Tina Fey has once again proven her comedic prowess with the release of her latest series, The Four Seasons, which dropped on Netflix on May 1, 2025. This eight-part miniseries, co-created by Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, is a modern adaptation of the 1981 film starring Alan Alda and Carol Burnett. The series follows three married couples as they embark on quarterly weekend trips, only to face unexpected tensions when one couple decides to end their relationship.
In the series, Fey stars alongside a star-studded cast including Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Erika Henningsen. Each episode runs between 27 and 35 minutes, making it perfect for binge-watching. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers praising its humor and relatable themes.
The series has quickly climbed the streaming charts, becoming the second most popular show in the UK within 24 hours of its release. Viewers have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one user tweeting, "The Four Seasons on Netflix is kinda great. Why aren’t we talking about this?!" Another viewer shared, "My family and I just watched The Four Seasons in one sitting! I loved it so much!" This buzz reflects the show's ability to resonate with audiences, despite some mixed reviews from critics.
As the first season unfolds, viewers are introduced to the complexities of friendship and marriage. The story centers on Kate (Fey) and her husband Jack (Forte), Nick (Carell) and Anne (Kenney-Silver), and Danny (Domingo) and Claude (Calvani). However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when Nick’s unexpected death in a car accident on New Year’s Eve leaves the group reeling.
This shocking twist, which diverges from the original film, was a creative decision made by the show's writers. Fisher explained, "We wanted to see this group weather a real crisis, and so we chose to do that because we’re trying to explore the whole range of human emotions through this group of friends in this real setting." The series culminates in a cliffhanger, revealing that Nick’s girlfriend Ginny (Henningsen) is pregnant with his child, adding another layer of complexity to the group’s dynamics.
While the first season has yet to be officially renewed, the cast is hopeful for a second season. Kenney-Silver expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We’re all dreaming for more. We would do this show till they turn the lights out. It has been the most fulfilling experience for all of us. We all have our fingers crossed, but you never know what’s going to happen." This sentiment echoes the feelings of many fans who are eager to see where the story goes next.
Critics have had mixed reactions to The Four Seasons. While some have praised its humor and heartfelt moments, others have found it lacking depth. USA TODAY's Kelly Lawler described it as "a big miss when it should have been an easy home run," while The Guardian noted that it captures the "warm, weary affection for life and each other that only old friends and enduring couples really know." The series currently holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, although audience ratings are lower at 59%.
Fey’s performance has garnered particular acclaim, showcasing her range as both a comedic and dramatic actress. Fisher remarked on her ability to convey deep emotion, stating, "At the table read, I was like, ‘Oh sh-t, she’s really good.’" This acknowledgment highlights Fey's talent beyond her well-established comedic background.
As the series continues to gain traction, viewers are left wondering about the fate of the characters and the potential for future seasons. The cliffhanger ending has sparked discussions about how the story will evolve, particularly regarding Ginny’s pregnancy and the impact of Nick’s death on the group.
In a world where streaming content is abundant, The Four Seasons stands out as a poignant exploration of relationships, making it a must-watch for those seeking both laughter and heartfelt moments. As fans eagerly await news of a second season, the series has already made a significant mark in the realm of comedy television.
