Why The Four Seasons is the Refreshing Antidote to The White Lotus You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Glancing briefly at The Four Seasons on your Netflix home screen might lead one to think it’s a replica of HBO’s hit and rather outrageous satirical series The White Lotus.

Both programs feature high-profile actors and focus on vacationers from the upper-middle class, and it seems that the title of Tina Fey’s new project may be a nod to the same luxury resort chain where Mike White’s show takes place.

The two shows share a star-studded cast and portray vacationers from the upper-middle class, with Tina Fey’s latest work potentially referencing the very high-end hotel chain in which Mike White’s series is set.

It’s quite surprising, but The Four Seasons isn’t referencing or foreshadowing The White Lotus. Instead, its title and concept originate from a 1981 romantic comedy, although whether many viewers will be familiar with that is open to question.

To put it simply, if you’re hoping for a similar kind of series, you might need some time to adjust because The Four Seasons differs greatly from The White Lotus. In contrast, Fey’s heartwarming comedy-drama seems to be the polar opposite, serving as a perfect balance to its intense counterpart.

Instead of coming across as a mere imitation, The Four Seasons offers a refreshing change following the heavy, uncomfortable, and ultimately disheartening experience at The White Lotus. It tackles its subject matter from a completely distinct perspective.

Indeed, the show’s 30-minute episodes and quick succession of jokes make it feel more akin to a situation comedy rather than a highbrow dramatic series. This style is ideally suited for the talents of Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Will Forte, all of whom have extensive experience in comedy.

Could one ponder if they’re perhaps taking a somewhat conservative approach? To illustrate, unlike The White Lotus, which has consistently explored societal class issues at its core, The Four Seasons seems to avoid this discourse altogether, even though the luxury vacations it portrays are far more extravagant than what most people aspire to.

Despite my frequent emphasis on class awareness, it seems that the way these characters acquired their wealth goes unquestioned, as The Four Seasons primarily explores the dynamics among its exclusive social circle, rather than delving into their financial backgrounds.

This encompasses three marital unions, multiple heartfelt friendships, and a duo of acquaintances aiming to avoid solitude for an extended period (a sentiment we can all relate to). Each relationship is infused with a genuine camaraderie courtesy of the captivating acting ensemble.

In contrast to The White Lotus, which portrays marriages losing their luster and age-gap relationships with a heavy dose of skepticism (as depicted in seasons 2 and 3 respectively), The Four Seasons strives to uncover the intricacies and positive aspects within such challenging situations.

When Nick (Carell) unexpectedly leaves Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), his longtime spouse, to be with the younger woman, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), this decision naturally elicits disapproval, not just among friends but also from viewers at home.

As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Ginny differs significantly from the stereotypical gold-digger character portrayed by Chloe in The White Lotus, played by Charlotte Le Bon. Unlike many previous depictions, she is neither overly childish nor malevolent.

I tried to maintain a similar structure while making the language more natural and easy to read. Let me know if you need any other assistance!

She’s simply a typical individual, who enjoys being with her partner, and prefers to avoid causing conflict among his friends or past relationships – a trait that seems common among mature adults.

Many might find The Four Seasons a tad less gripping due to its absence of graphic elements like a dead body or incest, but what it lacks in edge, it makes up for in authenticity and potentially even surpasses its edgier counterpart in terms of enjoyment.

While The Four Seasons may not always outshine The White Lotus in terms of overall quality, it’s important to note that both shows have their unique strengths. The White Lotus stands out with its thought-provoking, enigmatic, and unhurried narrative approach.

However, the prolonged wait for season 3 seemed excessively lengthy compared to the modest content delivered, but the screenwriter playfully defended this by saying he was “teasing” his audience (as reported in Variety). This comment overlooks the fact that viewers usually feel contented upon completion of that, well, experience.

Instead, “The Four Seasons thrives on compact, swiftly moving 30-minute episodes, skillfully developing its characters’ backgrounds, personalities, and significant emotional moments.

It’s clear that creator Fey and her team have adapted to the limitations of network television with their succinct and effective writing. Even in today’s world where our focus is often scattered, this approach still holds value.

Primarily, The Four Seasons offers a soothing viewing experience as a contrast to the ominous undertones of The White Lotus. It doesn’t overly romanticize life, yet it preserves an underlying hopefulness that strong connections can persist without being consumed by negativity or toxicity.

In simpler terms, The Four Seasons is borrowing concepts from classic American sitcoms, which we can appreciate, rather than relying on the cynical storylines often found in shows like The White Lotus.

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2025-05-01 12:44