns. He's always been about the people. And the people in AFC Richmond, and those they're connected to, have always had their fair share of drama.

In short: I'm very curious what Ted Lasso wants this year. Especially since it's well known that Ted Lasso season 3 is the final season, at least for the main story (spinoffs are still possible).

2. What’s going on with Roy Kent and Keeley?

Last we saw once-lovebirds Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), things were not looking good. Not for their careers mind you: Keeley's starting her own PR business, and Roy's finding that he enjoys working in the coaching ranks at Richmond.

But it certainly feels like all of the relationship drama and the love triangle situation with Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) is far from over. And this one below shot from the season 3 trailer, which is preceded by Jamie walking in, has me needing to know what the current state of the former power couple of Richmond is.

And while I have thought they're great for each other (and, well, more about Jamie below), I just need to better understand why a breakup is seemingly looming. It feels like we've yet to understand some part of their inner drama, something that season 3 will hopefully explain.

3. Can Ted Lasso make us feel bad for Nate?

Nathan "Nate" Shelley (Nick Mohammed) probably seemed like an unlikely villain to some, and so his betrayal of Ted's trust — telling the press about Lasso's panic attacks that forced him to leave a game — was one of the most shocking heel turns (those moments where the good become villains) in recent memory. 

But this series has always done a good job of showing the process of how Nate's inferiority complex has been building up. Now, with Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head) at West Ham United, and bearing an evil-ish makeover complete, Nate "The Great" looks built to hate.

But as that aforementioned Ted Lasso season 3 trailer's already shown, Nate seems to have something I'll call soul-seller's remorse. And he's even got that window table he's coveted that he wanted to dine at with his parents. But none of it seems to be good enough.

This, though, isn't enough to either make us relate to the guy, or feel bad for him. And I am very curious to see what kind of redemption story (and I'll bet there will be one) Nate gets.

4. Is Jamie Tartt ready to lead?

After a series of emotional moments in season 2, which arguably peaked when his boorish father made an arse of himself in the Richmond locker room, Jamie Tartt may be ready to lead. In the trailer for the new season, we saw him as something of a leader. 

No, not in pushing Richmond to a victory, but embracing the love inside the team, turning Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh)'s statement "I love you guys so very much," into a group chant. 

While this season definitely will see Roy do more in the coaching position, it seems that Jamie may take his turn as the heart and soul of Richmond. While he's already experimented with being an un-selfish player, there's more room for his growth.

5. Is Richmond going for the trophy or survival?

Premier League teams that have recently escaped relegation typically have one goal: keep their risen ranks. It's not hard to imagine why, moving from the kids table to the adults table means increased competition, and it's unclear Richmond will be able to play with the big kids.

That said, Ted Lasso is a TV series, and one that is likely in its last season. The big feel-good ending, of course, would see the team somehow be a true Cinderella story and make it to the endgame of the season and win.

But as you can see in the trailer, Richmond doesn't seem to be doing that well on the field. This is why I'll be curious how the early episodes set the expectations of owner Rebecca and the Richmond faithful at the pub, who can be awfully demanding.

Me? I just want great TV. You don't need a championship (or an award) to do that. Just ask The Wire's David Simon.

If you haven't heard, I'm sorry to tell you: Ted Lasso season 3 is expected to be the final season of the show. Showrunner Bill Lawrence has long said that the series was planned for a three-season format, much like a film or play has a three-act structure. 

Specifically, Lawrence told The Hollywood Reporter that "when we started, we plotted out everybody’s beginning, middle and end of a three-season arc." That made a lot of sense when AFC Richmond's first season with Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) coaching ended in sadness, and its second season found the team escaping relegation. 

Lawrence continued, stating "This story is going to be over next year, regardless, even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on." And that last tidbit, about finding "another story" is obviously a nod to potential spinoffs. 

Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group (Ted Lasso's production company and distributor) told Deadline that Ted Lasso season 3 "ends beautifully ... If that is all we do in the Ted Lasso universe, I think the fans will be really happy and excited. But there’s also a way to crack open a door. If we’re fortunate enough to do more, we can keep on going."

As much as I want to watch Ted Lasso season 3, I'm still saying "please, no, shut the door," about spinoffs. Here's why.

When will Apple announce Ted Lasso season 3 is the end?

As Tom's Guide contributor Charlotte Henry wrote in her newsletter The Addition, there is "always a desire to keep hold of good things," and it's unsurprising that the powers that be would want Ted Lasso to continue. And as she also pointed out, the official @TedLasso tweet (see below) about the premiere date refer to season 3 as the "new" and not "final" season.

That choice of adjective doesn't declare that Apple's definitely going to deliver more from the Ted Lasso Universe after season 3, but it definitely doesn't embrace the aforementioned statements. Nowhere is Apple saying "this is the end," as many networks and showrunners do prior to their finale (Succession season 4 is already confirmed to be its end, and it launches after Ted Lasso season 3 does).

Ted Lasso season 3 looks like a storybook ending

Then, the Ted Lasso season 3 trailer (see below) dropped, and it felt notable for three things. There's barely any dialogue, there's a sense of dread leading to hope (a natural third act) and no mention that this is the end.

Ted goes from glum to chipper — with a lot of anxiety on the field in the middle. Turncoat Nate (Nick Mohammed) is already regretting his decision to sell out Ted for a position of power at West Ham. The love triangle with Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) seems to still have more tears left to shed. And speaking of tears: Richmond looks to be getting its butts kicked now that it's out of relegation and in the Premier League. 

But tiny moments of joy, such as Coach Lasso hanging out with his son at a game, and waving, and that epic group chant of "I love you guys so very much," show that the Richmond crew will likely be able to come out the better for whatever happens. And we'd bet they're gonna triumph in the end, in one way or another.

So, everyone, let Ted Lasso season 3 be the ending

Going back to WB TV's Channing Dungey, she also said "What had initially been the vision that Jason and Bill [Lawrence] had, when they went into Season 1, was very much a three-act structure. Then I think it becomes one of those things that as you get going with it, and if you fall in love with that world and those characters, it’s hard to say goodbye."

And, listen, I get it. Apple probably doesn't want to let one of its most popular shows‚ which it refers to as a "juggernaut comedy" and "global phenomenon," leave. Doing so will probably make people more ready to churn out of Apple TV Plus until another show comes around. But letting Ted Lasso's world close right will also do good for Apple.

