The recent success of projects like The White Lotus and <em>Glass Onion</em> has given rise to a captivating new genre characterized by “wealthy individuals on vacation.” This trend captures the fascination of audiences, as there’s an undeniable allure in watching glamorous characters enjoy breathtaking destinations. Netflix’s latest offering, The Four Seasons, seemed poised to follow this trend with a stellar cast exploring visually stunning locales, from sun-kissed beaches to serene snowy landscapes. Unfortunately, the show ultimately falls short, resulting in a disappointingly lackluster experience that fails to deliver the escapism viewers seek.

Discover the Intriguing Premise Behind ‘The Four Seasons’

The Four Seasons revolves around three couples navigating their relationships throughout the year, taking us along on their quarterly retreats. The first couple we meet is Jack (Will Forte) and Kate (Tina Fey), whose dynamic reveals Jack as the sensitive and optimistic partner, contrasting sharply with Kate’s blunt and cynical nature. While their marriage appears content initially, the unfolding episodes expose deeper tensions; Jack feels neglected, while Kate grapples with the burden of emotional labor in their relationship.

Next, we delve into the lives of Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani). Danny, a dedicated workaholic with health issues he refuses to confront, is complemented by Claude, his attentive yet sometimes overbearing husband. Their open relationship often perplexes their more traditional friends, adding a layer of complexity to their interactions.

Finally, we have Nick (Steve Carell) and Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), who have shared 25 years together. Although they seem satisfied at first, Nick shocks everyone with his desire for a divorce. To complicate matters further, he begins dating a much younger woman named Ginny (Erika Henningsen), creating a significant adjustment for both couples. Nick and Anne’s impending breakup sends ripples through their group, leading to challenges that threaten the stability of all their relationships.

Why ‘The Four Seasons’ Fails to Maximize Its Stellar Cast

Despite being a character-driven narrative, The Four Seasons perplexingly features characters that lack depth and meaningful development. Each character embodies a familiar archetype—the nagging wife, the accommodating husband, the flamboyant younger gay man—yet the show rarely challenges these stereotypes, nor do the character arcs veer into unexpected territory. This results in a distinct absence of specificity and surprise, leaving the series with a generic, formulaic quality that feels inauthentic and prevents viewers from forming a genuine connection to the characters, despite the presence of A-list actors.

The bond portrayed among the characters in The Four Seasons is hard to believe, as the chemistry and shared history seem fleeting and superficial. Significant moments, such as reminiscing about a wild New Year’s Eve, feel forced and are presented primarily for exposition rather than as a foundation for their relationships. The narrative fails to justify why these couples are consistently together, as they often grapple with personal challenges separately, rarely intersecting with one another’s storylines. The potential for complexity and drama is present, yet The Four Seasons never fully explores it, resulting in a narrative that feels overly neat and ultimately dull.

The most compelling relationship in the show is between Kate and Danny, who receive the most character development. Their friendship feels authentic and engaging, as Fey and Domingo’s performances resonate well, showcasing the skeptical yet logical nature of their dynamic. Colman Domingo shines, captivating the audience with his charismatic presence and injecting the script with much-needed energy, allowing him to display his impressive comedic talents. The relationship between Danny and Claude stands out as the most intriguing romance, with Calvani’s genuine demeanor providing the emotional core of the series, eliciting smiles and laughter. When the show manages to succeed, it is primarily due to their interactions, as the other characters struggle to find depth in their roles, even with seasoned actors like Carell and Forte.

Why ‘The Four Seasons’ Lacks Humor and Emotional Depth

The narrative structure of The Four Seasons is logically organized, with two half-hour episodes dedicated to each seasonal trip; however, the pacing feels sluggish and repetitive, as characters revisit the same issues ad nauseam. This results in conflicts that lack real stakes and depth, making the challenges feel trivial. While a series like The White Lotus thrives on petty grievances and passive-aggressive exchanges, it possesses a self-aware charm that The Four Seasons sorely lacks. This absence of style and edge renders the show a bland affair. While it could have leaned into absurdity and humor, The Four Seasons refrains from doing so, trapping viewers in a sanitized, risk-averse experience that fails to deliver either significant laughter or emotional resonance.

Among the episodes, the fall installment stands out, as it immerses us in the characters’ daily lives during a parents’ weekend at college with Nick and Anne’s daughter, Lila (Julia Lester). This segment hints at a more profound narrative, showcasing layered performances from Carell, Kenney-Silver, and Lester; yet, it ultimately fails to create a transformative impact within the overall context of the series. The twist at the end of the penultimate episode follows a similar trajectory, demonstrating what the show wants viewers to feel and think, but its formulaic execution limits the intended experience.

While The Four Seasons is not an outright failure, it pales in comparison to the caliber of talent involved both in front of and behind the camera. The show misses the opportunity to carve out a distinct voice or purpose, leading to a feeling of disappointment. A daring, experimental approach would have been preferable over this broad and forgettable production, representing a wasted opportunity for the talented cast assembled. The Four Seasons is unlikely to provide viewers with a memorable escape; in fact, it’s a mental vacation you’ll likely forget you ever embarked upon.

You can catch The Four Seasons streaming on Netflix.