The Bear Season 4 recap: what to remember before season 5

When The Bear debuted in 2022 its mix of comedy and drama and a realistic look at the restaurant world quickly stood out. Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto returns to Chicago after his brother Mikey’s death to try to save the family sandwich shop, and across four seasons—with sous chef Sydney Adamu and sister Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto—he transforms The Beef into the fine dining restaurant The Bear, often clashing with Richard “Richie” Jerimovich.

With dwindling finances and uneven reviews, the fifth season serves as the show’s last chance to succeed. Season 4 opens with a mixed Chicago Tribune review calling the restaurant “[stumbling] with culinary dissonance,” and Carmy’s uncle Jimmy and spreadsheet whiz Computer warn there are just 1,440 hours left to turn things around.

Richie brings in staff from the closed restaurant Ever and Jessica installs a faster, more cost-efficient system.

United States, Chicago

the bear, season 4, season 5, carmy, sydney adamu, sugar berzatto, richie jerimovich, chicago tribune, sandwich shop, fine dining