A TV series that left viewers on ‘the edge of their seats’ with its high-intensity scenes is now streaming for free in the UK.
First hitting screens in 2022, The Bear stars Shameless’ Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto, an award-winning chef who returns to his hometown of Chicago to takeover his brother’s Italian sandwich shop.
The premise may sound pretty simple – but both critics and viewers praised the first season, declaring it the ‘best workplace drama since Mad Men’.
As the official synopsis teases: ‘Talented haute cuisine chef Carmen “Carmy” Anthony Berzatto inherits his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop after his older brother, Michael’s suicide.
‘He goes home to Chicago to run it, leaving behind his world of working in Michelin-starred restaurants.
‘He is left to deal with his brother’s unresolved debts, a rundown kitchen, and an unruly staff, while dealing with his own pain and family trauma.’
After watching the first few episodes, many dished out their opinions and declared the series was a feast for the senses.
‘The stress is nearly too much to bear at certain moments and grief casts a pall over everything, but much like the art of cooking, on the other side of its many aches and pains lies a delectable offering designed to feed the soul,’ Pajiba wrote in its review.
‘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,’ Mashable wrote.
‘The Bear is horrifically stressful; it’s also thrilling, ambitious, funny, devastating…as anxious as The Bear might make you feel, it’s a gorgeous show, riddled with moments of short, sharp beauty,’ The Atlantic added.
Meanwhile many viewers declared it was ‘the best thing on TV right now’.
‘Across the board perfection as it’s a slow roasting, character driven, drama that the cast has me hooked. A+,’ Michael shared.
‘Well crafted. Excellent cast. Excellent writing. Compelling story. Makes you hungry for more,’ Sarah declared.
‘Often times anxiety-inducing, The Bear seeps atmosphere while also being thought-provoking,’ Nick teased.
Following the release of the first season, another followed in 2023, with a third then coming in 2024. The fourth and most recent aired in June last year, with a fifth also on its way too.
While it had previously only been available to stream on Disney Plus, this week the first season of The Bear was also added to ITVX – where it’s available to watch for free.
The release is part of ITV’s Taste of Disney Plus initiative, which will see Disney programmes available to watch on the UK streaming service over the next three months.
The curated and regularly refreshed selection of shows will also include Black Cake, out on January 14, Ed Sheeran: The Sum of it All on January 21, Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law on February 11 and Will Trent on February 18.
Throughout its run The Bear has won a string of accolades, including an impressive 21 Emmy Awards and five Golden Globes.
The series has also featured Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Jon Bernthal, Olivia Colman, John Mulaney Joel McHale, Molly Gordon, Will Poulter and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Hollywood director Rob Reiner also played business consultant Albert Schnur in season 4, which marked his final television role before his death in 2025.
Guest appearances have also come from Molly Ringwald, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Josh Hartnett, John Cena and Brie Larson.
When the upcoming fifth season was announced in July last year, FX Chairman John Landgraf said in a statement: ‘The Bear continues to be a fan favourite worldwide and their response to this season – as seen through incredibly high viewership – has been as spectacular as any of its previous seasons.
‘Year-in and year-out, Chris Storer, the producers, cast and crew make The Bear one of the best shows on television, and we are excited that they will continue to tell this magnificent story.’
The Bear is streaming on ITVX and Disney Plus.
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