Steve Carell and Tina Fey’s ‘The Four Seasons’ Renewed: A Heartwarming Comedy Hit That’s Captivating Audiences

In a whirlwind of laughter and heartfelt moments, Netflix has announced the renewal of The Four Seasons, the uproarious comedy series starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey, alongside five other shows at its Upfront 2025 presentation. Premiering on May 1, 2025, this modern adaptation of the 1981 Alan Alda film has taken the streaming world by storm, securing a second season just 13 days after its debut. With a star-studded cast, sharp writing, and a perfect blend of humor and emotional depth, The Four Seasons has become a cultural phenomenon. Let’s dive into why this show has captured the hearts of millions and what makes its renewal such exciting news.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Story

The Four Seasons is a comedic drama that follows three affluent couples—Kate (Tina Fey) and Jack (Will Forte), Nick (Steve Carell) and Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani)—who have vacationed together every season for years. The series, co-created by Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, reimagines the 1981 rom-com film, which explored the dynamics of friendship and marriage when one couple’s divorce disrupts their idyllic group getaways. In this 2025 adaptation, the show retains the core premise but infuses it with contemporary humor, generational clashes, and a modern lens on relationships.

The story kicks off with a bombshell: Nick announces his intention to leave Anne, sending shockwaves through the group. Over the course of eight episodes, the series tracks the friends across four seasonal vacations—a lake house weekend, an eco-lodge summer trip, a Vassar College parents’ weekend, and a New Year’s Eve ski retreat. Each trip unravels new layers of tension, humor, and introspection as the characters navigate love, loss, and the complexities of long-term friendships. The introduction of Ginny (Erika Henningsen), Nick’s younger girlfriend, adds a fresh dynamic, stirring both comedic chaos and poignant reflections on aging and change.

Why The Four Seasons Resonates

At its core, The Four Seasons is a love letter to friendship and the messy, beautiful reality of human connection. The show’s ability to balance laugh-out-loud moments with raw emotional beats has struck a chord with audiences. Fey, known for her razor-sharp wit from 30 Rock and Mean Girls, brings her signature comedic sensibility to the series, while Carell’s knack for blending humor with vulnerability—honed in The Office and The Morning Show—elevates the show’s emotional stakes. The ensemble cast, including Oscar nominee Colman Domingo and the endlessly funny Will Forte, delivers performances that feel authentic and lived-in, as if these characters have truly known each other for decades.

The writing, crafted by Fey, Fisher, and Wigfield, is a masterclass in comedic storytelling. Each episode, clocking in at around 30 minutes, is tightly paced, weaving witty banter with relatable dilemmas. From Kate’s Type-A planning to Jack’s hypochondriac rants, the characters’ quirks are both hilarious and endearing. The show also tackles generational divides, with gentle jabs at Gen X’s ski skills compared to their millennial and Gen Z counterparts, adding a layer of cultural relevance that resonates across age groups.

The series’ nostalgic undertones are another draw. Described as “Friends but middle-aged,” The Four Seasons captures the bittersweet reality of holding onto friendships as life evolves. It’s a fantasy of enduring bonds, wrapped in cozy settings—think roaring fireplaces, lakeside cabins, and snowy ski lodges—that make viewers feel like they’re part of the group. Yet, the show doesn’t shy away from life’s messier moments, like the strain of divorce or the awkwardness of integrating a new partner into an established circle. This balance of warmth and realism has made it a comfort watch with depth.

A Meteoric Rise to Success

The numbers speak for themselves: The Four Seasons racked up 11.9 million views in its first four days, dethroning the highly anticipated finale of You Season 5 to claim the top spot on Netflix’s charts. This rapid success is remarkable, given Netflix’s reputation for closely monitoring viewership data before greenlighting renewals. The show’s ability to secure a second season in under two weeks underscores its massive popularity and the streamer’s confidence in its staying power.

