The Ted Lasso Finale Sets Up A Spin-Off – Here's What It Could Be About

This post contains spoilers for the series finale of "Ted Lasso."

In the weeks leading up to the "Ted Lasso" finale, fans have been tracking down clues about the show's future (or lack thereof) like Trent Crimm chasing a story lead. Originally conceived as a three-season show, news of the series' imminent end was tempered by statements from its co-creators, hinting that the world of "Ted Lasso" might not be done yet. Even today, hours before the episode arrived, viewers were noting the use of the term "season finale" in the show's episode description. Could Ted and co. be back for more?

Now that we've seen "So Long, Farewell," it seems clear that the finale was as conclusive as its title would indicate — for some characters. The episode ends with several characters in blissful, happy ending states: Ted (Jason Sudeikis) is back home in the United States, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) has found love, Keeley rebooted her PR firm with Barbara (Katy Wix), and Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) is playing for the Nigerian team, while other teammates and coaches seem to have gotten their own narrative equivalent to a ride off into the sunset. Yet that final montage includes more than a few hints that the show could return with a spin-off, including one quick reveal that's more exciting than anything the show has done all season: Rebecca and Keeley (Juno Temple) are starting a women's soccer team!

I'll be the first person to admit that this season of "Ted Lasso" has been a bust in a lot of ways, but I'll also admit that the Rebecca and Keeley reveal made me giddy. Waddingham and Temple have fantastic chemistry and their characters' friendship is among the best parts of the show, so seeing it wasted on stray love interests and bizarre psychic predictions this season was disheartening. If the world of "Ted Lasso" lives on in another form, a new team with these two hilarious, charming, dynamic women in charge seems like the most surefire way to make it great.

Plus, the final scenes also left the door open for several more characters to make appearances, should "Ted Lasso" truly call this its series finale and move onto a re-titled spin-off. Nate (Nick Mohammed), Roy (Brett Goldstein), and Beard (Brendan Hunt, who once and for all solidified himself in this episode as the show's funniest actor) all seem to be sticking around for whatever the future of AFC Richmond holds, and their taped-together "believe" sign hints that they plan to keep the Lasso spirit alive for whatever comes next.

The show also majorly whiffed it with Keeley's love triangle, ending with a bizarrely immature fight between Roy and Jamie (Phil Dunster) that led both men to temporarily get booted out of Keeley's life. By the episode's end, though, they're both hanging out with her again, and the trio seems to have an easy rapport going. If Keeley and Rebecca end up with their own series, Keeley has all the time in the world to figure out if she'd rather date Roy, Jamie, neither of them, or — my personal preference — both of them. The character is a whole lot more than the sum of her love life, but it's certainly one aspect of her story that feels unresolved.

After its first two seasons were showered with awards, it seems likely that "Ted Lasso" will continue on in some form or another despite the third season's mixed reception. If it does, an AFC Richmond women's team seems like a brilliant way to do it — especially if we get to see Temple and Waddingham running the show.