What is The Bear about?

The Bear is an American comedy-drama television series that debuted on the streaming platform Hulu. The narrative centers around Carmy, a highly skilled fine-dining chef who, after a personal tragedy, finds himself back in Chicago with the responsibility of running his family's sandwich shop. The show captures the complexities of family legacy and the dynamics of a tight-knit kitchen crew, as Carmy strives to apply his haute cuisine expertise to a more unrefined culinary setting. As the series unfolds, the audience is introduced to a cast of vibrant characters, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, and others, who form a formidable 'chosen family' with Carmy. Together, they tackle the challenges of the food industry while working through their internal conflicts and the chaos of a kitchen in transformation. The Bear is recognized for its authenticity in depicting the restaurant environment, which is further underscored by utilizing real-life inspirations such as Chicago's own Mr. Beef on Orleans for the sandwich shop's set. The series has garnered critical acclaim for the quality of its writing, directing, acting, and all-encompassing production values, touching on themes of grief, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence in one of the most high-pressure work environments.

The first episode of The Bear aired on June 23, 2022 and the most recent episode to air was on June 22, 2023.