Fans of The Bear can’t stop talking about the intense Season 4 finale, and the buzz is only growing with FX’s confirmation of a fifth season. From Carmy’s shocking decision to step away from the restaurant to Sydney’s rise as a leader, there’s plenty to unpack. Here’s the latest on The Bear Season 5, including when it might premiere, who’s returning, and what storylines could unfold in Chicago’s favorite kitchen.
When Will The Bear Season 5 Premiere?
FX dropped the big news on July 1, 2025: The Bear is coming back for a fifth season, set to premiere sometime in 2026. No exact date’s been dished out yet, but the show’s been pretty consistent with late-June releases—Season 1 in 2022, Season 2 in 2023, Season 3 in 2024, and Season 4 on June 25, 2025. If that vibe holds, we’re probably looking at June 2026 for Season 5, with all episodes likely dropping at once on Hulu, keeping the binge-watch tradition alive.
But here’s the catch: filming hasn’t started yet. Molly Gordon, who plays Claire, spilled that the cast found out about the renewal when we did, so they’re not in the kitchen yet. Word is, shooting might kick off around February or March 2025. If the cast’s crazy schedules—more on that in a sec—cause any hiccups, we could see a slight push to later in 2026. Fingers crossed for no delays!
Who’s Returning For The Bear Season 5?
The Bear’s crew is like family, and most of the gang should be back, though Carmy’s big “I’m out” moment in Season 4 has folks wondering. Here’s the scoop on who’s likely returning:
- Jeremy Allen White (Carmy Berzatto): Carmy shocked everyone by saying he’s done with The Bear once it’s stable or snags a Michelin star. But don’t panic—insiders say White’s signed on for Season 5. Maybe we’ll see Carmy soul-searching outside the restaurant or finding his way back to the stove.
- Ayo Edebiri (Sydney Adamu): Sydney’s ready to take charge, pitching a partnership with Richie and Natalie. Edebiri’s a hot commodity, filming a movie with Julia Roberts, but she’s expected to return and run the show.
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie Jerimovich): Richie’s gone from hothead to front-of-house pro, and fans love him. He’s busy with Marvel’s The Fantastic Four and Avengers gigs, but he’s locked in for Season 5.
- Abby Elliott (Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto): Natalie’s stepping up as a partner, balancing mom life and business. She’s a sure bet to return.
- The Crew: Lionel Boyce (Marcus), Liza Colón-Zayas (Tina), Matty Matheson (Neil Fak), and Edwin Lee Gibson (Ebraheim) are the heart of the kitchen and should be back. Oliver Platt (Uncle Jimmy), Molly Gordon (Claire), Jamie Lee Curtis (Donna Berzatto), and Gillian Jacobs (Tiff) might pop in, too, with Jon Bernthal (Mikey) possibly showing up in flashbacks.
No word on new faces yet, but The Bear loves tossing in surprise cameos (remember Josh Hartnett?). The cast’s packed schedules could make things tricky, but FX is all in on getting the band back together.
What To Expect In The Bear Season 5?
Season 4 ended with a bang—Carmy stepping away, Sydney stepping up, and the restaurant’s future hanging on a Chicago Tribune review. Here’s what might go down in Season 5:
- Carmy’s Next Move: Carmy’s burned out, admitting he’s lost his cooking spark and secretly ditched the partnership deal. Will he really walk away, or is this a detour to find himself? Expect a deep dive into his grief over Mikey and his search for meaning.
- Sydney’s Big Moment: Sydney’s ready to lead The Bear with Richie and Natalie. Can she handle the pressure and chase that Michelin star? Her signing the partnership agreement (or not) could be a big plot point.
- The Restaurant’s Survival: Uncle Jimmy’s cash is on the line if the Tribune review tanks. Season 5 will probably show the team hustling to keep The Bear afloat and prove they’re fine-dining material.
- Richie and Natalie’s Roles: Richie’s killing it upfront, and Natalie’s juggling family and business. Their teamwork with Sydney could spark some epic wins or messy fights.
- Heart and Hustle: The Bear nails the mix of kitchen chaos and feels. Look for more of Marcus’s dessert game, Tina’s chef glow-up, and Richie’s sweet moments with his daughter, Eva.
Creator Christopher Storer’s keeping the script under wraps, but the show’s knack for wrapping up arcs while leaving room for more has us hyped. Season 5 could be the grand finale or a new chapter—either way, it’s gonna be intense.
