Why ‘The Four Seasons’ Won’t Be the New ’30 Rock’ but Still Still Excites

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Netflix’s fresh series titled “The Four Seasons” has swiftly climbed to be one of the streamer’s most popular shows following its debut, offering a contemporary take on Alan Alda’s 1981 movie for modern viewers. The show is jointly created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, with Fey stepping into acting roles for the first time since her past success with “30 Rock“. Although the audience response has been largely positive, critics have been somewhat reserved, placing the series at a commendable 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.

It’s understandable that some might draw parallels between Fey’s work on “The Four Seasons” and her past project, “30 Rock”, but the two shows are distinct in their tone, style, and intent. While “30 Rock” was characterized by its absurdity and satire, “The Four Seasons” is more introspective and thoughtful, with a touch of melancholy to underscore the passage of time and the transformations in characters’ lives.

The Four Seasons’ Cozy Vibes

As someone who appreciates a good story, let me share my thoughts on “The Four Seasons.” If you’re new to this, it’s a series that follows the lives of six friends – Kate and Jack, Danny and Claude, Nick, and Anne – as they journey together through different seasons throughout a year. The backdrop of Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless concerto beautifully sets the tone.

In the first act, Kate and Jack, a couple comfortably settled in their marriage, join forces with the more adventurous duo, Danny and Claude. They all gather at Nick and Anne’s cabin for a spring retreat. However, an unexpected revelation arises when we learn that Nick intends to leave Anne after 25 years of marriage. This shocking decision echoes through the subsequent seasons, as the group grapples with Nick’s new relationship with a younger woman named Ginny, all while offering their unwavering support to Anne.

In contrast to some critics who viewed the less structured, laid-back vibe of the show as a drawback, especially in comparison to the zany humor of “30 Rock,” it is precisely this unique quality that sets “The Four Seasons” apart from its predecessor. The series delves into the intricacies of adult friendships, portraying how long-term friends may struggle to adapt and grow without drifting apart further. By examining their relationships in the aftermath of a significant event like a divorce, the show reveals the fractures not only in these friendships but also in the characters’ own marriages. This theme might not be as apparent if “The Four Seasons” attempted to mimic the comedic pace of “30 Rock.

In contrast to the fast-paced, comedic dynamics of 30 Rock, The Four Seasons offers a more personal and reflective experience, mirroring the leisurely rhythm often associated with maturity. As people tend to grapple with unease despite finding their footing in life’s journey, this series resonates deeply. Characters within the show share an enduring bond, which facilitates a candidness that feels genuine and sincere. Notably, many of the cast members were close friends prior to production, lending an authentic chemistry to the series.

‘The Four Seasons’ Dose of Melancholy

The following contains spoilers for The Four Seasons’ final two episodes, “Ski Trip” and “Fun”

In “The Four Seasons,” Fey’s signature wit and humor are still abundant, but there’s an undercurrent of sadness that was less prevalent in “30 Rock.” This melancholy becomes palpable as Nick announces his divorce, marking the loss of the close-knit bond the group once shared. Viewers who have experienced the disruption of a longstanding friendship due to a friend’s departure will likely resonate with this sentiment. Despite attempts to maintain the status quo by including Anne after the divorce, everyone understands that things will never return to their former state, even if all parties remain present in some capacity.

As the seasons transition from vibrant spring and summer to the somber hues of fall and winter, a sense of sadness seems to grow more profound. With time, the world around us becomes more established, and everyone grapples with the adjusted normalcy. In the autumnal phase, Nick finds himself facing the consequences of his choice to dismantle his family when his daughter Lila (Julia Lester) challenges him on it. His readiness to let her express her anger towards him initiates a glimmer of hope that they might find a way to progress together.

The flow abruptly stops during the winter portion, as Nick departs to ring in the New Year with Ginny’s friends, leaving the rest of the group to celebrate on their own. Some viewers might find the series finale, which features Nick’s demise, to be abrupt or unsatisfying. However, this ending reflects the reality that there’s usually much left unsaid between people before they part ways, and relationships seldom conclude with a sense of complete resolution. Since Nick passed away with many feelings about him still undetermined, the characters are left to carry those unresolved emotions with them.

30 Rock continues to stand as a timeless favorite, but it remains unclear if The Four Seasons will achieve the same level of acclaim. However, even if it doesn’t quite reach those heights, it distinguishes itself from its predecessor through its insightful exploration of adult relationships and its ability to balance humor with emotional depth. At the very least, a series featuring acting talents such as Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Colman Domingo, and Marco Calvani is likely to be an engaging watch.

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2025-05-09 00:25