Letting a series end properly will only help your image with audiences, as the rare Netflix shows that keep going past the point where they need to be — hi, You — go on. Audiences will trust that Apple knows how to properly handle shows, and feel more ready to commit to new shows (we've always said Netflix's eager swings of the canceling axe make us less ready to dive in).

Outlook: Apple TV Plus is actually ready to say goodbye to Ted Lasso

This is part of why I'm more eager to try a new Apple TV Plus show than I am shows on Netflix. And Apple's been on a hot streak as of late, with the likes of Shrinking, Slow Horses and Bad Sisters, among others. 

Yes, Apple can probably find a way to talk one of the Ted Lasso cast members into sticking around to tell a new story. The most likely pick, we think is whatever Roy Kent's up to — but when Lawrence has already told us that these characters were made with their stories already planned out, whatever comes next will feel like an afterthought by default. 

A Ted Lasso spinoff would have to escape the chasm where Friends spinoff Joey is found, and will have a hard time becoming a Better Call Saul. The latter is of course possible, but why not take this potential new story and put it into a new character, for a new addition to the best Apple TV Plus shows that actually feels fresh?

With a little over two weeks of waiting ahead, the Ted Lasso season 3 trailer arrives to remind us how sad things are in one of Apple's biggest shows. While Coach Lasso's AFC Richmond escaped relegation in season 2, this Apple TV Plus show will return with a steep climb for all.   

Set to The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want," this clip begins as the new season will, with many (but not all) coming back to Nelson Road. Specifically, it's Ted (Jason Sudeikis) and Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) walking in, while owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) is going somewhere we've never seen, while Keeley (Juno Temple) is off on her new venture. 

Elsewhere in the clip, the newly returned Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) is looking glum, and Nate (Nick Hohammed) finally got that window table he so desperately wanted to sit at with his parents. But, the trailer will have you asking, "at what cost?"

Then, we see the team practicing, Coach Lasso joking with the press, the newly independent Trent Crimm (James Lance) walking and Jamie walking into a room where Keeley and Roy are holding hands. Clearly, that love triangle is not over.

Meanwhile, at West Ham United, Nate's under the eye and hand of Rupert (Anthony Head), and it looks like their team is carving up Richmond on the field. 

Finally, we get some dialogue, as the team goes hands-in — and Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) saying "I love you guys so very much." And, of course, the team answers in kind. And then, Roy, Coach Beard and Ted have a moment that you need to see for yourself.

Analysis: This feels like the end of Ted Lasso, and it should be

As you may have heard, Ted Lasso season 3 is the end — at least for the storylines of the main characters. Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence have envisioned Ted Lasso as having a three-act structure, and that would make season 3 the end.

There will be some interest, especially on Apple's side, to continue the stories of AFC Richmond, in one way or another, into a Ted Lasso spin-off show or something similar. But — right now, watching this trailer — it's hard to not see this as the rightful conclusion of the stories at hand.

Partially, that's seen in the moment where Ted's actually with his son, waving from the crowd. Other storylines, such as Nate learning that the success he desired possibly isn't worth it, the Roy/Keeley/Jamie arc and all things involving Richmond's quest for a championship, all seem to be ready to conclude in a proper manner, too.

It all feels like a befitting series of endings for one of the best Apple TV Plus shows.

Our long wait for the Ted Lasso season 3 release date is finally almost over. Apple TV Plus just announced that the third season of the series will release in just over one month's time. And they gave us a little teaser clip that should have AFC Richmond fans happy.

In a press release, Apple declared that Ted Lasso season 3 "will premiere around the world with the first episode on Wednesday, March 15, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday." Ted Lasso season 3 had been expected last summer, but rewrites and changes pushed it down the calendar. This marks the first Apple TV Plus show to debut episodes on Wednesdays.

Here's the teaser trailer, which is light on plot, but features characters making their own version of Coach Lasso's "BELIEVE" sign.

Ted Lasso season 3 will go 12 episodes, just as long as the second season. Apple's official description reads that "the newly-promoted AFC Richmond faces ridicule as media predictions widely peg them as last in the Premier League and Nate (Nick Mohammed), now hailed as the "wonder kid," has gone to work for Rupert (Anthony Head) at West Ham United. In the wake of Nate’s contentious departure from Richmond, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) steps up as assistant coach, alongside Beard (Brendan Hunt)." 

Of course, AFC Richmond isn't the only story here, as the release goes on to state "while Ted (Jason Sudeikis) deals with pressures at work, he continues to wrestle with his own personal issues back home, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) is focused on defeating Rupert and Keeley (Juno Temple) navigates being the boss of her own PR agency. Things seem to be falling apart both on and off the pitch, but Team Lasso is set to give it their best shot anyway."

Analysis: Is this the end of the Ted Lasso universe?

The worst-kept secret is that Ted Lasso season 3 is the end of the arcs plotted out for all of the main characters. Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, a production company and distributor for Ted Lasso, gave Ted Lasso fans reason to expect (and not expect) a continuation or spinoff.

Why to not expect a spinoff: Dungey (after talking about spinoffs such as Joey and Young Sheldon) said "when you’re doing a spinoff for a spinoff’s sake, that’s usually where you fall into some problems."

Why to expect a spinoff: Dungey also said "What had initially been the vision that Jason and Bill [Lawrence] had, when they went into Season 1, was very much a three-act structure." This suggests that the plan may be changing, especially when she says  "Then I think it becomes one of those things that as you get going with it, and if you fall in love with that world and those characters, it’s hard to say goodbye." She continued, saying "The end of the season, it ends beautifully ... If that is all we do in the Ted Lasso universe, I think the fans will be really happy and excited. But there’s also a way to crack open a door. If we’re fortunate enough to do more, we can keep on going.”

We need Ted Lasso season 3, even though all of the leaked delays mean we might be waiting until spring 2023. The good news, though, at least for gamers, is that Coach Lasso and the lot of AFC Richmond are coming to FIFA 23.

Yes, FIFA 23, which comes to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4 and Xbox One on September 30, will feature Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso as a selectable manager in Career Mode, so he can manage AFC Richmond, or any other team. Fans will also be able to bring another coach to Richmond — either one of their making or one from actual football — to possibly preview a potential spinoff series where someone else takes the wheel, since Ted Lasso season 3 is supposed to be the end of Ted's arc.

Check out the trailer:

As for the rest of the team, AFC Richmond will be a playable squad in the Rest of The World league in Kick Off, Online Friendlies and Online Seasons. Featured members listed in the press release include Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) and Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernández), while Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) and Isaac McAdoo (Kola Bokinni) were spotted in the above trailer. 

