Fans BELIEVED, and now TV’s favorite optimist, TED LASSO, is back on our TVs once again! Since my first introduction to Ted and team 6 years ago, I’ve been gravitating to a lot of content that rewards earnestness over cynicism. Whatever the buzzwords are these days (“hopepunk” and “nicecore” are a few I’ve heard), it doesn’t matter. I’m all in for Ted, Beard, Keeley, Rebecca, Roy, Higgins, and whoever else shows up to the hallowed Richmond grounds.
I’m going to be honest: when TED LASSO ended after season three, I thought that was it. Everything wrapped up well. HOME doesn’t just reopen the show’s world; it launches an entirely new story to coax Ted into returning to Richmond. Before we get across the pond, there are a ton of incredible scenes of Ted living his midwestern life and getting a surprise visit from his favorite Brits. Away from the glamour of Premier League soccer, Ted was relatable in ways I hadn’t imagined he’d be: making the most of working a job he’s overqualified for while juggling family life.
Ted’s (Jason Sudeikis) visitors are Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), Keeley (Juno Temple), and Higgins (Jeremy Swift), who have a very important question for him. Andrea Anders returns as Ted’s wife Michelle, and Grant Feely takes over the role as Ted and Michelle’s son Henry, a recast from earlier seasons. I expect there will be some wonderful new additions to the cast as well, but it’s still TBD on how much we’ll see (or not see) of Roy, Jamie, and others.
HOME feels like more of a prologue than a premiere. Ted is occupying a very different space from the one we’re used to seeing him in. Everything feels new and familiar at the same time. Higgins is as affable as ever. Keeley is full of grand ideas. Rebecca is, of course, the boss ass bitch. And well, Ted, he’s always been a lot more complicated than we expected him to be. And I can’t wait to see where he’ll take us.
TED LASSO drops a new episode every Wednesday on Apple TV+.