Ted Lasso's fourth season has been met with a wave of negative reviews, with critics describing the new episodes as 'tedious', 'struggling', and 'frustratingly hollow'. The first episode of the new series was released on Apple TV+ this morning, but many reviewers who have seen the first five episodes have panned the show.
The new season follows American coach Ted (Jason Sudeikis) as he returns to AFC Richmond to coach the women's football team, after quitting the men's team at the end of season three to return to Kansas and be with his son.
Reviews divided, but mostly critical
While some reviews have praised the show for retaining its humor, many have criticized the return as a cash-in for Apple TV with no real substance. Nick Hilton of The Independent gave the season two stars and said it "limps on like an ageing striker". He added: "It really feels like the show has wasted the earned conclusion of its arc in pursuit of more episodes, more revenue, more Emmys."
Similarly, Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter said the show was "frustratingly hollow" and "struggles to find anywhere interesting left to go" as it tried to revamp itself. Variety's Alison Herman criticized the show's attempt at tackling the ridicule women's sports teams constantly face, stating: "Feminist commentary was never the series' strong suit, and centering the women's team prompts more of it than ever." Though she felt it had promise as a reboot, she called the return a "tedious sequel".
IndieWire and fan reactions
Ben Travers of IndieWire said the show was "off its game" and did not include enough conflict to be narratively sound, nor enough laughs to liven up the dead spots. He said the season was "playing it safe" and "mimicking" its original formula.
Fans also had mixed opinions of the first episode. Some said it was nice to have their "comfort show" back and to see it focus on the discrimination women face in football, but others were confused by the show's revival. One wrote: "look I'm not saying I hate the first episode of Ted Lasso Season 4, I'm just saying it's the equivalent of the show saying yeah we got the ending wrong before sooo". Another added: "Somehow, Ted Lasso returned. Nobody seems to know why — including the people making the show." A third continued: "Lemme tune into this cash grab a** season of Ted lasso".
Juno Temple's wedding news
Just before the fourth season was released, star Juno Temple revealed she had married long-term boyfriend Michal Szymanski, whom she met on the show. The actress, who plays PR guru Keeley Jones, shared the news ahead of the arrival of season four. Juno, 37, met Michal on season two of the show when he played the driver of Keeley's boss and best friend Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham).
Speaking to Chris Evans alongside her co-star Hannah, she said: "I got married, we met on season two of Ted Lasso." Hannah added that Juno asked her permission to date Michal: "She said, 'Can I ask him on a date?' I said, 'Yes you can'. He was my driver."