No word on if Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) or Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) will be seen at Nelson Road, Richmond's venue — which is also in the game. 

The cast are notably excited to be in it, as the press release quotes Sudeikis as saying "As long-time fans of [FIFA], having Ted Lasso and the whole AFC Richmond squad incorporated into the newest version of the game is truly a dream come true for myself and the rest of the fellas. Our cast and crew work tremendously hard on this show, and we are flattered that it resonates with so many folks. We look forward to our fans having the opportunity to play with, play as, and even play against their favorite AFC Richmond characters."

Of course, the better quote came from Brett Goldstein, who chose the moment to let his Roy Kent fly, stating "It is so f***ing cool to be in FIFA. I’m not sure this is going to help dispel the CGI rumours but f*** it, totally worth it." He went on to say "I look forward to beating my nephew in a game with me as Roy Kent and him as Jamie Tartt. He’s gonna be furious.” If you never heard about the CGI talk, there was a conspiracy theory that Goldstein/Kent isn't real — but in fact an animation of sorts.

While we don't know if Nathan "Nate the great" Shelley (Nick Mohammed) will be in FIFA 23, we think he would be an excellent unlockable character — especially to set as a rival on the field.

Analysis: A cunning play from EA

Multiple TG staffers, myself included, are more into Ted Lasso than FIFA — and admitted in our Slack that we're impressed that anything was able to make us care about FIFA. 

Could this be the trick to expanding the game's audience? Time will tell, but we believe this is a decent strategy.

Next: Six years on, No Man's Sky is a masterpiece.

Ted Lasso season 3, originally due this summer, was seen as Apple TV Plus' biggest release on the horizon. But some may have been OK with waiting, as Apple's strong spring and summer was bolstered by the likes of Severance, The Afterparty, Slow Horses and For All Mankind season 3. Still, we've been wondering where Ted Lasso season 3 is.

And now, it seems like we know the answer. A report from Matthew Belloni at Puck News has sketched out a series of delays — and pointed to a potential release date window for the new season (the last of the Ted Lasso arc).

Belloni noted that one TV exec he spoke to probably chuckled at the final line in Jason Sudeikis' Emmy award acceptance speech for Ted Lasso where he said "We'll see you for Season 3, at some point." The exec explained that nobody ever wants to hear 'at some point' when it comes to a due season.

All the Ted Lasso season 3 delays explained

After the writers room began work in September 2021, Sudeikis decided more time in the oven was needed — with rewrites necessary. But rewrites aren't normally as chaotic as these. 

Belloni writes "But those rewrites took a while. Episode 1 didn’t begin filming until March, and then… stops and starts, script changes on the fly, days not made, character arcs shifted. A Sudeikis-led brainstorm led to an April location shoot in Amsterdam, where he once lived, that added weeks to the schedule."

Then, they had to postpone filming at Stamford Bridge, where the Chelsea Football Club plays, after team owner Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch and politician, sold the team following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

And that's before all the post-production work that the Ted Lasso team does to add fans into the stadium.

Outlook: Ted Lasso season 3's potential release window is far off

Apple can't be happy about all of the above, as original word from The Hollywood Reporter said they wanted a summer 2022 release that's long since not viable. Oh, and Belloni also notes that the Ted Lasso season 3 budget "has ballooned between 20 percent to 30 percent (and counting)," according to a source's estimates.

So, when is Ted Lasso season 3 coming? Well, production needs to finish first. Estimations say the series "will wrap before the end of the year, likely in November," with an air date likely for either "the winter or early spring." If it arrives in the winter? Well, that could be great timing, as the World Cup starts in November.

For now, I guess we have to believe that Ted Lasso season 3 won't be all the way in 2023. Especially when Apple TV Plus doesn't have a whole lot of big new shows coming soon to tide people over.

Next: Sins of Our Mother on Netflix is a hit with critics.

I guess I'll believe in waiting longer for more Ted Lasso season 3 details. As I primarily cover streaming, I entered the "Far Out" Apple Event with my eyes on two things. First was the rumored new Apple TV. Second, as you might have guessed, is news of when Ted Lasso season 3 is due. Or even a crumb of a tease about the new season. 

We got neither of those two things. Apple stuck to its guns, talking iPhone 14, Apple Watch Series 8 (and two other models) and AirPods Pro 2.

So, I'm here to ask the question that many Ted Lasso fans have probably been asking. When the heck are we going to even learn about Ted Lasso season 3?

Ted Lasso season 3 details have been due

Despite the fictional coach's modesty, it's hard to argue against any speculation that Ted Lasso is (probably) Apple TV Plus' biggest series. And for a while, we were under the assumption that a new season was coming this summer. 

For starters, it only made sense. Ted Lasso season 1 (August 14, 2020) and season 2 (July 23, 2021) came out in back to back summers. So, why not season 3? 

The stronger reason to believe that this was the plan came when The Hollywood Reporter offered word that "Apple’s intention" was to "bring Ted Lasso back in summer 2022." Then, for a while, radio silence was all we got. Production began in March 2022, and coincided with the Apple TV Twitter account posting a tease of new kits made in a collaboration with Nike. Mid-production on season 3, the cast told the press about how they weren't ready to say goodbye.

And we never heard back. So, I thought, maybe we'd hear from the cast at the Apple event. Word that they had wrapped filming? And I (foolishly, I guess) expected we'd get news at the iPhone 14 event. As noted above, Ted Lasso is one of Apple's biggest shows, and — as we all know — the iPhone is the crown jewel of its hardware assortment. The pairing only made sense.

Where — and when — Ted Lasso season 3 details could emerge

So, now we look to the next big moments for TV and Apple itself. At Monday's Emmys, Ted Lasso is up for many awards. This might make for perfect timing for an acceptance speech that announces that filming is over. Apple could run an ad for the new season if it has a release date or teaser trailer. 

Apple will also likely have more product events later this year — I'd wager one will happen in October, as is the norm — where it could announce Ted Lasso season 3 news. Apple doesn't need to announce Ted Lasso's next season at one of these events, but it just makes sense — they have all the press there to report.

The countdown to the end of Ted Lasso's story is on

We practically can't wait for Ted Lasso season 3, but we understand why some are less-than-ready. Showrunner Bill Lawrence and star Brett Goldstein have already told the press to expect that this season is the end of Ted Lasso.

Or, at least, of this part of the stories we've seen in Ted Lasso. Lawrence told The Hollywood Reporter that "[W]hen we started, we plotted out everybody’s beginning, middle and end of a three-season arc. This story is going to be over next year, regardless, even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on."

