Ted Lasso co-creator explains Ted's demotion; season 5 still unconfirmed
Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach Beard, says Ted stepping down at the end of season 4 was Jason Sudeikis's plan from the very start, because Ted wants more time with his son. Apple has not renewed Ted Lasso for a fifth season, and Hunt says there is no sign yet that the story will continue.
Ted Lasso ended its fourth season Wednesday with a surprise, as Ted handed his job as manager of AFC Richmond's women's team to Alice Chilton and became her assistant, alongside Coach Beard. Now Brendan Hunt, who plays Beard and helped create the show, has explained the reasoning behind the twist.
"That was something Jason wanted to happen from the beginning of the writers' room," Hunt told Variety, referring to star Jason Sudeikis. The Independent reported that the season's first episode opens on Ted's "assistant manager" name badge, a detail that returns at the end.
Hunt said the main reason is Ted's son, Henry. Ted brought Henry to London hoping to spend much more time with him, but his work kept getting in the way, and it did not turn out that way. "He just wants to make sure he's with Henry more," Hunt said. He added that Ted had watched Alice grow all season, and that she is now "much more ready" to lead the team.
The finale changed a lot at the club. Roy accepted a big job managing Chelsea as he and Keeley prepare for a baby. Rebecca proposed to her boyfriend, Matthijs. And the will of the late pub owner, Mae, returned her shares in the club to Rebecca, keeping her at 51 percent and blocking Zelda's attempt to take control, Variety reported.
That leaves the show with many open storylines. Hunt said there is "not yet any indication that we're going to get to answer those questions." He added that Sudeikis, who also runs the show, "plays the cards close to his chest."
Others see better odds, and CableTV.com said the signs are good for a fifth season. It cited Apple programming chief Matt Cherniss, who said in July that Sudeikis was "looking to jump into the next season soon." It also said Apple's Eddy Cue told ScreenRant in August that the show has more story to tell.
The show is a big hit for Apple. Collider reported that the season 4 premiere drew 296.6 million views in its first two days, a record launch for Apple TV.
What we know: Ted ends season 4 as an assistant manager, by Sudeikis's design.
What we don't: Whether Apple will order a fifth season.
Where outlets agree The Independent, Collider and CableTV.com all report that Apple has not yet renewed Ted Lasso for a fifth season.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.