The Huge Paycheck Jason Sudeikis Reportedly Gets For Ted Lasso
Apple TV's "Ted Lasso" debuted just five months into the pandemic. Starring Jason Sudeikis as the happy-go-lucky titular character, viewers watched an upbeat American football coach try to transform the record and attitudes of an English soccer team. The relentlessly optimistic show clearly struck a chord with isolated audience members, as the show garnered 20 nominations and seven wins at the 2021 Emmy Awards. According to CNN, this was a record for a freshman season of a show — beating out Glee's 19 nominations in 2010. And they did it all without singing or dancing!
According to Forbes, "Ted Lasso" received 509 million views across its first 20 episodes. It's no wonder that, as reported by Deadline, Apple renewed the show for two more seasons just months after it first released onto the streaming platform.
While Sudeikis, who also serves as a writer for the show, previously told Entertainment Weekly that the "three-season arc is one that I see, know, and understand," he also acknowledged that he wasn't sure how the show would proceed if the "iMoney truck" came to his door. Based on a recent report, it's safe to say that the truck has arrived.
Jason Sudeikis will make $1 million per episode in season three
It's no secret that Jason Sudeikis' portrayal of Ted Lasso is part of what makes the show so charming, although the actor doesn't take all the credit. Even as he took home the Emmy for lead actor in a comedy at the 2021 awards ceremony, Sudeikis said, "This show is about family, this show's about mentors and teachers, this show is about teammates ... I want to thank my teammates, who helped make this show."
While the humble actor was ready to share the win, Apple's streaming service clearly recognizes the value that Sudeikis himself brings to the table. Following the success of the first two seasons, The Hollywood Reporter got word that Sudeikis would be receiving $1 million per episode in season three. This is a pay raise to the tune of around $750,000, as it was reported that the star was earning between $250,000 and $300,000 for the first two seasons.
Apple's willingness to so heavily invest in the show raises questions about its future. Is the network just going all out for their final season, or is there hope for more of the wholesome comedy?
Season three will likely be Ted Lasso's last
Apple was quick to green-light the first three seasons of "Ted Lasso," but they've been relatively quiet about its future since then. Fans have been desperate to know if they can count on more episodes of the hit series, with one even taking to Twitter to quip that Ted Lasso Season 4 could be what reunites America.
In recent weeks, we've finally gotten some insight ... but it may not be what fans were hoping for. In an interview with The Times, Brett Goldstein implied that the end is near. Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent and also writes for the show, said that they're planning and writing as if this will be the last season. "It was planned as three. Spoiler alert —everyone dies," the actor joked.
While this does seem in line with what Jason Sudeikis had told Entertainment Weekly, we can't help but to hold onto hope. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sudeikis wasn't the only star who saw a pay increase after the success of the show. Perhaps the increased financial backing for the show will persuade its key players to stick around. After all, when it comes to soccer, everyone loves a comeback story.