The popular, Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso is officially coming back for a fourth series, as confirmed by Apple TV+. The show, which premiered in 2020, follows the optimistic American football coach Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, who finds himself managing the fictional English Premier League football club AFC Richmond.
With the end of the third series seeing Ted return to the US, fans were left uncertain about what the future held for the beloved coach. However, with the announcement of a new season, viewers can look forward to more of Lasso’s signature charm and quirky leadership. While no additional casting has been confirmed, the show's regular stars include Hannah Waddingham, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple, and Phil Dunster, all of whom have contributed to the show’s success.
Jason Sudeikis, who also serves as a producer, hinted at the new series' themes, saying, "As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap', in season four the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be." This cryptic message suggests that the upcoming series will continue to explore the challenges of both the team and its coaching staff, all with Ted's usual optimism and humour.
In the previous series, Roy Kent (played by Brett Goldstein) stepped into the role of assistant coach alongside the eccentric Coach Beard, while Ted faced personal struggles back home. Goldstein, who also serves as an executive producer and writer for the show, has been a crucial part of its success.
Since its debut, Ted Lasso has become a global hit, winning 13 Emmys and receiving 61 nominations across three seasons. Sudeikis himself has won multiple awards for his portrayal of Ted, including Emmys for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022.
While an official release date for the fourth series has yet to be announced, excitement is already building as fans await the return of the heartwarming and hilarious AFC Richmond crew.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.