Steve Carell and Tina Fey’s New Series Quietly Drops on Netflix—Why Is No One Talking About It?

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The teaming up of comedic legends Steve Carell and Tina Fey on the screen is usually a highly anticipated event. With the addition of actors like Colman Domingo and Will Forte, along with adaptation responsibilities handled by Fey and her “30 Rock” partners Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, it seems like a can’t-miss production. However, their new Netflix series, “The Four Seasons,” which is a modern take on Alan Alda’s 1981 film, appears to have been met with more of a soft whisper than a thunderous welcome. Despite this, “The Four Seasons” has managed a decent, if not spectacular, 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Although the show boasts an impressive cast and intriguing concept, it hasn’t yet managed to draw in many viewers. As a slow-paced, character-driven drama-comedy that explores the struggles and joys of middle age, The Four Seasons doesn’t offer fresh perspectives, making it more specialized rather than widely appealing in our diverse media environment. Despite its painfully accurate humor and authentic characters, it might be overlooked by those who prefer relatable human comedy to trending sensations.

The Four Seasons Has the Most Attractive Comedy Ensemble

The Four Seasons” boasts an impressive comedy cast that makes it an instant choice to watch. Tina Fey and Steve Carell team up once more, delivering their unique mix of wit and emotion as characters Kate and Nick. These two are part of a close-knit trio of six friends whose annual vacations, spanning the seasons, have been the cornerstone of their decades-long friendship. However, when Nick decides to leave his wife Anne, leading to a divorce, this time-honored tradition is put to the test.

In the vicinity, we find Marco Calvani playing Danny and Claude, a loving yet complex married duo with an open relationship, battling their own marital troubles. Additionally, there are Will Forte and Kerri Kenney-Silver portraying Jack and Annie, partners of Kate and Nick respectively, who bring an effortless chemistry to the screen as skilled actors.

The series skillfully utilizes its impressive cast to depict the intricate nuances of these lasting relationships. Steve Carell brings a relatable mix of anxiety and midlife longing to his character Nick, a man who is both afraid and excited by the possibility of change. Tina Fey serves as the group’s steady, sometimes frustrated, point of reference. In one episode, Domingo’s Danny observes, “your face can be quite loud at times,” aptly describing Fey’s talent for expressing much with just a single glance.

In a more simplified and natural manner, here’s how I would rephrase that:

Forte and Kenney-Silver, playing Jack and Annie, bring quiet humor and heartfelt affection to their roles, born from years of familiarity. What stands out most is the portrayal of Domingo and Calvani as Danny and Claude, who are depicted as a fully realized married couple, rather than just a stereotypical ‘gay couple’. Their relationship, filled with support, laughter, and occasional tension, is given equal importance in the storyline.

The chemistry among the six main characters seems genuinely developed and longstanding, portraying the quick-fire communication, private jokes, underlying stresses, and profound, sometimes strained, love that typify friendships over many years. Viewing these actors interact feels akin to overhearing real, albeit remarkably clever, old friends having a conversation.

The Four Seasons Juggles Between Middle-Age Problems & Long-Term Friendships

In the series, titled “The Four Seasons,” the storyline revolves around a group of friends navigating life post-divorce (Nick’s) through their four seasonal journeys – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Although the story kicks off with a significant event like divorce and the introduction of Nick’s younger girlfriend, Ginny (played by Erika Henningsen), which are typically associated with midlife milestones, “The Four Seasons” delves into universal themes such as change, loyalty, and connection. The show also extracts laughter from conflicts arising due to differences in generations.

The essence of its relatability arises from its ability to capture genuine dialogue accurately. In the initial episode, Nick’s grim appraisal of his marriage resonates deeply, as he confesses to Jack and Danny that he wishes to depart from Anne, stating, “We’re like colleagues at a nuclear plant: We spend all night in the same room, each monitoring different screens.” This line hits home for anyone who has experienced disconnection with their partners after being together for over two decades.

