Yes, chef! FX has finally announced that the hit series “The Bear” is returning for a third season on Hulu.
This series has become a massive success since its initial debut as it immersed viewers into the harsh reality of being a small restaurant owner trying to keep business afloat. Creator Christopher Storer captures this grueling experience with his amazing cinematography and beautiful storytelling. These qualities made the audience instantly fall in love with the series and its characters.
With “The Bear’s” renewal, I revisited the beloved show and curated a list reflecting on its charming characters. So, get ready to put on your blue aprons and chef coats. Here are six of the greatest characters from “The Bear:”
6. Neil “Fak”
Viewers don’t know much about Neil (Matty Matheson) as his character has less screen time than other cast members. However, in every scene where Neil appears, he makes the audience instantly laugh with his goofy persona. His jolly personality is often needed since most scenes in “The Bear” are chaotic and stress-inducing. Besides his goofiness, Neil is extremely helpful in the kitchen as he fixes any mechanical issues in the restaurant. Most of the show’s characters rely on his assistance, and Neil seems like he genuinely enjoys helping them and hanging around the restaurant. Overall, Matheson’s character is always a pleasure to watch, and hopefully, we will see more of his character in season three.
5. Tina
Similar to Neil, Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) is one of the few characters the show has yet to explore. However, the scenes she does appear in have caught both the viewers’ attention and heart. In the beginning, Liza’s character is a bit standoffish as she isn’t too fond of newcomer Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) changes to the restaurant. However, as the show progresses, Tina realizes these changes are for the better and becomes one of the most hardworking staff members on the team. This diligence in her work lands her the position of Sydney’s sous chef in season two. Hopefully, in the next season, viewers can see more of Liza’s character and possibly even see an episode revolving around her.
4. Carmy
Carmy has been through a lot in this series as he has to deal with his complicated family and the loss of his brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal). With these traumatic experiences, Carmy has had a difficult time expressing himself and understanding his emotions, leading him to have high anxiety and anger issues. Although his character has flaws, Carmy is a fierce and talented chef who loves his family and friends dearly. You see this throughout the series, especially in season two, as he sends his staff members to other restaurants to help them grow as people and chefs. Overall, even at Carmy’s lowest, viewers still root for his character and hope to see him succeed.
3. Richie
Richie’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) character is difficult to like at first as his character is a sarcastic and stubborn person who mostly gives everyone a hard time. But his tough exterior is a coping mechanism stemming from his unwanted divorce and the loss of his best friend. In the later episodes of season two, viewers see more of his true personality when Carmy sends Richie to a Michelin-star restaurant for staff training. Richie’s time spent cleaning forks, observing the expo, and delivering food to their guests, helped him finally realize the one thing he’s been searching for throughout season two — purpose. He found that he loves serving others and providing hospitality. This profound character development shows the audience that there is more to Richie’s character beyond his tough exterior.
2. Marcus
Compared to the other characters, Marcus (Lionel Boyce) always seems to light up the kitchen with his joyfulness and warmth, which makes viewers immediately fall in love with him. He is always seen laughing and joking around with his coworkers, whom he cares deeply about. Alongside his charm, Marcus is a hardworking staff member who genuinely loves curating and baking delicious desserts. Even the most skillful pastry chef in Copenhagen, Luca (Will Poulter), sees his talent, earning his respect. As a result, Marcus lands a high ranking for his joyful personality and remarkable baking skills.
1. Sydney
Sydney is one of the show’s most enjoyable and relatable characters. She has such a unique charm that makes the audience instantly gravitate toward her character on screen, and she has such an amazing talent and passion for cooking. You see this shine through in season two as she takes more of a leadership role to ensure the menu and staff are perfect and ready for the restaurant’s opening. Her effort and dedication to helping Carmy make The Bear into a successful restaurant made viewers enjoy her character even more.
Season one and two of “The Bear” are available to watch on Hulu.