So, look closely at that last line, and meditate on that for a moment. There may be a Ted Lasso season 4, or a spin-off, at some point, but think of Ted Lasso season 3 as a conclusion. Maybe that will help you wait.

Next: Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power episode 3 ending explained — who is Adar? Plus, get the House of the Dragon episode 4 release date and time and check out our Marvel D23 showcase preview to know what to expect and when. If you're looking for something more to watch this weekend — Trying is the one Apple TV Plus show you need to binge-watch.

As you may have heard, Ted Lasso season 3 has always been seen as the end of a story arc for the U.S. football coach who became a U.K. footie coach (as well as his colleagues). We previously heard as such from showrunner Bill Lawrence, and now one of the show's most beloved cast members has echoed this sentiment.

When asked by the UK's Sunday Times about if Ted Lasso season 3 is still seen as a conclusion — that the show was always meant to be told in three seasons — Goldstein confirmed that nothing's changed. "We are writing it like that ... It was planned as three." And then he got his Roy Kent on by dropping a sarcastic joke: "Spoiler alert: everyone dies."

Previous anecdotes revealed that Lawrence and star/head writer Jason Sudeikis originally pitched Ted Lasso as a three-season series. Lawrence previously revealed that "[W]hen we started, we plotted out everybody’s beginning, middle and end of a three-season arc. This story is going to be over next year, regardless, even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on." This means that all of your most loved (and most disliked) characters — Lasso himself, along with the likes of Rebecca Welton, Roy Kent and Keeley Jones, likely have had their destinies planned for years.

But they've still left the door open for something else to happen. About a year ago, Sudeikis told Entertainment Weekly that there's definitely potential for a following season or continuation because of something he called "the iMoney truck." How open did he leave it? Sudeikis stated "I'm glad that [Apple is] willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don't know."

Lawrence isn't writing off a continuation of the series beyond the story that we've been following, as he's told The Hollywood Reporter "This story is going to be over next year, regardless, even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on." When pressed further about a spinoff, Lawrence said "I don’t think anything is closed off, but out of just respect, we’re going to wait."

Interest in more from the Ted Lasso cinematic universe, according to THR, comes from (of course) Apple. Hits like Ted Lasso are few and far between.

Analysis: Potential spinoffs are impossible to guess

The more we think about potential post-season 3 stories from the Ted Lasso universe, the more we realize it's all depending on things we have no idea about. 

While we expect AFC Richmond to win the championship this year, and for concluding story beats about Nate's anger with Ted, Keeley and Roy's relationship, Jamie Tartt and his maturation and whatever is going on with Rebecca and Sam?

Everything Lawrence has said about Ted Lasso season 3 being seen as "the end of the plan" makes us think all of the characters we've met will have their current dramas concluded.

We've got good news! It's almost time to watch Ted Lasso season 3. The better news? Our own Ted Lasso season 3 review is live! We also have the first Ted Lasso season 3 trailer to go with the release date. Only problem, though, is that you're gonna get a little choked up when you watch.

And now, as we wait for Ted Lasso season 3 episode 3, we wonder what's going on with Roy and Keeley, as well as the impending season of play. How will the greyhounds fare?

Of course, it should be noted that spoilers for Ted Lasso season 2 follow below, but you already watched the finale, right? You've already gone on the emotional rollercoaster of that match? Well, since you have, let's dive right in — as we now have more information about the story of season 3 (one of our top picks for the new shows and movies to watch in March 2023).

While you wait for Ted Lasso season 3, be sure to check out the 7 best shows to tide you over until Ted Lasso season 3 begins. And we just got a new one: Shrinking.

Ted Lasso season 3 release date announced!

Apple announced the Ted Lasso season 3 release date of March 15, 2023! That said, Ted Lasso's premiere hit early, so check out our Ted Lasso season 3 episode schedule for more details.

Previously, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Apple intended to bring Ted Lasso season 3 to air by summer 2022. That said, things changed. Matthew Belloni at Puck News reported that a series of delays suggest a Spring 2023 release.

Apple (via social media) confirmed a spring 2023 release window when it revealed this first look at Ted Lasso season 3. Here, we see Nate and Ted looking at each other, while Rupert watches. Nate and Ted both show a bit of being hurt.

As noted above, Apple confirmed Ted Lasso season 3 before season 2 could even debut, back in October 2020. 

That head-start likely gave the braintrust at Team Lasso the ability to start planning out and writing the new season early. But from the structure of AFC Richmond's season 1 relegation and season 2 promotion, it's safe to say that showrunner Bill Lawrence and his team have a plan.

Ted Lasso season 3 is the final season

As has been reported in various interviews, Ted Lasso season 3 has always been planned as the final season. Showrunner Bill Lawrence has always claimed that this next arc is the third act of a deliberately structured show, and so we should expect all of its stories to be resolved.

That hasn't stopped Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) from joking about a potential fourth season. Giant Freakin' Robot quotes him as saying "I keep saying– I have said to Jason, season 4 could be ‘Ghost Lasso,’ where we carry on but Ted Lasso is now haunting the locker rooms and trying to inspire the players from the other side.”

Ted Lasso season 3 trailer and teaser

The Ted Lasso season 3 trailer is very light on dialogue, but it shows a lot of what's going on with our favorites since we left. Nate's success hasn't led to happiness, Roy Kent and Keeley's love triangle with Jamie isn't over yet either.

In the below teaser for Ted Lasso season 3 we see the AFC Richmond crew work on their own versions of Ted's 'BELIEVE' sign. The clip ends with the news of Ted Lasso season 3's March 15 release date.

Ted Lasso season 3 reviews

Early reviews for the first four episodes of Ted Lasso have been especially positive. In my spoiler-free Ted Lasso season 3 review for Tom's Guide, I wrote that while I wasn't originally interested in spinoffs, the first four episodes may have softened me on that and "I think I would have a hard time saying 'no more Roy Kent,' even after I've seen the next eight episodes."

I also noted that "Sudeikis feels a lot more comfortable as Lasso, especially dwelling in the character's existential sadness. While Ted Lasso is primarily known for his humor and charm, the season is giving its star plenty of time to flesh out his more somber side."

At The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Feinberg writes "Ted Lasso has become a show in which every character feels worthy of being the star of their own show — which is awesome in a landscape where many series don’t have a single character worthy of anchoring a show — and every one feels as if they’re only being half-serviced. This is amplified because the show’s ostensible main character is in a rut that he partially understands and the show partially, frustratingly, doesn’t."

