Tina Fey has a very special hope for ‘The Four Seasons’
The latest Netflix release, The Four Seasons, is so much more than just another ensemble comedy. This Steve Carell and Tina Fey starter is a warm, layered and emotionally honest take on long-term friendships, shifting marriages and the silent chaos of middle age. These elements, along with its relatable storyline and fantastic cast, make it a beautiful and charming show.
At the heart of it all, Tina Fey, who a while ago, spoke about a specific objective of the show for its viewers. Talking to Netflix, she said, “I hope audiences feel like they are inside a big sweater with us, and also having a dinner party with us, 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.”
Apart from being one of the protagonists, the 54-year-old comedian is also one of the creators of the show, along with Lang Fisher and Tracy Wigfield. The story is a modern reimagining of Alan Alda’s 1981 film of the same name, following the lives of three couples: Kate and Jack (Tina Fey and Will Forte), Nick and Anne (Steve Carell and Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny and Claude (Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani).
The couples have a tradition of vacationing together every season, but when Nick abruptly leaves Anne for a much younger woman, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), and introduces her to the group, the shift in dynamics is explicitly visible. This leads to questions being raised on long-held assumptions about love and loyalty and the institution of marriage.
Fey’s character, Kate, is the emotional anchor in the show. She is an observant human who sees cracks in everyone’s carefully curated lives, including her own. Through her, the ethos of the show’s sharp humour, balanced against moments of genuine vulnerability, finds greater expression. This allows the show to explore everything from ethical non-monogamy to the silent grief of growing apart from old friends.
As the SNL comedian expressed her expectations for the audience, she really wants them to understand the complexities we all face at different stages of life and that there is nothing wrong with being a little lost, no matter the age. Although the show is about a bunch of middle-aged people, viewers from every generation can relate to it. Additionally, the series does not shy away from throwing light on the hard truths of ageing and change with warmth and wit, showing a lot of heart.
The Four Seasons is a show that invites its viewers to reflect on their own relationships, laugh at the absurdities of life, and find comfort in the shared experience of ageing, love, and loss. It is a series that is indeed like a cherished cardigan, offering warmth, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. So, if you are craving something similar, consider this your sign to catch this eight-episode series.