Season 2 of Netflix's The Four Seasons, premiering May 28, picks up after the off-screen death of Nick (Steve Carell), the charismatic but divisive character who anchored the first season... According to the series review, the season balances heart and humor as the remaining friends—Kate (Tina Fey), Jack (Will Forte), Danny (Colman Domingo), Claude (Marco Calvani), Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Ginny (Erika Henningsen), now pregnant with Nick's child—each process the loss in their own way.

How Season 2 Handles Steve Carell's Absence After Nick's Off-Screen Death

The source notes that Nick's death is a "breathtaking punch in the gut" for viewers and characters alike , but the series does not use it as a simple plot device. Instead, Nick's presence reverberates through every scene—whether the group is honoring him, fighting about him, or trying to ignore his absence. The review praises the show for not turning Nick's loss into a roadmap, allowing each character's grief journey to feel distinct.

Why Ginny's Pregnancy Becomes the Show's New Emotional Anchor

Ginny, the younger woman who caused turmoil in Nick's marriage, is left pregnant with his child. According to the review, her relationship with Anne (Nick's ex-wife) is "endlessly fascinating," adding a fresh dynamic to the ensemble. The pregnancy forces the group to confront their unresolved feelings about Nick while also looking toward the future, a narrative shift that gives the season its emotional weight.

Tina Fey's Ensemble Finally Gets Equal Screen Time

Throughout the first season, the series leaned heavily on Nick, Ginny, and Anne's storylines, leaving characters like Kate, Jack , Danny, and Claude on the sidelines. Season 2 corrects this imbalance, as the source reports, by fleshing out relationships that previously felt underdeveloped. The dynamic between Kate and Danny gains intensity, while Anne and Ginny's evolving bond offers a surprising highlight. The result is a tighter unit that feels more like a true ensemble.

The Predictable Moments That Undercut an Otherwise Graceful Season

Even as the review applauds the season's emotional resonance, it acknowledges that some plot beats are predictable. While the series avoids heavy-handedness in its grief exploration, certain narrative choices follow expected patterns. The source does not specify which moments, but this predictability suggests that the show still relies on familiar TV tropes in a story that otherwise aims for originality.

What the Series Still Owes Kate's Backstory

Despite the deeper dives into relationships, the review notes that one character—Kate—still feels less-defined. Played by co-creator Tina Fey, Kate's backstory remains underexplored compared to others. The season 2 finale leaves room for further development, and the unanswered question looms: will a potential third season finally give Kate the narrative depth she deserves, or will the show continue to treat her as a steady, reactive presence?