Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Bear’s season 4 finale.
WhileThe Bear’s season 4 finale provides ample opportunity for the show to return for season 5, an insider report suggests it may not be feasible any time soon. InThe Bearseason 4, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Natalie (Abby Elliott) are given a painfully short window to turn the restaurant around, culminating in Carmy making a major, life-altering decision in the finale.
A new report published byVarietysuggests thatThe Bearseason 5– if it’s officially renewed, this is currently still in question – may not start production for a while, depending on FX’s commitment,“creative intent,“and the availability of its leading stars.
The Bear’s Emmy-winning streak has not only attracted major household names to participate in guest-star roles, but has made household names of its leading actors. Jeremy Allen White is set to portray Bruce Springsteen in an Oscar-bait biopic, Ebon Moss-Bachrach is now an official member of Marvel’s first family, and Ayo Edebiri is slated to star in acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino’s next film, opposite Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts.
Understandably, these actors may want to move on to other projects, and they wouldn’t be the first to do so. Sources also toldVarietythat they are"contractually committed for a fifth season should FX and Storer choose to proceed,“however.
Varietywrites thatthere are currently no scripts written forThe Bearseason 5, although the show’s creator, Christopher Storer, reportedly has a narrative direction in mind. This delay could indicate a departure from the show’s previous production and release schedule. Seasons 3 and 4 were filmed back-to-back, and a new season has been released each year in June since the show’s premiere in 2022, a welcome relief from the two-year-long waits that have become tradition in the streaming era.
What This Means For The Bear Season 5
The Bear’s Focus May Need To Shift To Other Characters
InThe Bearseason 4 finale, aptly titled “Goodbye,“Carmy decides that it’s time for him to leave the restaurant business for good. This is probably the healthiest decision he’s ever made. The smartest decision was to hand the reins over fully to Sydney, Richie, and Natalie as partners, who will act as The Bear’s Executive Chef, maître d', and Project Manager, respectively.
If finding an appropriate window of time to filmThe Bearseason 5 with all three leading actors becomes the issue preventing the show’s return,shifting focus from Carmy to Sydney, Richie, Natalie, and, of course, the rest of the staff, including sous chef Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas), pastry chef Marcus (Lionel Boyce) and sandwich maker extraordinaire Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson) may be exactly what the show needs to surviveanother season.
Our Take On The Bear Season 5
The Bear Could Benefit From Leaving Carmy’s Tortured Presence Behind
Traditionally,The Bearhas been Carmy’s show. But perhaps his decision to move on from the culinary world signals thatThe Bearshould move on from his character, too. The episodes that focus on other characters, including Richie’s stage in Olivia Colman’s restaurant (that remains my favorite episode of the entire series), Tina’s journey to meet Mike (Jon Bernthal), and Marcus' trip to Denmark, have been standouts.
Perhaps Carmy’s decision to move on from the culinary world signals thatThe Bearshould move on from his character, too.
With Carmy operating in the background, these characters, including Sydney, who should, quite frankly, have been the second lead from the very beginning, could finally have the chance to make their mark on the show and the restaurant business.
IfThe Bearseason 5 were to be the show’s last outing – as it probably should be – let it be a celebration for everyone. Let it celebrate Carmy’s less toxic life, Sydney taking charge, Richie, Tina, and Marcus finding their true passion.The Bearlikes to remind us that food is an expression of love; the next season should, ideally, reflect that message.
All episodes ofThe Bearseason 4 are available to stream now on Hulu.
