Next (The Bear)
Next serves as the second installment in the third season of the American comedy-drama series The Bear. Marking the 20th episode in total, it was penned by series creator Christopher Storer based on a story co-developed with co-executive producer and culinary consultant Courtney Storer, and directed by Christopher himself. The episode debuted on Hulu on June 26, 2024, concurrently with the release of the entire season.
The narrative follows Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a celebrated New York City chef de cuisine, who returns to his native Chicago to take over his late brother Michael's struggling Italian beef sandwich establishment. In this chapter, Carmy's rollout of a "non-negotiables" directive triggers unrest within the restaurant team.
Plot
Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) introduces a "non-negotiables" list to the employees, intending to steer the restaurant toward achieving a Michelin star. Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) reacts uneasily to the list, particularly disconcerted by the constantly changing daily menu. Carmy also proposes a "vesting agreement" to her, aiming to formalize her ownership share and foster shared responsibility.
Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) arrives visibly annoyed that Carmy rearranged the dining area without his input and grows increasingly irate after reviewing the list. Their confrontation escalates as Richie questions Carmy's authenticity and mocks his failed romance with Claire. When Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas), Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson), and Cicero (Oliver Platt) join in, disputes over organizational shifts arise among the staff. It becomes clear that some team members have resigned, citing a "dysfunctional" workplace atmosphere. The tension eases when Marcus (Lionel Boyce) arrives, redirecting everyone's attention to their duties amid his period of mourning.
Carmy is taken aback when Marcus readily embraces the "non-negotiables" framework. Expressing sympathy for Marcus’s recent bereavement, Carmy discovers that Marcus feels working in the kitchen honors what his mother would have wanted at her passing. Motivated to excel, Marcus urges Carmy to "take us there," a commitment Carmy wholeheartedly accepts.
Context
Carmy assures Sydney, "We're gonna get a star," referring to earning recognition from the Michelin Guide for Chicago. Having experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, Carmy sets this as a lofty goal despite restaurateurs expressing concern that his practice of changing the menu daily might impede star attainment by affecting service efficiency and customer confidence. Nonetheless, inventive touches such as Super Soakers for "Tuesday surprise" and piñatas for birthdays (as seen in "Doors") reflect an intensity and quality hinting at aspirations beyond a single star—potentially two or three—according to restaurateur Arjav Ezekiel.
When Carmy refers to modifying a dish Sydney identifies as a "Boulud nod," it alludes to "crisp paupiettes of sea bass in Barolo sauce," inspired by Daniel Boulud, who acknowledges Paul Bocuse's mullet dish as its origin. This preparation also appears in flashbacks featuring Boulud mentoring Carmy in "Tomorrow."
Richie remarks on Neil Fak's suit being crafted from "fresco wool," a fine high-twist fabric prized for its breathability and resistance to wrinkles.
The book presented to Sweeps, The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert by Richard Betts with illustrations by Wendy MacNaughton, is an actual scratch-and-sniff publication. It categorizes wine aromas into four groups—fruit, wood, humus, and other—providing an approachable method for developing wine knowledge noted by NPR.
Development
In May 2024, Hulu announced the second episode of the season titled "Next," penned by series creator Christopher Storer based on a story co-developed with co-executive producer and culinary consultant Courtney Storer, who is also his sister. Christopher took on directing duties for this installment, marking his ninth writing and 14th directing contribution to the series, while Courtney received her inaugural writing credit.
Writing
Discussing Sydney's dynamic with Carmy regarding their agreement, Ayo Edebiri observed that Sydney navigates a balance between seeking affirmation and interpreting Carmy's indirect communication. Despite Carmy's offer of partnership, Sydney remains uncertain about its genuine intent.
Costuming
Sydney's scarf showcases vegetable illustrations reminiscent of 1950s lithographs, complete with calorie information, sourced from the Cary Collection.
Filming
Filming spanned two days, with the initial 20 pages captured on the first day and the remainder on the second. Jeremy Allen White commended the episode’s conclusion for its powerful narrative and emotional resonance.
Cinematographer Andrew Wehde sought to bring natural light into the third season by employing large tungsten sources to mimic sunlight filtering through tall buildings. This warm illumination symbolized Carmy’s personal growth and the progression of time within the restaurant environment.
Music
The soundtrack includes an Eddie Vedder rendition of "Save It for Later" originally by The Beat alongside "(Nice Dream)" performed by Radiohead.
Critical reviews
Jenna Scherer from The A.V. Club awarded the episode an "A–," appreciating its return to the show's signature rapid, overlapping pacing in contrast to the previous episode’s more subdued tempo.
Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone lauded the opening scene for celebrating the dedication and pride of food service workers, describing it as a sincere homage to those working behind the scenes.
Marah Eakin of Vulture assigned a 3 out of 5-star rating, remarking on Carmy’s intense stress levels and questioning how sustainable such pressure might be.
A.J. Daulerio from Decider emphasized the series’ blend of humor and darkness, noting a scene where Carmy’s local contact delivers micro radishes while collecting payment.
Josh Rosenberg of Esquire expressed enthusiasm about the restaurant’s reopening and upcoming storylines, hoping Carmy recognizes he does not have to confront challenges in isolation before season four arrives.
Retrospective reviews
In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter placed "Next" at 28th out of 28 episodes, describing the "chaotic back-and-forth" between Carmy and Richie as perhaps the most unnecessarily harsh moment in The Bear. ScreenRant ranked it 17th, calling it the definitive season opener following the dreamlike sequence in "Tomorrow."
By 2025, Vulture positioned "Next" at 37th out of 38 episodes, emphasizing its intense aggression and challenging viewing experience.
See also
- Comprehensive list of The Bear episodes
- Third season of The Bear
- Prior episode: "Tomorrow"
- Following episode: "Doors"