The Four Seasons Season 2 Review Netflix

Netflix’s THE FOUR SEASONS returns with a more emotional and introspective second season as Tina Fey’s relationship dramedy shifts from vacation comedy into something deeper, sadder, and ultimately more rewarding.

After the shocking death of Nick (Steve Carell) in The Four Seasons season 1 finale, season 2 follows Kate, Jack, Danny, Claude, Anne, and Ginny as they attempt to move forward while carrying the emotional fallout of grief, aging, marriage struggles, and changing friendships. All eight episodes of season 2 premiered on Netflix on May 28, 2026.

THE FOUR SEASONS Season 2 Feels More Emotional Than Season 1

One of the biggest differences this season is tone.

While season 1 balanced awkward vacation comedy with relationship drama, season 2 leans much harder into emotional vulnerability and the uncomfortable reality of middle age. Nick’s absence hangs over nearly every interaction, giving the season a quieter and more reflective atmosphere.

That shift won’t work for everyone.

Some viewers may miss the lighter energy of the first season, but the emotional depth here gives the ensemble stronger material overall. Several critics noted that season 2 becomes more subdued and grief-focused compared to the breezier first installment.

Tina Fey And The Ensemble Still Carry The Series

The biggest reason The Four Seasons continues working is the cast chemistry.

Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani, and Erika Henningsen all continue feeling believable as longtime friends whose relationships have survived decades of emotional baggage, resentment, love, and shared history.

Colman Domingo remains a standout, bringing warmth and emotional honesty to Danny while still delivering some of the season’s funniest moments. Meanwhile, Kerri Kenney-Silver gets some of the strongest material of the season as Anne struggles to redefine herself after Nick’s death.

The series still thrives most in its quieter character moments rather than big plot twists.

The Show Continues Exploring Midlife Anxiety Surprisingly Well

What makes THE FOUR SEASONS stand out from many ensemble comedies is how honestly it handles aging, marriage, grief, and emotional stagnation.

The characters are messy, selfish, insecure, and occasionally exhausting—but that’s also what makes the series relatable. Season 2 continues exploring the idea that long-term friendships can be both comforting and emotionally suffocating at the same time.

That balance between comedy and emotional honesty is where the show works best.

Several reviews compared the season favorably to some of Tina Fey’s strongest post-30 Rock work because of how effectively it blends humor with genuine emotional insight.

Italy Helps Give The Season A Fresh Feel

The new locations also help.

Season 2 expands beyond the first season’s structure by using beautiful international settings — particularly Italy — to reinforce the characters’ growing sense of emotional drift and reinvention. The travel element still provides some of the series’ charm, even as the emotional stakes become heavier.

The series remains visually cozy and easy to binge, even during its darker emotional stretches.

THE FOUR SEASONS Season 2 Ending Sets Up More Stories

By the finale, the series makes it clear these friendships are evolving rather than ending.

Anne’s decision to remain in Italy becomes one of the season’s biggest emotional turning points, while Kate and Jack’s relationship finally stabilizes after a season filled with uncertainty and emotional distance. The finale also introduces a surprise cameo from David Tennant that strongly hints at a possible season 3 storyline.

Rather than ending with huge dramatic twists, the season closes on something more fitting for the show:
the realization that friendships, marriages, and identities continue changing even late into adulthood.

Final Thoughts

THE FOUR SEASONS season 2 is quieter, sadder, and more emotionally reflective than its first season, but the stronger emotional material ultimately makes the Netflix comedy feel richer and more mature. Anchored by excellent ensemble chemistry and Tina Fey’s sharp understanding of midlife anxiety, the series continues proving itself to be one of Netflix’s most relatable adult dramedies.

Grade: A-