Fans fear for future of Emmy-nominated ‘comfort show’ after A-list star’s exit

The trailer for season 2 of a major Netflix comedy-drama has just dropped, but some fans fear without one huge actor, it won’t be the same.

After its success last year, the streamer promised more of The Four Seasons starring Tina Fey and Colman Domingo.

Fast forward a year and we’ve got our first sneak peak at the next instalment, available from May 28.

While many can’t wait, there are some who are worried about the series’ future after one A-lister’s exit.

*Season 1 spoilers from here*

ICYMI, Nick (Steve Carrell) died at the end of the last season, leaving fans sad to say goodbye to the legendary actor.

In the seventh and penultimate episode of the season, his character is killed in a car accident, and his five friends all attend his funeral in the finale.

There was some hope for his inclusion in season two through flashbacks, but his omission from the newly-released trailer speaks volumes.

Reacting to the video on YouTube, @zamaqakaza6773 wrote: ‘So excited for season 2, I have been waiting. Sad about Steve Carrel though.’

@Awww_lena clearly felt the Anchorman actor was one of the main reasons for watching: ‘The first one wasn’t convincing. Without Carell for sure this one won’t be either.’

Fearing how he’ll be portrayed in memoriam, @guitreehill said: ‘Ugh, they’ll turn Nick into a martyr even though he was a selfish man in a midlife crisis.’

Season one scored 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, receiving a lukewarm-to-positive response from critics. Viewers reacted similarly, with the audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes standing at 63% – but on X, the seriesproved incredibly popular.

The eight-part comedy followed the lives of six lifelong friends across spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Season two takes the same structure, but Nick’s pregnant girlfriend Ginny (Erika Henningsen) has filled his spot at the table.

Based on the 1981 film of the same name – which was written by, directed by, and starred M*A*S*H legend Alan Alda – the series proved to be a smash for Netflix.

Naturally, the streaming giant jumped at the chance to give fans more, which pleased a lot of viewers but left others feeling concerned.

Announcing the news on X at the time, the official account for Netflix said: ‘Who’s ready for another vacation? The Four Seasons is coming back for a Season 2!’

@BradyConnolly44 shared his excitement: ‘A domestic dramedy about a bunch of fifty-somethings reevaluating the states of their marriages? Loved every second. Perfect show, not one note.’

@LukeCustardTV joined in the celebrations: ‘I thought it was a one-off but I loved spending time with these people so bring it on!’

@WolfWithSadEyes compared the show to another recent hit from America: ‘Next season can be about a different family or group of friends or colleagues. This can be Netflix’s lighter White Lotus.’

However, fans have been fearful about how it’ll look without Carell ever since it was hinted he wouldn’t be featuring.

In the promotional poster for season 2, Nick was the only character whose face couldn’t be seen, implying that the show was planning to follow through with writing him out.

@DonBishopXXX didn’t want a version of The Four Seasons without him: ‘Nah we good. One season that’s it – y’all ain’t have to do Steve like that.’

Elsewhere, @DerVeivmeister begged Netflix to find a way to get the actor on screen more often: ‘Lots of flash backs please! Steve is the GOAT!’

@SuaveGuapo admitted, ‘I don’t know if it was because I was hungover but I almost cried the last couple episodes,’ laughing at themselves over their reaction.

This time around, the characters are mourning the loss of their best friend from college, and working out how to navigate a relationship with the younger woman he met after leaving his wife.

They embark on a trip to Italy, and discuss new beginnings as their friendships and relationships evolve even further.

@Fashionita_133 can’t wait. They wrote on YouTube: ‘I’ve been waiting. The first season was so good.’

@curtsmith3957 commented: ‘Best ensemble cast, can’t wait for this to drop.’

While Dr. Ashok Sharda said on X: ‘Comfort show energy is back, and we’re ready for the trip.’

As well as starring Carell and Fey, the series also features big names such as Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Marco Calvani.

This article was originally published on May 16 2025.

The Four Seasons returns to Netflix on May 28.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.