If you just finished that frantic, heart-stopping finale of the latest season, you’re probably staring at your screen wondering if you’re actually okay. And, more importantly, wondering if we’re getting more. The kitchen is a mess, the characters are fractured, and honestly, the anxiety of it all is why we love this show.
So, let's get right to it: is the bear renewed for season 5?
Yes. It is.
FX and Hulu officially gave the green light for a fifth season in July 2025, just days after the fourth season dropped. It wasn't exactly a shocker given the show is a literal magnet for Emmy awards, but the timing was interesting. Usually, networks wait a beat to see the data. For The Bear, they didn't need to. The viewership numbers were "spectacular," according to FX chairman John Landgraf.
The Current Status of The Bear Season 5
Right now, the show is in the early stages of production for the next installment. Jeremy Allen White recently dropped a massive hint during his press tour for the Bruce Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me from Nowhere. He mentioned that filming for the new season was slated to start around January 5, 2026.
That’s basically right now.
Because they are back in Chicago filming this month, we aren't looking at one of those painful three-year gaps that have become the norm for shows like Stranger Things or Euphoria. Christopher Storer and the crew have managed to keep this train on the tracks.
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- Renewal Status: Confirmed (as of July 2, 2025)
- Filming Start: January 2026
- Expected Release Window: Late 2026
Is Season 5 the End of the Road?
This is where things get a bit messy. If you follow the trades or hang out on Reddit, you've probably heard the rumors that the show is winding down. There was a lot of talk during the production of seasons 3 and 4 about "shooting back-to-back."
The initial plan was to film everything at once to accommodate the cast’s skyrocketing schedules. Ayo Edebiri is everywhere. Ebon Moss-Bachrach is busy becoming a superhero in The Fantastic Four. Jeremy Allen White is the internet’s favorite person and a bona fide movie star.
But that back-to-back plan didn't quite happen. They did "a little version of it," according to the cast, but the scripts for the later episodes weren't ready in time. This actually worked out in our favor. Instead of rushing a series finale, the renewal for season 5 suggests they’ve realized they need more room to breathe.
Some sources, like The Playlist, have speculated that season 5 might be the final one. However, FX hasn't slapped a "Final Season" label on it yet. They’re keeping their options open, and honestly, if the audience keeps showing up, they might find a way to keep the kitchen open even longer.
Why Season 4’s Mixed Reviews Mattered
It’s no secret that the fourth season felt... different. While the first two seasons were almost universally adored, the most recent episodes split the fan base a bit. On Rotten Tomatoes, the critic score dipped slightly compared to the perfect 100% of the debut year.
Fans felt the pacing was slower. Some called it "meditative," others called it "boring."
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But here’s the thing: the renewal for season 5 happened despite that divide. It proves that the "vibe" of The Bear is more important to the network than every single episode being a high-octane 10/10. People are still obsessed with Carmy’s trauma, Sydney’s ambition, and Richie’s redemption arc.
What We Know About the Season 5 Plot
Warning: We’re entering spoiler territory for the end of season 4.
The last time we saw the crew, everything was shifting. Carmy made the shocking choice to step back from the restaurant he worked so hard to build. Sydney has risen to a leadership position that she both earned and probably isn't ready for.
Season 5 is likely going to deal with the fallout of that power vacuum. Can the restaurant survive without Carmy at the helm? Or will his "stepping back" be short-lived once he realizes he doesn't know who he is without the chaos?
We also have the "Doomsday Clock" of Uncle Jimmy’s finances. The restaurant isn't just a creative endeavor; it’s a business that is bleeding money. Season 5 has to address whether The Bear (the restaurant) is a sustainable dream or a beautiful disaster.
Who is Returning?
Expect the core family back. You can't have the show without:
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- Jeremy Allen White as Carmy
- Ayo Edebiri as Sydney
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie
- Abby Elliott as Sugar
- Lionel Boyce as Marcus
- Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina
- Matty Matheson as Neil Fak
There’s also a high probability we’ll see more of the heavy-hitter guest stars. The show has developed a habit of pulling in massive names like Jon Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Olivia Colman. It’s become a bit of a "who's who" of prestige TV.
When Can You Actually Watch It?
If they follow the production timeline from previous years, a summer release is the tradition. However, since filming only started in January 2026, a June or July release might be tight.
It’s more likely we’ll see a Fall 2026 premiere.
FX likes to keep the momentum going, so they won't sit on the footage for long. The editing on this show is famously fast and jagged—it’s part of the aesthetic.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you’re desperate for more and can’t wait until the end of the year, here is what you should do:
- Watch the "Fishes" Episode Again: If you haven't revisited the season 2 Christmas episode, do it. It holds so many clues to Carmy's mental state that are still playing out in the most recent episodes.
- Follow the Cast on Socials: Ayo Edebiri and Matty Matheson are particularly active and often post behind-the-scenes crumbs that give away filming locations in Chicago.
- Check Out "The Bear" Cookbook (Unofficially): Many of the recipes featured on the show, like the family-style spaghetti or the "Seven Fishes," have been reverse-engineered by chefs online. It’s the best way to bring the show into your own kitchen without the yelling.
- Keep an Eye on the Emmys: The awards ceremony in September 2026 will likely be the first place we see a teaser trailer or get a concrete release date for the fifth season.
The renewal is a done deal. Now, we just have to wait for the timer to go off.