While The Bear is still coming down from its season 2 success, fans are already curious if a third season is in store. Fortunately, the future of the critically acclaimed series is looking bright.
The Bear debuted on Hulu in June 2022 to high critical acclaim and was quickly renewed for a second season. It was difficult to see how season 2 could top it, considering the first season received a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and took home several prestigious accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and Critics’ Choice Award. However, season 2 managed to maintain The Bear‘s impressive critical rating while significantly improving its viewership by 70%, breaking the record for the most-watched FX debut on Hulu.
The Bear follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), a brilliant chef who gives up his career in New York to take over his late brother’s sandwich shop in Chicago. The first season of The Bear mostly followed Carmy’s attempt to wrangle the shop and its staff into shape while also navigating grief and trying to understand his brother’s suicide. Meanwhile, season 2 sees Carmy still working to honor his brother’s legacy by opening his dream restaurant, The Bear. By the end of season 2, some of the most pressing questions about the characters’ lives and the restaurant’s fate are answered. However, there are still many loose ends and unanswered questions that could be further explored in a third season.
Will The Bear return for a third season?
Fans can rest assured that The Bear‘s story will continue as FX has officially renewed the series for a third season. FX confirmed the renewal on November 6, just four months after season 2 wrapped. Of the renewal, FX Entertainment President Nick Grad stated:
We’re so proud to partner with Christopher Storer, Joanna Calo, Josh Senior, and the rest of the creative team, as well as the brilliant cast led by Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. What they and the crew have done is truly remarkable, and we and our partners at Hulu join fans in looking forward to the next chapter in the story of ‘The Bear.’
Even before the official renewal, a third season of The Bear seemed very likely. It proved to be one of FX’s biggest surprise breakout hits and didn’t lose any steam as it charged through season 2. Its award-winning performances, nuanced exploration of grief and family dysfunction, and realistic depiction of the culinary industry have intrigued fans. Meanwhile, season 2 left the door partially open for a continuation. The season ended on a few ambiguous notes regarding Carmy’s relationships and the well-being of Marcus (Lionel Boyce)’s mother. With these small cliffhangers and plenty of room to explore how their restaurant fares in the culinary industry, season 3 can continue the story naturally.
(featured image: Hulu / FX)
