In the Season 4 finale of “Ted Lasso,” titled “The Departing Lass,” significant leadership changes occurred at AFC Richmond. Ted Lasso, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, appointed Alice Chilton (Tanya Reynolds) as the new manager of the women’s team and voluntarily stepped down to become her assistant, alongside Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt).
Hunt, who serves as an executive producer and writer, discussed the episode’s major plot points with Variety, including the narrative reasoning behind Ted’s decision and the uncertain future of the series.
The storyline was driven by Ted’s realization that he has been absent for his son, Henry. Despite bringing Henry to London with the intention of spending more time together, Ted missed key moments, a fact underscored by an Employee of the Year plaque from his late father, who died by suicide when Ted was 16. Hunt noted that Sudeikis envisioned this demotion from the start of the writers’ room sessions, using it to explore the theme that excessive devotion to work can be detrimental.
Alice’s promotion was described as a natural progression, having grown significantly since her introduction. Meanwhile, the men’s team faced its own upheaval as Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) accepted a managerial position at Chelsea. This development complicates his personal life, as he and Keeley Jones (Juno Temple) are expecting a child. In other news, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) proposed to her boyfriend, Matthijs, and the Diamond Dogs reunited to offer Roy advice on fatherhood.
A central emotional beat involved the death of pub owner Mae (Annette Badland). Her will ultimately thwarted Zelda’s (Tracey Ullman) attempt to gain controlling interest in the club, returning shares to Rebecca and preserving her 51% ownership. Hunt explained that the writers focused on how Mae could “save the team from the grave,” praising Badland’s professionalism after learning of her character’s fate.
Coach Beard also underwent a visual transformation this season, experimenting with haircuts, earrings, and colored contacts. Hunt attributed this to a midlife crisis triggered by Beard’s vulnerability following his separation from Jane. The show also featured a cameo by Richard Schiff as a version of Beard in a play, a nod born from a friendly encounter at the Emmys where Schiff expressed his appreciation for the series.
When asked about a potential Season 5, Hunt remained noncommittal, stating that Sudeikis keeps such plans close to his chest. While the writers hoped for more seasons, Hunt acknowledged that the story concluded nicely and they would wait for official confirmation.
Hunt also revealed the origin of a recurring gag involving Ted’s chair being set too low, which was resolved when it was discovered that Alice had been adjusting it throughout the season. He described this as typical of Sudeikis, who often plants seeds for payoffs without explaining the full arc to the crew until the end.
Do we really need a season 5? The stories feel resolved. I’d rather they ended on this high note than drag it out.
Ted choosing his son over the team makes perfect sense given his backstory. Finally, some real character growth instead of just cheerleading.
I was totally shocked by Mae’s death! It felt so abrupt but also necessary for Rebecca’s arc. A bit dark, though.