Honestly, if you just finished that frantic Season 3 finale, your heart rate is probably still somewhere in the triple digits. You’re likely staring at your screen, wondering if Carmy is ever going to catch a break or if the Chicago Tribune just ended his career with a single notification.
So, let's get the big question out of the way: Yes, there is absolutely a season 4 of The Bear. In fact, at this point in early 2026, we aren't just speculating anymore. Most of the fourth season was actually filmed back-to-back with Season 3 to keep up with the exploding schedules of Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. If you feel like the wait has been long, you're not alone, but the "Yes, Chef" era is far from over.
The Bear Season 4 is already a reality
It’s kinda wild how the production of this show works. FX was so confident in Christopher Storer’s vision that they basically gave the green light for Seasons 3 and 4 at the same time. This wasn't just some corporate rumor; industry insiders like Variety and Deadline confirmed the "secret" renewal way back in March 2024.
The reason for the rush? Pure logistics.
Jeremy Allen White is busy becoming a massive movie star—literally playing Bruce Springsteen in a biopic—and Ayo Edebiri is everywhere from Marvel sets to hosting SNL. To keep the kitchen crew together, the production team knocked out a huge chunk of Season 4's footage while they were already in Chicago filming Season 3.
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When is the release date?
According to the latest updates from FX and Disney+, Season 4 followed the show's tradition of a "Hot Chef Summer." Most of us have already binged the 10-episode drop that landed on June 25, 2025.
If you're reading this and haven't seen it yet, you've got a massive feast of chaos waiting for you. The release followed the standard Hulu/Disney+ binge model—all episodes dropped at once, causing a collective internet meltdown for about 48 hours.
What actually happens in Season 4? (No spoilers, mostly)
Season 3 ended on that brutal "Review" cliffhanger. You know the one. Carmy’s phone buzzed with the Chicago Tribune notification, and then... black.
Season 4 picks up that thread and pulls it until the whole sweater unravels. The stakes shifted from "Can we open a restaurant?" to "Can we survive the restaurant?"
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- The Review Fallout: Carmy has to deal with the reality of what the critics think. It’s not just about ego anymore; it’s about the literal money keeping the lights on.
- Sydney’s Crossroads: Syd is still grappling with that partnership agreement and the tempting offer from Shapiro.
- The Family Dynamics: Expect more of the Berzatto backstory. We finally got some clarity on the "Francie Fak" beef, which was one of those long-running jokes that actually turned into a poignant character moment.
The tone of Season 4 feels a bit different than the first two. It’s less about the frantic "corner!" energy of a sandwich shop and more about the psychological toll of fine dining. It's slower in places, sure, but the emotional payoffs for characters like Richie and Tina are massive.
Who is back in the kitchen?
The core "Family" stayed intact. Jeremy Allen White (Carmy), Ayo Edebiri (Syd), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie) are the pillars. But Season 4 really leaned into the guest stars that make this show feel like a Chicago fever dream.
- Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Donna, and her scenes are still some of the most difficult, beautiful things on television.
- Brie Larson joined the fray as Francie Fak. Yes, the legendary Francie finally showed up, and it was everything people hoped for.
- Will Poulter (Luca) and Olivia Colman (Chef Terry) continue to represent the "world-class" side of the culinary industry that Carmy is so desperate to impress.
The show also kept its tradition of using real-life chefs and Chicago legends in the background. It adds that layer of authenticity that keeps the show from feeling like just another Hollywood drama.
Is Season 4 the end of the line?
There was a lot of talk online about Season 4 being the finale. People thought the back-to-back filming meant they were wrapping it all up.
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That is officially false. FX has already confirmed that The Bear will return for Season 5. Chairman John Landgraf has been pretty vocal about letting the creators decide when the story is over, and it seems like they still have more recipes in the book. Season 5 is currently slated for a 2026 release, with filming reportedly picking back up in early 2026.
How to get the most out of your rewatch
If you're waiting for the next installment or just finished Season 4 and feel a bit lost, here’s how to actually process what you just watched. The Bear isn't a show you just "watch"—it's a show you inhabit.
- Watch the background: In Season 4, the set design tells more of the story than the dialogue. Look at the stacks of invoices, the changing menu items, and the way the kitchen gets cleaner (and colder) as the season progresses.
- Pay attention to the sound: The sound mixing in this show is legendary for a reason. The ticking clocks and the distant hum of the city are used to ramp up your anxiety right along with the characters.
- Check the credits: Some of the best episodes of the recent season were directed by the cast members themselves.
The reality is that The Bear has moved past being just a show about a restaurant. It’s a study of grief, ambition, and the "pursuit of excellence" that usually costs more than it’s worth. Whether you love the new direction or miss the chaos of The Beef, Season 4 proves that this show is still the most vital thing on TV.
If you're caught up, the next step is to keep an eye out for the first Season 5 teasers, which usually start dropping around March or April. Until then, you can find the entire series streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally. Keep your station clean.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Rewatch Season 2, Episode 6 ("Fishes") before starting Season 4 to refresh your memory on the Berzatto family trauma; it makes the Season 4 guest appearances hit much harder.
- Check out the official "The Bear" playlist on Spotify—the music choices in Season 4 are arguably the best the show has ever had.
- Follow the cast's social media for "wrap" photos, which usually signal when the next production cycle has officially finished.