Tina Fey’s ‘The Four Seasons’: All the Ways It Reinvents the Forgotten 1981 Movie

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This Piece Reveals Plot Details for the Recently Launched Netflix Miniseries, “The Four Seasons,” Co-created by Tina Fey. The heartwarming comedy-drama revolves around three couples who take a vacation together, with separate episodes dedicated to each of the four seasons (amounting to eight episodes in total). Given its star-studded cast that includes Tina Fey herself, along with renowned actors such as Steve Carell, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, and Kerri Kenney, it’s expected to draw significant viewership on streaming platforms.

Before today’s popular version of “The Four Seasons” with its beloved comedic stars, the original film adaptation of “The Four Seasons” marked the beginning. As stated in each episode, “The Four Seasons” (2025) is based on a 1981 film by Alan Alda that shares the same name. Therefore, we’re curious about how the Netflix series draws inspiration from its roots and where it diverges.

The Four Seasons (1981)

Although The Four Seasons (1981) has been etched in history as both a critical and commercial triumph, its presence seems to have dwindled into near oblivion – at least until now. This vignette-style comedy movie, penned, directed, and featuring the charismatic Alda himself, is unfortunately not accessible for streaming anywhere. Yet, it seems to have left a lasting impression on the minds of Tina Fey and her creative team, prompting this contemporary reinterpretation. Its allure may well have stemmed from its illustrious cast, including the original actress portraying the role that would later be Fey’s, along with Academy Award-winner Rita Moreno, to name but a few.

As a movie buff, I must admit that what draws me to both the film and its series adaptation is their shared seasonal narrative, mirroring the natural progression from Spring to Winter. The storytelling style interweaves each season, allowing us to witness the transformations and trials faced by the three central relationships throughout a year’s cycle.

The Series Is Longer

Appreciate your insight, Dear Observer. Indeed, it’s worthy of note that the original movie clocks in at 107 minutes, while the series stretches to approximately 240 minutes. That’s quite an expansive narrative scope. Hence, the “The Four Seasons” series not only delves into its marriages but also weaves in new storylines. However, it remains a fairly accurate portrayal, with some notable exceptions.

The Same Characters (Mostly)

Previously mentioned, Fey takes on the role of Kate, once portrayed by comedy legend Carol Burnett. In this Netflix adaptation, Kate is married to Jack, who was Alda in the original and now Forte in the new version. Originally, Anne and Nick were played by Sandy Dennis and Lou Cariou, but in the updated cast, they are Kenney and Carell respectively. Danny’s role remains constant, with Weston’s character taken over by Colman Domingo. Unlike the older “The Four Seasons,” which had a female character named Claudia (Moreno’s portrayal), the modernized version introduces a gay couple, Danny and Claude, played by Marco Calvani.

In the Movie, Nick survives

A notable difference in the revamped storyline of “The Four Seasons” centers around the character of Nick. Unlike in the original production where Nick lives throughout the entire movie, in the Netflix remake, Nick unfortunately meets a tragic end in Episode 7.

The additional runtime in this version of the film allows for more screen time devoted to addressing a funeral and processing grief, aspects that were not feasible within the original running time. Towards the end of Episode 8, it’s revealed that Ginny, Nick’s girlfriend, is pregnant, which mirrors the ending of the movie, albeit under happier circumstances for Ginny and Nick in this adaptation.

Anne Gets More Meat

In the 2025 adaptation of “The Four Seasons,” Anne’s character is further developed compared to her portrayal in the 1981 version. While Anne vanishes after her divorce from Nick in the original, this updated miniseries delves into her life more profoundly. This time around, Anne experiences love, crashes a getaway, and displays raw emotion. It seems appropriate that in a contemporary retelling, there would be an opportunity to explore the depths of a woman’s grief in greater detail.

Indeed, there are various aspects that distinguish the film from the series, but fundamentally, “The Four Seasons” shares many similarities with its counterparts, tailored slightly for modern audiences. It’s evident that the creators of Netflix’s “The Four Seasons” aimed to honor an underestimated comedy classic, even mirroring some aspects in the poster design.

The Four Seasons is now streaming on Netflix.

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2025-05-04 17:34