One of the US’ hottest shows is finally available across the pond after being added to Disney+ in the UK - though not before racking up a very respectable 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, of course. Watch the trailer here:
Starring Shameless star Jeremy Allen White, The Bear follows young chef Carmy as he attempts to transform a sandwich shop that was left to him by his late brother.
After making a name for himself as an award-winning chef de cuisine in New York, Carmy finds he has his work cut out for him as he returns to his hometown of Chicago to take over the casual family restaurant, which brings with it a mountain of debt, a rundown kitchen and undisciplined staff.
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The restaurant-themed comedy-drama was an instant hit in the US after it premiered on Hulu earlier this year in June, and even went on to become the most-watched programme across all platforms during the week of 22 July, according to streaming aggregator Reelgood – beating the likes of Better Call Saul and Stranger Things on Netflix.
The show has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike, with an incredible 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season.
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Mashable‘s Belen Edwards wrote: “Even though The Beef weathers many, many catastrophes throughout The Bear, the show adheres firmly to the idea of found family.
"As the season progresses, characters let their barriers down and confide in each other, but they also push each other to their limits.
“It's a high-wire act that The Bear nails. As with the perfect high-end cuisine or Italian beef sandwich, every element of The Bear combines to create a delectable treat you'll want to savour all over again as soon as you've finished it.”
Sophie Gilbert of The Atlantic said that, while the series is ‘horrifically stressful’, it is ‘also thrilling, ambitious, funny, devastating’, adding: “It’s a gorgeous show, riddled with moments of short, sharp beauty.”
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Nick Allen, writing for The Playlist, also heaped praise on lead star Jeremy Allen White – who had worked in a Michelin Star restaurant to prepare for the role – saying he portrays Carmy with ‘tender anguish’.
Comparing the first episode to the ‘nervous, ruthless, immersive energy’ of the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems, Allen said: “It’s a frantic mix of toxic, high-functioning dysfunction: people running around, pots cooking too long, dull knives drawing blood, and so, so much overlapping yelling.
“Treated with a dash of magical realism to balance out its blood-and-sweat stories, Storer’s series presents the kitchen as a wily, chaotic state of mind.”
And if you do end up watching and enjoying The Bear, the good news is that it's already had a second season confirmed.
FX Entertainment president Eric Schrier in a statement: "The Bear has exceeded our wildest creative, critical and commercial expectations.
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"We deeply appreciate the brilliant work led by creator and co-showrunner Christopher Storer and co-showrunner Joanna Calo.
"Jeremy Allen White's lead performance is spectacular, as are those of his co-stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce and Liza Colón-Zayas. We can't wait to get to work on Season Two."
Watch The Bear on Disney+ now.
Topics: TV and Film, Food And Drink
Jess Hardiman