For those who may have missed it, the critically acclaimed Chicago TV Show comedy-drama “The Bear” starring Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri was renewed for a third season, and production is now slated to begin later this month before a mooted summer release.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely aware that the hit series is filmed in Chicago and showcases many Chicago restaurants and establishments, making it all the more exhilarating for those familiar with the city.
From when season 3 of “The Bear” will be released and where to watch it to how to get cast as an extra, we’ve filtered through the noise and have the answers to your questions.
What is The Bear about?
“The Bear” is about an award-winning young chef named Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White, who inherits his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop in Chicago after his older brother commits suicide and leaves it in his name.
Leaving his role at a fancy Michelin-star restaurant in NYC for “the Original Beef of Chicagoland”, Carmy returns to Chicago to wrestle with family trauma, his brother’s debts, and the chaos of working in a rundown sandwich shop with unconventional and often disobedient staff.
A far cry from what Carmy is used to in the more lavish settings of his previous role, the show focuses on the transformative journey for both Carmy and the struggling sandwich shop as he attempts to turn the family business’s fortunes around.
Why is there so much fuss about The Bear?
“The Bear” has received critical acclaim on many fronts. In addition to incredible acting from Jeremy Allen White, supporting actors Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and a superb ensemble cast, the show has been recognized for its outstanding writing, directing, and production.
The show received an array of awards across its first two seasons, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Comedy Series, Best Actor in a Comedy for Jeremy Allen White, Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for Ayo Edibri, Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for Ebon Moss-Bachrach and best writing and best directing for a comedy series.
For us in Chicago, it inevitably hits home more for its showcase of life in the Chicago gastronomy industry. The family sandwich shop is called “The Original Beef of Chicagoland” and is inspired by River North’s famed Mr. Beef at 666 666 North Orleans Street.
Oh, and then there’s also Jeremy Allen White’s recent Calvin Klein commercial, which likely did little to harm the show’s already illustrious reputation and acting credentials.
What will season 3 of The Bear be about?
If you’re not up to date there are spoilers ahead so skip through this section, you’ve been warned.
According to a press release from FX, White, Edebiri, Bachrach, and the rest of the ensemble cast are all due to return in season three of “The Bear.” Having moved away from Italian beef in Season 2 into the more lavish settings of an upscale neighborhood restaurant, the third season will reportedly take place in a “functioning kitchen atmosphere,” as per a Jeremy Allen White interview with Variety.
Season 2 saw filming take place at notable Chicago restaurants such as Kasama, Lao Peng You, Margie’s Candies, Giant, and Avec, as well as a range of West Loop spots, including Elske, Ever, Pequod’s, and Publican Quality Meats.
While it is likely that Chicago will again feature prominently in the third installment of “The Bear”, no information has been released about filming spots or any locations of any sort, so for now, all we have are White’s words of a “functioning kitchen atmosphere” to go on.
When will season 3 of The Bear be released?
In a recent Television Critics Association press tour, FX Networks Chairman John Landgraf stated that production would start on February 26 for a scheduled release on Hulu early this summer.
The entire third season will reportedly drop at once this coming June rather than any staggered single-episode releases.
“It wasn’t lost on me or anyone who worked on the show that it was anxiety-inducing. So, we made a decision to drop the whole thing because it has a beautiful, uplifting ending” said Landgraf.
Where can I watch season 3 of The Bear?
The short answer is that all seasons of “The Bear” can be watched on Hulu.
If you’re reading this from another country, there’s a chance that seasons will be streamed on Disney+ or somewhere else, but in the United States, all episodes of season 3 of The Bear will be available on Hulu.
How can I get cast in The Bear?
The best way to be in with a shot of appearing in season 3 of “The Bear” is by registering with 4 Star Casting and keeping an eye on the 4 Star Casting Facebook page where casting calls are posted.
[Featured image from FX / Hulu]