The Bearseason 5 will be bringing back plenty of familiar faces, but it will struggle if this important character doesn’t end up returning.The Bearseason 4 endedwith the revelation thatCarmy is planning on leaving the restaurant. While he’ll ensure they’re financially stable before he departs, he’ll be leaving a hole among thecharacters inThe Bear.

Now thatThe Bearseason 5has been confirmed, it seems like the story will be continuing from the moment of his decision to depart. This will no doubt have widespread ramifications for everyone at the restaurant. However,there’s another character implied to be exitingwhose absence would make the story of season 5 struggle.

Oliver Platt as Jimmy in The Bear season 3

Jimmy Should Return In The Bear Season 5, Even If He’s Not Funding The Restaurant

His Connection To Carmy, Richie, & Natalie Is Vital To The Series

The Bearseason 5 needs to keep Jimmy around, even though he’s no longer funding the titular restaurant. Season 4’s biggest focus was the race against time to make The Bear profitable, since Carmy’s uncle would be shutting off funding for the establishment after a certain amount of time. They were successful, meaning he won’t be helping them operate anymore.

While this development will allowCarmy to leave The Bearsooner,it doesn’t mean Jimmy should depart from the series. He has a deep connection with the Berzatto family because he was best friends with Carmy’s father. As such, he’s become a close friend to them, as well as their mother, Donna, and Richie.

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He’s also become an important face around the restaurant, sharing a sweet moment with Sydney in season 4, episode 9. While he’s pulling funding, he’s torn; it’s unrealistic for him to keep helping, but he still loves Carmy and wants him to succeed. This connection makes it vital for him to show up forThe Bearseason 5’s story.

Jimmy Might Not Be Done Helping The Bear Just Yet

There’s One Way He Can Still Help The Restaurant Expand

Despite not funding The Bear itself, Jimmy might not be done throwing money Carmy’s way just yet. Season 4, episode 9 seesEbraheim’s business consultant, Albert, propose franchising The Beef to Computer. In turn, he starts telling Jimmy about the idea. However, the season doesn’t resolve what he’s going to do with this new information.

Because of how well The Beef side of the restaurant is doing,Jimmy could partner with Albert to franchise the sandwich shopacross other areas of Chicago. This would justify his continued involvement inThe Bear’s story, giving him something to do outside his connection to the family. It could keep him around while embarking on a new chapter.

The Bearseason 5 is expected to arrive on Hulu in 2026.