Five reasons everyone is talking about The Bear on Disney+

Ps. All episodes of the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning show are available now on Disney+.

Set against a gritty Chicago backdrop, The Bear has reviewers and viewers raving for all the right reasons. After winning not four, not five, but six awards at this year's Emmy’s, not to mention three Golden Globes, everyone is talking about this epic dark comedy.

The Bear is about food, family, the insanity of the grind, the beauty found in the sense of urgency and the steep, slippery downsides. As the crew undertake transformational journeys, each must confront the past and reckon with who they want to be in the future.

From the quick-witted script to the gifted cast, Jeremy Allen White and Co. brings the story of a run-down sandwich diner to life one superb episode at a time.

Click here or hit play below to watch The Bear season two trailer.

So, on the off-chance that you need a little more convincing, here are five reasons to stop what you're doing and watch The Bear immediately..

Jeremy Allen White

You can't talk about The Bear without hailing New Yorker Jeremy Allen White.

Allen White owns the role of Chef Carmen (or Carmy, to friends), a grieving brother and fine dining chef who returns home to Chicago to revive the struggling family business. Taking viewers on a profound journey with the anxiety and self-doubt-riddled character, he perfectly emulates Carmy's grief, ambition and pursuit of excellence.

Winning the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy two consecutive years in a row now, as well as the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series at the Golden Globes, Allen White is clearly one of the best casting choices in recent television history.

The cast

Jeremy Allen White may be the first name that pops to mind when I think of The Bear, but he is quickly followed by the ensemble of talent who make up the rest of this cast. 

Some standout performances to note:

Ayo Edebiri plays Sydney, an ambitious young chef who seeks out Carmy in the hopes of him taking her under his wing. Ayo, a fan favourite from start to finish, recently won Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes, as well as the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award at the Emmy’s.

Tina, played by Liza Colón-Zayas, is a salty, old-school chef who doesn't take kindly to young blood coming in and telling her what to do. As she settles into life under Carmen's command (or so it feels to her), we, as viewers, begin to understand who she is and where she has come from. 

Richie, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, may not seem like the most complex character when first introduced. Still, as The Bear unfolds, you can't help but feel a sense of loyalty and compassion towards this outspoken and often brash character. Ebon was also a big winner at this year’s Emmy’s, winning the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Recipe inspo

Without giving away any spoilers, let's say that as this series evolves, so does the food in it. And if you don't find yourself searching online for some of these mouth-watering dishes, I'll be shocked.

In the meantime, check out this video of the show's loveable handyman, Fak (played by foodie extraordinaire Matty Matheson), showing us how to make Carmy's iconic Italian beef sub.

The quotes

If you're not saying "Yes, Chef" or "Hands" to your significant other in the kitchen, you haven't watched The Bear.

Aside from the industry lingo, there are some iconic quotes to keep an ear out for. From tear-jerkers to life lessons to outright laugh-out-loud lines, here are some of the best:

"Is there a name for that thing where you're afraid of something good happening 'cause you think something bad's gonna happen." - Chef Carmen

"I don't know. Life?" - Chef Richie

"You Are An Excellent Chef. You Are Also A Piece Of S***." - Chef Sydney

"One Bite Of A Doughnut Brings Much Joy. Two Bites Bring Sadness." - Ebraheim

"You are watching the fire, and you are thinking, "If I don't put the fire out, this place will burn down, and my anxiety will go away with it." Then you put the fire out." - Chef Carmen

The soundtrack

Tense, diverse, edgy and emotive are just some of the words that spring to mind to describe The Bear soundtrack.

Check it out for yourself below:

Both seasons of the award-winning The Bear are now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

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