At Collider, Carly Lane writes "Ted Lasso's third season feels like a reward for the fans who stuck it out through the high highs and the low lows of Season 2. It doesn't immediately promise that the road ahead will be an easy one; as we've learned, sometimes there can be such a thing as too much positivity, or a willingness to pretend the hard times don't exist for the sake of maintaining optimism."

Ted Lasso season 3 cast speculation

In Apple's press release announcing Ted Lasso season 3, it mentioned only the main cast members. So, we know to expect the core cast of Ted Lasso, with Jason Sudeikis as Coach Ted Lasso, Brendan Hunt as his right-hand man Coach Beard, Brett Goldstein as the gruff Roy Kent, Hannah Waddingham as the boss lady herself, Rebecca Welton, Juno Temple as Keeley Jones and Jeremy Swift as Higgins. And, yes, even Nick Mohammed as Nathan "Nate" Shelley.

That said, we expect to see most everyone else back too, starting with West Ham United's new owner Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head).

But the great news of season 2's finale is that we won't be lacking for Sam Obisanya, who stayed with the team. Toheeb Jimoh knocked it out of the park this season, and we expect to see a lot more of him in season 3.

Other returning cast members seen in the trailers are as follows:

• Phil Dunster as Jamie Tartt, the star player who is proving unselfish
• Kola Bokinni as Isaac McAdoo, the captain of AFC Richmond
• Billy Harris as Colin Hughes, who is still working on his self confidence
• Cristo Fernández as Dani Rojas, who remembered that football is life
• Charlie Hiscock as Will (the kitman)

Creator Bill Lawrence has also confirmed that the show is bringing back Sarah Niles as Dr. Sharon Fieldstone and James Lance as Trent Crimm (now simply, independent). 

While we expect to see more of Ellie Taylor as Rebecca's friend Sassy, Elodie Blomfield as Roy's niece Phoebe and Phoebe Walsh as Coach Beard's on-and-off-and-on-and-off girlfriend Jane, none of them seem as guaranteed.

We'd be shocked if Kieran O'Brien did not return as Jamie's abusive father James Tartt, though. Speaking of potential recurring characters, Sam Richardson could definitely return as Edwin Akufo, who wanted to hire Sam away from Richmond, but we're not sure how long his plan for Raja Casablanca will take.

Ted Lasso season 3 filming

Apple TV Plus announced on March 7 that Ted Lasso season 3 production had begun. 

If season 3 follows a similar schedule to season 2, filming will last about five months and post-production will take about four months. That would put the Ted Lasso season 3 release date around December 2022. 

Ted Lasso season 3 plot

So, as the announcer team at Nelson Row mentioned, AFC Richmond is (now) a Premier League Team without a championship trophy to its name. It's likely time to change that, and that seems like the big picture for season 3. Also, expect Season 3 to be the end of Ted Lasso's story, as showrunner Bill Lawrence revealed this was the plan all along. Spinoffs, though, are possible (Roy Kent and Rebecca Welton seem like prime candidates to build a show around, if you ask us). 

But let's backtrack a bit to how things ended in the Ted Lasso season 2 finale. First up, Ted brought his fight with anxiety to the public conversation, after Trent Crimm's expose in The Independent made it public knowledge. Coach Beard is (he thinks) back together with Jane. Higgins has his office back, and Rebecca's emotional about Sam staying. Sam and Rebecca (hi, Cheers fans!) are still on a break, and we wonder if they'll reunite.

One big thing floating in the air right now is that Roy and Keeley's relationship still seems slightly tenuous, as she keeps saying "I love you" and he keeps not saying that back. And one wonders how their relationship will change as Keeley's leaving Richmond and will have a whole new company to run.

The big overall story with Ted Lasso is that Rebecca's ex, AFC Richmond's former owner, Rupert Mannion is now the owner of West Ham United — and he's also hired Nathan "Nate" Shelley as some kind of coach. Their relationship is, visually, reminiscent of Emperor Palpatine (Rupert) and Darth Vader (Nate). Nate's story in season 2 has been a tale of ego and anger, which led him to betray Ted.

We're curious if Ted Lasso will try to redeem Nate. Season 1 ended with Jamie Tartt leaving the team, and he eventually rejoined the team in season 2, and now he's likable. Except when he told Keeley how he still cared about her.

Hunt has previously teased that the show may employ a bit of a time jump. He told TVLine, "We’ve never gone from the start of a season, so perhaps that’s something we want to get to. And just by dint of how the schedule works in the English Premier League, we will play West Ham twice — home and away, because that’s how it goes."

Want a refresher on what comes next for Coach Lasso? Check out our 5 big questions for Ted Lasso season 3.

Despite getting a free year of Apple TV Plus last summer, I’ve been pretty indifferent towards the streaming service. Outside of the excellent Ted Lasso, I've struggled to find anything appealing in the service’s relatively trim selection of original content. 

A few weeks ago I wrote about finally being excited about an upcoming Apple TV Plus show in the form of The Afterparty. While I haven’t quite gelled with that show much as I’d hoped, in the days after publishing I received an email from a reader recommending another Apple TV Plus series to me.  

The show in question is Trying. I had actually seen a couple of ads for it before Ted Lasso episodes and paid little attention at the time, but I figured what’s the harm in giving it a shot. Well, that turned out to be a very wise decision. Trying is now starting to rival Ted Lasso as my favorite show on Apple TV Plus. 

Trying is a wonderfully warming series, which alongside the chronicles of an American football coach in England, entirely justifies the cost of a $4.99 Apple TV Plus subscription. Let me explain why you really need to give Trying a try. 

Trying is an Apple TV Plus hidden gem

Trying’s elevator pitch is extremely straightforward: A young(ish) couple desperately want to become parents but find out they can’t naturally conceive a child, so they decide to adopt instead. As you'd expect, they stumble across various challenges and deal with them in a variety of comedic ways. It's a simple core idea. 

The show is definitely a relaxed watch. There’s no unexpected twists, left-field turns or dramatic revelations to speak of. It’s just a gentle, good natured comedy show, and I mean that very much as a complement. Much like Ted Lasso, it’s easy viewing, perfect after a long day or when you’re looking for something that will lift your spirits. 

The show’s fairly unremarkable premise is elevated by some really strong leading performances. Trying is anchored by Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, and the pair have excellent on screen chemistry. It’s easy to buy into their relationship dynamic, and you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for them. Spall especially is excellent as Jason, with frequent witty remarks that had me laughing out loud.    

