The Four Seasons Review: Tina Fey’s Latest Offering is a Witty and Heartfelt Exploration of Middle-Aged Life
In a television landscape dominated by youthful perspectives, Tina Fey’s latest creation, The Four Seasons, offers a refreshing change of pace. The eight-episode series, which premiered on Netflix, follows the lives of three well-off couples in their 50s as they navigate the complexities of middle-aged life. According to The Guardian, "The Four Seasons" is a remake and update of the 1981 Alan Alda film of the same name, adapted by Fey, Tracey Wigfield, and Lang Fisher.
At its core, The Four Seasons is a show about the intricacies of long-standing friendships and marriages. Fey plays Kate, the practical and uptight matriarch of the group, who arranges quarterly mini-breaks for her friends. Her husband, Jack, played by Will Forte, serves as the group’s peacemaker, a role that becomes increasingly important when one of their friends, Nick, announces his plans to leave his wife of 25 years. As The Guardian notes, "The need for his presence increases when one sixth of the group, Nick, tells them he is planning to leave his devoted wife Anne."
The ensemble cast, which includes Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Colman Domingo, delivers standout performances that bring depth and nuance to the show. The first two episodes expertly balance farce and heartbreak, as the group debates whether to warn Anne about Nick’s intentions. As The Guardian observes, "The first two episodes mix farce and heartbreak, as Anne, in apparently blissful ignorance, secretly arranges a vow renewal ceremony while her friends furiously debate whether they should warn her about Nick’s intentions or not."
As the series progresses, the tensions and faultlines within the group come to a head. The show tackles a range of topics, from the challenges of marriage and relationships to the realities of ageing and mortality. According to The Guardian, "The Four Seasons is full of properly funny lines, rooted in properly middle-aged experience. In its comedy and its drama it captures the warm, weary affection for life and each other that only old friends and enduring couples really know."
One of the standout aspects of The Four Seasons is its ability to balance humour and heartbreak. The show is unapologetically geared towards an older demographic, but it avoids the trap of carping at the modern world. Instead, it offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to be middle-aged. As The Guardian notes, "It understands that love is a gift and that marriage is work."
In an interview with The Guardian, Fey’s rigorous intelligence, wit, and experience shine through in the show. The Four Seasons is a masterclass in writing, acting, and ensemble storytelling. The show is a must-watch for fans of Fey’s previous work, including Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. With its witty dialogue, heartfelt performances, and nuanced exploration of middle-aged life, The Four Seasons is a triumph.
In conclusion, The Four Seasons is a standout series that is not to be missed. As The Guardian concludes, "Rest your aching bones and enjoy." The show is now available to stream on Netflix.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/01/the-four-seasons-review-tina-fey-netflix
The Four Seasons is on Netflix now.
