The popularity of kitchen dramas in film and TV has soared in recent years. While they can be fun and addictive, most follow familiar storylines or become predictable. But when The Bear premiered in 2022, it completely redefined the genre for me. It was the fresh, gripping take I didn’t know I needed to stay sane amidst the usual kitchen drama tropes and finding my new normal in a post-pandemic world.
The show instantly captured the hearts of audiences because of its compelling characters, frenetic drama, and raw and authentic depiction of the lives of many people who are working in the culinary industry. Having witnessed firsthand the lives of chefs in both world-class Michelin-starred restaurants and family-owned establishments, I’m amazed at how accurately The Bear captures their raw and unfiltered reality. The show’s strong suit lies in its ability to shed light on the relentless challenges and harsh conditions that those in the culinary industry must endure simply to make a living.
At the core of the story is a Michelin-trained chef, Carmy Berzatto, who returned to Chicago to help run his family’s struggling sandwich shop after the tragic death of his brother. This curveball has turned everyone’s lives upside down, leaving Carmy with no choice but to shoulder the burden of the chaos left behind. Transitioning from the world of upscale fine dining to a struggling, rundown kitchen with inexperienced cooks is an immense challenge. However, it’s this very journey that makes watching Carmy’s growth so compelling and rewarding, as we witness him take the necessary steps to revive his family’s legacy.
The Bear exceptionally immerses audiences in the intense heat of the kitchen, effectively making the audience feel the chaotic reality of working in the kitchen as well as running a restaurant. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment portrayed in the show is both thrilling and overwhelming, perfectly capturing the daily grind, stress, and intensity that kitchen workers endure. Every episode delivers a visceral experience – whether it’s the clattering of pans, the deafening shouts of orders, the adrenaline-fueled rush of preparing dishes, the constant chatter of waiting customers, or the heated family arguments. These elements elevate the narrative, pulling audiences in and making it easy to binge an entire season in one sitting.
Authentic Kitchen
The show’s accuracy was by design. Showrunner Christopher Storer went the extra mile by involving professional chefs to build the world of the story. Culinary experts like Daniel Boulud and Matty Matheson (who also stars in the show) were brought on board, while Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmy, was sent to train with Michelin-starred chefs to fully immerse himself in the role and understand what it truly means to be a chef. The characters’ movements, expressions, and conversations were palpable in every frame, allowing us to be one with them in their respective journeys and empathize with their inner conflicts or demons.
The heart of every kitchen is not just the food but the people who tirelessly show up day in and day out. This show has impeccably created characters that are human, flawed, and multi-dimensional, making them universally relatable and loveable. At the end of the day, we see ourselves in these characters who are also grappling with their personal struggles, insecurities, and following their dreams in life. The show heavily touches on important social issues such as mental health, gender inequality, addiction, and economic issues that we face in our society today, which helps raise awareness and serves as a reminder that we have the power to change our circumstances. The diverse and complex relationships in the show add layers of depth, tension, and conflict – the key ingredients to successful storytelling.
Perfect Blend
Many chefs I know personally find it difficult to watch the show because it hits too close to home. Despite how triggering it may be, they all agree that they feel seen and heard. It’s one of the few stories that accurately tell their journey and the brutal reality of working and building a career in the culinary industry. It’s a far cry from the fancy and glamorized version of cooking shows or dramas that we are used to seeing on screen. However, the writers masterfully balance humor, drama, and hope, crafting a narrative that ultimately aims to uplift and inspire, leaving audiences with a sense of optimism despite its heavy and raw depiction of reality.
The Bear made history at the Emmys by breaking records with an impressive eleven wins in the Comedy category. Its remarkable success not only showcases the show’s widespread acclaim but also reinforces that they are a groundbreaking force in TV for years to come. Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the next season and the next chapter of Carmy’s journey, hoping to see how his complex struggles and personal growth unfold while juggling the demands of work, family, and his romantic relationship. With its unique blend of humor, heart, and intensity, the show has set high expectations for what’s to come.