Blink And You'll Miss How Netflix's The Four Seasons Honors Alan Alda

2 weeks ago 15

The Four Seasons still featuring Claude, Danny, Kate, and Jack all holding bags and suitcases.

Published May 28, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT

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As a re-imagining of the 1981 film, Netflix's The Four Seasons has brought Alan Alda's work to a whole new generation and featured a blink-and-you'll-miss-it way to loop him into the show this season. While Alda, who is one of the most beloved actors in TV and film history, doesn't have a consistent role in the series, he's an important part of the show's history. Alda, who's likely best known for his role of Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce on MASH, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015, and as a result of illness and age, his work on screen has slowed.

Although he was the main character in the film, Alda gets the chance to play one of these outsiders in Netflix's version of the series. With the show, of which Alda is also a producer, ensuring that he's honored, his quick cameo in The Four Seasons season 2 is meaningful.

Alan Alda Has A Quick Cameo In The Four Seasons' Pivotal "Small Thanksgiving" Episode

Alan Alda as Anne's father, Done, smiling wearing a suit in The Four Seasons show

While Alda was already introduced in The Four Seasons season 1 as Anne's father, Don, the series brings him back for a cameo during the second season of the series, as well. During The Four Seasons season 2 episode 6, "Little Thanksgiving", viewers got the chance to go back in time a few years, to the last Thanksgiving that the group spent together before Nick (Steve Carell) died. The holiday, which was during a COVID year and saw the characters having spent the previous weeks quarantined to stave off illness, features a talent show that's broadcast to family and friends.

As one of the people on a Zoom call watching the talent show, Alda gets the chance to be front and center for a few quick shots, happily laughing along with the rest of the group as Anne performs with her daughter, Lila, and Kate & Jack's daughter, Beth. While it's a quick moment, Alda is recognized in the series once again, giving a nod to the fact that it all stemmed from his film. Giving Alda the credit he deserves makes The Four Seasons feel generational, and doing so in one of the show's most inventive episodes is even better.

Alda's Role As Anne's Father Allows Him To Watch Over His Story From A Distance

Although Alda's role in The Four Seasons is minimal, the series gives him the chance to play a specific paternal figure that has a bit more meaning than viewers would probably think. As the father of The Four Seasons itself, Alda playing the parent of one of its most pivotal characters is a big deal. Giving him the chance to watch over the show, so to speak, by watching over Anne from season to season is a way to honor his legacy without having to do a lengthy explanation surrounding the backstory.

If The Four Seasons continues, which viewers are likely hopeful for after an exciting second season, it's possible that there could be another nod to Alda in the show's third season. Seeing the actor on screen with the modern iteration of his own creation is an exciting part of The Four Seasons already, and the lore behind his appearances gives them an even more exciting flair.