Summary
- Brett Goldstein's mystery role in Apple TV+'s Shrinking eases the uncertainty around Ted Lasso season 4's fate.
- A handful of Ted Lasso cast and crew have hinted at potential spin-offs or a possible fourth season (but nothing has been confirmed).
- Shrinking season 2 could premiere as early as the fall of 2024.
Ted Lasso season 3 ending neatly tied up the beloved Apple TV+ series starring Jason Sudeikis in the titular role, as AFC Richmond vies for victory in the Premier League. Throughout the final season, the series skillfully navigates multiple storylines, showcasing the development of key characters such as Ted, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham), Roy Kent (Goldstein), Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), and Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed).
Despite its huge success, the fate and possibility of Ted Lasso season 4 remains uncertain. The writers wanted to go out on a high note, having only ever planned out a three-season arc for the show. Still, it's a shame as Ted Lasso filled a niche on television held by no other series, offering positive, realistic character development virtually never seen in shows. The characters were fully lived-in and beloved, with few being as beloved as curmudgeonly ex-soccer star Roy Kent. Thankfully, Goldstein has another show lined up that could be the spiritual successor to Ted Lasso.
Brett Goldstein ing Shrinking Is Fun Despite The Confusion Surrounding Ted Lasso Season 4
Goldstein's deadpan comedy skill will lend itself nicely to Shrinking's hybrid tone
Brett Goldstein will guest star in season 2 of Shrinking, but details surrounding his role are unknown. After his success as a writer on Ted Lasso, Goldstein co-created the Apple TV+ comedy-drama series with Bill Lawrence and Jason Segel. However, Goldstein didn't appear in Shrinking season 1. Shrinking follows Jimmy Johns (Jason Segel), a therapist grieving the loss of his wife while juggling his responsibilities at work and home. The series costars Hollywood veteran Harrison Ford, whose performance in Shrinking has been widely praised by critics and viewers.
Many of those involved with the Apple TV+ sports comedy-drama have conveyed an interest in continuing the show via spin-offs or a possible fourth season.
Ted Lasso season 3 ended with the eponymous Ted officially leaving AFC Richmond, Rebecca staying and maintaining majority ownership (giving the rest to the fans), and Roy being appointed the new head coach. The uncertainty surrounding Ted Lasso season 4 only makes this ending feel less satisfying, though. It also leaves fans confused, frustrated, and impatient. While everyone waits to see what happens with Ted Lasso season 4, Goldstein guest starring in Shrinking season 2 is an exciting update. The actor's dry, sardonic humor will be a valuable addition to the show's hybrid tone.
Is AFC Richmond A Real Team? What Ted Lasso's Football Club Is Based On
Ted Lasso's football club, AFC Richmond, is so believable and even has merchandise so that American fans may wonder if it's actually a real team.
What The Ted Lasso Creators & Cast Have Said About Season 4
Many have teased there could be more Ted Lasso stories after season 3
Ted Lasso is an American football coach who moves to England, hired to manage a struggling soccer team, despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them that he's fit for the job.
- Cast
- Juno Temple, Billy Harris, Stephen Manas, Cristo Fernández, Moe Jeudy-Lamour, James Lance
- Showrunner
- Bill Lawrence
- Seasons
- 3
The producers' plan from the beginning was to have Ted Lasso be a three-season series, and they made good on that promise by resolving the story in the season 3 finale. However, many of those involved with the Apple TV+ sports comedy-drama have conveyed an interest in continuing the show via spin-offs or a possible fourth season. Even Jason Sudeikis has commented on Ted Lasso season 4 but hasn't confirmed it. When asked about potential spin-offs during an interview with Deadline in March 2023, Sudeikis said:
"Yeah, I think that we've set the table for all sorts of folks…to get to watch the further telling of these stories."
Meanwhile, Ted Lasso director and supervising producer Declan Lowney told The Hollywood Reporter:
"Everybody knew [Ted Lasson season 3] was the end, but it's also the end for now. It's going to be two or three years before anything happens — if anything happens."
Nick Mohammed, who played Nate Shelley in Ted Lasso, also created a post on X in November 2023 that further fueled speculation about a possible season 4. It read:
"One year to the day since #TedLasso wrapped. And one year to the day that I accidentally posted this spoiler of Nate in AFC Richmond kit! Promise it won't happen again on season 4- now wait."
Why Brett Goldstein's Role In Shrinking Was Inevitable
Goldstein ing another Apple TV+ show seems fated
In a way, it was inevitable for Brett Goldstein to guest star on Shrinking. Not only did Goldstein co-create Shrinking, but he is also a fan favorite for Apple TV+. It is impossible to believe that Goldstein almost didn't play Roy Kent in Ted Lasso. Initially, the actor was meant to serve only as an executive story editor and writer in season 1. Even when he was later eyeballed for the cast, Goldstein was initially meant to play Leslie Higgins (a role that was eventually given to Jeremy Swift) but ultimately won the part of Roy.
Brett Goldstein will also voice Roland in The Garfield Movie, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 24, 2024.
Roy became immensely popular throughout Ted Lasso's three seasons as the show became a massive hit. Ted Lasso set a major 2023 streaming record, amassing 16.9 billion minutes viewed. This constituted more viewership than any other original streaming series in 2023, even though Apple TV+ has fewer subscribers than its competitors. Given this (and co-creating the show), Goldstein's guest role in Shrinking was inescapable and is bound to be well-received. Goldstein is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand actors as of late, and the significant credits in his filmography are only going to grow over the next few years.
Brett Goldstein's Role |
Movie/TV Show |
|---|---|
Brendan |
Adult Life Skills |
Roy Kent |
Ted Lasso |
Hercules |
Thor: Love and Thunder |
Shrinking |
Co-creator and season 2 guest star |
Roland |
The Garfield Movie |
Shrinking’s Funniest Harrison Ford Scene Is Even Better Thanks To Star Wars
Harrison Ford's Shrinking character is typically a no-nonsense therapist, but one funny scene with the actor is even better because of Star Wars.
What To Expect From Shrinking Season 2
The cast and crew began filming Shrinking season 2 in early 2024
Following the success and Shrinking season 1's ending, Goldstein could be playing someone who works in law enforcement. Shrinking season 2 began filming on January 29, 2024, and might be ready by the end of the year. However, Apple TV+ hasn't released a premiere date yet.
Shrinking season 1 received two nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024 — one for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Jason Segel and the other for Outstanding ing Actress in a Comedy Series for Jessica Williams.
The confirmed cast of Shrinking season 2, including Ted Lasso's Goldstein, is:
Actor/Actress |
Role |
|---|---|
Jason Segel |
Jimmy Laird |
Harrison Ford |
Dr. Paul Rhoades |
Jessica Williams |
Gaby |
Luke Tennie |
Sean |
Michael Urie |
Brian |
Lukita Maxwell |
Alice |
Christa Miller |
Liz |
Ted McGinley |
Derek |
Brett Goldstein |
TBA |
In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
- Cast
- Lily Rabe, Tilky Jones, Rachel Stubington, Wendie Malick, Sawyer Jones, Mike C. Nelson, Matt Knudsen, Kenajuan Bentley, Adam Foster Ballard
- Showrunner
- Bill Lawrence
- Seasons
- 2
Source: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, X
