The fourth season of The Bear, released in July 2025, has sparked heated discussions among fans and critics, with reviews leaning heavily negative, as noted by outlets like the Chicago Tribune. Centered on the struggling Chicago restaurant The Bear and its chef, Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, played by Jeremy Allen White, the season grapples with a faltering narrative and financial turmoil, culminating in Carmy’s shocking decision to leave the kitchen. Filmed in Chicago, the season retains the show’s signature interpersonal drama but falters by prioritizing contemplative moments over the culinary energy that defined its early success. The restaurant, teetering on the edge of financial ruin, mirrors the show’s narrative stagnation, while Carmy’s exit in the finale leaves viewers questioning the series’ future, especially with a potential fifth season on the horizon. The season’s mixed reception stems from its failure to recapture the momentum of the first two seasons, despite strong performances from the cast.
The season opens with a glimmer of hope. The first two episodes deliver the high-stakes kitchen chaos fans loved in earlier seasons, with the team racing to save the restaurant. Yet, the pace slows dramatically, and the story splinters into unresolved subplots. Spanning ten episodes, the season dives deep into the characters’ personal struggles but neglects the restaurant’s core narrative.
This shift has polarized viewers. Some argue The Bear is about its characters, not just cooking, while others miss the kinetic energy of the show’s origins. Carmy’s decision to abandon the restaurant, revealed in the ninth episode, is a pivotal moment that shakes the narrative and leaves audiences grappling with uncertainty.
Slow pacing hampers storytelling
The fourth season of The Bear kicks off with renewed vigor, promising a return to the show’s roots. Early episodes showcase frenetic kitchen scenes and the looming threat of closure, amplified by a “timer” installed by the financial advisor of Carmy’s uncle, Jimmy, signaling the restaurant’s dwindling chances. This urgency initially captivates, hinting at a revival of the series’ fast-paced storytelling.
However, the momentum fades. The narrative veers into prolonged introspection, with characters grappling with personal demons in ways that feel repetitive. Critics note that while these moments are well-acted, they echo scenes from prior seasons, diminishing their impact. The lack of progress in the restaurant’s story frustrates viewers, especially after the third season’s lackluster finale.
Directed by Christopher Storer, the season maintains a raw, intimate aesthetic, with long takes and a melancholic soundtrack. Yet, the overuse of silent, reflective scenes undercuts the emotional weight. Once praised for balancing drama and comedy, The Bear now feels stuck, unable to reclaim its former spark.
Cast shines despite narrative flaws
The ensemble cast remains a highlight of the season. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, as Richie, delivers a standout performance, cementing his role as the show’s most dynamic character. His arc, blending personal growth with humor, provides relief amid the heavy drama.
Abby Elliott, portraying Natalie Berzatto, also excels, bringing depth to her role with a mix of vulnerability and comedic timing. The Fak brothers, led by Matty Matheson, continue to steal scenes with their improvisational humor, offering a lighthearted counterpoint to the season’s intensity.
Other characters, like Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), face pivotal moments, but their arcs feel underdeveloped. Carmy’s decision to alter the partnership agreement, excluding himself from the restaurant, is revealed to Sydney in the ninth episode, creating a dramatic cliffhanger that the season doesn’t fully explore.
Carmy’s exit shocks viewers
The season’s most jarring twist comes when Carmy decides to leave the kitchen. In the ninth episode, Sydney learns that Carmy asked Pete, his brother-in-law and lawyer, to amend the partnership agreement, removing himself from The Bear’s leadership. The revelation, delivered abruptly, stuns both the characters and the audience.
The finale, set in the alley behind the restaurant, sees Carmy explain his choice. He claims he seeks happiness outside of cooking, a decision tied to his ongoing struggle with personal trauma. Flashbacks throughout the series have shown his drive to succeed as a chef was fueled by his late brother Mikey’s dreams and his need to prove his abusive mentor wrong. His choice to walk away feels impulsive, undermining his character’s growth.
Carmy’s departure also fuels speculation about the show’s future. Rumors suggest Jeremy Allen White may be pursuing other projects, potentially limiting his role in a fifth season. With the series’ direction unclear, fans are left wondering how The Bear can continue without its central figure.
