The Four Seasons returns to Netflix for a second season, and the absence of Steve Carell looms large—both as a narrative engine and a creative challenge. The dramedy, adapted from Alan Alda's film, follows a tight-knit group of three married couples navigating life's ups and downs. After the shocking death of Nick (Carell) in a car accident at the end of Season 1, Season 2 picks up in spring, exploring how the friends cope with loss while continuing their tradition of seasonal vacations.
The core cast—Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, and Kerri Kenney-Silver—returns, joined by Erika Henningsen as Ginny, Nick's pregnant girlfriend. The season spans from upstate New York to a charming Italian village, each arc delving into personal and relational challenges. Domingo and Fey also step behind the camera, directing episodes, with Fey co-showrunning. While the series retains its heart and humor, it struggles to match the emotional depth of its debut.
Steve Carell's Nick Haunts the Narrative
Nick's death was a gut-punch in Season 1, recontextualizing earlier scenes and driving the plot. In Season 2, his presence is felt constantly, from the premiere's ash-spreading ceremony to the lingering questions about his relationships. This works beautifully for heartfelt storylines—like Ginny and Anne's evolving bond over the man they both loved—but it also leaves a void. The group's chemistry feels off without Carell's magnetic performance, which balanced humor and pathos. Nick was the glue, and the season both reflects his absence and suffers for it.
Will Forte's Jack Steals the Show
Grief manifests differently for each character, but Will Forte's Jack delivers the most poignant arc. Jack, a classic peacemaker, hides simmering anger beneath a veneer of optimism. Season 2 explores his depression with subtlety, revealing his resentment toward Nick for leaving. Forte's performance is a standout, capturing the complexity of a man who apologizes for his own pain. Meanwhile, Kate's grief takes a backseat until the finale, leaving room for future exploration if the series is renewed.
Other arcs vary in strength. The summer episodes at the Jersey Shore slow the momentum, while the fall arc—a chaotic Thanksgiving episode—and the winter finale shine. Episode 6, in particular, reminds viewers why The Four Seasons works: its ability to balance laughter with genuine emotion. For fans of the series, this season is a worthy continuation, even if it doesn't reach the heights of Season 1.
If you're looking for a thoughtful dramedy about friendship and loss, The Four Seasons Season 2 offers a compelling, if uneven, journey. It's a testament to the show's strength that it can still resonate without its biggest star.
