Brendan Hunt explains why original Ted Lasso stars miss season 4

Ted Lasso’s fourth season returns without Phil Dunster and fellow original players; co-showrunner Brendan Hunt says scheduling and narrative reasons prevented their return. Hunt told Variety Dunster was busy and that it would strain credulity if all men's team stayed; top players would be bought by bigger clubs. Jason Sudeikis eventually agreed to continue after season three. Sudeikis made difficult phone calls to inform former stars; the premiere honored them with memorabilia, including Jamie Tartt’s departure clipping.