The Four Seasons on Netflix: How Tina Fey & Erika Henningsen’s Real-Life Friendship Fuels a Midlife Drama

A Vacation Packed with Drama

Netflix’s The Four Seasons isn’t just another comedy—it’s a middle-aged reckoning wrapped in luxury vacations and dry humor. Co-created by Tina Fey, this eight-episode series reimagines Alan Alda’s 1981 film, swapping its retro charm for Gen-X existential dread. With a cast that includes Fey, Steve Carell, and Broadway star Erika Henningsen, the show blends real-life camaraderie with fictional chaos. But does it deliver? Let’s unpack the drama, friendships, and why this series is sparking debates about love, loyalty, and Kenny Loggins.

Kate (Tina Fey) confronts Nick (Steve Carell) about his divorce plans in The Four Seasons’ explosive lakeside scene.

The Premise: Three Couples, Four Vacations, One Explosive Divorce

The Four Seasons follows six college friends—now married couples—who reunite quarterly for lavish getaways. But their idyllic routine shatters when Nick (Steve Carell) announces he’s divorcing Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver) after 25 years. What unfolds is a mix of awkward eco-resorts, vow renewals gone wrong, and a millennial girlfriend (Erika Henningsen) who disrupts the group’s delicate dynamic.

Key Moments:

• Spring: Nick drops the bombshell at a lakeside retreat, comparing his marriage to “co-workers at a nuclear facility”.
• Summer: The group endures a yurt-filled eco-resort chosen by Nick’s 32-year-old girlfriend, Ginny, whose Burning Man enthusiasm clashes with their wine-and-whining rituals.
• Fall: A college family weekend turns cringe when Nick’s daughter stages a play titled Once Upon a Time My Dad Destroyed My Family.
• Winter: Secrets about health scares and open marriages boil over during a ski trip.

Ginny (Erika Henningsen) disrupts the group’s vacation with millennial enthusiasm in The Four Seasons.

The Cast: Real-Life Friendships Ignite On-Screen Chemistry

Tina Fey didn’t just cast actors—she reunited a comedy dream team. Here’s how their off-screen bonds shaped the show:

Tina Fey & Will Forte: The Snarky Power Couple

Fey plays Kate, a Type-A planner married to Forte’s lovable hypochondriac Jack. Their real-life friendship (dating back to 30 Rock) adds authenticity to their characters’ bickering. As Fey quipped, “Complaining is their version of sex”.

Steve Carell’s Midlife Meltdown

Carell’s Nick is a finance bro turned existential wanderer. Critics praise his balance of humor and pathos, especially as he navigates dating a younger woman. Fey calls him “an American icon with Jimmy Stewart charm”—even when he’s playing a jerk.

Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani) navigate marriage struggles in The Four Seasons.

Colman Domingo & Marco Calvani: The Show’s Beating Heart

Domingo’s Danny, a stylish architect, and Calvani’s Claude, his overly doting husband, steal scenes with their mix of glamour and vulnerability. Their real-life friendship (they’re neighbors in NYC) translates into effortless banter.

Erika Henningsen: The Millennial Interloper

Henningsen’s Ginny, a dental hygienist turned “Zelig of Gen-Z trends,” clashes with the group’s cynicism. Off-screen, Henningsen and Fey’s bond (from Mean Girls: The Musical) adds layers to their on-screen tension.

Netflix’s The Four Seasons mixes luxury vacations with midlife chaos, fueled by Tina Fey and Steve Carell’s chemistry. It’s a witty, divisive take on love and friendship—perfect for viewers who’ve debated Kenny Loggins over wine. Stream it for the drama, stay for Colman Domingo’s wardrobe.

Behind the Scenes: Why Real Friendships Matter

The cast’s off-screen relationships are the show’s secret sauce:

• Fey’s “Family” Approach: Fey filled the set with longtime collaborators, including composer Jeff Richmond (her husband) and writers from 30 Rock. “It’s like a dinner party with old friends,” she told Netflix Tudum.
• Alan Alda’s Blessing: The original film’s director, Alan Alda, makes a cameo as Anne’s father and advised the team on capturing “the warmth of long-term love”.
• The Puerto Rico Shoot: Scenes at the eco-resort were filmed in Puerto Rico, where the cast bonded over beach yoga and too authentic mosquito bites.

Tina Fey and Alan Alda share a moment during the filming of The Four Seasons’ vow renewal episode.

Critical Reception: Love It or Hate It?

Reviews are split—much like the show’s couples:

• The Praise: The Guardian called it “Fey’s finest work in years,” praising its “properly funny lines” and Steve Carell’s “revelatory” performance.
• The Pan: Variety argued the show struggles outside Fey’s comfort zone, calling it “a humbler White Lotus with fewer laughs”.
• The Middle Ground: Decider says “stream it for the cast chemistry,” even if the pacing lags.

Why The Four Seasons Isn’t for Everyone

This isn’t a Gen-Z binge. The series unapologetically targets viewers who’ve survived decades of marriage and group chats. As Vulture noted, “It’s about wondering if there’s still something more in life you’re missing—while learning to cherish what you have”.

Themes That Divide:

• Aging & Regret: Nick’s sports car and Ginny’s Tinder adventures highlight midlife envy.
• Friendship vs. Complacency: The group’s loyalty borders on toxicity when they side against Anne.
• Generational Clashes: A running gag involves Nick explaining Kenny Loggins to millennials.

How The Four Seasons reimagines Alan Alda’s 1981 classic with a modern, star-studded twist

Conclusion

A Love Letter to Long-Term Relationships
The Four Seasons isn’t perfect—but that’s the point. It’s a messy, heartfelt ode to friendships that outlast careers, kids, and questionable life choices. Whether you’re here for Fey’s sarcasm or Carell’s midlife meltdown, this series proves that even in paradise, someone’s always forgetting the sunscreen.