Creators and Star Explain the Ending of ‘The Four Seasons’

Note: This article contains spoilers for “The Four Seasons” on Netflix.

In its poignant finale, Netflix’s “The Four Seasons,” adapted from a 1981 film of the same name, presents an unforeseen and sobering ending that challenges conventional romantic notions.

The last episode, titled “Fun or Funeral,” intertwines humor and sorrow while poignantly examining male midlife crises, particularly the tendency for men to leave long-term partners for younger partners.

Nick, played with depth by Steve Carell, leaves his wife, Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), to pursue a relationship with Ginny, a carefree 30-year-old.

In an ironic twist, Nick begins to embody the very traits he claimed to resent in Anne — lonely, irritable, and disconnected.

His quest to reclaim his youth ends tragically as he dies while attempting to impress Ginny’s friend group, marking a significant divergence from the original film, where Nick (Len Cariou) falls through the ice but is saved by friends.

Nick’s absurd yet introspective funeral features his ashes in a red high heel and a chaotic memorial where his ex-wife, girlfriend, and friends grapple with defining his true essence.

“We didn’t create this as punishment for leaving her,” executive producer and co-creator Lang Fisher explains to TODAY.com about Nick’s demise.

“We aimed to illustrate that he found fleeting happiness, followed by a narrative reflecting a group of friends in turmoil. That’s life.”

One of the most heart-wrenching moments comes from Anne, who, despite past resentments, hosts Nick’s funeral and breaks down mid-eulogy: “I just realized, I didn’t know him at all.”

This painful admission follows 25 years of marriage. Later, she confides in Ginny, “He was probably happier with you than he ever was with me.”

Kenney-Silver reveals the first take of that scene left her in tears.

“It’s all in the writing,” she remarks. “Tina (Fey) approached me afterwards and said, ‘That’s beautiful — but too real.’ The funeral was intended to be chaotic. If Anne delivered a perfect, heartfelt speech, it would alter the overall tone.”

Instead, Anne unravels — more emotional exorcism than eulogy.

“It needed to be more about disintegrating than mourning,” Kenney-Silver states. “This approach provided a raw, chaotic authenticity.”

While Nick’s journey is at the forefront, “The Four Seasons” also delves into other intricate relationships, such as the emotionally resonant connection between Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani). When Danny conceals a health issue, Claude’s response is layered with fear, frustration, and love.

“I feel honored that you see Claude as emotionally grounded,” Calvani shares with TODAY.com. “He’s quirky, but everything he does is rooted in his love for Danny. Danny’s dishonesty shakes Claude’s entire sense of stability.”

That vulnerability is heightened by Claude’s outsider perspective.

“He’s the last to join this group of friends,” Calvani explains. “Like many immigrants, even after a decade, he still feels the need to validate his place. As a stay-at-home husband, he feels constant pressure to earn his spot at the table.”

Claude’s commitment and anxiety enrich the show’s examination of identity, intimacy, and belonging.

The series concludes with a final dinner reflecting the group’s last FaceTime with Nick. Though wounds linger, growth is evident. Jack (Will Forte) and Kate (Tina Fey) find their way back to one another. Danny embraces Claude’s spirituality following a symbolic butterfly sighting. And Anne — perhaps the show’s emotional touchstone — supports Ginny, who is expecting Nick’s child.

When asked if Anne has finally shed the expectations once imposed by her marriage, Kenney-Silver states: “I believe Anne lived to be essential. The notion that her marriage might have been a mirage was terrifying. However, in that last moment with Ginny, she realizes two truths can coexist — Nick loved Ginny, but he also loved her. Their 25 years together were genuine.”

It’s not a flawless resolution — but it’s sincere. And that’s what “The Four Seasons” excels at: illustrating the coexistence of truth and chaos.

“This is a love story about all forms of long relationships — including platonic ones. But yes, not all marriages are destined to last forever. Some conclusions are essential,” writer Tracey Wigfield asserts.