When ‘The Bear’ first dropped, it didn’t just serve up a show; it served up an experience. With its dizzying camera work, raw performances, and the relentless, high-stakes pressure of a professional kitchen, it carved out a unique space in television. Carmy’s journey, his family’s dysfunction, and the sheer, unadulterated stress of running a small business resonated deeply with audiences looking for something gritty, authentic, and utterly captivating.
If you’ve devoured every episode and are now left with a craving for more shows that capture that same intensity, complex character drama, and high-pressure environments, you’re in the right place. We’ve curated a list of 10 must-watch series that share some of ‘The Bear’s’ most compelling ingredients, from dysfunctional family dynamics to high-stakes professional battles.
1. Succession
If you loved the intense family dysfunction and high-stakes power struggles in ‘The Bear,’ ‘Succession’ will be your next obsession. Following the Roy family, owners of a global media conglomerate, as they battle for control amidst their aging patriarch’s declining health, this show masterfully blends sharp dialogue, Shakespearean drama, and a constant undercurrent of tension. It’s ‘The Bear,’ but swap the chaotic kitchen for corporate boardrooms and private jets, with equally dysfunctional family members tearing each other apart.
2. Shameless (US)
For fans of the raw, unfiltered portrayal of a struggling, yet fiercely loyal, dysfunctional family, ‘Shameless’ is an essential watch. Following the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family in Chicago, this series delves into poverty, addiction, love, and survival with a dark humor and gritty realism that mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of ‘The Bear.’ The constant scramble to keep things afloat, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, will feel incredibly familiar.
3. Billions
Step into the high-stakes world of New York finance and legal battles with ‘Billions.’ This show pits a brilliant, ambitious U.S. Attorney against a powerful, ruthless hedge fund king. Like ‘The Bear,’ ‘Billions’ is driven by intense character clashes, quick-witted dialogue, and a relentless pursuit of control and dominance. The pressure cooker environment, where one wrong move can collapse an empire, echoes the daily struggle to keep The Beef afloat.
4. Ozark
If you appreciate ‘The Bear’s’ dark undertones and the constant feeling of impending doom, ‘Ozark’ will grip you tightly. A financial advisor relocates his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel, plunging them into a world of intense danger and moral compromise. The series masterfully builds tension, features complex, morally ambiguous characters, and portrays a family unit forced to confront extreme circumstances together, much like Carmy and his crew.
5. Barry
For those who savored the dark humor and characters struggling with their identity and purpose in ‘The Bear,’ ‘Barry’ offers a fascinating, albeit darker, take. A hitman decides he wants to become an actor, leading to a constant battle between his violent past and his artistic aspirations. The show is incredibly intense, darkly comedic, and features a protagonist trying to navigate a new, unfamiliar world while dealing with the baggage of his old life – a theme Carmy understands all too well.
6. Severance
If the unique, high-pressure workplace dynamics and underlying mysteries of ‘The Bear’ intrigued you, then ‘Severance’ will blow your mind. Employees at Lumon Industries undergo a procedure that surgically separates their work memories from their personal memories. The corporate environment is sterile yet utterly captivating, with a constant sense of unease and a slow-burn mystery that builds incredible tension. It’s a workplace drama unlike any other, but with a similar psychological depth and character-driven intensity.
7. Mindhunter
Dive deep into the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior with ‘Mindhunter.’ Set in the late 1970s, this series follows two FBI agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand their motives. While a different genre, the show shares ‘The Bear’s’ relentless intensity, character-driven focus, and exploration of dark, complex minds. The pressure of their groundbreaking work and the toll it takes on them creates a similarly gripping, high-stakes atmosphere.
8. Chef’s Table
While a documentary series, ‘Chef’s Table’ offers an unparalleled look into the sheer passion, dedication, and often obsessive drive of the world’s most renowned chefs. Each episode profiles a different culinary artist, delving into their personal stories, struggles, and the immense pressure they face to achieve perfection. If ‘The Bear’ left you wanting a deeper understanding of the culinary world’s intensity and the personal sacrifices involved, this is your next binge.
9. Peaky Blinders
If you were drawn to the gritty, intense family dynamics and the struggle for control in ‘The Bear,’ then ‘Peaky Blinders’ is a must-watch. Set in post-WWI Birmingham, England, this series follows the ambitious and ruthless Shelby crime family. It’s packed with high stakes, complex character relationships, and a constant fight for survival and power, all wrapped in a stylish, atmospheric package that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
10. Yellowstone
Much like ‘The Bear’ features a family fighting to keep their legacy alive against all odds, ‘Yellowstone’ delivers a powerful punch of family drama, high-stakes battles, and intense rivalries. The Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States, constantly defending it from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. Expect gritty realism, complex loyalties, and a constant battle for survival.
Whether you’re craving more high-stakes environments, deeply flawed yet compelling characters, or the raw, unfiltered look at life’s challenges, these shows offer a compelling antidote to your ‘The Bear’ withdrawal. Grab your remote, settle in, and prepare for your next intense binge-watching session!