Restaurant’s financial woes deepen
The Bear’s financial struggles anchor much of the season’s tension. Jimmy’s financial advisor imposes strict measures to stave off collapse, with the kitchen “timer” serving as a constant reminder of the stakes. Carmy’s poor decisions exacerbate the crisis, pushing the restaurant closer to ruin.
The season delves into the realities of running a restaurant in a cutthroat market. High operating costs, coupled with minimal profits, strain the team. Sydney pushes for innovations, like new menu items and marketing tactics, but meets resistance. The narrative underscores the challenge of balancing culinary artistry with financial survival.
Key factors in the restaurant’s crisis include:
- Mounting debt: Loans from Jimmy carry steep interest, draining resources.
- Low customer turnout: Despite quality dishes, The Bear struggles to draw crowds.
- Resource mismanagement: Miscalculated orders and inefficiencies inflate losses.
- Team friction: Financial stress fuels conflicts, particularly between Carmy and Sydney.
Fan and critic reactions
The fourth season has split audiences and critics. Reviews in the Chicago Tribune and other publications criticize the lack of narrative drive, unfavorably comparing it to the show’s acclaimed early seasons. Once a contender for awards like the Emmy, The Bear now faces heightened scrutiny for its creative missteps.
Fans are similarly divided. Some praise the emotional depth and performances, while others lament the slow pacing and Carmy’s exit. Social media posts reflect heated debates, with many questioning whether the series can rebound in a potential fifth season.
Technical elements, like cinematography and sound design, earn praise but fail to offset the narrative’s shortcomings. The season, while polished, falls short of the high bar set by its predecessors, which were hailed as some of the decade’s best television.
Supporting characters take center stage
Beyond Richie and Natalie, other characters get moments to shine. Sydney, now a key leader, struggles to unify the team amid uncertainty about The Bear’s future. Her strained dynamic with Carmy drives much of the season’s interpersonal conflict.
Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) and Marcus (Lionel Boyce) also receive focus, with subplots exploring their personal goals. Tina hones her culinary skills, while Marcus experiments with new desserts. These stories, though compelling, feel disconnected from the main plot, adding to the season’s fragmented feel.
The Fak brothers remain a highlight, their comedic banter providing levity. Scenes like their bumbling attempts to fix broken equipment underscore the restaurant’s dire state while keeping viewers entertained.
Uncertain path ahead
The season ends with more questions than answers. Carmy’s exit leaves The Bear on shaky ground, with Sydney, Richie, and Natalie tasked with saving the business. The absence of a clear plan for financial recovery heightens the stakes but frustrates viewers seeking resolution.
While a fifth season hasn’t been officially confirmed, hints from the creative team suggest it’s likely. Carmy’s absence poses a challenge, with Sydney potentially stepping into the lead role. However, transitioning the series without Jeremy Allen White’s star power will be tough.
Unresolved subplots, like Carmy’s relationship with his mother, Donna, and Richie’s role as manager, linger. These threads, while intriguing, don’t counteract the sense that The Bear has lost its core identity.
Production highlights
The season’s technical craftsmanship remains top-notch. The cinematography, with its cold color palette and tight framing, mirrors the characters’ emotional turmoil. The soundtrack, blending indie tracks with rock classics, enhances reflective scenes, though it occasionally feels overbearing.
Editing alternates between rapid-fire kitchen sequences and drawn-out dramatic moments, creating a stark contrast. Christopher Storer’s direction, while consistent, doesn’t break new ground. Flashbacks to Carmy’s past, including his abusive training, add context to his exit but lack the punch of earlier seasons.
Global reception
Launched amid high expectations, the fourth season struggles to maintain The Bear’s cultural dominance. Hulu, which streams the show in the U.S., heavily promoted it as a return to form, but negative reviews and fan backlash suggest otherwise. Internationally, via platforms like Disney+, the season has faced similar criticism, with European reviewers praising the acting but decrying the pacing.
Debates over the show’s identity persist. Some view The Bear as a character-driven drama about trauma, while others insist cooking should remain its heart. This divide highlights the challenge of meeting diverse audience expectations.