After premiering overseas nearly a month ago, Australian viewers can finally devour – or savour – the next batch of episodes of The Bear.
The first season of FX's comedy-drama was hailed by multiple critics asthe best show of 2022.
Its star, Jeremy Allen White, not only won over the Internet (he's been dubbed "the working woman's Timothee Chalamet") but also a string of awards, including a Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild Award. And this month season one earned eightEmmy nominations, including Best Comedy Series—despite it serving up some heavy themes.
In short: season two has to step up to the (dinner) plate. Here's everything worth knowing before digging in.
Loading
Remind me, how did season one end?
If you're in need of a quick catch up, you're in the right place.
The first season of The Bear dropped us right in the middle of a chaotic kitchen as elite chef Carmen "Carmy" Berzattoreturned hometo run the family's beloved Chicago sandwich shop, The Beef,after the suicide of his brother, Michael.
Faced with a mountain of debt, a rundown kitchen and headstrong staff, Carmy used the frenetic pace of the kitchen to distract himself from his own grief.
It's only in the season finale when"cousin" Richie hands Carmy a letter from Michael, which includes a spaghetti recipe specifically recommending he use the smaller cans of tomatoes from the kitchen's pantry.
It's then Carmy discovers wads of cash stashed inside each can, totalling into the thousands.
The season ended with Carmy putting up a sign saying The Beef is closed, and that The Bear is coming.
What's on the menu for season two?
If you're worried about spoilers, don't fret – this is what we've beenpromised from the trailer.
We know the gang want to use their new-found funds to transform the rundown joint into a next-level spot.
Spearheading the project alongside Carmy is his sister Natalie (better known as "Sugar") and Sydney, the talented but impatientsous-chefwho joined The Beef in season one.
Because this is The Bear and it thrives in pressure-cooker situations, Carmy is determined to get the entire restaurantrevamp done within just a few months.
While Richie is smashing through walls, veteran line cooks Tina and Ebraheim are sent off to culinary school to sharpen their skills and confidence.
Expect more soul searching, plenty of delicious close ups of food, and even a new love interest for the Internet's favourite dirtbag line cook.
Didn't I hear *the* Bob Odenkirk is in season two?
Yep! The list of guest stars in The Bear season two is longer than the accidental pre-orders Sydney set up in the first season's penultimate episode.
Jon Bernthal returns as Carmy's brother Michael, while Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk and newly-minted Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis also form part of the Berzatto clan.
Will Poulter and Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman join the casts as chefs from different restaurants, while Molly Gordon plays Carmy's new love interest.
American Horror Story's Sarah Paulson and comedian John Mulaney will also guest star, along with Gillian Jacobs and Robert Townsend.
Has season two earned a Michelin star with critics?
Pretty much. Season two of The Bear is currently enjoying a 99 per centrating on Rotten Tomatoes, which declares the series "serves up yet another supremely satisfying dish".
The Guardian called it a "perfect example of how to ace a second series" while The Telegraph gave it five stars for "letting its frenetic chefs breathe".
The New York Times has hailed it as being "more uplifting, more team-focused and more magnificent", with Esquire being pleasantly surprised that the "famously stressful show is now… relaxing?"
Where can I watch season two of The Bear?
Season two of The Bear will be available to stream on Disney+from 5pm AEST onJuly 19.
While season one comprised of eight episodes, we're being offered a little bit more this time around, with all 10 episodes of season two premiering at once.
If you can't get enough ofAyo Edebiri (same), then you're in luck.
The Emmy-nominated comedian stars in a slate of films hitting the big screen over the coming months, from Theatre Camp to teen sex comedy Bottoms.
She also voices Glory Grant in Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, and appears in the latest season of Black Mirror.
As for if we're set to get a third season of The Bear, we'll have to wait and see.
Loading YouTube content
Posted, updated
