Since its explosive debut, FX’s ‘The Bear’ has captivated audiences with its raw, authentic portrayal of a high-stress kitchen environment, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. If you’ve devoured every episode and are now craving that same unique blend of anxiety-inducing intensity, deeply flawed characters, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, you’re in the right place.
We’ve scoured the streaming landscape to bring you 10 shows that, while not always set in a kitchen, channel the same high-stakes energy, character-driven drama, and gritty realism that made ‘The Bear’ an instant hit. Get ready to add your next obsession to your watchlist!
1. Succession (HBO)
If you loved the intense, often toxic, family dynamics and the cutthroat nature of the restaurant business in ‘The Bear,’ then ‘Succession’ is your next must-watch. This Emmy-winning series follows the wealthy, dysfunctional Roy family as they battle for control of a global media empire. It’s packed with sharp dialogue, power struggles, and a dark comedic edge that mirrors the stressful, high-stakes environment Carmy navigates.
2. Severance (Apple TV+)
For a dose of workplace intensity unlike any other, ‘Severance’ delivers a thrilling and unsettling experience. This sci-fi psychological thriller explores a mysterious company where employees undergo a procedure to surgically separate their work memories from their personal lives. The oppressive corporate environment, the strange dynamics between colleagues, and the underlying tension will resonate with anyone who felt the pressure cooker of ‘The Bear’s’ kitchen.
3. Billions (Showtime)
Step out of the kitchen and into the equally cutthroat world of high finance with ‘Billions’. This series pits a brilliant, ruthless hedge fund king against an ambitious U.S. Attorney. The rapid-fire dialogue, intricate power plays, and intense character showdowns create an atmosphere of relentless pressure and high-stakes decision-making that ‘The Bear’ fans will find electrifyingly familiar, even if the stakes are financial rather than culinary.
4. Hacks (HBO Max)
While seemingly a world away from a greasy spoon, ‘Hacks’ shares ‘The Bear’s’ focus on a demanding professional relationship and the personal struggles that come with artistic ambition. It follows an aging stand-up comedian and a young, disgraced writer as they reluctantly team up. The show is sharp, funny, and surprisingly poignant, offering an intimate look at two complex characters navigating the pressures of their industry, much like Carmy and Sydney.
5. Shameless (US) (Showtime / Netflix)
If the chaotic, often heartbreaking, yet undeniably resilient Gallagher family in ‘The Bear’ struck a chord with you, then ‘Shameless’ is essential viewing. Also set in Chicago, this long-running series dives deep into the lives of the impoverished, dysfunctional Gallagher clan as they navigate life on the South Side. It shares ‘The Bear’s’ gritty realism, dark humor, and a profound exploration of family ties under immense pressure.
6. Better Call Saul (AMC / Netflix)
Fans of ‘The Bear’s’ meticulous character development and the slow burn of Carmy’s personal and professional struggles will appreciate ‘Better Call Saul.’ This prequel to ‘Breaking Bad’ chronicles the transformation of earnest lawyer Jimmy McGill into the morally ambiguous Saul Goodman. It’s a masterclass in tension, intricate plotting, and exploring the lengths people go to for survival and success, echoing the deep emotional complexities of ‘The Bear.’
7. Barry (HBO)
Another dark comedy-drama, ‘Barry’ expertly blends intense, dramatic moments with sharp, often absurd, humor. It follows a hitman who finds himself drawn to the world of acting. Like ‘The Bear,’ it delves into deep psychological issues, the struggle for self-reinvention, and the messy intersection of personal and professional lives. The show’s unpredictable nature and its lead character’s internal turmoil make it a compelling watch for fans of Carmy’s journey.
8. Ozark (Netflix)
If you’re drawn to ‘The Bear’s’ portrayal of a family under immense pressure, forced to adapt and make impossible decisions, ‘Ozark’ will hook you. This gripping crime drama follows a financial advisor who must relocate his family to the Ozarks and launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. The show is relentlessly tense, showcasing a family fighting for survival against overwhelming odds, with a pervasive sense of dread that mirrors the restaurant’s constant brink.
9. Fleabag (Prime Video)
For those who appreciated ‘The Bear’s’ raw emotional honesty, its exploration of grief, and its sharp, sometimes uncomfortable humor, ‘Fleabag’ is a masterpiece. This British dark comedy-drama follows a witty, troubled woman navigating life and loss in London. Like Carmy, Fleabag is deeply flawed but incredibly compelling, using humor to cope with profound sadness. Its unique fourth-wall breaks and intimate character study offer a similar feeling of being inside the protagonist’s head.
10. Chef’s Table (Netflix)
If you loved ‘The Bear’ for its authentic peek into the culinary world – the passion, the precision, and the immense pressure – then ‘Chef’s Table’ is your visual feast. While a documentary series, it goes beyond the food to explore the minds, struggles, and triumphs of the world’s most renowned chefs. It reveals the obsession, sacrifice, and artistry required at the highest levels, providing a deeper understanding of the drive and intensity that fuels characters like Carmy.
There you have it – ten shows that will hopefully fill the ‘The Bear’-shaped hole in your streaming schedule. Each offers a unique flavor of intensity, character depth, and compelling storytelling. So, grab your remote, prepare for some emotional rollercoasters, and get ready for your next binge!