The Bear Season 3 reactions: What the critics are saying

FX's The Bear Season 3 has dropped and critics have given their reactions. What are they saying?

The Bear Season 3 reviews and reactions

Starting with Akos Peterbencze of Paste Magazine, they called it a “masterclass of character drama” and the “best” season yet. Justin Kirkland on X praised the first episode of The Bear Season 3 for being “so gentle.” They also compared it to Gilmore Girls “except everyone is perpetually livid.”

However, not all reactions to The Bear Season 3 were positive. In Variety's review, Alison Herman said that the season has an identity crisis between “a voice for the world of restaurants at large, and a specific story about a specific set of characters.” The star-studded cameos also begin to hinder the series' “core mission,” per the review.

In Empire's four-out-of-five star review, it is emphasized that The Bear Season 2 topped its predecessor. Season 3 fails to top those heights but “when it really sizzles, The Bear is still the best table in town.”

Collider's Therese Lacson called the season “undercooked and underseasoned.” While there are highlights, The Bear Season 3 does not solve any of the issues it presents — especially in the finale.

Overall, the season got a 4/10 with praise for stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Liza Colón-Zayas and episodes “Napkins” and “Ice Chips.” However, Lacson believes there is too much focus on White's Carmen character and the finale is “overstuffed.”

What is The Bear?

The Bear follows Carmen Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), an award-winning New York City chef. He has to return home upon the death of his brother and inherits the family's restaurant, The Beef.

Throughout the series, Carmen does his best to turn the failing restaurant around. But he is met with family trauma, a troubled staff, and more problems along the way.

In addition to White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also star in the series. Recurring stars include Joel McHale, Oliver Platt, Molly Gordon, and Alex Moffat.

The Bear is also known for its guest stars. The likes of Jon Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Will Poulter, Bob Odenkirk, John Mulaney, Olivia Colman, and John Cena have all appeared in episodes.

Christopher Storer created the series. He was previously known for producing Eighth Grade and co-directing some of Bo Burnham's comedy specials.

Not only did Storer create the series, he has written and directed several episodes throughout the first three seasons. He also serves as an executive producer alongside Joanna Calo, Josh Senior, Hiro Murai, Nate Matteson, and Matty Matheson.

When did Season 3 come out?

Just days before The Bear Season 3 came out, FX made the bold decision to slightly change its premiere time. They moved it up by three hours so the season premiered at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT on June 26.

Like the previous two seasons, all episodes of the season were made available to stream on June 26. Fans can binge all 10 episodes of the season if they want.

Is Season 4 happening?

Before The Bear Season 3 premiered, a fourth season was green-lit by FX and Hulu. They must have high hopes and confidence in the latest season to make a move like that.

The Bear is streaming now.