Kansas City community takes pride as Ted Lasso season 4 puts metro in spotlight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Season four of Ted Lasso premiered Wednesday, and several Kansas City-area locations appear throughout the new season, including a Blue Springs neighborhood, the Country Club Plaza, Lee’s Summit and Gates Barbecue.

The Kansas City Current hosted a watch party at CPKC Stadium for the first episode. New episodes drop every Wednesday on Apple TV+.

Nathan Doering, who lives along Southwest Second Street in Blue Springs, said a neighbor’s home was selected for the show and the production team rented out his garage.

“Our neighbor came and said their house had been selected,” Doering said.

Doering said he was already a fan of the series before his community was chosen.

“Big fan of the show,” he said. “I was star struck.”

He said the experience was well received by those in the neighborhood.

“Everybody seemed to be fired up,” Doering said. “Yeah, it was good motivation to clean out the garage.”

The Kansas City Current also received time in the spotlight. Dani Welniak, vice president of communications for the Kansas City Current, said the team appears in episode one and most of the extras in that episode are KC Current staff and their families.

“It has been a phenomenal experience,” Welniak said. “It’s just such a love letter to Kansas City.”

“That makes it a really fun genuine moment, I think, for a lot of people,” she said.

Star actor Jason Sudeikis, who grew up in Overland Park, made a point to showcase Kansas City locations across the metro.

“For someone to use their platform like Jason did and show off what makes this town and what makes this community so special. It gives me goosebumps,” Welniak said.

Doering echoed that sentiment.

“He’s just a treasure to the city,” Doering said.

Doering said the show carries themes that resonate broadly.

“Just a show that kinda speaks to people’s courage and humanity and everything,” he said.

“Be a goldfish. Whatever happens in your life, have that mentality of, ‘this too shall pass,’” Doering said.

He also pointed to the show’s central message.

“The motto of the show is ‘To Believe,’” Doering said.

Welniak said the Kansas City Current is grateful for the recognition.

“We are just so, so blessed to be a part of it,” she said.