Again, like Ted Lasso, Trying uses its simple comedy framework as a way to touch on some more serious issues. One arc sees Smith’s Nikki deal with feelings of inadequacies, as well as being unfulfilled professionally. This is by no means ground breaking stuff, but it gives Trying an extra wrinkle beyond its bread and butter sarcastic quips and outlandish situational comedy. 

There are currently two seasons of Trying available on Apple TV Plus, with a third already confirmed and likely to launch in Spring 2022. Now is the perfect time to jump into this show, and see for yourself why it’s arguable the service’s most underappreciated gem. 

Maybe I was wrong about Apple TV Plus 

As noted above, I’ve been pretty mixed on Apple TV Plus over the last six months. I’ve enjoyed some of the service’s exclusive movies like On the Rocks and CODA, but been less impressed with original shows like See and Acapulco. 

I’ve referred to it as the “Ted Lasso streaming service” in the past, a jab at the platform’s inability to generate significant interest in anything but the Jason Sudeikis lead series. But perhaps I was being too harsh on Apple TV Plus. 

It might not ever rank as one of the best streaming services for me personally, and I’m still not sure I'll be putting down my own money when my free subscription runs out in the summer, but if the service can produce more endearing hits like Trying and Ted Lasso I just might be convinced. 

I’m starting to wonder if there’s any other hidden gems buried within the Apple TV Plus library that I’d previously glossed over; perhaps I need to give Schmigadoon a chance next?

In other entertainment news, the Thor: Love and Thunder merch just showed off Thor's new armor, and teased Gorr the God Butcher's look.

You don't have to believe Ted Lasso season 3 is coming soon, the cast is already reported for production and previous reports suggests Apple wants the series back this summer. Which means we're ever-closer to actually seeing how the show ends.

I say "ends" because showrunner Bill Lawrence has already said Ted Lasso was created with a three-season structure in mind. This means that this season will deliver endings for many characters, even if Ted Lasso is given a fourth season (Apple probably hopes it can, given how it's one of the most-loved and best Apple TV Plus shows; and it has an overlooked show might be as good as Ted Lasso.) 

So, it's time to start talking about the questions that need answers in the new season. Because we have a whole team's worth of people whose lives have gone up and down during the last two seasons, and we're ready to learn where they go next.

Oh, and there's one obvious question that I do not have for Ted Lasso season 3. The big premise of the new season likely concerns AFC Richmond's quest to win the EPL trophy. So, let me do my best Ted impression: I don't care about wins and losses. 

The 5 questions I have for Ted Lasso season 3

1. Can you make me not hate a Rebecca and Ted relationship?

Throughout the first two seasons of Ted Lasso, the show's seemingly been hinting at a coupling of Rebecca and Ted. Notably, it teased with the idea when Rebecca didn't know who she was chatting with on Bantr, the text-only dating app that Keely had been promoting. Then, after we found out it was Sam, that didn't stop the show from presenting Rebecca and Ted as being on two parallel dating trains that would eventually meet at the same station.

With all due respect to Bill Lawrence & Co., I do not want this at all. Can one pair of attractive heterosexual coworkers not hook up? The story of people who don't get along at first eventually hooking up is the most tired trope in TV. And because it's been done to death so often, it makes platonic male/female friendships all the rarer in media. 

If these two kids can avoid the tendency of past TV shows, they will join 30 Rock's Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy in the rarified air of friends without sexual tension on TV. 

I'm also opposed to their coupling because I can already see the big issue: trust. Their professional relationship was born out of a lie — Rebecca hired Ted to tank Richmond as a team, not improve it. On top of that, you'd have the drama between Ted and Sam, with the coach now dating his player's former lover. So, of course, something could come up that rehashes that issue, in a symmetrical story-telling kind of way.

So, Ted Lasso season 3: if you're actually going to do this, is there any way for me to actually enjoy it? Can you do something different? Or am I going to think this stinks worse than Roy's niece Phoebe's breath?

2. Will Keely and Roy split up? What's going on with Jamie Tartt?

Speaking of Roy Kent, the second season of Ted Lasso constantly toyed with splitting up his relationship with the effervescent Keely Jones. But they kept presenting it it in the most ham-fisted of ways. This crescendo'd in the finale when Roy bought them a "last day working in the same building present," with a couple's trip to Marbella, a beach-filled city in the south of Spain. He even made sure they'd have "proper Wi-Fi and everything." Keely declined the trip, saying she had too much work to do. She even said Roy should go.

Roy asked if they were breaking up, and while Keely said no (and that they'd see each other in six weeks), something smells rotten in Marbella. Roy seemingly left the tickets in the AFC Richmond office (so we're guessing that Jamie or Higgins went), and went off to be moody. This was in keeping with a pattern for the season, when a disagreement happened, but was settled. The vibe, though, was not cleansed.

And while I want to think "that's that" and Keely and Roy are good, there's a spanner in the works (a piece of British slang I've learned that means "something that prevents things from going smoothly). Jamie Tartt, Keely's ex, has gone from toxic masculinity to poster-child for awkward redemption story in the span of a season. While it all felt a little rushed, it does set up a potential love triangle that I'm worried Ted Lasso's writers won't avoid. 

After Jamie's professed his love for Keely at Rebecca's father's funeral, these three seem to be on their way to some sort of dilemma. 

3. Will Nate come back from the dark side?

The big twist of the end of Ted Lasso's last episode was that Nathan "Nate" Shelley has gone from eager assistant at AFC Richmond to diabolical goon at West Ham United (the team owned by Rupert Mannion, Rebecca's ex). After ascending to assistant coach in season 1, Nate spent the entire of season 2 on the down-swing, taking every joke from a colleague as a personal affront, and believing that Ted didn't care about him anymore — and was replacing him with Roy Kent.

As Nate became more toxic, bullying his replacement, the aptly named Will Kitman, as well as Richmond left wing Colin Hughes, we started to see his ego get in the way of his ability to be a good colleague. By the end of the season, he was basically a mole inside of Richmond, snitching on Ted to the press. And in the final shot? Well, as a blistering Run The Jewels beat thumped in the background, we learned (as mentioned above), Nate's joined the enemy.

So, the question I'm asking is pretty easy. Will Nate ever realize the mistakes that he's made? Though, according to Nick Mohammed (who plays Nate), Nate's not completely wrong (check out this massive list of events he shared that explains how Nate went so bad). The easy way out would see Rupert be too much of an abusive antithesis of Ted Lasso, and that push Nate to betray his new boss and try and seek a reunion with Richmond. We'll see if the Ted Lasso team has anything more creative.

