Apple TV+ and Netflix have simultaneously released two new original series that have achieved a rare distinction — both debuting with perfect 100% critics’ scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
The two freshman series — Carême and The Four Seasons — represent dramatically different storytelling approaches but have equally captivated critics with their exceptional craftsmanship and performances.
Apple TV+‘s historical drama Carême chronicles the rise of Marie-Antoine Carême, widely considered the world’s first celebrity chef. Set against the backdrop of Napoleonic France, the series combines culinary artistry with political intrigue.
The period piece has earned acclaim for its lavish production design and nuanced character development.
Beyond its culinary focus, Carême incorporates elements of espionage and palace politics, positioning the kitchen as a battlefield where ambition and artistry collide. The series blends the intensity of contemporary culinary dramas with historical intrigue.
Meanwhile, Netflix has launched The Four Seasons, Tina Fey’s adaptation of the 1981 film of the same name. The comedy-drama follows six longtime friends whose group dynamic implodes when one couple announces their separation.
The series stars Fey alongside comedy veterans Steve Carell and Will Forte.
“Over the course of a year,” according to Netflix, “we follow the friends on four vacations, and watch how this shake-up affects everyone’s dynamic — sending old issues and new bubbling to the surface.”
“I hope audiences feel like they are inside a big sweater with us, and also having a dinner party with us, and I hope that any of the joy and warmth that we all feel for each other all transfers to them, and that we are a comfort and provide some laughs for them in their home,” Fey said in a promotional interview.
The dual perfect-score debuts represent a significant achievement in today’s crowded content landscape, where such unanimous critical acclaim has become increasingly rare.
