Quick Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Series | The Bear |
| Season | 4 |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Streaming Network | FX on Hulu |
| Release Date | June 25, 2025 |
| Showrunners | Christopher Storer, Joanna Calo |
| Main Cast | Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Liza Colón-Zayas, Lionel Boyce, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson |
| Critical Ratings | Rotten Tomatoes: 85%, Metacritic: 73/100 |
| Renewed for Season 5 | ✅ Confirmed, coming in 2026 |
🎬 Review: A Season of Reflection and Evolution
Season 4 of The Bear is less about running a restaurant and more about understanding the people behind it. The story picks up where Season 3 left off—with The Bear restaurant running, but the internal pressure cracking each character. This season dials down the frenzy and turns up the introspection.
Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) is no longer just trying to "fix things"—he’s reckoning with what’s broken inside him. The trauma of his brother’s death, years of overwork, and recent failures force him to ask whether he wants to continue at all. The weight he carries now feels heavier, more personal.
Meanwhile, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) is the true revelation of the season. Not only does she take creative lead on dishes, but Ayo also steps behind the scenes, co-writing the standout episode “Worms.” Her character’s evolution—from a determined sous-chef to a leader evaluating her own future—feels earned, heartfelt, and powerful.
🌟 Highlights That Shine
-
💥 Emotional Payoff
The slow burn works—Season 4 delivers its drama not in breakdowns or screaming matches, but in quiet, authentic moments. A wedding episode and the finale are particularly touching. -
👩🍳 Sydney’s Spotlight
Episode 5, “Worms,” co-written by Edebiri, is a masterclass in vulnerability and strength. Her character’s decisions carry real weight, and her arc is one of the best of the entire series. -
🎭 Supporting Cast Growth
Richie’s character matures beautifully, Ebra gets a long-overdue emotional arc, and Marcus (played by Lionel Boyce) is grieving but grounded.
⚠️ Where It Falls Short
-
Slower Pacing
Some fans miss the adrenaline of Season 1 and 2. This season feels more like a character drama than a restaurant drama, which may not satisfy everyone. -
Less Kitchen Chaos
While food remains central thematically, visually we see fewer montage-heavy cooking scenes. For some, that culinary magic was the heart of the show. -
Tina's Story Feels Rushed
Liza Colón-Zayas deserves more screen time. Her storyline around learning to move faster in the kitchen was interesting but underused.
🗣️ Fan Reactions
Reddit and Twitter fans have mixed but mostly positive thoughts:
"This is the first season where characters finally breathe. Painful and beautiful."
"Season 4 > Season 3. But nothing touches Season 1."
"Ebra's development. Carmy owning his flaws. Sydney's leadership. All A+."
📺 Top 3 Must-Watch Episodes
| Episode Title | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1. "Groundhogs" | Sets the emotional and financial tone of the season; Carmy at a crossroads. |
| 5. "Worms" | Sydney’s moment to shine, emotionally and creatively; co-written by Ayo Edebiri. |
| 9. "Wedding" | A family gathering that’s equal parts healing and heartbreak. Beautifully shot. |
🎯 Final Verdict
⭐ 8.5/10 (B+)
“The Bear: Season 4” is emotionally honest and narratively mature. While it sheds some of its fire for self-reflection, it delivers a powerful, slow-burn experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
If you loved Seasons 1 & 2 for their chaos, Season 4 offers a different dish—quieter, richer, and soul-stirring.
🔮 What’s Next?
Season 5 has been confirmed and is rumored to be the final chapter. With Sydney’s future uncertain, Carmy’s direction unclear, and several storylines still simmering, the finale season promises to tie up what may be one of the best modern dramas of the decade.