MAS*H Star’s Film Classic Gets Contemporary Reimagining
Alan Alda’s 1981 romantic comedy “The Four Seasons” is experiencing a renaissance through Netflix’s eight-episode adaptation premiering May 1. The legendary actor-director, now 89, not only gave his blessing to the project but also makes a special cameo appearance and serves as a producer, directly connecting the new series to its cinematic roots.
Tina Fey, who co-created the series alongside Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, has frequently cited the original film as formative in her understanding of adult relationships. During a press presentation in January, Fey humorously told reporters, “In 1981, when I was eleven years old, I saw a movie that really shaped my idea of what my future, grown-up life could be like. And that movie was Porky’s. Then, thankfully, I saw a second movie,” before revealing her true inspiration was Alda’s relationship comedy, according to TV Insider.
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Alda’s Visionary Direction Finds New Life
The original film, which Alda wrote, directed, and starred in alongside Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, and Len Cariou, explored the complexities of long-term friendships and marriages through the seasonal vacations of three couples. His pioneering approach to relationship comedy laid groundwork that continues to influence filmmakers and television creators today.
As Deadline reports, Alda’s involvement as producer on the Netflix series helps preserve the spirit of the original while allowing for necessary contemporary updates. His cameo appearance as “Don” serves as both a nostalgic nod for fans of the original and a symbolic passing of the torch to the new generation of performers.
Previous Adaptation Attempt Creates Interesting Precedent
Interestingly, this isn’t the first attempt to bring “The Four Seasons” to television. As noted by Boston.com, CBS produced a short-lived series adaptation in 1984 with Alda serving as producer. That version lasted just 13 episodes before cancellation, creating an interesting historical footnote for the current adaptation.
The Netflix version appears poised for greater success thanks to its star-studded cast and the creative team’s approach to expanding the original concept. Rather than attempting to directly recreate Alda’s film, Fey and her collaborators have reimagined the premise for contemporary audiences while maintaining the emotional core that made the original resonate.
Theme of Friendship Through Life Changes Preserved
While the specific characters and some relationship dynamics have been updated, the central theme of Alda’s original work remains intact: how friendships navigate significant life changes. As in the film, the series examines what happens when one couple’s breakup disrupts the established dynamic of a close-knit friend group who vacation together regularly.
The Netflix series maintains the structural device of following the friends through four seasonal vacations, with each season allocated two episodes. This approach honors Alda’s original concept, which derived its title from Antonio Vivaldi’s famous orchestral work “The Four Seasons,” with each section of the film named after a corresponding musical movement.
Contemporary Updates Reflect Changing Times
The most significant update to Alda’s vision is the inclusion of a gay couple, portrayed by Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani. This modernization reflects evolving societal norms while maintaining the core dynamics of how relationship changes impact friend groups.
Another notable difference involves the casting choices. While Alda portrayed the steady, reliable husband in the original film (opposite Carol Burnett), the Netflix adaptation positions Steve Carell as Nick, the character who leaves his wife for a younger woman. This reconfiguration allows the ensemble to explore different relationship dynamics while honoring the original premise.
Alda’s Influence Extends Beyond Plot Structure
Beyond preserving the narrative framework, the creative team has frequently acknowledged Alda’s influence on the tone and approach of the series. His humanistic style of comedy, which balances humor with genuine emotional depth, serves as a touchstone for the Netflix adaptation.
In a promotional interview with Netflix Tudum, the creative team emphasized their desire to create something “that felt grounded, and a story about friends, and about marriage” – precisely the elements that distinguished Alda’s original film from more broadly comedic fare of its era.
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