Richmond FC is in for a tough season now that ‘wonderkid’ Nate has gone full Darth Vader and is coaching rivals West Ham United, now owned by Rebecca’s nasty ex-husband Rupert.
And it looks like it might be the team’s final outing. Despite landing a double-renewal after its smash-hit debut, Ted Lasso’s could be nearing its end, according to writer and co-star Brett Goldstein.
Goldstein, who plays lovable grump Roy Kent in the Apple TV+ series, told the Sunday Times they’re writing season 3 as if it were the comedy’s last.
“We are writing it like that,” he said. “It was planned as three. Spoiler alert: everyone dies.”
It’s not official at this stage, but Goldstein’s comments don’t bode particularly well for those who would like the Jason Sudeikis-led show continue, though they’re in-keeping with what the creative team has previously said about how long the show could last.
Sudeikis himself, however, did provide some hope for more Ted Lasso during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “The story that’s being told — that three-season arc — is the one that I see, know, and understood,” he said. “As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don’t know.”
What we do know, however, is that season 3 is on the way – read on for all the details.
When is Ted Lasso season 3 released on Apple TV?
Apple TV+ is yet to announce an official premiere date for Ted Lasso season 3, but The Hollywood Reporter understands that the streamer is aiming for a summer release date, similar to its first two showings.
Despite the chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the team behind Ted Lasso were able to get a second season ready for release less than a year after the first, although there has been an additional complicating factor this time around.
Contract renegotiations between Warner Bros and the Ted Lasso cast reportedly delayed the show’s writing team from starting work on season three scripts by approximately one month.
Fortunately, new agreements were settled and the project is once again moving forward, but this minor setback could mean Ted Lasso season 3 doesn’t find its way to our screens until late summer 2022.
Ted Lasso season 3 cast
Fans can rest assured that their Richmond FC favourites will be back for Ted Lasso season 3, including co-creator Jason Sudeikis in the title role as the ever optimistic football coach.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the former SNL star has earned a significant pay rise for season 3, standing to make in the region of $1 million per episode moving forward. Back of the net!
He isn’t the only one getting a boost, as several members of the supporting cast will also be getting higher wages next season off the back of the show’s commercial and Emmys success.
Hannah Waddingham is confirmed to be reprising her role as Richmond FC owner Rebecca Welton, while Juno Temple will also be back as her best friend and branding whizz Keeley Jones.
Meanwhile, Brett Goldstein will be returning as gruff footballer-turned-coach Roy Kent, after recently debunking a conspiracy theory that he is an entirely computer generated creation. Seriously.
You can also expect more from Brendan Hunt as the wise yet troubled Coach Beard, who also serves as a writer on the show as well as its co-creator.
It’s highly likely that Toheeb Jimoh (Sam), Phil Dunster (Jamie), Nick Mohammed (Nate), Kola Bokinni (Isaac) and Sarah Niles (Sharon) will be back for Ted Lasso season three, as it’s hard to imagine Richmond FC without them.
We could also see more cameos from British television personalities, with season two featuring appearances from Gary Lineker, Jeff Stelling, Chris Kamara and Thierry Henry, as well as This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
Is Ted Lasso ending after season 3?
Possibly! Ted Lasso star and co-creator Jason Sudeikis has been quite open about the fact that his initial pitch for the series was a three-season story arc, meaning it could naturally wind down next year.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he said: “It’s by no means me typing every key stroke and saying every word. It’s nowhere near like that. But the story that’s being told — that three-season arc — is one that I see, know and understood. I’m glad that they are willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don’t know.”
Goldstein (Roy Kent), who is also in the writer’s room, revealed in June that they were writing the third season as if it were the show’s last, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
It sounds like Sudeikis is still deciding whether he would like to continue with Ted Lasso beyond season 3, but co-creator Bill Lawrence has said that he’s “hopeful” there will be more stories to tell.
In an interview with RadioTimes.com, Ted Lasso co-star Toheeb Jimoh (aka Richmond FC star player Sam Obisanya), said he would be happy with whatever the writers decide to do.
“I think it definitely comes down to the creative team,” Jimoh said. “If Jason [Sudeikis] and Bill [Lawrence] feel like there’s mileage and there’s anything else that they want to address then I think maybe we’ll do more.
“But, there’s also something really nice about not overstaying your welcome, and just having something that’s very impactful and very short and sweet.”
Is there a trailer for Ted Lasso season 3?
Not just yet. Ted Lasso season three is expected to start filming in January, so it’s possible we could get a first look at footage sometime around early summer 2022.
Ted Lasso seasons 1-2 are streaming now on Apple TV+. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.
