Netflix Defies a Massive Ratings Drop to Renew One of Its Biggest Star-Driven Comedies

Netflix has been known to cancel shows for much less, and yet The Four Seasons has just landed a third season despite a 63% drop in the ratings.

It joins the likes of Man on the Inside and Running Point, which were also renewed despite seeing their ratings figures drop considerably between Seasons 1 and 2, bringing up the question of whether Netflix is changing its renewal strategy or not. In recent years, comedies have been able to skirt through despite ratings drops on the streaming platform, while the genre struggles on broadcast.

Four Seasons is based on Alan Alda’s 1981 movie of the same name. The first season boasted a strong cast, which included EP Tina Fey, Steven Carell, and Will Forte. Carell didn’t return for the second season, and it potentially led to the slide in the ratings. 

However, viewers have noted that Netflix hasn’t done a great job in promoting the funny series, and that’s led to a decline in the ratings. Many hadn’t realized that the second season had dropped, and they only came across it on Netflix by chance. It’s a complaint by many about various shows on streaming networks.

The rest of the cast returned, and the format remained similar, with the destination of the vacation storyline changing every two episodes. The second season focused on Ginny learning to be happy following the death of her husband, while raising their child as a single mom. The remaining couples navigated their own ups and downs, with Anne meeting David Tennant’s Gianpiero. It’s not clear if Tennant will return for the third season.

The Four Seasons Season 3 is expected in May or June of 2027. This would follow the regular release of the first two seasons in May 2025 and 2026.

When explaining the renewal of Four Seasons, Netflix’s video president of U.S. comedy, Tracey Pakosta, explained that, “Audiences have fallen in love with these characters and this legendary cast’s electric chemistry. We’re thrilled to keep the vacation going for Season 3.”