Diksia.com - If you are looking for a new binge-worthy show that combines humor, drama, and mouth-watering food, look no further than The Bear. The Bear is a Hulu original series that premiered in June 2022 and has been renewed for a third season. The show stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a young chef who returns to his hometown of Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after the suicide of his older brother. Along the way, he has to deal with his dysfunctional family, his brother’s debts, and a chaotic kitchen staff, while trying to elevate the quality of the food and the reputation of the restaurant.
The Bear is created by Christopher Storer, who also serves as an executive producer and director. The show is inspired by his own experiences as a regular customer of a real-life Chicago sandwich shop called Mr. Beef on Orleans, which he replicated for the show’s set. The show also features Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson as Carmy’s co-workers and family members.
The show has received critical acclaim for its writing, directing, acting, and production values, as well as its realistic and nuanced portrayal of the food industry and the personal struggles of its characters. The show has also received 13 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series and acting nods for White, Moss-Bachrach, Edebiri, Jon Bernthal, and Oliver Platt.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why The Bear is a must-watch show for foodies and drama lovers alike. We will also give you some insights into the show’s themes, characters, and behind-the-scenes trivia. So, grab a sandwich and get ready to dive into the deliciously dark world of The Bear.
Why You Should Watch The Bear
The Bear is not your typical comedy-drama. It is a show that balances humor and heartbreak, realism and fantasy, and sweetness and spice. Here are some of the reasons why you should watch The Bear:
The food
The Bear is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The show features a variety of dishes, from the classic Italian beef sandwich to the exotic Ethiopian injera. The show also showcases the art and craft of cooking, from the preparation of the ingredients to the presentation of the plates.
The show’s food consultant is Matty Matheson, a renowned chef and TV personality, who also plays Neil Fak, a childhood friend of the Berzattos and a handyman for the restaurant. Matheson helps to create the recipes and train the actors on how to cook and handle the food. The show also uses real food and real chefs as extras, giving the show an authentic and appetizing look.
The drama
The Bear is not afraid to tackle serious and sensitive topics, such as suicide, mental health, addiction, grief, family, and identity. The show explores the impact of these issues on the characters and their relationships, as well as the coping mechanisms they use to survive. The show does not shy away from showing the dark and messy sides of life, but it also does not lose hope or humor.
The show’s creator, Christopher Storer, has said that he wanted to create a show that was “funny and sad and weird and hopeful and honest”. The show’s tone and style are influenced by the works of Hiro Murai, a visionary director and producer who also serves as an executive producer and director for The Bear. Murai is known for his work on Atlanta, Barry, and Guava Island, among others.
The characters
The Bear features a diverse and talented cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and arc. The show’s protagonist, Carmy, is a complex and flawed character, who struggles with his own demons and ambitions, but also cares deeply for his family and friends. He is played by Jeremy Allen White, who is best known for his role as Lip Gallagher on Shameless.
White delivers a captivating and nuanced performance, showing Carmy’s vulnerability and strength, as well as his passion and skill for cooking. The show’s supporting characters are also well-developed and well-acted, each adding their own flavor and spice to the show.
Some of the standout characters include Richie, Carmy’s loyal and lovable best friend and manager, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach; Sydney, a talented and ambitious young chef who joins The Beef as Carmy’s sous chef, played by Ayo Edebiri; and Tina, a sarcastic and stubborn veteran line cook, played by Liza Colón-Zayas.
What You Need to Know About The Bear
The Bear is a show that is rich in details and references, both in terms of the food and the culture. Here are some of the things you need to know about The Bear:
The name
The name of the show and the restaurant, The Bear, is a homage to the original name of the real-life sandwich shop, Mr. Beef on Orleans. The shop was founded by Joe Zucchero in 1977, and was originally called The Great Bear. Zucchero changed the name to Mr. Beef on Orleans in 1980, after he saw a sign for a Mr. Beef in another part of the city.
The show’s creator, Christopher Storer, was a frequent customer of the shop, and became friends with Zucchero’s son, Joey. Storer decided to use the original name of the shop for his show, as a tribute to Zucchero, who passed away in 2019.
The sandwich
The signature dish of The Bear, and the real-life Mr. Beef on Orleans, is the Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich consists of thin slices of roast beef, soaked in a seasoned broth, and served on a long Italian-style roll. The sandwich can be topped with sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, or cheese. The sandwich can also be dipped in the broth, making it wet, juicy, and messy.
The sandwich is a Chicago specialty, and has a long and storied history. The sandwich is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants working in the stockyards would use the cheaper cuts of beef to make a hearty and flavorful meal.
The sandwich became popular during the Great Depression, when it was sold by street vendors and at weddings and other events. The sandwich is now a staple of Chicago’s food culture, and can be found at many restaurants and stands across the city.
The music
The Bear features a diverse and eclectic soundtrack, ranging from hip-hop to indie rock to jazz. The show’s music supervisor is Jen Malone, who also worked on Atlanta, Euphoria, and The Umbrella Academy, among others. Malone selects songs that fit the mood and tone of each scene, as well as the personality and taste of each character.
Some of the artists featured on the show include Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Mitski, Billie Eilish, and Nina Simone. The show also features original songs composed by Ludwig Göransson, who also serves as an executive producer and composer for the show. Göransson is an Oscar-winning musician and producer, who has worked with Childish Gambino, Black Panther, The Mandalorian, and Tenet, among others.
Conclusion
The Bear is a show that offers a unique and compelling blend of comedy, drama, and food. The show is a showcase of the talent and creativity of its cast and crew, as well as a tribute to the culture and cuisine of Chicago. The show is a must-watch for anyone who loves food, family, and storytelling. The show is available to stream on Hulu, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. The show’s third season is expected to premiere in June 2024. Don’t miss out on this deliciously dark and delightful show. Watch The Bear today.
