Let’s be honest—remakes can be a gamble. But when Netflix dropped their new limited series The Four Seasons, inspired by the 1981 film, it got fans of the original (and curious newbies) talking. Both versions follow a tight-knit trio of couples whose picture-perfect vacation tradition hits a bump when one couple splits—and things get awkward fast. But how does the modern reboot compare to the classic? Today I’m diving into what each version brings to the table, and which one truly captures the spirit of friendship, love, and a little off-season drama.
The Original (1981):
Jack and Kate Burroughs, Nick and Anne Callan, and Danny and Claudia Zimmer are three middle-aged couples who are the best of friends—they do everything together. While many of their other friends have split up over the years, these six have stuck it out. But when one of them decides it’s time for a change, it shakes things up and gets everyone thinking about their own marriages, their friendships, what love really means, and the little quirks they each bring to the table. The story follows them over the course of a year, with four vacations—one in each season. By the time they hit their fourth trip, Jack decides it’s time to “clear the air.”
My Take:
The original film, written by and starring Alan Alda, features a standout cast including Carol Burnett, Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis, Rita Moreno, Jack Weston, and Bess Armstrong. Watching it for the first time in 2025, it definitely feels a bit dated—some of the humor and pacing reflect the early ‘80s—but it’s clear why it was a hit at the time. With glowing reviews and Golden Globe nominations, it clearly struck a chord. What I appreciated most was the originality of the story: a group of adult friends navigating life’s challenges while making space for joy, connection, and tradition. It’s a refreshing take on friendship and aging that still resonates.
That said, not every character worked for me. While most of the cast felt grounded and engaging, Danny and Claudia didn’t quite hit the mark. They lacked depth compared to the others, and the constant “I’m Italian” references felt overused and one-note. It became more of a running gag than a meaningful character trait, which made their scenes feel repetitive and a little frustrating.
The New Series (2025/2026):
The story follows three middle-aged couples—Kate and Jack, Nick and Anne, and Danny and Claude—who’ve been taking seasonal vacations together for years. It’s kind of their thing. But everything gets shaken up when Nick suddenly splits from Anne and brings his much younger new girlfriend, Ginny, along for the ride. That surprise throws the whole group off balance and makes everyone take a closer look at their own relationships. Set over the course of four getaways—one in each season—the show explores what it means to grow older, stay in love, and stay connected, all with a mix of heartfelt moments and sharp wit.
My Take:
The limited Netflix series was created by and stars Tina Fey, with a strong cast that includes Will Forte, Kerry Kenney, Marco Calvani, Erika Henningsen, Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell. I liked how Fey kept the heart of the original story intact but updated the characters and situations to reflect modern-day relationships and challenges. The romantic and platonic struggles felt more grounded and relatable for today’s audience, especially for viewers navigating midlife changes. One change I really appreciated was making Danny and Claudia a gay couple—Danny and Claude. It added a fresh perspective that’s often missing from ensemble stories like this and brought more emotional nuance to the group dynamic.
That said, a couple of characters didn’t totally work for me. Ginny, Nick’s new girlfriend, was clearly meant to be a bit of a disruption—and she was. I think the group’s annoyance with her was part of the point, but she still felt a little too over-the-top at times. Lila’s character, too, pushed the “wild card” energy a bit far. While she was meant to be chaotic and fun, I think dialing her back slightly would’ve made her feel more real and less like a caricature. Still, the series as a whole did a great job of reimagining the story in a way that feels fresh, funny, and relevant.
Final Note:
All in all, The Four Seasons holds up surprisingly well in both its original and reimagined forms, each offering something a little different but equally compelling. I have to say, I did enjoy the 2025 limited series a bit more—it just felt fresher and more in tune with today’s world. The way it weaves in modern relationships and themes made it feel more relatable without straying too far from the heart of the original. Still, the film deserves plenty of love, especially when it comes to the acting.
Sandy Dennis, in particular, nailed the quietly frustrating character that really brought the tension to life. The original’s ending also gave things a nice sense of closure, whereas the series left us hanging—classic cliffhanger move. But honestly, I’m not mad about it. The core story was always ahead of its time, and this new version proves it still has plenty of room to grow. Here’s hoping season two sticks the landing.
Related posts:
