Jason Sudeikis Responds to Ted Lasso Season 3 Criticism

Jason Sudeikis, star and co-creator of the Apple TV+ comedy series «Ted Lasso,» addressed criticism concerning the show’s third season, expressing his views in Jeremy Egner’s new book, «Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way Into Our Hearts.» The book, released recently, highlights that a «small but hostile group of dissenters» took issue with the show’s narrative choices in Season 3. Specifically, some critics argued that the core cast had been «scattered into different storylines,» rendering narratives such as those involving Keeley and Nate «unfocused.»

Sudeikis remarked that the show, akin to live theater, requires viewers to engage actively with its content. «Much like live theater, the show, especially Season 3, was asking the audience to be an active participant,» said Sudeikis, reflecting sentiments from previous interviews featured in the book. He pointed out a divide among audiences, noting, «Some people want to do that, some people don’t. Some people want to judge—they don’t want to be curious,» referencing the Coach Lasso philosophy of embracing curiosity over judgment.

Further in his remarks, Sudeikis expressed bewilderment towards individuals who critique the show without fully understanding it. «I’ll never understand people who will go on talking about something so brazenly that they, in my opinion, clearly don’t understand,» he stated, adding, «And God bless ’em for it; it’s not their fault. They don’t have imaginations and they’re not open to the experience of what it’s like to have one.»

Discussing the character development seen in «Ted Lasso,» Sudeikis conveyed satisfaction with the narrative resolutions achieved by the series. «Everybody’s in better shape than when they started,» he commented. «Like a good Boy or Girl Scout at a campsite, we left it better than we found it. And if you don’t see that in that show, then I don’t know what show you’re watching.»

The uncertainty surrounding a potential fourth season of «Ted Lasso» persists, though it appears to be a possibility. As reported by Deadline in August, Warner Bros. Television, the series’ production studio, picked up options on original cast members contracted under the UK acting union Equity. These cast members include those portraying AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Walton, hardman Roy Kent, and Director of Football Operations Leslie Higgins.

Both Warner Bros. Television and Apple TV+ representatives declined to comment on the matter when approached by Deadline. Meanwhile, the cast expressed willingness to reprise their roles should the opportunity arise.

«Ted Lasso» has garnered significant critical acclaim, securing 13 Emmy Awards during its three-season course. This includes two consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series accolades and acting honors for Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein—who is also a writer-producer on the show—and Hannah Waddingham.