This Brilliant Cameo In Netflix’s The Four Seasons Has An Extra Meaning You Might Have Missed

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Netflix comedy The Four Seasons.

The star-studded cast of Netflix’s new comedy The Four Seasons is part of what has made the show such an instant hit.

As well as Tina Fey (who also co-wrote and created the eight-part series), the show also features appearances from Oscar nominees Steve Carell and Colman Domingo, who form part of the central group whose world is turned upside down when they discover that two of their best friends are splitting up.

But there’s another member of the cast whose role has a connection you might have missed.

In episode two, we’re introduced to Anne’s father Don, played by Oscar nominee Alan Alda.

What you might not have realised is that, as well as his Emmy-winning stint in M*A*S*H* and roles in films like The Aviator, Marriage Story and Crimes And Misdemeanours, Alan wrote and starred in the original The Four Seasons, on which the new show is based.

Tina told Netflix: “We really did want Alan to do a cameo in the show. Thankfully, he was around and was into it.

“He plays the character of Anne’s father who flies in for this spontaneous vow renewal ceremony that she has planned. Colman Domingo, Alan, and I have a little scene where his character shares his advice on a long and successful marriage. He’s fantastic. His timing is as incredible as it ever was. He looks so handsome.”

Alan and Tina actually worked together once before, when he made a three-episode stint on her sitcom 30 Rock, for which he was nominated for an Emmy.

Tina added: “Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to be able to tell Alan Alda in person how much I love the movie, and also Carol Burnett. They both were kind of like, ‘That’s weird because you were 10. This movie wasn’t really intended for you.’

“Alan Alda was very generous in giving us his blessing early on to develop this. I think he was excited that it was coming back to life. It was obviously a project that was near and dear to him.”

In addition to his brief episode two cameo, Alan is also listed as a producer on the new version of The Four Seasons.

All eight episodes of The Four Seasons are available to stream now on Netflix.