4. Where does the newly independent Trent Crimm go?

While Season 2's ending saw Nate and Keely accepting new jobs, it also saw Trent Crimm lose his. No longer a reporter at The Independent, as a result of telling Ted that it was Nate who sold him out about his secret panic attack (to Crimm), Ted Lasso's acerbic sports reporter is now looking for work.

Largely used as a plot device in season 2, but functioning as one of the best skeptical minds for Lasso to win over in season 1, Trent Crimm's next job actually interests me a lot. That's because he's often involved in the show's moral story telling. Could he be pulled in to work PR for AFC Richmond (many journalists take that path)? I doubt it. 

Will he start doing his own investigative reports and help take the devilish Rupert Mannion down? That seems more likely.

5. What comes next for Ted?

I could ask versions of this question for a lot of characters. Like, "Is Sam Obisanya going to be satisfied by being a restauranteur or will he get another hobby?" Or: "Are Coach Beard and Jane Payne ending the season on again or off again?" But for nobody does it matter more than Ted. 

Coach Ted Lasso left America for what he thought was a plum coaching position and a big challenge. He also left America because his marriage was in tatters (and he's now long since signed the papers as well). So, does Ted stay and keep coaching, or does he return to America?

As seen in the previous Christmas episode, Ted does not enjoy being away from his son Henry, and so he may want to go back. But can he find a new challenge or reason to stay?

Anyways, that's where I am at about Ted Lasso season 3. Check out our list of the best shows to watch while you wait for Ted Lasso season 3 if you too are struggling with the gap between seasons.

Ever since I got a free year of Apple TV Plus last summer (a perk for buying a new iPhone), I've almost exclusively used the service to watch Ted Lasso and little else. 

I did slowly make my way through both seasons of Mythic Quest and found it mostly enjoyable (if a little repetitive), but otherwise the only time I’ve booted up Apple TV Plus has been to check if Ted Lasso season 3 has been released yet.  

That was until a few days ago when I stumbled upon the trailer for The Afterparty (one of our picks for the new shows to watch this weekend). The quick preview instantly won me over, and gave me a new Apple TV Plus show to look forward to.  

The first three episodes of The Afterparty have just dropped on the streaming service this week, and it’s making the $4.99 Apple TV Plus subscription worth the money. Here’s why I can’t wait to start working through them. 

Why Apple TV Plus' The Afterparty looks so good

The Afterparty, in a nutshell, is a new eight-part comedy series from Chris Miller and Phil Lord (The Jump Street, Lego Movie and Into The Spider-Verse guys). It focuses on the aftermath of a high school reunion that ends in murder. 

That elevator pitch should be enticing enough as is, but things get really interesting when you consider its additional wrinkles. Each episode is told from a different character’s perspective, and each episode is presented as essentially a different genre.

The first episode plays out like a romantic comedy, the second is framed as an action-packed blockbuster and the third is a toe-tapping musical (I’m especially excited for that one). We already know the fourth will be a psychological thriller and from the trailer, it looks like one of the later episodes will have a classic black and white motif. 

The cast is another reason to be excited. You’ve got recognizable names like Ben Schwartz, Dave Franco, Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz but also super underrated comedic talent such as Tiya Sircar (most well known from The Good Place) and Sam Richardson (who was in Ted Lasso season 2). 

With such a creative premise and such a stacked cast, this is one afterparty I definitely want to attend! 

Is The Afterparty enough to keep me subscribed to Apple TV Plus?  

I’m very much looking forward to checking out The Afterparty, and based on the creative talent involved (plus, its strong early critical buzz) I have little doubt it’s a series that I will thoroughly enjoy. 

The problem is what comes after? Based on the premise I assume The Afterparty is a one-and-done series. Presumably, the central murder will be solved within the eight episodes so I can’t see how The Afterparty season 2 could be a thing. 

I suppose in theory it could become an anthology series ala The Sinner or True Detective, but I’m never particularly enthusiastic about that idea. I find the quality of anthology series tends to dip from season to season, and it’s become a little too easy to disengage.  

Once The Afterparty wraps up in early March, and Ted Lasso season 3 hits (it's expected to arrive this summer), I'm not sure how often I'll open Apple TV Plus. Sure, The Afterparty has captured my interest, but Apple TV Plus needs to be adding shows that hook me at a regular clip if I’m going to stick around. 

The day when I will have to decide if I’m going to begin actually paying for Apple TV Plus is rapidly approaching. I’ll certainly stick around to catch Ted Lasso season 3 if it extended beyond my current membership, but afterward, I will almost certainly unsubscribe. The Afterparty looks fantastic, but Apple TV Plus needs so much more.  

In other TV news, the Halo TV show actually has a release date, RuPaul's Drag Race: UK Versus the World online is here too.

Looking for something else to watch? Since it's that time of the year, we've figured out where you can watch Groundhog Day online. The true story of the Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee sex tape will hit Hulu too, so you might want to watch Pam and Tommy to see that. For even more vulgarity, you can watch South Park season 25 (yes, they've made 25 seasons!)

Update: Here's what you need to know about Ted Lasso season 3.

You'd better BELIEVE that Ted Lasso season 2 is here. The award-winning Apple TV Plus comedy kicked its way onto the screen with a fun twist. A trailer reveals some of the plot of Ted Lasso season 2 — including Ted turning into a bad guy. No, not really, but he kinda tries, to make a point to the team. He even flips over a table! 

Ted Lasso season 2 continues the journey of titular character (Jason Sudeikis), an American college football coach who crosses the pond to become the manager of a down-on-their-luck English soccer team, AFC Richmond. His "can do" optimism initially annoys the team's owner, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), the players and the fans. But Ted Lasso's good cheer is so infectious, he starts to win and win over his detractors.

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Ted Lasso season 2 follows up on the critically-acclaimed award-winning first season, which brought the show and its lead actor many accolades from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild. More recognition is expected from the upcoming Emmy nominations. The series has certainly been the breakout hit for the still-fledgling Apple TV Plus service — so much that it has already ordered Ted Lasso season 3 in advance.

Here's everything we know so far about Ted Lasso season 2.

Ted Lasso season 2 release date

Apple TV Plus released Ted Lasso season 2 on Friday, July 23.

The second season consists of 12 episodes. It's possible that Apple releases more than one episode for the premiere, even up to three. However many drop on July 23, the rest will debut weekly on Fridays.

