Shocking: “The Four Seasons” Remake Steals the Show

The Remake That Breathes New Life

Whether we like it or not, Hollywood is still transfixed by the classic movie-to-television remake pipeline, trying to breathe new life into old IP. However, more often than not, those attempts prove futile. Luckily for Netflix, its newest reimagining doesn’t seem to have that problem. That’s because “The Four Seasons,” a new half-hour comedy starring comedic icons Tina Fey and Steve Carell, feels like such a fresh addition to the TV landscape, even though it’s based on Alan Alda’s 1981 rom-com of the same name.

Hollywood’s Obsession with Remakes: Why It Works This Time

Like the original movie, Netflix’s series follows three middle-aged married couples who vacation quarterly, navigating life’s woes through spring, summer, fall and winter. But their latest curveball comes from learning that one of the couples is about to split up, leaving the longtime friends much to unpack on their four weekend trips.

The plot may not be anything new, but Netflix’s iteration takes a heartwarming approach to expand on these familiar characters, leading with laughs all the way, exactly as co-creator Fey intended. “I hope audiences feel like they are inside a big sweater with us, and also having a dinner party with us,” she told Netflix. “And I hope that any of the joy and warmth that we all feel for each other all transfers to them, and that we are a comfort and provide some laughs for them in their home.”

A Fresh Take on a Classic Rom-Com

If the creative comedy team behind “The Four Seasons” — Fey plus “30 Rock” writer-producers Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield — doesn’t pique your interest, perhaps the ensemble cast will. Starring alongside Fey and Carell are Oscar-nominated star Colman Domingo and Emmy nominee Will Forte, plus breakout actors Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Erika Henningsen.

All eight episodes of the remake are streaming on Netflix. Below, we chat about everything we thought of “The Four Seasons,” from the dynamo cast and the funniest lines to why more 30-minute comedies like this are needed. Plus, our thoughts on whether the series deserves another season — the answer may be rather obvious after you watch.

The Dream Team Behind the Scenes

Let’s Talk About The Cast

When I first read that Fey, Carell and Domingo were coming together for a Netflix TV comedy, I was all in. I’ve mostly seen Domingo in dramatic roles like his stellar turn in 2024’s “Sing Sing,” but I’ve watched some interviews of him, and he is pretty quippy and funny. Let me just say that I laughed so much at Domingo in this show, probably more than anyone else in the cast. Fey and Carell were reliably funny, too, but it really was a treat to get to see this side of Domingo. Plus, his character really got to put on some cute outfits, so it felt like watching him on multiple red carpets all in one mega event.

I wasn’t as familiar with the other actors including Kenney-Silver (whose character I loved and related to so much), or Henningsen, or Calvani. But I really thought they all made for an incredible ensemble cast. – Erin

I couldn’t agree more, Erin. Carell and Fey in a comedy together is already a guaranteed good time. But when you throw Domingo in the mix, too, who’s actually pretty funny outside of his dramatic acting roles, I was all in on watching “The Four Seasons.” Honestly, though, the show worked so well for me because the entire ensemble brought the laughs with their witty banter and hysterical antics; I cackled through every episode. I couldn’t get enough of Calvani’s character, Claude, and the same goes for Kenney-Silver’s Anne. That familiarity with some cast members, combined with some unfamiliar faces who are quite funny in their own right, made for a great dynamic in the show. — Njera

Here’s What We Liked About The Series

The pacing of the show along with its tight and funny writing really made it an enjoyable watch — even when the series explored some really tough topics. The plot may not be anything new, but Netflix’s iteration takes a heartwarming approach to expand on these familiar characters, leading with laughs all the way, exactly as co-creator Fey intended.

The Creative Comedy Team That Makes It All Work

Tina Fey, as co-creator, plus “30 Rock” writer-producers Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, is the creative comedy team behind “The Four Seasons.” Their heartwarming approach to expand on these familiar characters, leading with laughs, is exactly what co-creator Fey intended. “I hope audiences feel like they are inside a big sweater with us, and also having a dinner party with us,” she told Netflix. “And I hope that any of the joy and warmth that we all feel for each other all transfers to them, and that we are a comfort and provide some laughs for them in their home.”

The Cast That Stole the Show

Let’s Talk About the Breakout Stars and Their Hilarious Performances

I wasn’t as familiar with the other actors including Kenney-Silver (whose character I loved and related to so much), or Henningsen, or Calvani. But I really thought they all made for an incredible ensemble cast.

– Erin

I couldn’t agree more, Erin. Carell and Fey in a comedy together is already a guaranteed good time. But when you throw Domingo in the mix, too, who’s actually pretty funny outside of his dramatic acting roles, I was all in on watching “The Four Seasons.” Honestly, though, the show worked so well for me because the entire ensemble brought the laughs with their witty banter and hysterical antics; I cackled through every episode. I couldn’t get enough of Calvani’s character, Claude, and the same goes for Kenney-Silver’s Anne.

– Njera

The Familiar Faces and New Talent That Make It a Joy to Watch

Starring alongside Fey and Carell are Oscar-nominated star Colman Domingo and Emmy nominee Will Forte, plus breakout actors Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Erika Henningsen.

What Makes This Series a Must-Watch

The Perfect Blend of Heartwarming Moments and Witty Banter

The pacing of the show along with its tight and funny writing really made it an enjoyable watch — even when the series explored some really tough topics.

– Erin

Why This 30-Minute Comedy Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

More 30-minute comedies like this are needed.

– Njera