Ted Lasso is back on Apple TV. The hit soccer comedy that helped launch a wave of sports-themed streaming shows premiered its fourth season on Wednesday. Following a lengthy break, viewers may wonder if the acclaimed series still has its spark.

Press members received the first five episodes early for review. From these, it is clear the Ted Lasso everyone loved has returned in full force.

Created by and starring Jason Sudeikis, the story of an American football coach leading a struggling British soccer club became a sensation upon launch. It arrived amid the pandemic when audiences craved uplifting stories, boosting Sudeikis to leading-man status and elevating several UK performers to wider fame.

Key cast members return for season four. Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jeremy Swift reprise their familiar roles.

Reassembling the ensemble drives much of the season's appeal. Instead of recycling the AFC Richmond plot, the new season wisely shifts attention to the club's women's soccer side and its challenges.

Earlier seasons leaned on the outsider premise of an American coach navigating British soccer. Season four reverses that dynamic by placing Ted as the male leader of an all-female squad.

This premise surfaces real issues. Although women's leagues have gained visibility, problems like harassment, bias and entrenched sexism remain common.

Ted Lasso handles these topics with honest insight, giving space to the female players' perspectives while preserving its comedic tone.

The result revives the engaging spirit that made the first season a standout hit six years ago.

The returning cast performs with ease. Sudeikis and company slip back into their characters naturally, offering a comforting presence on screen.

Though quarantine days are past, the show's steady optimism and friendly charm remain distinctive in a landscape that often favors darker antiheroes.

Even Roy Kent shares a warm greeting in the second episode, a moment that highlights the value of connection despite his usual gruff demeanor.

The reunion lifts the mood, yet fresh story elements keep the season engaging.

The Lady Greyhounds bring new energy to the series.

Tanya Reynolds joins as assistant coach Alice Chilton alongside Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey and Abbie Hern. Reynolds adds dry humor and personal depth opposite Sudeikis and Hunt, opening new narrative paths.

Chilton initially struggles with team management and her own challenges, but she soon recognizes Lasso's positive impact, underscoring how kindness can influence others.

Off the pitch, plots involving Rebecca's romantic life, the evolving dynamic between Roy and Keeley, and glimpses of Ted's family provide satisfying continuity.

The season often subverts traditional gender roles, granting female characters greater agency in a manner reminiscent of recent romantic comedies.

It is also genuinely funny. While season three drew fewer laughs, this installment prompted frequent chuckles and outright laughter.

Praise goes to the writing team for crafting such lively episodes.

When the series ended three years ago, many felt the conclusion left loose ends. With new episodes now available and potential future seasons ahead, season four offers the heartfelt return fans sought. Watching it confirms the show still delivers the uplift viewers need.