Instead, there are commonplace instances of affection, such as remembering how your partner prefers their coffee (or selecting the perfect sandwich for them), that resonate just as deeply. These moments, symbolizing a comfort level with one another that is shared only by longtime friends and lasting couples, elevate the show beyond its targeted audience. Audiences may find themselves identifying dynamics similar to those in their own social groups, and a sprinkle of humorous and playful scenes might make them exclaim, “Wow, this reminds me of my college crew!” This way, the humor and drama become relatable and authentic, rooted in shared experiences.

In addition to its humor, the show stands out by exploring laughs derived from long-term partnerships and the physical challenges of aging, such as Jack’s Ultimate Frisbee injury or Danny being constantly cared for by Claude. The show also steers clear of bitterness, instead portraying its characters’ midlife crises and shifting viewpoints with compassion, even in humorous, sometimes painfully funny scenarios. As Nick’s friends grapple with his decisions, they also delve into their own marital complacency or contentment. When interviewed, Tina Fey discussed the message she hopes to convey through this show. She stated:

The Four Seasons Reimagines Alda’s 1981 Classic With Updates

In this new show, audiences may notice a change in Tina Fey’s typical comedic style as it pays tribute to Alan Alda’s 1981 film “The Four Seasons” while also updating it. The production skillfully balances homage and contemporary elements. Fans of the original will recognize some of the dialogue that harks back to Alda’s version, and Tina Fey’s character even delivers a line (“You’re married to a middle-aged woman with dry skin”) that was originally spoken by Carol Burnett. Additionally, there are several references that create affectionate connections, such as Tina Fey’s character wearing a white bathing suit similar to the one Bess Armstrong wore in the film during her introduction.

Additionally, the custom of friends jumping from a boat into the water brings a delightful revival. Although the fundamental idea of the series remains the same, it has been modernized quite substantially to cater to current perspectives. The most noticeable change is the increased diversity within the main cast, notably the introduction of Danny and Claude as a prominent gay couple whose relationship is given equal importance.

In contrast to Alda’s film that primarily addressed issues of the early ’80s, this new series delves into a wide range of topics such as environmental awareness (depicted through the yurt trip), generational differences in pop culture preferences (Kenny Loggins versus modern references), and contemporary relationship complexities. For instance, the series features conversations about “fluidity”, where Carell’s character Nick expresses his thoughts on labels while pondering his relationship with his younger girlfriend who holds an open-relationship perspective.

So Why Isn’t Everyone Talking About The Four Seasons?

The Four Seasons Is a Must-Watch

Tina Fey’s latest series hasn’t really picked up speed since its debut, and it seems like the makers didn’t intend for it to spark discussions right away. Unlike many contemporary shows, The Four Seasons leans towards understated intensity. The characters are mature, intelligent individuals in their middle age, who frequently engage in conversations that ring true with a touch of witty irony. As a result, there aren’t many dramatic conflicts or shocking twists within the group to heighten the drama.

In one instance, Jack, Kate’s spouse, unexpectedly shares a kiss with Anne, Nick’s former wife, during an intense and exposed discussion. This potentially relationship-ending incident for Kate and Jack, who were already undergoing couples counseling, surprisingly turned into a humorous situation. Despite her privileged status – wealth, a loving partner, and a gifted daughter attending university – Fey’s character remains unsatisfied.

In a heated argument, Jack confides to her, “You seem like someone who dreams of restarting everything.” However, the series fails to delve deeply into Kate’s internal struggle and doesn’t fully explore why she feels this way. Later on, we learn that Kate often feels she’s the one shouldering all responsibilities for Jack, while he presents a different side to others – one that is unaffected by his hip pain and doubts about his colonoscopy results.

In essence, the subplots in this series are more like underlying themes that weave their way into conversations and dialogues instead of being intricate layers within a complex storyline. Focusing solely on its absence of intense action or deep philosophical themes might lead one to overlook its true value. If you’re pondering whether it’s worth watching over louder shows, consider this: Featuring a talented cast delivering humorous, thoughtful, and frequently poignant portrayals of friendships and marriages enduring through midlife, The Four Seasons has the potential to become your new favorite companion.

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2025-05-06 05:59