‘Ted Lasso’ cast hits back at critics as queer storylines take centre stage in season 4

The cast has defended queer representation as season four introduces a new chapter for AFC Richmond

Ted Lasso stars are pushing back against criticism of queer representation as the Apple TV+ comedy enters its fourth season, with Hannah Waddingham and Jeremy Swift making clear that LGBTQ+ storylines should have a natural place in mainstream television.

The comments come as Ted Lasso returns with a significant change in its football setting. Jason Sudeikis is back as Ted Lasso, but the new season shifts his attention towards the Lady Greyhounds, a newly formed second division women's football team at AFC Richmond. The fourth season premiered on August 5, 2026, with new episodes arriving weekly through October 7.

The show's LGBTQ+ representation has been part of its story since earlier seasons, particularly through Colin Hughes, the Richmond player whose sexuality became an important part of season three. However, current season four cast information does not list Billy Harris, who played Colin, among the returning series regulars. That makes the new season's representation story distinct from Colin's previous arc rather than a direct continuation of his storyline.

Juno Temple, who plays Keeley Jones, described inclusion as something that should be accepted without hesitation. She said she was proud to be part of a series that had embraced LGBTQ+ representation and argued that audiences should approach people with curiosity, kindness and openness.

Jeremy Swift, who returns as Leslie Higgins, also rejected the idea that queer representation represents a threat to television. He argued that inclusivity should become the norm and suggested that resistance to queer culture comes from people attempting to prevent its wider acceptance.

Hannah Waddingham, who reprises her role as Rebecca Welton, went further by suggesting that people who try to suppress queer representation may themselves feel intimidated by the community's creativity and openness.

Her comments have drawn attention as season four expands the world of Ted Lasso beyond the men's football team. Ted's new assignment involves coaching the Lady Greyhounds, giving the series a new group of characters and a different sporting environment. Apple describes the season as Ted taking on his biggest challenge yet as he works with a second division women's football team.

The new team includes characters played by Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey and Abbie Hern. Reynolds plays Alice Chilton, a coach working alongside Ted and Coach Beard, while the new players bring fresh personalities into the AFC Richmond story.

The fourth season also reunites Sudeikis with returning stars including Waddingham, Swift, Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard and Temple as Keeley. Several major characters from the first three seasons are absent from the confirmed regular cast, reflecting the show's wider shift in focus.

Online reaction to the discussion has been mixed. Some viewers have welcomed the cast's comments and defended the show's LGBTQ+ representation, while others have questioned whether criticism of the latest season is actually connected to its queer storylines. The debate has also highlighted a broader disagreement among viewers about how much social representation should feature in established entertainment franchises.