Critics have been equally effusive. The series debuted with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, later settling at an impressive 77% as more reviews rolled in. Reviewers have praised its “richly drawn” characters and “authentic” ensemble chemistry, with particular acclaim for Fey and Carell’s performances. The show’s humor, described as both “cute and funny” and “challenging,” has been lauded for its ability to entertain without sacrificing emotional weight. Fans on social media platforms like X have echoed this sentiment, with posts calling it “10/10” and “absolutely brilliant,” urging Netflix to fast-track Season 2.

The Carell-Fey Reunion: A Comedy Dream Team

A major factor in the show’s success is the reunion of Steve Carell and Tina Fey, who previously starred as a married couple in the 2010 action-comedy Date Night. Their chemistry, both on-screen and off, is electric. Interestingly, Fey has shared that during Date Night, their mutual shyness prevented them from forming a close bond. Working on The Four Seasons changed that, with the duo becoming “super tight besties” by the project’s end. Carell, ever the comedian, quipped that it “only took 15 years” for them to connect fully.

Their real-life camaraderie translates seamlessly into the show. While their characters, Nick and Kate, aren’t romantically linked, their scenes crackle with the easy rapport of seasoned comedic partners. Carell’s portrayal of Nick, a restless hedge fund manager grappling with midlife discontent, is both hilarious and heartbreaking, while Fey’s Kate, the group’s pragmatic planner, grounds the chaos with her deadpan humor. Their performances are a reminder of why they’re considered comedy royalty.

What’s Next for Season 2?

While Netflix’s press release offered few specifics about Season 2, the renewal has sparked speculation about where the story will go next. Season 1 ended with surprising plot twists, including game-changing developments for Nick and Ginny, setting the stage for new conflicts and resolutions. Fans are eager to see how the group’s dynamics evolve, especially as they navigate the fallout of Nick’s decisions and the integration of younger characters like Ginny.

The show’s creators have hinted at more “cozy comedic drama,” with Fey, Fisher, and Wigfield expressing gratitude for audiences’ love of the show’s warm, sweater-like vibe. Potential vacation settings for Season 2 could include a babymoon, a bridal shower, or another quirky group trip, each ripe with opportunities for humor and heart. The ensemble’s chemistry ensures that whatever the setting, the focus will remain on the friendships that anchor the series.

A Broader Netflix Triumph

The Four Seasons wasn’t the only show renewed at Netflix’s Upfront 2025. The streamer also greenlit Bridgerton for Seasons 5 and 6, The Diplomat for Season 4, Survival of the Thickest and My Life with the Walter Boys for Season 3, and Forever for Season 2. These renewals signal Netflix’s commitment to investing in proven hits, particularly those with strong viewership and cultural impact. Like The Four Seasons, Forever also earned a swift renewal, debuting on May 8 and meeting Netflix’s high viewership thresholds.

The success of The Four Seasons reflects a broader trend in streaming: audiences crave character-driven stories that blend humor with relatability. While Netflix has faced criticism for canceling shows prematurely, these renewals demonstrate confidence in series that resonate deeply with viewers. For The Four Seasons, its quick renewal is a testament to its ability to stand out in a crowded content landscape.

Why Everyone’s Talking About The Four Seasons

From its all-star cast to its heartfelt storytelling, The Four Seasons has become a must-watch for comedy fans and beyond. It’s a show that invites you to laugh, cry, and reflect on the friendships that shape our lives. The reunion of Steve Carell and Tina Fey, paired with the talents of Colman Domingo, Will Forte, and the ensemble, creates a viewing experience that’s as comforting as a warm sweater and as engaging as a lively dinner party.

As we await Season 2, the show’s renewal is a cause for celebration. Whether you’re drawn to its nostalgic charm, its sharp humor, or its poignant exploration of midlife, The Four Seasons offers something for everyone. So, grab a cozy blanket, queue up the series, and join the millions who’ve fallen in love with this comedy gem. With more vacations and laughs on the horizon, The Four Seasons is poised to remain a Netflix staple for seasons to come.