The Emmy-winning series had already ended with Season 3, where coach Ted Lasso returned to Kansas City. After three seasons of working on his mental health and family relationships, the move home was a natural conclusion. What more could the show say? Season 3 was not great, with too much sentimental drama and long episodes. If Ted Lasso was going to come back, it had to learn from its mistakes. The show had to recapture its earlier magic. It had to be better than Season 3. The question was, could it do that?

Three years after its supposed finale, Ted Lasso has learned its lessons. With Season 4, the series finds new purpose by moving Ted out of the spotlight.

Ted is still around, ready to give advice and quotes. But the show recognizes that Ted has found closure on his emotional challenges. Now, Ted acts as a way to introduce the show's new focus: women's sports.

Ted Lasso hinted at this focus in its Season 3 finale, when Keeley pitched a Richmond women's team to Rebecca. Three years later, that dream is becoming real, and Rebecca wants Ted back to coach the Lady Greyhounds.

Rebecca, Keeley, and Leslie win Ted back over the course of the season's first episode, which has some of the same problems as Season 3: it's too obvious and too long. Thankfully, the show finds its footing again from episode 2 onward.

Here, Ted Lasso starts to recapture its Season 1 magic. The series worked best when Ted was winning over those who doubted him. His curious and empathetic nature is what made the show a hit. With a new team in Season 4, Ted Lasso is at a similar starting point to Season 1. There's a new team to win over, and a new assistant coach in Alice Chilton. But perhaps most importantly, there are people who doubt whether a Richmond women's team needs to exist.

Women's sports are becoming very popular. A report estimated that women's soccer could become one of the world's top five sports by 2030. In the US, viewership of the NWSL has increased a lot. Some people will say otherwise, but Ted Lasso represents these detractors as people who are just being mean. Even Rebecca has to confront her own biases. She didn't consider a woman for the head coach job and often wonders if the team will be profitable.

Ted Lasso is now focusing on its new purpose. Keeley is the heart of the season, with her enthusiasm and determination to build something new. She is fighting for a better locker room and sorting out jersey issues. She knows this team is necessary. The fans are excited, from pub owner Mae to Roy Kent's niece Phoebe and her friends. They have new athletic role models to look up to.

The Lady Greyhounds are fun to watch. They're a boisterous ensemble, with some characters standing out. Law student Gemma is a great striker. Goalie Boots brings a wild edge to the team. Twins Niamh and Siobhan bicker a lot. Mother Lizzie acts as a mediator on the field.

Assistant coach Alice is the true scene-stealer. She's a master of deadpan and the perfect counterpoint to Ted. Her straight-shooting leads to some of the best comedic moments, but her quest for perfection on the pitch suggests personal growth ahead.

The shift in focus is proof of Ted Lasso's evolution in Season 4. The show is avoiding Season 3's biggest mistakes. As someone who was skeptical of the show's return, its focus on women's sports has won me over.

The first episode of Ted Lasso Season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes every Wednesday.

The show is available to stream.

Topics include Apple TV.