**Content Warning: This article contains spoilers for season four of Ted Lasso**
Say what you want about the fourth season, but Ted Lasso continues to be one of my favorite shows of all time.
I’m the kind of person who can’t immediately understand or explain why I love a piece of media, but Ted Lasso has always been different. From the moment I finally sat down to watch it after months of convincing, the show delivered a sense of warmth and reassurance that everything was somehow going to work out.
Anticipation and Reception
The announcement of a new season after a three-year hiatus was met with significant apprehension, especially considering many of the beloved characters from the first three seasons would understandably be placed on the back burner as the new season would focus on Richmond’s women’s team.
Even so, the negative responses to Season Four after its release surprised me a little. No, I don’t think this season is flawless. I understand why some fans feel like the show has “lost the plot.” Despite its imperfections, Season Four managed to capture the magic that made me fall in love with Ted Lasso in the first place. Most importantly, though, I found myself deeply invested in the new characters and their storylines.
During a semester filled with long class days, Ted Lasso became something of a ritual. Every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ended the same way: a new episode and the hope that my day would turn around. No matter how awful the day had been, the show always managed to deliver a laugh, a smile, an emotional punch, and if I’m honest, usually all three.
My Winning Dynamics
One of the season’s greatest strengths is the chemistry between its characters. Alice quickly became one of my favorite additions to the series. Her dynamic with Ted is fantastic, particularly in Season Four, Episode Two, during Ted’s monologue, which was a standout moment of the season for me.
Their relationship, mirroring that of Ted and Nate from the earlier seasons, captures the heart of the series: vulnerability and kindness. Alice is played by Tanya Reynolds, who was an absolute delight to watch this season. She’s a bright spot for sure.
I also think Alice and Gemma’s dynamic has the potential to become the show’s most compelling relationship moving forward. Of course, the twins provided some of the season’s most clever and entertaining comedic moments.
Favorite Moments and Hot Takes
Season Four delivered a plethora of moments that reminded me why I love this show. The creation of Ted’s dating profile with Keeley was simply perfection. Jamie Tartt’s cameo was a timely ode to longtime fans. Rebecca’s hilarious American impression was fabulous. Also, Shannon’s arc was incredibly well constructed across all four seasons.
Then, there were the easter eggs. The Ted Lasso writers have always rewarded attentive viewers, and this season was no exception. Every small reference was a gift to loyal fans.
Of course, not every storyline worked for me. I’ll say it. I was bored by Roy and Keeley. I understand their importance to the show’s history, but what this season offered was drawn out and lacked excitement. The newer stories were far more emotionally engaging.
I also struggled with Zelda, played by Tracy Ullman, as a villain. For a show known for creating nuanced antagonists, this conflict felt underdeveloped. I kept waiting for complexity and never quite got it.
What Was Missing
There are several things I think could’ve changed this season. I’d like to see the show commit more fully to a queer romance as a primary storyline rather than treating it as a subplot. I’m fully on board with the Alice and Gemma ship that’s been circulating online, and I’d love to see that relationship become a central part of the narrative.
I think Coach Beard deserves some grace. Seriously, someone give this guy a win. For years, Beard has been one of the show’s most fascinating characters, but I’d love to see him receive a more substantial and positive arc moving forward.
Finally, the integration between legacy characters and the new cast still feels like a work in progress. While the new additions were strong, there are moments where the season feels split between two different shows. As these groups become more interconnected, I think the series will only get stronger.
Why the Show Still Works
One of the things I admire most about Ted Lasso is the collaborative nature of its storytelling. After watching Season Four, Episode Six, which I thought was brilliant, I immediately looked up who wrote it. What I found was Dylan Marron, a writer who refused to take sole credit after high praise. Instead, he took to Instagram to commend the entire writers’ room for contributing to the episode’s success.
That spirit translates on screen. There’s something special about the blend of American and British writers’ rooms that has defined the success of the show. The combination creates a unique balance of humor, emotional depth, and clever storytelling that few shows have the ability to replicate. The series succeeds because it feels like a group of talented people building something together.
At the end of the day, I want to spend time with these characters. I’ll continue to invite them into my space, rewatch upon rewatch. Season Four may not be perfect. The arcs aren’t always clean, and not every storyline lands, but I can confidently say that the cast, writers, and production team delivered excellence.
In a world that feels chaotic and divided, I think we need Ted Lasso now more than ever.
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