Overview
Comfort food and winter go hand in hand. Since 2022, so have chaotic culinary dramedies and the frostiest time of the year Down Under. Two years back, The Bear debuted in winter in Australia and New Zealand to become one of the best new shows on television. In 2023, it returned in winter for its second season to become one of the best returning shows on TV that year. And in 2024, it has a return reservation with the middle of the year again.
Even after the delays in Hollywood caused by 2023's strikes, American viewers will see the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning hit in June, with an exact date not yet announced. When Aussie and NZ audiences will get their latest taste of Jeremy Allen White (The Iron Claw) hasn't been revealed either, but it should also be this winter — but perhaps not the same day as our US counterparts.
Another pattern that surrounds The Bear is delays between its American debuts and arriving Down Under, affecting both seasons so far. Season one hit in June in America, then in August in Australia. With season two, US viewers still had a June date, while Aussies and New Zealanders had to wait till July. So, fingers crossed that the third time is the charm for a same-date release.
The Bear was renewed for season three in November 2023 to the surprise of no one, but to the joyous shouts of "yes chef!" from everyone. If you've missed The Bear so far, its first season jumped into the mayhem when White's Carmy took over the diner after his brother's (Jon Bernthal, We Own This City) death. Before returning home, the chef's resume featured Noma and The French Laundry, as well as awards and acclaim.
In season two, Carmy worked towards turning the space into an upscale addition to his hometown's dining scene, with help from the restaurant's trusty team — including Ayo Edebiri (Bottoms) as fellow chef Sydney, plus Ebon Moss-Bachrach (No Hard Feelings) as Richie, aka Cousin, aka Carmy's brother's best friend.
Also key to The Bear: truly conveying what it's like to work in the hospitality industry and weather a restaurant kitchen's non-stop pressures. In both of its seasons so far, The Bear's creator Christopher Storer (who also has Ramy, Dickinson and Bo Burnham: Make Happy on his resume) has expertly balanced drama and comedy — and, in season two, he also delivered spectacular self-contained episodes that featured everyone from Olivia Colman (Heartstopper) and Will Poulter (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) to Bob Odenkirk (Lucky Hank) and Jamie Lee Curtis (Haunted Mansion).
Guest stars aside, The Bear's regular roster of talent also spans Abby Elliott (Indebted) as Carmy's sister Natalie, aka Sugar — plus Lionel Boyce (Hap and Leonard), Liza Colón-Zayas (In Treatment) and Edwin Lee Gibson (Fargo) among the other Original Beef staff.
Check out the trailer for The Bear season two below:
The Bear streams via Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand. We'll update you with an exact season three release date when one is announced.
Read our review of season one and review of season two.
Via Variety.