The cast of “Ted Lasso” said the decision to introduce AFC Richmond’s women’s team gave the Apple TV show a natural reason to return for a fourth season. The storyline follows the ending of Season 3, in which Keeley proposed that owner Rebecca Welton establish a women’s side, and reflects the growing prominence of professional women’s sport.

At a Variety and Apple TV screening and Q&A in New York, Hannah Waddingham said she had expected the series to continue and described the women’s-team plot as an obvious next step. Co-creator Brendan Hunt said Jason Sudeikis eventually texted him proposing both the show’s return and the new team, while Juno Temple said the expanded cast and fresh focus made returning appealing.