Netflix’s The Four Seasons is a warm, witty, and quietly devastating series that updates Alan Alda’s 1981 film for a modern audience. Co-created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, the show follows three longtime couples whose tradition of seasonal vacations begins to unravel under the weight of change, age, and emotional reckoning. Across its eight-episode arc, the series balances sharp comedy with heartfelt introspection, delivering an experience that’s both deeply entertaining and emotionally resonant.
At the heart of the story are Kate and Jack (Tina Fey and Will Forte), Nick and Anne (Steve Carell and Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny and Claude (Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani), a close-knit group whose shared history is tested when Nick announces his divorce and introduces a much younger girlfriend, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), to the group. This sudden shift not only throws the dynamics off balance but also reveals the fissures and insecurities within each couple. The chemistry among the cast is effortless, making their history feel lived-in and believable. Carell’s portrayal of Nick is especially poignant—equal parts charming and tragic—as he navigates the existential panic of middle age with a mix of denial and desperate optimism.
What makes The Four Seasons stand out is its ability to juggle humor with emotional truth. The writing is sharp, filled with the kind of biting, observational wit you’d expect from Fey and her team, but it never shies away from real vulnerability. Each character is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about love, loyalty, and the passage of time. These themes culminate in a surprising and devastating finale, where Nick’s sudden death in a car accident forces the group to re-evaluate everything. In the wake of his loss, they rally around Ginny (who is pregnant with his child) offering a bittersweet sense of hope and continuity.
The show has earned a solid 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s easy to see why. The direction is subtle, letting the performances breathe, and the pacing smartly follows the rhythm of the seasons, unfolding with both the languor and urgency of time passing.
The Four Seasons isn’t just a story about friendship or aging—it’s a meditation on how we change, and how we try to hold onto the people who matter even as life moves forward. It’s a fitting binge for anyone who appreciates character-driven storytelling and ensemble chemistry, and it lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re nostalgic for the original or meeting these characters for the first time, this version brings a fresh, honest voice to an age-old story about growing older together.
The Four Seasons is available now on Netflix.
