Alan Alda’s Legacy: Revisiting 'The Four Seasons' from Film to Netflix
Alan Alda, original creator of 'The Four Seasons', seen in classic film still.
Alan Alda has long been a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his sharp writing, heartfelt performances, and thoughtful directorial work. As the creative force behind the 1981 film The Four Seasons, Alda captured the complexities of friendship, marriage, and midlife transformation. Decades later, his legacy continues with Netflix’s contemporary adaptation of the same name, introducing new generations to the timeless story and Alda’s unique sensibility.
Alan Alda and the Original 'The Four Seasons'
When Alan Alda released The Four Seasons in 1981, he delivered more than just a sharp comedy. The film follows three long-married couples whose annual vacations mask simmering doubts and changing dynamics. Alda not only wrote, directed, and starred in the original but imbued it with the progressive, empathetic touch he brought to all his work, especially as a prominent advocate for gender equality in Hollywood.
According to Slate, Alda's film dissected marital crises with both humor and biting realism. Nick’s divorce from Anne, followed by his introduction of a much younger girlfriend, set the emotional tone. While the film was lauded for its snapshot of adult relationships, modern perspectives have called out some of its dated gender dynamics, making its story ripe for a thoughtful update.
The Netflix Remake: A Modern Tribute
In 2025, Netflix took on the challenge of reviving The Four Seasons. With Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, and Colman Domingo leading the cast, the new series pays homage to Alan Alda’s original vision while offering fresh perspectives on long-term relationships. Developed by Fey alongside Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher, this limited series dives deeper into each character, reflecting changes in how we view friendship and marriage in the digital age.
As NPR highlights, the show expands its exploration of the characters’ emotional journeys. Fey’s character Kate and Forte’s Jack embody a modern, nuanced marriage. Carell’s Nick faces new consequences to his actions, and Kenney-Silver’s Anne enjoys a more fleshed-out arc, allowing her to rediscover herself after a painful split. Notably, Alda himself appears in a cameo, offering his blessing to the new series and passing the torch to a fresh cast and crew.
Key Differences Between the Film and the Series
While the Netflix adaptation retains the heartfelt humor and relational drama of Alan Alda’s film, it introduces several important changes. For instance, as explained by Yahoo Entertainment, Nick’s story arc diverges—his fate is more tragic in the series, and Anne’s character is given deeper emotional development post-divorce. Additionally, the modern version introduces a same-sex couple and explores their relationship with authenticity, reflecting today's diverse approach to storytelling.
Unlike the swift sidelining of Anne in the original, the new series keeps her central to the narrative. Her journey becomes one of growth and self-empowerment, echoing the evolving standards of character agency seen in today’s best television dramas.
Alan Alda’s Lasting Influence
Alan Alda’s impact reaches far beyond The Four Seasons. As an outspoken advocate for equality and empathy in both his artistic and personal life, Alda’s legacy lives on through projects that continue to challenge, entertain, and inspire. The Netflix remake stands as a testament to his enduring vision, blending humor and humanity for a new era.
If you’re interested in comparing both the original film and the remake, a Slate deep-dive provides a thorough analysis of what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. For a fresh perspective on Tina Fey’s adaptation and how it updates Alda’s themes for today’s audiences, check out NPR’s review here.
Conclusion
Alan Alda’s legacy as a storyteller and cultural figure is as strong as ever. Whether you’re revisiting the classic The Four Seasons or discovering its Netflix revival, Alda’s distinct blend of warmth, wit, and honesty endures. Both versions of the story explore the universal search for connection, proving that some tales truly stand the test of time.