Ted Lasso returned for a fourth season on Wednesday, surprising fans who feared the Jason Sudeikis-led comedy show had run out of steam. The first episode reduced some viewers to tears as familiar characters returned to screens, following previous announcements that series three would be the final season.
Online reviews praised the comeback as a success. Viewers described the season premiere as heartwarming after initial concerns that the narrative had nowhere left to go.
The episode opens by showing Ted living in Kansas, two years after leaving Richmond AFC to be closer to his son Henry in the United States. Ted works in a grocery store and co-parents Henry with his ex-wife Michelle.
A group of Ted's former Richmond friends arrives at his doorstep unexpectedly. They reveal an ulterior motive for their visit, asking Ted if he will serve as head coach for a new Richmond Women's team they are launching.
Some viewers noted that setting the series in America felt weird compared to its traditional south-west London backdrop. However, the end of the episode hints at a return to Richmond after Michelle and Henry agree to join him.
Fan reactions on social media
Sharing their thoughts on the heartwarming first episode of series four, fans took to X to offer their opinion on the return of the coach. Viewers wrote: "TED LASSO IS BACK and it's not a failed comeback" and "Ted Lasso season four starts off a bit break, taking place in America, creating a world Ted wouldn't want to stay in - therefore setting up a quick return to Richmond. If you didn't like the episode, I promise you'll be okay with episodes 2-5 because you're home again".
Other fans highlighted the show's focus on women's sports. One viewer posted: "Jason Sudeikis returns to his hometown of Kansas City in the heartwarming premiere of Ted Lasso season four. The Apple comedy explores women's sports and the city's stadium designed specifically for women's soccer". Another wrote: "I teared up at the Ted Lasso scene at the Kansas City women's soccer team game. Made me think of how much my 13-year-old niece loves soccer and how she can see herself on the professional field now".
Many viewers expressed emotion over the show's return. One fan commented: "As a massive Ted Lasso fan, I hated that they brought the show back. I thought there is no reason Ted would ever go back to London after the S3 finale. Then I watched the first episode of S4. I don't know how they pulled it off. Ted Lasso continues to peak". Another viewer added: "Unfortunately liked the first episode of the new season of Ted Lasso more than I thought I would, I just love Rebecca and Keeley", while another said: "Just watched the new episode of Ted Lasso and my heart feels full".
Reactions also touched on the emotional climax. One fan wrote: "Guys I'm crying like a baby with the opening song playing at the end of the episode. I LOVE TED LASSO SO MUCH!", while another stated: "Ted Lasso's return is like seeing your lifelong friends again. They're still themselves, and you're happy to see them again. The third season ended the series on a high note, and bringing it back seems like a risky idea, but maybe starting from scratch is the way to go. A charming start". Another fan added: "The Ted Lasso reboot could not have come at a better time. Thank u Apple".
Criticism and story questions
Despite the positive reception, some viewers raised questions about story choices and previous narrative arcs. One viewer suggested the premiere was an attempt to fix mistakes from season three, writing: "First episode of Ted Lasso was good but it was also downright an episode trying to fix all the mess they made with s3. Like it was so obvious that Ted would not be happy in the US without all his friends and his job that motivates him?". Another fan added: "Look I'm not saying I hate the first episode of Ted Lasso S4, I'm just saying it's the equivalent of the show saying yeah we got the ending wrong before sooo."
Another viewer questioned Ted's employment at the start of the season, asking: "Why is Ted Lasso working in an supermarket at the start of season four? He almost won the Premier League in England he could waltz into any job in the MLS surely? Doesn't make any sense?". Another fan wrote: "The first episode of Ted Lasso... hmmm."
Television critic reviews
Early reviews for the new run of episodes have been predominantly positive. Writing in Metro, Rebecca Cook awarded the season four stars out of five.
Cook wrote: "The last two seasons were plagued with patronising monologues. Be warned, there is still some of that. But it's usually lightened with a joke at the end. Sudeikis and co write the show as they go, so perhaps the six episodes I've not seen will backslide into that guff. But so far, Ted Lasso season four is decidedly less c**p than the World Cup halftime show."
Writing in The Telegraph, Benji Wilson awarded the series three stars out of five. Wilson wrote: "New Ted Lasso is the same as old Ted Lasso: a surprisingly delicate balance between the sickly-sweet and the smutty that leaves you marvelling at how they keep getting away with it."
