Four Seasons and The Reality of Vacations

The Four Seasons, a comedy-drama series from Netflix

Want to know our latest obsession here at The Ville? The new-ish Netflix comedy series by Tina Fey called Four Seasons! 

A remake of the 1981 film of the same name starring Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno, it shows the tumultuous (and that's being charitable), lavish vacations a group of old friends take over the course of, well, four seasons. Each vacation is set in a scenic location, all with completely different vibes: a lake house in the Hudson Valley, a yurt (yes, really) and a hotel in Puerto Rico, an inn in a college town, and a ski resort in Mount Peter perfect for a local ski weekend. Each of these seasonal trips highlights the highs and lows of long-time friendships.

For those who've watched the 1981 film, here are a few updates that Tina Fey made for the 2025 Four Seasons TV series: 

• the composition of characters are more diverse (with Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani taking the place of Jack Weston and Rita Moreno's married couple), 

• there's more of Anne's story, and 

• Steve Carell's Nick is considerably less slimey and more likeable than the original (still very much having a mid-life crisis though!).

The show focuses on middle-aged couples navigating their relationships and friendships, adding depth to the characters.

I also think the new show has a lot more warmth and tenderness, though your mileage may vary on that. Plus, it has Will Forte in a lead role, which is always welcome.

For those who haven't watched it and have no idea what to expect, let me explain in pop culture terms: 

Imagine White Lotus if the people all loved each other and there was no crime. That's Four Seasons. 

However, that doesn't mean there's no wild fights and crazy drama. Au contraire. The first episode alone—spoiler alert!—ends with a character announcing a surprise vow renewal ceremony, not knowing that her husband had just confessed to his friends a day before that he was planning on leaving her. The vow renewal itself? …it ends in a literal explosion.

All in all, the show is a perfect blend of romantic comedy and heartfelt storytelling. Comedic moments are everywhere. And you'll laugh (and maybe cringe) at all the vacation mishaps.

But what we love most about the show is how true to life it is. Four Seasons shows the reality of group vacations and the chaos that can arise in long-term relationships. You have the friends who are always complaining and being difficult, the couple obviously going through something and making everyone else uncomfortable, and the vacation planner who added way too many excursions to the itinerary. 

Then you have the messy stuff: being away from the real world (and consuming copious amounts of alcohol) can embolden people to drop big truth bombs you weren't ready for, being stuck together for an extended period of time can reveal the ugly side of your loved ones, and maybe you'll run into an ex and their new partner. These are the type of things that makes you question why you even went on holiday anyways.

But the other side of the reality of vacations is that this getaway from everyday life can change you, if you let it. You can confront deep truths about yourself. You can find yourself growing closer to the people around you, whether through new shared experiences or just finding new things about them on this trip to be endeared by.

Maybe along the way you might even find that you can accept your ex and their new relationship, and you can let them into your life in a healthy and positive way. And all of this is happening while you're sipping a cocktail by the pool or huddled by the fireplace and recharging your body. It’s an emotional journey disguised as leisure.

Also? Everything's better when you're surrounded by nature. That's science. Especially if you’re staying at an eco-resort like ours or choosing a tropical getaway with people you love. Add in some laughter and honest conversations, and you’ve got something special.

We hope this entices you to both watch the show and gather your oldest and dearest friends to go somewhere new. Come hang out here in The Ville, or wherever is closest to you that feels restful.