‘The Bear’ Season 4 Is a Masterpiece – But You’re Going to Hate Some of It

I have a complicated relationship with The Bear. I loved Season 1 for its raw energy and anxiety-fueled realism. Season 2 was a masterpiece of character development, even if the Christmas episode nearly gave me a panic attack. Season 3 was a mess—too much style over substance, too many cameos, a story that meandered. So going into Season 4, which dropped on Hulu on June 25, I was nervous. Could they bring it back?

The answer is yes. But it’s not the show you expect. This season is slower, more contemplative, and at times, frustratingly quiet. A lot of people are going to hate it because it doesn’t give them the catharsis they want. But for me, it’s the best season yet. Let me explain.

The Season Picks Up Right After Season 3 (But Slower)

The first episode opens in the restaurant’s kitchen, but instead of the usual chaotic montage, we get a single long take of Carmy peeling onions. It lasts six minutes. No music. No dialogue. Just the sound of a knife on a cutting board. I almost turned it off. But then I realized what they were doing: they were forcing us to sit in Carmy’s head. He’s not running anymore. He’s processing. And the show is asking us to do the same.

This season is about what happens after the dream is achieved. The Bear is now a critically acclaimed restaurant. They got their review. They made it. So what now? That’s the question the season explores, and it’s not a happy one.

Richie Gets the Arc He Deserves

I’ve always had a soft spot for Richie. He’s the loud, messy, insecure heart of the show. This season, they finally give him a storyline that doesn’t involve him just being comic relief. He starts seeing a therapist (played brilliantly by a guest star I won’t spoil), and it’s uncomfortable to watch. He’s forced to confront his toxic masculinity, his failed marriage, and his inability to let go of the old neighborhood. There’s a scene where he breaks down in the walk-in freezer that wrecked me. I cried. My wife cried. It’s that good.

The Episode Everyone Will Talk About

Episode 7 is called “Service.” It’s a single continuous shot that follows the entire dinner service from prep to close. It’s 52 minutes of pure tension. Disasters happen—a fire in the kitchen, a customer with a nut allergy having a reaction, a broken dishwasher. The camera never cuts. You feel every second of stress. By the end, I was exhausted. It’s one of the best episodes of television I’ve ever seen. But it’s not fun. It’s like a panic attack in high definition.

What You’ll Hate

The season is missing the high-energy montages that made the early seasons so addictive. There’s no “Yes, Chef!” moments of triumph. Instead, there are long conversations about doubt, pride, and burnout. Some episodes feel like they’re spinning their wheels. The finale doesn’t resolve anything—it ends on a quiet note, with Carmy sitting alone in the dark restaurant, staring at a wall. If you wanted a happy ending, you’re not getting one.

Also, Sydney gets sidelined for most of the season. Ayo Edebiri is incredible when she’s on screen, but she’s not given as much to do. Her arc feels incomplete. I hope Season 5 fixes that.

Should You Watch It?

If you loved the first two seasons, you’ll probably appreciate this one, even if you don’t love it. If you hated Season 3, you might still be frustrated. This is a show that’s not afraid to be uncomfortable. It’s about people who are deeply flawed and struggling to find meaning in a world that’s moved past them. If that sounds like your thing, watch it. If you want a feel-good show about a restaurant, go watch The Great British Bake Off.

For me, The Bear Season 4 is a masterpiece. It’s messy, honest, and unforgettable. But I also totally get why someone would hate it. That’s the risk great art takes.