Apple TV Plus first renewed Ted Lasso season 2 on August 19, 2020, midway through the first season. At first, 10 episodes were ordered, but the number was upped to 12. In October 2020, the streamer also announced it was making Ted Lasso season 3.

On the podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends With Zach + Donald, creator Bill Lawrence said that Ted Lasso is likely a "three-season show" and he's planned storylines to wrap up by the end of season 3.

Ted Lasso season 2 trailer

In the full-length trailer for Ted Lasso season 2, coach is "Under Pressure" (the song plays in the background). AFC Richmond has been relegated, star player Danny Rojas is struggling and the team is on a streak of draws. To the latter, Ted has a joke, as he does for everything. But he's clearly somewhat worried, since he decides to introduce mean Ted Lasso to try to turn things around.

The first teaser trailer for Ted Lasso season 2 dropped during Apple's April 20 event. The video starts with a series of familiar flashes from the show, like Ted's famously delicious shortbread cookies and the "BELIEVE" sign in the locker room. "Kindness makes a comeback," the text proclaims. From there, the teaser previews Ted's second year as coach of AFC Richmond. Later, Ted makes a hilarious reference to the hapless New York Jets. 

Ted Lasso season 2 cast

The cast of Ted Lasso season 2 is led by Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, the current coach of AFC Richmond. He was formerly an American football coach with the Wichita State Shockers.

He's joined by:

• Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton, the owner of AFC Richmond
• Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard, Ted's long-time assistant and friend
• Nick Mohammed as Nathan Shelley, a new assistant coach
• Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, an aging, often angry box-to-box midfielder
• Juno Temple as Keeley Jones, a model and Roy's girlfriend
• Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins, the director of football operations
• Phil Dunster as Jamie Tartt, a young striker previously with Richmond and now with Manchester City. Also Keeley's ex-boyfriend.
• Cristo Fernández as Dani Rojas, a young player from Mexico
• Toheeb Jimoh as Sam Obisanya, a young right back from Nigeria
• Kola Bokinni as Isaac, the vice-captain of AFC Richmond
• James Lance as Trent Crimm, a reporter for The Independent
• Anthony Head as Rupert Mannion, Rebecca's ex-husband and former owner of AFC Richmond.
• Annette Badland as Mae, the local pub owner
• Andrea Anders as Michelle Lasso, Ted's separated wife
• Ellie Taylor as Flo "Sassy" Collins, Rebecca's best friend

Ted Lasso season 2 will bring on some new faces, including Sarah Niles as Sharon, a sports psychologist working with AFC Richmond. In the teaser, she turns down Ted's cookies because she doesn't eat sugar. The horror!

Ted Lasso season 2 plot

After getting relegated out of the Premier League, it looks like AFC Richmond is down on their luck for most of Ted Lasso season 2.

Cast member Hannah Waddingham told Collider, "Jason has described Season 2 as The Empire Strikes Back, and I’m inclined to agree with him"

At least behind the scenes, everybody is truly on the same team, made evident by the genuine joy that greets Ted when he encounters Rebecca, Leslie and Keeley. With all of them working together, they make a formidable group. 

Speaking of Keeley, she and Roy seem to be going strong, as demonstrated by a passionate kiss in the trailer.

And if season 2 is like Empire Strikes Back, then that means Ted Lasso season 3 will be Return of the Jedi — the final chapter of that portion of the Star Wars saga. 

As Sudeikis told EW.com, "The story that's being told - that three-season arc — is one that I see, know, and understood. I'm glad that they are willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don't know."

Co-creator Lawrence added, "The initial story Jason had in his head is a three-season arc, [but] I'm hopeful there's more Ted Lasso stories to tell after three seasons. Hey, in my head, I'm like, Ted Lasso moves home and he should coach the professional team that's a block away from Jason's home in real life."

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This Ted Lasso news may sting, but it makes sense. Ted Lasso season 3 is going to be the end of the run for Ted's story. So says showrunner Bill Lawrence in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter where he revealed that this was the plan all along. 

Spoiler warning: Ted Lasso season 2 details are discussed in full below. Yes, it seems that everyone's story in Ted Lasso so far has been planned since the beginning, with Lawrence and his star/head writer Jason Sudeikis having presented Apple with a plan for three seasons of the show about an American college football coach in over his head coaching a Premier League team.

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So, yes, everyone (likely from Ted and Rebecca to Nate and Roy), has had their destiny written since the beginning. Lawrence said "[W]hen we started, we plotted out everybody’s beginning, middle and end of a three-season arc. This story is going to be over next year, regardless, even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on."

And, there, you have the big asterisk: "even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on." Which, sounds like a spinoff is possible. On that topic, Lawrence said "I don’t think anything is closed off, but out of just respect, we’re going to wait ... None of us are worried about Jason figuring out what he wants to do. And when he does, then we’ll start talking about all that stuff.”

Who wants a spinoff, aside from fans? THR notes that "Apple and Warners, naturally, want the show to run well beyond season three as hits are increasingly harder to come by in the peak TV era that features north of 500 scripted originals."

Analysis: This was obvious (and potential spinoffs)

From the second that Ted Lasso and the team at AFC Richmond got relegated in the season 1 finale, it was clear to see that Lawrence and Co. had a three-act/season structure for the show. 

Season 1 brought Richmond down to its lowest low at the end with relegation and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) leaving. Season 2 both showed us pain with Ted's struggles with his memories of his father's suicide and Jamie being bullied by his father — all for the team to become stronger and get promoted back up. 

Season 3, it seems, is all about Richmond's quest to win the Premier League trophy (which is a part of the licensing deal struck between the series and the EPL). It also now has former ally turned villian Nate (Nick Mohammed) working with the enemy: West Ham owner Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head).

If Ted's previous statements about the importance of winning are to be believed, that's not the show's true ultimate goal (though we'll cheer Richmond if they win it). The ending of Ted Lasso's story is more likely to be about his path as a human, and his emotional journey as a man who left his family to cross an ocean and take a new job. 

And if Ted's story is complete, what happens next — in such a spinoff series? My gut says that the easy money is fan-favorite Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) could take the reins at Richmond, or start coaching elsewhere. A series that puts the focus on Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) could also be a winner, as while she's had something to work with week in and week out, she's definitely a character you could build a show around. 

Other, less direct spinoffs could be a series about Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) managing his new restaurant, and Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) running her own new PR firm.

Either way, Ted Lasso fans should treasure season 3 as if it were the last. It very well could be. 

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