In a nostalgic return to a beloved classic, Alan Alda makes a cameo in Netflix’s reimagined series The Four Seasons, nearly 44 years after he wrote, directed, and starred in the original film. This new eight-episode miniseries, which debuted on May 1, 2025, blends comedy and drama, offering a fresh take on the evolving dynamics of friendship and relationships.
Originally released on April 30, 1981, the film The Four Seasons captured the essence of long-standing friendships through the lens of three couples who meet quarterly for vacations. The Netflix series, co-created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, revisits this concept, expanding character arcs and deepening emotional storytelling. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Erika Henningsen.
Alda reprises his role as Don, the elderly father of Anne (played by Kerri Kenney-Silver), in the second episode titled “Garden Party.” In this episode, Anne surprises her husband, Nick (Steve Carell), with a garden party to renew their vows after 25 years of marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Nick has confided in friends Danny (Colman Domingo) and Jack (Will Forte) that he plans to divorce her. Alda’s character provides both humor and poignant insights into marriage, sharing advice on how to keep a relationship vibrant. “Every once in a while, we’d wake up and she’d say, ‘Congratulations, take off your pants, it’s a sex day,’” he quips, adding a touch of levity to the serious undertones of the narrative.
As the series unfolds, it explores the complexities of friendship among the three couples—Kate (Tina Fey) and Jack (Will Forte), Nick and Anne, and Danny and Claude (Marco Calvani)—as they navigate life’s ups and downs. The gatherings, which span the four seasons, reveal underlying tensions and evolving relationships, making the audience reflect on their own friendships.
“It feels lived-in,” Carell remarked about the series, highlighting the natural chemistry among the cast. The narrative is structured around the couples’ quarterly meetups, allowing for a deeper exploration of their relationships and the challenges they face. The show’s creators aimed to depict the authenticity of middle-aged friendships, as they grapple with issues like infidelity, loss, and the passage of time.
One of the most significant plot points is Nick’s unexpected death in a car accident, which serves as a catalyst for the characters’ growth and reflection. His much-younger girlfriend, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), reveals her pregnancy at his funeral, shocking Anne and adding another layer of complexity to the story. This twist not only propels the narrative forward but also emphasizes the fragility of relationships and the inevitability of change.
The decision to include such dramatic elements marks a departure from the original film, which concluded on a lighter note. “We wanted to really tell a very authentic story about what it’s like to be middle-aged,” explained Fisher, noting that the change was necessary for a contemporary audience.
The series has been well-received for its blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Critics have praised its ability to balance comedy with serious themes, making it relatable for viewers of all ages. The writing team, consisting of alumni from 30 Rock, has brought their sharp wit and keen observations to the forefront, crafting dialogue that resonates with audiences.
Tina Fey, who has long admired the original film, expressed her excitement about the project. “I’ve always loved this movie since I was a kid,” she shared in an interview. The series allows for a more expansive narrative, giving the characters the time and space to develop in ways the film could not.
While Alda’s appearance is a nod to the past, the series stands on its own as a modern exploration of friendship. Despite being the only original cast member to return, Alda’s presence adds a layer of nostalgia that many fans of the original film will appreciate. Fey has indicated that they would welcome Burnett back if a second season is greenlit, keeping the door open for more connections to the original.
The Four Seasons is now available for streaming on Netflix, with the original film also accessible via FuboTV. As audiences dive into this contemporary reimagining, they are treated to a thoughtful examination of how friendships evolve over time, making it a must-watch for fans of both the original film and new viewers alike.
In a world where relationships can often feel strained or superficial, The Four Seasons serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine connections and the laughter that can arise even in the most challenging circumstances. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Alda’s work or new to the story, this series promises to deliver both laughs and heartfelt moments that resonate deeply.
