Steve Carell and Tina Fey headlines The Four Seasons, so naturally I expected the show to be a witty LOL type comedy series. While The Four Seasons certainly has comedic moments, it’s more of a reflective and lighthearted exploration of what happens to couples who’ve been together for decades. We see that the issues are the same and universally relatable in any long-term relationship: growing apart, trying to rekindle that connection, and just questioning happiness in general.
The Four Seasons reminded me a bit of Friends, but if Friends had leaned more into serious topics instead of its signature slapstick antics. What makes The Four Seasons tantalizing is its backdrop: each episode takes place in a different vacation destination! This gives the whole show a kind of therapeutic, wanderlust-inducing vibe. After I finished binging the first season, I had the sudden urge to book a trip with my closest friends at some picturesque getaway.
Overall the writing is smart, often relying on sharp dialogue instead of big gags. Topics like divorce, couples therapy, and the quiet panic of middle age are treated with thoughtfulness and heart. They know their core audience and doesn’t shy away from emotionally honest storytelling.
Danny and Claude as the gay couple in their circle of friends really steal the show. They are hilarious and manage to shine even while standing beside Tina Fey and Steve Carell.
Spoiler Alert Ahead:
One detail I couldn’t stop thinking about is how Steve Carell’s character Nick dies in a car crash, a jarring moment that also happens to mirror the way his character exited The Morning Show. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe Carell has a very specific idea about how he wants to be written off. Either way it was unexpected, and added emotional weight to the show’s otherwise breezy tone.
Spoiler Finished!
The Four Seasons surprised me, but in the best way. It’s not just a comedy, it’s a grown-up dramedy with heart, charm, and just enough humor to keep things from getting too heavy.
Pulse Rating: ★★★★★
MVP Characters:
Claude – Marco Calvani
Danny – Colman Domingo
Nick – Steve Carell
Kate – Tina Fey
Where To Watch:
Netflix
