Bears (The Bear)
| Company type | Television series episode |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | June 25, 2025 |
| Founder | Christopher Storer (director), Joanna Calo (writer) |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Television episode |
| Website | www |
Bears represents the seventh installment in the fourth season of the American comedy-drama television series The Bear. This episode marks the 37th in the series overall, penned by Joanna Calo and directed by the show's creator, Christopher Storer. It premiered on Hulu on June 25, 2025, simultaneously with the entire season's release.
The narrative follows Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), a celebrated New York chef who returns to Chicago to manage the struggling Italian beef sandwich shop left behind by his late brother Michael. With financial backing from his uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and assistance from cousin Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), sister Sugar (Abby Elliott), and chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Carmy is determined to reinvent the Beef into an inviting fine-dining establishment named the Bear.
This episode focuses on the wedding of Richie's former wife Tiff (Gillian Jacobs) to Frank (Josh Hartnett).
Plot
At Tiff's wedding, the Berzatto family gathers, with Richie bringing Sydney along for support. Cousin Michelle (Sarah Paulson) experiences an uneasy moment with Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis) before spending time with bride Tiffany, who must soon leave for rehearsals in New York. Carmy becomes anxious when he sees Donna but is reassured by Richie and Syd. Later, Carmy encounters Lee (Bob Odenkirk) in a secluded room; Lee shares memories of his friendship with Mikey prior to his passing and defends Donna's attempts at self-improvement. Syd has a positive conversation with Donna, who departs shortly afterward accompanied by Lee.
Syd informs Carmy about Donna’s situation, while Carmy introduces Cousin Stevie (John Mulaney) to Syd; they share reflections on Carmy's early career in New York. Frank asks Richie to help soothe his daughter Eva (Annabelle Toomey), who hides to avoid dancing. Richie, Frank, Claire (Molly Gordon), and others join Eva beneath the table, exchanging their anxieties in a bonding moment that includes Tiff, the Faks, Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and Chester (Carmen Christopher).
Claire reconnects with Carmy; Natalie and Francie (Brie Larson), revealed as former best friends and past romantic partners, make amends. Ted confesses his feelings to Kelly (Mitra Jouhari), Claire’s roommate and partner. Neil Fak awkwardly compliments Claire but quickly withdraws it. Evie agrees to dance with her soon-to-be stepfather "Waldo," while Uncle Jimmy reassures Tiff that she will always remain part of the Bear family.
The episode concludes with an emotional dance shared by Tiff and Richie; Richie returns home alone but uplifted.
Casting
Series creator Chris Storer and actress Brie Larson first crossed paths about 15 years ago and reconnected at award ceremonies where both The Bear and Larson’s Lessons in Chemistry received nominations. As reported by Vanity Fair, Storer extended the role of Francine Fak to Larson in early 2024. Larson reflected, "I developed a backstory imagining her as a micro-influencer, since I was often concerned with my looks and taking selfies. I envision a version [of the show] where this aspect becomes relevant and beneficial for the restaurant’s future."
Set decoration
Demonstrating his admiration for Ridley Scott, Richie’s apartment features a poster from Thelma & Louise.
Costuming
Costume designer Courtney Wheeler emphasized the "light cottage-core aesthetic" of Nat and Francie’s wedding attire, pairing their delicate shapes with their sharp-witted exchanges. Francine’s gown is sourced from Silkie, while Sugar’s outfit comes from Ganni.
Claire was dressed in a bordeaux V-neck midi dress by Victoria Beckham. Kelly and her cousin Michelle Berzatto wore dresses by Ulla Johnson—Kelly chose the Gisele style, and Michelle wore Devon. Donna appeared in a silk shirtdress designed by Dries Van Noten.
Sydney sported a "water-blurred camo two-piece" from the spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection by Meryll Rogge, complemented by Marion Parke Lottie 85 sandals and Agmes Donuts earrings.
Sound recording
The audio crew faced challenges during the under-the-table scene due to blocking and costumes, which prevented the use of lavalier or boom microphones. To capture all dialogue and ambient sound, 32 microphones were deployed, including 16 wired through holes drilled into the table, alongside two sound mixers. Sound producer Scott D. Smith remarked that dialogue editor Evan Benjamin was "astonished" by the complexity of managing thirty-two separate audio channels.
Filming
The episode "Bears" was shot in 2024. Brie Larson disclosed that the scene where her two brothers critique her treatment of their girlfriends was completed in a single fully improvised take.
Music
This installment features tracks from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ("Walls (Circus)"), Weezer ("Susanne"), Oberhofer ("Tenderness"), James ("Nothing But Love"), BoDeans ("Still The Night"), Taylor Swift ("Style"), Lou Reed ("Sad Song"), Everything But the Girl ("Apron Strings"), Them ("My Lovely Sad Eyes"), The Judds ("Why Not Me"), The Decemberists ("A Beginning Song"), Maria McKee ("Shelter"), Darlene Love ("(Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry"), Pearl Jam ("Throw Your Arms Around Me (Live)"), and Bruce Springsteen ("Tougher Than the Rest").
Critical reviews
Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone lauded the performances of the Berzatto siblings for skillfully navigating diverse tonal shifts. He praised Brie Larson for her dedicated comedic portrayal and Abby Elliott for her strong comic timing. Sepinwall also highlighted Bob Odenkirk and Jeremy Allen White’s intense dramatic exchange that unveiled Lee’s vulnerability and hopefulness.
The A.V. Club awarded the episode an A−, describing it as a quintessential wedding chapter featuring key character transformations: Carmy confronting his inner struggles, Sydney clarifying her priorities, and Richie acknowledging his circle of support.
Marah Eakin from Vulture gave it five stars, underscoring Richie’s development as he bonds with Frank, who shares concerns about step-parenting. Richie’s acts of kindness represent notable personal growth since the series’ inception.
In contrast, A. J. Daulerio of Decider criticized the episode as contrived and inconsistent with the show’s original tone, arguing that resolving complex family dynamics during a wedding diminishes the series’ nuanced depiction of adult children of alcoholics.
The New Republic echoed this sentiment, declaring that the episode "doesn't justify its hour and nine minutes runtime."
Retrospective reviews
In 2025, Vulture placed "Bears" at number 10 among 38 episodes of The Bear, describing it as "simply enjoyable."
TVLine recognized Larson's brief role as Francie as one of the standout TV cameos of 2025.
See also
- Comprehensive list of The Bear episodes
- Fourth season of The Bear
- Previous episode: "Sophie"
- Next episode: "Green"