‘Ted Lasso’ Explores Linear Broadcasting Possibilities for Season 3

The Diamond Dogs are striking it rich. According to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter, a whole slew of folks behind Ted Lasso have scored major promotions as the acclaimed show heads into Season 3 on Apple TV+. The series, which is currently around halfway through its sophomore season, was already renewed for a third go on the streamer back in October 2020. However, discussions over a potential broadcast future for Lasso have reportedly complicated negotiations.

Stars like Jason Sudeikis, who plays Ted Lasso himself, and every player on AFC Richmond’s roster have recently engaged in contract renegotiations. Per THR, the negotiations also include the show’s producers and writers, with sizable pay increases for the team.

Series showrunner Bill Lawrence is also reportedly looking for an increase from the five-year, eight-figure overall deal he signed with Warner Bros. Television in late 2018, before Ted Lasso became a major hit, garnering 20 Emmy nominations at this year’s ceremony.

Writers for the series received significant salary increases, with stars Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard) and Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) securing separate deals. Both have written episodes of the show, also serving as executive producers on the project.

Sudeikis has secured a paycheck of around $1 million per episode on the new season, per the report. Other big cast members like Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca), Juno Temple (Keeley), Goldstein and Hunt have also won raises, taking them up to the $125,000 to $150,000 territory per episode.

Warner Bros. Television is looking to negotiate the linear rights for the program in order to cover the rising costs associated with the show, potentially broadcasting the series down the road on a network like TNT, TBS or The CW. Apple, however, is only interested in keeping Ted Lasso exclusively on their streaming platform.

The future of Ted Lasso past Season 3 is currently unknown, which further complicates the current negotiations surrounding the show’s linear rights. Sudeikis has been open about envisioning a three-season run for the comedy series. But per THR‘s report, Lawrence, Warner Bros. Television, and Apple are all in favor of a longer run.

“The story that’s being told — that three-season arc — is one that I see, know and understood,” Sudeikis told Entertainment Weekly this past June. “I’m glad that they are willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don’t know.”

Production for Season 3 of Ted Lasso remains scheduled to begin in January 2022.

Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+