Tina Fey as Kate and Steve Carell as Nick in The Four Seasons.
Jon Pack/Netflix
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Jon Pack/Netflix
In an era where reboots and sequels reign supreme, **not many were clamoring for an update** of the 1981 classic starring Alan Alda. However, **Tina Fey’s hotly anticipated limited series, The Four Seasons, emerges as a refreshing take on the complexities of adult friendships**, adding a humorous yet insightful lens to this timeless theme.
**A Fantastical Gathering of Lifelong Friends**
The series kicks off with an almost **dreamlike scenario**: three middle-aged couples, bonded since their college days, convene at the luxurious home of Nick, a hedge fund manager portrayed by **Steve Carell**. Over eight episodes, the narrative artfully unfolds across the four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—offering a witty exploration of their evolving dynamics.
For those fortunate enough to navigate the waters of middle age alongside a partner, the miracle is finding **one couple** whose presence you can endure for extended durations—let alone **two couples** who share a rich history. The series aptly captures this nuance, highlighting **the humor and reality of enduring relationships**. One standout moment occurs when a couple devises an elaborate strategy to dodge overly chatty friends at dinner, a delightful scene many will find **painfully relatable**.
**The Cracks in the Facade**
However, amidst the camaraderie lies **underlying tension**. We learn that Nick has grown distant from Anne, his wife of 25 years, portrayed by **Kerri Kenney-Silver**. His candid revelation about contemplating divorce adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Carell’s adeptness at portraying likable yet flawed characters—previously showcased in roles such as the compromised anchor Mitch Kessler in The Morning Show—brings depth to Nick’s seemingly selfish choice.
Fey takes on the role of **Kate**, a feisty, outspoken figure whose bold quips provide plenty of comic relief. She is married to **Will Forte’s** emotionally intelligent character, Jack. Their exchanges exhibit a rich blend of humor and authenticity, punctuated by Kate’s assertion that “romantic love fades … and then you build something deeper.” This sentiment reflects a journey many couples embark upon in the realities of long-term partnerships.
**A Stellar Ensemble Cast**
The supporting cast adds further richness to the series. **Colman Domingo** shines as Danny, a fashionable architect entangled in small lies to his loving husband, Claude, portrayed by **Marco Calvani**. Each character is distinct yet relatable, deftly navigating the emotional fallout created by Nick’s impending breakup.
One of the series’ most endearing moments features Kate and Jack, who toggle effortlessly between cordiality with outsiders and cruel banter once in private. This dichotomy illustrates the **dualities within relationships**, a theme both humorous and poignant.
**A Collaborative Genius Behind the Scenes**
Culled from the creative minds behind **30 Rock**—Tina Fey, **Tracey Wigfield**, and **Lang Fisher**—the series deftly transcends mere updates to its predecessor. The characters, now equipped with smartphones and modern dilemmas, navigate an increasingly isolated existence dominated by technology. Nick laments that he and Anne are like “co-workers at a nuclear facility,” poignantly reflecting the disconnection sometimes felt even in intimate partnerships.
**Navigating Relationships in a Complex World**
As these couples reunite in various locales—including a rustic “zero-waste” hotel selected by Nick’s younger girlfriend post-divorce—they grapple with the realization that their friendships may shatter alongside Nick’s family life.
While there are occasional overtones of privilege and the humor may occasionally echo still-unseen cut lines from **30 Rock**, the cleverness shines through, allowing room for critical exploration of human connection in our increasingly digital world.
Tina Fey has shared her affection for the original film, creating a heartfelt cameo for Alda, who helmed the 1981 version. As a fan of the original, it’s gratifying to see Fey and her team **expand upon its nuanced examination** of relationships, solidifying The Four Seasons as both a tribute and a progressive update. This series serves as a meaningful exploration of **adult friendships**, a refreshing antidote to the isolation often felt in today’s society.
