After three long years, Apple TV's Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso is back, and Season 4's premiere will have fans saying, “Toto, we’re not in Richmond anymore! Or Kansas, for that matter…”
When we last left our beloved mustachioed soccer/football coach, he was back home in Kansas City (apparently, Missouri!) spending quality time with his son, Henry (Grant Feely). When Season 4 checks back in three years later, that’s where we find him. And he has visitors! In hopes of convincing Ted to return to Richmond and coach the new women’s team, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), Keeley (Juno Temple), and Higgins (Jeremy Swift) travel to Ted’s turf and see what all the fuss is about.
The premiere is a love letter to Kansas City, and before the episode ends, Ted takes a reflective drive past some of standout sights, including the KC Wheel, the Bartle Hall pylons, the Uptown Theater (featuring promo for Thunder Gong!, Sudeikis and steps of faith’s annual charity show), the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, The National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial, Town-Topic Hamburgers, the Kansas City Powers & Light Building lit up blue in support of the Royals, and more.
But where was Ted Lasso Season 4, Episode 1 filmed? In Kansas City, of course, but also in a few other locations. From Fowch’s Fine Foods to Henry’s school, Ted’s home, Dottie Lasso’s house, an airport tarmac, and more Kansas City sights, Ted Lasso Episode 1 gave fans a real change of scenery.
One of the key locations was Gates Bar-B-Q, a local barbecue joint. Barbecue sauce! A trip to Kansas City is nothing without trying some local BBQ, and Ted Lasso‘s Season 4 premiere sees Ted taking his Richmond pals to Gates Bar-B-Q for four President’s Trays, which feature ribs, sides, fixings, and more. The Midtown location at Linwood and Main was reportedly featured in Season 4 footage.
Another notable location was Country Club Plaza, a historic hub for shopping, dining, and outdoor events. Rebecca and Keeley are seen walking, talking, and shopping at the fictional Dazzle Me Moi in the area. You can even see the Plaza Time Building!
Higgins takes a solo excursion to The Museums At 18th & Vine in hopes of visiting the American Jazz Museum. When it’s closed, he takes a tour of the nearby Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, both of which are real museums located at 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, Missouri!
According to the 18th & Vine website, “The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, located in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District, is a tribute to the rich history and lasting legacy of African American baseball players. Founded in 1990, the museum celebrates the formation of the Negro Leagues in 1920 and honors trailblazers like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson, who played in these leagues during an era of racial segregation in professional sports.”
Finally, the premiere showcases CPKC Stadium, the “first soccer stadium purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team in the world.” Electric scenes showcase Kansas City’s pro athletes and gorgeous stadium, which — as the premiere notes — is the “first soccer stadium purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team in the world.” As Decider’s recap notes, the 11,500-capacity venue sells out every single home game, and Season 4 premiere scenes show Teal Man, a goal scored by Temwa Chawinga, a Malawian attacker who has won the last two National Women’s Soccer League MVP awards, and accurate CPKC energy.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that the show's production team chose to film in Kansas City, a city that is not only a significant part of Ted's personal story but also a place with a rich cultural heritage. From the historic 18th & Vine District to the vibrant Country Club Plaza, the city's diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks provide a unique backdrop for the show's narrative. In my opinion, this decision adds a layer of authenticity to the show, allowing viewers to connect with Ted's experiences on a deeper level.
One thing that immediately stands out is the show's ability to blend humor and heart with a backdrop of real-life locations. The premiere's love letter to Kansas City not only showcases the city's beauty but also highlights its cultural significance, making it a truly memorable episode. From the barbecue joints to the museums and the stunning stadium, the show's production team has managed to capture the essence of Kansas City in a way that feels both genuine and entertaining.
If you take a step back and think about it, the show's decision to film in Kansas City is a clever move. It allows the show to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage in a way that feels both relatable and unique. The premiere's love letter to the city not only showcases its beauty but also highlights its cultural significance, making it a truly memorable episode. Personally, I think this decision adds a layer of depth to the show, allowing viewers to connect with Ted's experiences on a more personal level.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the show's ability to blend humor and heart with a backdrop of real-life locations. The premiere's love letter to Kansas City not only showcases the city's beauty but also highlights its cultural significance, making it a truly memorable episode. From the barbecue joints to the museums and the stunning stadium, the show's production team has managed to capture the essence of Kansas City in a way that feels both genuine and entertaining.
What this really suggests is that the show's production team has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the city's culture and history. By choosing to film in Kansas City, the show not only pays homage to Ted's personal story but also celebrates the city's rich cultural heritage. In my opinion, this decision adds a layer of authenticity to the show, allowing viewers to connect with Ted's experiences on a deeper level.
This raises a deeper question: How do we, as viewers, relate to the show's decision to film in Kansas City? Does it change our perception of the show's narrative? Does it make us more invested in Ted's journey? These are questions that I think are worth exploring, as they highlight the power of location in storytelling and the impact it can have on our emotional connection to a show.
