All 5 Seasons Of ‘The Bear,’ Ranked
The Bear (2022) isn't the most revolutionary series to ever grace our screens, but it's certainly one of the most compelling. Special, in its own unique way, and something that fans and critics will likely talk about for a long, long time. Christopher Storer's comedy—er, drama—took the world by storm with its particularly accurate portrayal of not only how a kitchen is run, but how messy character journeys can take center stage in a show that tackles an everyday career.
In its means of simultaneously honoring Chicago and delivering distinguished arcs that center around grief and family, The Bear quickly became a comfort show despite its heavy narratives and the anxiety it evoked. Interestingly, it's also been the series that's gotten a ton of flak throughout the years for changing its tone, despite the fact that it's maintained the essence of what it set out to be. Now that its series finale has aired on Hulu, what better time to look back at all the seasons?
5. Season 4
It really is true that there is no terrible season of The Bear. And while Season 4 is indeed the weakest in the bunch, I'd argue that it has the best finale. It's essentially what saves it from being a complete fumble and merely a roadblock instead. Part of what makes it so frustrating is the Fak brothers getting more screentime than necessary, questionable pacing, and a long, winding way to get to the heart of the story.
As a penultimate season, it should've done more, but ultimately, "Goodbye" is a true masterclass in storytelling as it gives us a single scene throughout the episode and makes every minute of the season immediately worth it. The finale's strength is the entire reason I went back to give the season another chance, and there, it works mostly well despite its flaws.
4. Season 5
A show's final season won't always be its best, but The Bear Season 5 is mostly solid. The astute balance between quiet intervals and loud chaotic ones makes it tremendous, but interestingly, it might not be the season that fans revisit as frequently as others. While the finale is surprisingly lovely and fitting for the character journeys, it's the penultimate, "Caramel," that fires on all cylinders. If there's one episode I'm rewatching, this is it.
More than anything, part of the reason this season is ranked low isn't that it's bad or anything, but rather because there's always a lot riding on a show's endgame. The Bear delivers a conclusion that feels right and safe, but years from now, when people look back and discuss the show's legacy, this isn't the season that's going to come up. That's reserved for the number one spot. Still, this is the season that makes everything worth it.
3. Season 3
Personally speaking, The Bear's third season might actually be my personal favorite. With episodes like "Napkins" and "Ice Chips," it's the one I remember the most. But objectively, it's easy to recognize that the tonal shift from Season 2 might not have worked for fans who were expecting something unruly at every turn. Interestingly, however, Season 3 switching things up and focusing on quiet character journeys is exactly what makes the show special.
It acts as a reminder that neither characters nor narrative need to be boxed into specific beats, so long as the plot continues to honor what's set up in the beginning. In the understanding of this, Season 3 becomes an incredibly nuanced character study that adds layers to what's been established before, and simultaneously allows the actors to be challenged in a way that's exceptional to watch.
2. Season 1
The Bear has one of the best debut seasons of all time, and its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score proves this. It establishes the tone, delivers high stakes, gives us compelling character arcs, and every actor brings their A-game in every shot. It's sensational through and through, and the kind of addictive start that not many shows get in their beginning.
Despite the fact that it was certainly not the type of comedy many of us were used to when we pressed play, the season took the world by storm with stunning writing and directing. If Season 2 didn't serve as an example of how to come back stronger, Season 1 would've been the best season, without question. But second place isn't so bad, either.
1. Season 2
When we have jaw-dropping and wildly brilliant episodes like "Fishes" and "Forks," it's possible not to crown The Bear Season 2 as the show's best. There might've been some extraordinary episodes throughout the show's five-season run, but perhaps none will be as memorable as these two. "Fishes," especially. It puts a whole new spin on what a holiday episode can be like, giving fans the opposite of wholesome that we're used to with our comedies.
But really, was The Bear ever a comedy? It's a running conversation with the fandom to be sure, and rightfully so. Still, a sophomore season like this does supply plenty of laughing points, even when our hearts are in our throats. Season 2 is, in short, inimitable. A masterclass in how to come back bigger and better while delivering uniquely human narrative beats that'll live rent-free in people's minds, even if they only watch the episodes once.
