Showrunners Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield of "The Four Seasons" recently discussed the series's second season and future with Collider's Steve Weintraub. They delved into significant plot points, including the unexpected return of Steve Carell, and teased exciting plans for David Tennant in a potential third season. The discussion also touched upon the show's unique approach to storytelling, incorporating cliffhangers and drawing inspiration from the writers' own relationships to create its signature grown-up dramedy.

Season 2 of "The Four Seasons" opened in a somber state following the shocking twist of Steve Carell’s character, Nick, being lost in Season 1. This presented a new low for the group, particularly Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver), who, according to Fisher and Wigfield, has "really gone through the wringer." The showrunners explained their decision to bring Carell back for a crucial episode, emphasizing that its existence was solely due to their affection for the actor. This special episode provided vital background on the present-day storylines, offering insight into Anne's emotional state and the origins of conflicts like the one between Danny and Claude, by portraying the group at their tightest before their eventual fracturing. Nick was depicted as the central connector of the group, with Thanksgiving traditions being his special holiday, and his absence profoundly impacted the others.

A significant development in Season 2 was the introduction of David Tennant, with his character sparking an "electric spark" with Anne in the season finale. Co-creator Tina Fey's admiration for Tennant (she "loves him") played a role in his casting, as the creators desired a "sweet moment for poor Anne." This romantic cliffhanger was conceived early in the writing process. Fisher and Wigfield expressed their delight when Tennant agreed to join, noting the strong on-set chemistry between him and Kenney-Silver, which hinted at a promising future for their characters.

Looking ahead, the showrunners are eagerly awaiting Netflix's green light for a third season, expressing confidence and optimism. They affirmed that if Season 3 proceeds, David Tennant's character is slated to have a "big part." The show's premise, which allows for checking in on the group of friends every three months, naturally lends itself to a multi-season arc, depicting "big life changes" at an accelerated rate. While they constantly think about future storylines, particularly for cliffhangers, they also acknowledge the tight turnaround for writing a new season if given the go-ahead.

The creators deliberately utilize cliffhangers to maintain audience engagement, a strategic choice for Netflix shows to leave viewers "wanting more." Beyond plot devices, the show’s authenticity stems from its unique writers' room, which comprises comedy writers in long-term relationships. A significant portion of the character conflicts and relationship dynamics are directly inspired by the real-life experiences and arguments of the writing staff. Wigfield described the writing process as "therapy" at times, noting how writers identify with different characters and offer varied perspectives on relationship problems. Spouses of the writers even humorously inquire if their arguments will make it into the show.

Operating as a "grown-up dramedy" presents a distinct tonal challenge, different from the "harder comedy tone" Fisher and Wigfield are accustomed to. They employ a term "tonal caution" to guide their writing, preventing jokes from becoming "too insane" or deviating from the show's established tone. While the cast members jokingly "willed" Italy into existence and now hope for Ibiza for future seasons, the showrunners maintain a focus on organic and feasible storytelling. "The Four Seasons, Season 2," is currently available for streaming on Netflix.