Arriving today on Netflix, “The Four Seasons” is an ensemble story about a group of friends on a retreat, navigating the complexities of midlife crises: just when everything should be settled, it all seems to be falling apart. “The Four Seasons” tells the story of several characters who, during a friends’ getaway, watch their lives unravel for no apparent reason, largely driven by relationship troubles.
The series boasts a stellar cast, including Steve Carell and Tina Fey in leading roles, alongside a lineup of familiar faces: Colman Domingo, Erika Henningsen, Kerri Kenney, and Will Forte. Notably, Tina Fey herself is one of the series’ creators, alongside Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher. And yes, the series unfolds to the rhythm of Vivaldi, whose famous composition, The Four Seasons, sets the emotional tempo with modernized variations.
The Plot
“The Four Seasons” follows a group of friends who gather for a few days together. Among them are Nick (Steve Carell) and Anna (Kerri Kenney). Nick announces he wants to end their marriage due to a lack of motivation and interest – the toll of passing years, as they say. Meanwhile, Anne is secretly planning a big anniversary party for Nick. In this charged atmosphere, conflicts begin to surface among the different couples, all of whom have long histories together, their relationships worn down over time.
But this is just the beginning, because the different stories will take us beyond this weekend, and the different stories of the couples will intertwine with each other to follow the characters.
About the Series
No, this isn’t an HBO-style retreat filled with mysteries. Netflix and its creators have a clear goal: a series about fifty-somethings facing an age crisis. The objective is to reflect on the passage of time, but to do so in a lighthearted way, without bitterness. “The Four Seasons” is a comedy, but a bittersweet one that never fully leans into outright hilarity. We have a great comedic actor (Steve Carell) playing the role of a man in his fifties, weary of his relationship and seeking something new. The dialogue is sharp, especially for Carell, who embodies a role he seems born to play.
Great actors join Carell. “The Four Seasons” is an ensemble series about three couples in crisis, touching on themes of decline, the passage of time, and the unfortunate reality that we can’t be young again. It sounds depressing, we admit, but the series strives to make this journey bearable – a light comedy that leans towards the familiar and highlights the kinder side of human relationships during times of crisis.
Our Take
The characters are relatable and grounded in normalcy, representing the middle-class crisis of reaching fifty and realizing that dreams have slowly faded. Strong actors anchor this ensemble comedy which, while not breaking new ground, leaves the pleasant aftertaste of a warm series filled with charming characters.
Enjoy the show.
Where to Watch “The Four Seasons”
