Netflix is set to launch a new comedy-drama series titled The Four Seasons on May 1, 2025, bringing together an ensemble cast led by Tina Fey and Steve Carell. This series is inspired by the 1981 film of the same name, originally directed by Alan Alda, and centers around the lives of three married couples whose friendships are tested when one couple decides to divorce.
The original film, which starred Alda along with Rita Moreno and Carol Burnett, explored the dynamics of relationships through the changing seasons. Fey’s adaptation, however, takes a modern approach, focusing on the couples' experiences during their annual vacations. “I was a huge fan, even though I was only 10 when the movie came out,” Fey recalls, noting the film's frequent airings during the early days of cable TV. “It just felt very cozy and aspirational.”
In the new series, Fey plays Kate, who is married to Jack, portrayed by Will Forte. The couple, along with their friends Nick (Steve Carell) and Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani), navigate the complexities of long-term relationships. The series features two episodes for each season, emphasizing the theme of friendship and the challenges that arise over time.
Carell, who joined the project primarily because of Fey, expressed his excitement about working with her. “Tina Fey, for me, was the first and foremost reason I was attracted to this project. I love her,” he said. The series promises to blend humor with poignant moments, tackling issues that couples and friends often face throughout their lives.
As the story unfolds, the group’s dynamic shifts dramatically when Nick and Anne decide to divorce, leading to a reevaluation of their friendships and relationships. “There is a moment where they look at each other and say, ‘Who are you and who am I?’” Carell explained, hinting at the emotional depth of the series.
Fey and her co-creators, Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, aimed to create a show that felt grounded and relatable. “We kept saying we wanted to do a show that felt grounded, and a story about friends, and about marriage,” Wigfield noted. The series also addresses how platonic relationships require as much care as romantic ones, highlighting the importance of friendships in navigating life’s ups and downs.
In addition to exploring the romantic relationships among the couples, The Four Seasons also introduces Ginny, played by Erika Henningsen, who is Nick’s much younger girlfriend. The presence of Ginny complicates the group’s dynamics, as they struggle to accept her into their established circle.
“What this team has done so beautifully is made Ginny a whole person, and made her affection and love for Nick something real and substantial,” Henningsen remarked, indicating that the series will not shy away from depicting nuanced relationships. The show also presents Danny and Claude as a gay couple, reflecting a shift from the original film’s portrayal of heterosexual couples.
Domingo, who plays Danny, expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “When Tina Fey invited me to be a part of this, I’d been doing a lot of heavy lifting, soul-aching dramas. I felt ready for some comedy, to have fun and wear sweaters and talk about sweet things and hard things about relationships.”
Filming for the series took place in New York and Puerto Rico, wrapping up in late 2024. Each of the eight episodes runs approximately 30 minutes, aiming to provide a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. “We wanted to explore that dynamic: an open relationship which is not the source of their marital strengths or weaknesses,” Fey explained, as the series delves into the complexities of modern relationships.
With the blend of seasoned actors and fresh talent, The Four Seasons is shaping up to be a significant addition to Netflix’s lineup. The series not only seeks to entertain but also to resonate with viewers by exploring the intricacies of friendship and love in a relatable manner.
As the premiere date approaches, excitement builds around the series, with many hoping it will capture the same warmth and humor that the original film did for a young Fey. “I hope audiences feel like they are inside a big sweater with us, and also having a dinner party with us,” she said, expressing her desire for the show to be a source of comfort and laughter.
Fans of Fey and Carell can look forward to their first on-screen pairing as a married couple, a dynamic that promises to bring both comedic and heartfelt moments to the series. The anticipation for The Four Seasons continues to grow as Netflix prepares for its May 1 launch, offering viewers a fresh take on the timeless themes of love and friendship.
