I’m not a big fan of binging series. There are a few shows I’ll watch in a few sittings, but most—whether it be anime or TV—I watch slowly to absorb what I’m engaged in. The Bear’s first few seasons? I almost binged them. It took me only a week to get through the first two seasons and just a few days to finish the third. That’s how much I loved Seasons 1–3 of The Bear, and why I was dying for the fourth.

Sadly, now that Season 4 has arrived, it wasn’t quite what I hoped. Was it horrible? No—but this fourth outing was a bit underwhelming. Here’s why in my full review of The Bear Season 4.

Story

Picking up where Season 3 left off, The Chicago Tribune’s review of The Bear isn’t what the team hoped for. Carmine, Sydney, Richie, and the rest of the crew are warned by Uncle Cicero and his partner Computer that they’re hemorrhaging money. They’re given a countdown clock: turn things around quickly or risk losing the restaurant for good.

The team has their own plans, but with fractured relationships and lingering tension, the path forward won’t be easy. Unfortunately, Season 4 retreads a lot of the same ground as before. Carmy’s family trauma, Richie’s attempts to better himself, Sydney’s internal conflict over leaving—these threads are all familiar. The drama is there, but the emotional weight just doesn’t hit the same.

However, the finale—Episode 10—was the saving grace. Taking place entirely in a storage shed with just four characters, it allowed the core trio to unpack their emotional baggage and come to long-overdue realizations. It didn’t make me desperate for a Season 5, but it gave me closure.

Overall, Season 4 reuses too many old themes. Most episodes follow a formula: focus on a character, show their chaos, and tie it back to The Bear. It’s not bad, but it’s like eating an overcooked steak—it’s edible, just not enjoyable like before.

Acting and Cast

Thankfully, the cast still delivers stellar performances. Jeremy Allen White (Carmy) remains the anchor, but Ayo Edebiri (Sydney) gets plenty of time to shine, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie) continues to grow. Side characters like Marcus (Lionel Boyce) and Tina (Liza Colon-Zayas) have strong moments, though they’re far less present this time around.

Surprise returning cast members from previous seasons do show up—and I won’t spoil who—but their appearances are brief yet effective. Despite the show’s repetitive structure, the actors own their roles. If anything felt off, it was likely due to the writing, not the performances.

Cinematography and Direction

The cinematography in The Bear continues to be award-worthy. Whether during moments of chaos or intimacy, the camera captures everything masterfully. Wide shots, close-ups, and long takes help immerse you in the characters’ emotions. Even during intense arguments, every subtle reaction is captured with intention.

Direction, however, falters this season. The narrative feels lost at times, unsure whether to build new ground or cling to the past. One particular episode with Carmy and Claire moves through three emotional tones and feels unnecessarily convoluted. Season 4 holds too tightly to past themes, creating a sense of déjà vu that drags the season down.

Conclusion

The Bear Season 4 isn’t horrible—but it’s lacking the magic of its earlier seasons. Season 5 could still redeem the series, but if it follows the same playbook, disappointment might grow. That said, Season 4 still has its highlights, especially the finale. It’s worth watching—just don’t expect a full-course meal. More like a beautifully framed photo of one.

—Aaron