Ted Lasso is finally back with a new season today after two years. While the series premiered its first episode, fans noticed a major absence of a beloved character from previous seasons. Brendan Hunt (series co-creator) cleared the air surrounding his absence.
Speaking with Variety, Hunt said Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster) has left AFC Richmond to play for FC Barcelona. His exit was shown in the Season 4 premiere through a newspaper headline as he moved on to play for FC Barcelona in the story. In reality, Phil was busy filming HBO Max’s Rooster, which made it impossible for him to return.
Hunt said, “Phil was going to be busy, but also, it would have strained credulity a bit further than we wanted to if all the old team were still on Richmond.”
Brendan Hunt explains why Richmond’s best players had to move on
Hunt explained in narrative terms that successful football clubs naturally lose their best players to larger clubs. As Richmond grew, it makes sense that big stars like Jamie Tartt would invite offers from major clubs across Europe. “If this team is doing so well, then the best players would be gone. They’d be bought by bigger clubs,” he said.
Jamie’s departure also leaves room to introduce new stories instead of relying entirely on familiar faces. With Jamie out of the picture, the series can explore the long-teased dynamic between Keeley and Roy Kent. “The two of them have a chemistry together, whether they are being romantic or not,” Hunt said, adding fans will have to wait and see where it goes.
Alongside Jamie, Sam Obisanya, Dani Rojas, Isaac McAdoo, Colin Hughes and more are not returning to Ted Lasso Season 4. However, Hunt hasn’t ruled out Jamie returning in the future. He also said there’s hope for more Ted Lasso, but nothing is planned yet.
Ted Lasso Season 4 premiere is currently streaming now on Apple TV. The streamer will release episodes weekly, each dropping on Wednesday through October 7, 2026.
Originally reported by Manoj Chekkilla on ComingSoon.
