Ted Lasso has turned into a runaway success for Apple TV+. While the streamer hasn’t released hard data for the series, like most streaming platforms, they have made it clear it is their most successful series and its Emmy-winning status has also given it extra clout. Ted Lasso was created with a three-season plan in place and many are wondering if the success of the show can allow the series to go beyond that. Showrunner Bill Lawrence is providing some clarity on where the show could head if they break that three-season plan and it looks like it could mean a new story and new characters.
WARNING: THIS NEXT PART OF THE STORY CONTAINS SPOILERS ABOUT TED LASSO. IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED YET, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
During a chat with “The Hollywood Reporter“, Lawrence made it clear that regardless of whether or not the show goes beyond next season, the stories involving Nate, Roy, Keely, and the rest of the AFC Richmond cast will come to an end with season 3. This includes Nate’s descent and Roy and Keely’s relationship. These were planned for three-season arcs and that is something that won’t change. Lawrence is open to the possibility of more seasons but he and his writing staff are going all-in on a definitive end for their current characters by the conclusion of season 3. Also, additional seasons would involve a brand new story and a focus on new characters. Here is what he had to say:
“[W]hen we started, we plotted out everybody’s beginning, middle and end of a three-season arc. This story is going to be over next year, regardless, even if the show finds another story to tell and goes on.”
Lawrence also added that the future of the show also rests on its star, Jason Sudeikis, who won an Emmy for his portrayal of Ted. Lawrence pointed to Sudeikis’ personal duties as a father since the actor is actually trying to parent from London. If Sudeikis is game, Lawrence would consider continuing Ted’s story with a brand new supporting cast. Lawrence hints that Sudeikis’ decision on this will come in a “timely manner.”
Ted Lasso is based on a character of the same name that Sudeikis first portrayed in a series of promos for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Premier League. The show follows the titular character, an American college football coach to an English soccer team in an attempt by its owner to spite her ex-husband. Lasso tries to win over the skeptical English market with his folksy, optimistic demeanor while dealing with his inexperience in the sport. The series also stars Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Phil Dunster, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, and Sarah Niles.
Do YOU think Ted Lasso should go beyond season 3?