Tina Fey Returns to the Spotlight in 'The Four Seasons'

I had the good fortune to collaborate with Tina Fey several years back, which included working on one of my most beloved shows, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt As stated by Netflix's Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria , who greeted attendees at the debut of The Four Season The miniseries will be shown at the DGA Theater Complex on April 25.

I've always held her work in high regard as an author, but when she informed us that she was prepared to return to acting, everyone was genuinely thrilled," Bejaria went on. "Therefore, Tina, having the opportunity both in front of and behind the camera is a cherished aspiration for so many of us.

She pointed out how the performance — launching Thursday, May 1 on Netflix — boasts an impressive ensemble and delves into "recognizable adult challenges, middle-aged friendships, and marital relationships." She commented: "[This series is something I haven't come across in quite some time, yet it's the kind of show that I—and countless others—are yearning for]. It’s humorous, authentic, and brimming with emotion.”

Next, the series co-creators, showrunners, and executive producers stepped onto the stage: Fey, Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield .

Fey started off by saying, "As many of you might be aware, this show takes inspiration from a film released back in 1981 with the same title, penned and helmed by the legendary Alan Alda," which prompted clapping. "I have adored this movie ever since I was just 11; how an 11-year-old developed such fondness for a story involving older folks dressed in cardigans still puzzles me—but I truly cherished it. It feels like ages ago that I first hoped to bring this project into existence, perhaps even before all these industry disputes and certainly prior to the onset of the recent global health crisis."

Added Wigfield: "We managed to gather an amazing team of writers who are incredibly generous and eager to share significant aspects of their own marital experiences, both positive and negative—such as when your spouse purchases a hat that you despise."

“And when it comes to discussing our cast, they really excel,” Fisher interjected. “Of course, we must begin with Tina Fey. Tracey and I feel incredibly privileged that you selected us for this venture instead of…other individuals. Tina, you’ve provided us with our careers; you allowed us entry into this industry, and now we get to create something alongside you—it’s wonderful. Without your support, we might still be struggling.”

Then, we have our following cast member whom we felt incredibly privileged to work with, as they are a legendary figure in comedy and one of the kindest individuals, besides being a remarkable performer. Steve Carell "Fishersaid further. "Thanks to Steve generously agreeing to take part in this project, it paved the wayforthe rest ofour incrediblecast— beginningwithoneoftheworld'sfunniest individualswhoisalsoa bitodd,but withinousshows,Ibelieveyou'lldiscoverheemergesasanattractiveleadingman, Will Forte .

Fisher went on, "And then next up, we have a comedian I’ve looked at forever and like loved, and she is just so incredible in our show. You are going to see a different side of her, she’s such an unbelievable actress, Kerri Kenney-Silver .

"And then we have Marco Calvani , who made our show so stylish and continental! And we have two friends who are not here because they're in New York being big shots. We have Erika Henningsen, who’s on Broadway right now, we love her. And of obviously, the incomparable Colman Domingo — who we truly can't believe did this show, we feel like we tricked him."

“He could potentially take legal action against us,” Fey noted. “To provide some background for what you’ll be seeing tonight, we've adapted the original film into eight half-hour episodes—two episodes corresponding to each season of the year. Today, we will present the initial pair of episodes focusing on springtime. Our aim is to convey the warm, inviting atmosphere from Alan’s delightful source material. These episodes should feel akin to enjoying a magical afternoon relaxing in a hammock. Just as such an afternoon cradles you gently, these episodes are designed to envelop you comfortably.”

Fey concluded with, "And hopefully once you reach that point, you'll find yourself stuck and incapable of escaping."

Extra attendees featuring renowned comedians and long-time buddies Amy Poehler, Ed Helms, Jack McBrayer, Craig Robinson, Thomas Lennon and Creed Bratton. Following the screening, they headed to Laya in Hollywood, where they enjoyed beats by DJ Kiss, specialty cocktails themed for each season (Spring was a highlight) and passed bites like burgers and chicken skewers courtesy of chef Charbel Hayek — who just so happened to cover L.A. Magazine's January Best New Restaurants issue .