Review: The Four Seasons – What Works and What Doesn’t in the Series

The Four Seasons is an American Netflix dramedy series that premiered on May 1, 2025. Created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, it is based on the 1981 film of the same name.

The series is featured in the streaming Top 10 and stars the well-known Tina Fey, Colman Domingo, Will Forte, and Steve Carell.

The story follows three middle-aged couples—Jack and Kate, Nick and Anne, Danny and Claude—who have a tradition of traveling together every season. Everything changes when one of the couples gets divorced, and the husband begins bringing his new girlfriend on future trips, creating tension and conflict within the group.

The series explores interpersonal relationships with humor and sensitivity, delving into the challenges of marriage and the insecurities of middle age.

Official Trailer

Pros: The series offers a sensitive and reflective narrative, using the four seasons as a metaphor for the passage of time in human relationships. It explores the challenges and joys of adulthood—in marriage, friendship, and self-discovery—alongside the insecurities of aging and the possibilities for building a future.

Changes in group dynamics lead to tension and questions about the connections between the couples, surfacing unresolved issues within the group. The wear and tear common to many relationships—resulting in poor communication and weakened emotional and practical bonds, as well as built-up resentment and loss of intimacy—is portrayed both dramatically and with humor.

Cons: The plot develops slowly and focuses on small details, which may not appeal to viewers who prefer a more fast-paced narrative and could be considered tedious. The tone leans more toward drama than comedy, and with such prominent names in the cast, some viewers may expect lighter humor.

The series devotes considerable attention to the characters’ personal lives—such as their relationships, work, and inner thoughts—which may make the narrative seem a bit heavy for some.

- Tina Fey: Series co-creator, actress, comedian, and writer, internationally known for her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and 30 Rock. She won the SAG Award for three consecutive years and has been nominated for seven Emmys.

- Steve Carell: Actor, director, and comedian, best known for his roles in The Office (where he was also a writer) and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. He is a seven-time Emmy nominee and three-time SAG Award winner.

- Colman Domingo: Actor, writer, director, and producer, best known for his performances in Fear the Walking Dead and Euphoria. He is an Emmy winner and two-time Oscar nominee.

Reading the synopsis and seeing the cast made me excited to watch, especially since it was promoted as a comedy—even though it’s a dramatic one. The premise seemed interesting: following three couples and their individual journeys.

After watching the first episode, which introduces the characters and the premise, my reaction was just “okay.” I remember thinking, "I hope it improves." It's normal for a series not to draw you in immediately, so I kept watching with hope.

However, as the story went on, it became harder to stay engaged: the series doesn’t focus on any specific character, and there’s no clear protagonist to connect with. As the episodes continue, it's difficult to maintain interest. The pacing is slow and often tedious.

Even though it tackles sensitive topics, the show falls short on humor. With such a talented cast, they could have explored the themes more deeply—something that would have captivated the audience.

It's the kind of series you might watch while doing something else, since it doesn't demand much attention from the viewer, or perhaps simply because it doesn’t hold your interest enough to keep watching.

The series debuted at number two on Netflix’s Top 10, dividing both critics and audiences. The premiere generated plenty of buzz due to the star-studded cast, with many highlighting the mature script and strong direction. However, as the episodes progressed, some pointed out issues with pacing and character depth.

Rotten Tomatoes: 77% approval from critics and 67% from audiences.

IMDB: 7.3/10 from 7,200 ratings.

The series resonates with an older audience, offering an entertainment experience that can appeal to those who appreciate realistic humor as well as those who seek deeper storytelling.

Even if the plot feels slow at times, you can still find wisdom and moments for reflection in its events, since many viewers may see themselves in the situations presented. It might even inspire you to make a change in your own life.

You may choose to overlook the negatives and see if this show works for you—or maybe you'll end up enjoying it. Until next time!