The raw energy, the culinary artistry, the sheer, unrelenting stress – if you devoured FX’s ‘The Bear’ and are left with a hunger for more, you’re in luck! While Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto’s chaotic journey through the family sandwich shop is unique, its blend of high-stakes drama, relatable characters, and behind-the-scenes grit has paved the way for a delicious lineup of similar series. Get ready to fire up your streaming devices, because here are 10 shows that capture that same intoxicating spirit:
1. Kitchen Confidential
Based on Anthony Bourdain’s iconic memoir, this series offers a darkly comedic and unflinching look at the demanding world of professional kitchens. It’s cynical, witty, and deeply insightful into the lives of chefs and the pressures they face. Just like ‘The Bear,’ it doesn’t shy away from the messy realities.
2. Chef’s Table
While more documentary-style, ‘Chef’s Table’ delves deep into the minds and kitchens of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Each episode is a beautifully shot exploration of their culinary philosophy, their struggles, and their triumphs. It offers a more refined but equally passionate glimpse into the dedication required for culinary excellence.
3. The Bear (Season 2!)
Okay, this is a cheat, but if you haven’t dived into Season 2, what are you waiting for? The stakes are even higher, the character development is richer, and the culinary aspirations reach new, exhilarating heights. It’s the natural next step for any fan of the original.
4. Boiling Point
This British drama, originally a film and then a series, plunges you headfirst into the frenzy of a busy restaurant on one of the busiest nights of the year. Filmed in a single, unbroken take (in the film version), it perfectly replicates the claustrophobic tension and high-pressure environment that ‘The Bear’ masterfully portrays.
5. Billions
While the setting is Wall Street, not a kitchen, ‘Billions’ shares ‘The Bear’s’ intense focus on driven, ambitious individuals operating in high-stakes, cutthroat environments. The power plays, the strategic maneuvering, and the sheer will to succeed will feel familiar to fans of Carmy’s world.
6. Hacks
This gem follows a legendary Las Vegas comedian and a young, entitled writer who are paired to help her modernize her material. The dynamic between the two leads, the exploration of creative pressure, and the often-hilarious clashes of personality create a captivating viewing experience that echoes the mentor-mentee struggles seen in ‘The Bear.’
7. Friday Night Lights
Hear us out! ‘Friday Night Lights’ isn’t about food, but it is about the intense pressure, familial bonds (both biological and chosen), and the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. The raw emotion and the sense of community, even amidst struggle, are powerful parallels to ‘The Bear.’
8. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Another show with incredible character dynamics and a fast-paced, witty script. While set in the world of stand-up comedy, Midge’s journey of self-discovery and the often-tumultuous relationships she navigates will resonate with anyone who enjoyed the personal journeys in ‘The Bear.’
9. Bad Sisters
This dark comedy follows five sisters who are bound by a pact to protect each other after the death of their parents, only for one to meet a suspicious end. The family drama, the underlying tension, and the secrets simmering beneath the surface offer a different, but equally compelling, brand of chaotic intensity.
10. Succession
If the family dysfunction and the high-stakes business dealings of ‘The Bear’ appealed to you, ‘Succession’ is a must-watch. The Roy family’s constant power struggles and Shakespearean betrayals within their media empire are as gripping as any culinary crisis.
So, grab your favorite comfort food (maybe something you learned to make from ‘The Bear’!) and settle in. Your next binge-watching obsession awaits!