‘The Bear’ is Anxious AF… So Why is it So Bingeable?
It’s the kitchen that needs a Calm subscription. Now, ‘The Bear‘ comes out of hibernation for its 3rd — and edgiest? — season.
It’s a third course dish we’ve been ravenous for. After Season 1 introduced Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG-winning breakout Ayo Edebiri to the world, and Season 2 brought new levels of cringe to the term “family dinner”, Season 3 of The Bear has just dropped in its entirety on Hulu-owned Disney with more anticipation than a Michelin starred amuse-bouche. ‘YES, CHEF!’
If you’ve never seen it, the series is a high-pressure, nerve-jangling look inside a commercial kitchen where sweat and adrenaline flow like olive oil. It’s been likened to the TV drama equivalent of Uncut Gems. Others swear their heart rate spikes just thinking about it. And yet, viewers are hooked.
According to Disney, the brand-new episodes hit 5.4 million views within the first four days — the best performance ever for any Hulu scripted series. So why the hullabaloo?
Aside from its dizzying pace, The Bear has been raved for the depth of its writing, its gritty cast and lived-in characters whose struggles feel real and relatable. It’s about pressure, and burnout. The tricky collision when a head full of passionate dreams meets navigating a logistical nightmare. And as for the sprinklings of real-life celebrity chef cameos and expertly-prepped, tummy-grumbling food? *Chef’s kiss.*
But garnishes aside, The Bear has connected deeply with audiences in its approach to themes of trauma and mental health — as head chef Carmy processes his brother’s death by suicide — and how gender roles and expectations deflate and frustrate Sydney, the ambitious, headstrong sous chef. It’s also a meaty and multi-faceted take on family relationships fractured enough to rival The Sopranos: look no further than the Season 2 episode “Fishes” to get an A-Grade flashback into dysfunctional parenting.
Chalk up a few views to clever marketing too — like this food truck that popped up in London over the weekend (sadly, Jeremy Allen White wasn’t manning the stove). Now we’re just jealous.
The Bear scooped up 10 Emmys for its first season (including 3 acting prizes along with awards for writing, directing and Best Comedy Series — did we mention it’s funny?) and yes, it’s really that good. If you still haven’t dined in, make a res, pronto. Your table’s ready for a mouthwatering meal.
Originally published at https://good.film.
