Netflix series The Four Seasons has returned for a second season, and early reviews suggest the show may be better off without one of its original stars. All eight episodes of Season 2 dropped on May 28, and fans and critics have already been sharing their thoughts on the comedy drama created by Tina Fey.
A Fresh Start Without Steve Carell
The series follows a group of couple friends who embark on regular trips throughout the year, with each season spanning a couple of episodes. Inspired by the 1981 comedy film of the same name directed by and starring Alan Alda, the Netflix version features a cameo from the MASH actor. The star-studded cast includes Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Erika Henningsen, and Marco Calvani.
Season 2 picks up with the core group—Kate (Fey), Jack (Forte), Anne (Kenney-Silver), Danny (Domingo), Claude (Calvani), and Ginny (Henningsen)—as they continue their vacation tradition, now with a baby. They journey from the Jersey shore and upstate New York to the stunning landscapes of Italy. The synopsis describes the eight-part comedy as a heartfelt and hilarious tribute to long-term relationships, exploring the highs, lows, and humour of enduring friendships and love.
Critics Praise the New Season
One critic noted that the show is much improved without Steve Carell, who played Nick in Season 1 but is absent from the beginning of Season 2. The critic stated: 'The Four Seasons is better off without Steve Carell and a second season without him feels fresher, faster, brighter and more complex than the first. Out of Nick's shadow, the cast gets to let their freak flags fly, and the arguments feel a little less bitter and fatigued.'
Another reviewer admitted initial concerns about the series continuing without its full ensemble but found Season 2 'refreshing in unexpected ways, reinventing itself after a major loss.' A third added: 'This is a dark and difficult world in which good men smash up vintage snack shacks, regrets must be lived with, sacrifices made, childhood traumas kept buried, and people who love each other want completely different things.'
Fan Reactions
Dedicated fans have already binge-watched the new episodes, with one sharing on social media: 'The Four Seasons is a must-watch series on Netflix.' Another admitted: 'Up at midnight to watch the second season of The Four Seasons on Netflix. The first season was great.' A fan advised others to clear their schedules, posting: 'The Four Seasons is back and I'm not ready. Season finale left us hanging on everything. 12 hours and we get answers. Fair warning: you're gonna lose sleep. This show doesn't do mercy. Grab snacks, clear your schedule.'
Another viewer wrote: 'So good watched in one day. I went from laughing, cringing to crying and laughing again all in a matter of minutes.' A fan explained: 'I simply loved this series so much. It's such a delightful, light comedy, but also emotional and thought-provoking, with great dialogue. You might start out having favourite characters, but by the end you end up connecting with all of them. I absolutely loved it. It has so much potential to become that comfort show you rewatch every year.'
The Four Seasons Season 2 is streaming now on Netflix.
