Before The Bear closes its doors for good this summer, FX and Hulu are giving viewers a special appetizer to wet their whistle.
On May 5, a stand-alone flashback episode titled “Gary” dropped on Hulu featuring Jon Bernthal’s Michael “Mikey” Berzatto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richard “Richie” Jerimovich. The plot follows the characters on a work trip to Gary, Ind., where their complicated relationship uncovers new layers of Mikey’s mental state prior to his suicide. Per the episode description, the episode adds an “emotional context that reframes their story from the very beginning.”
Moss-Bachrach broke the news on his personal Instagram account, writing, “COUSINS! PRIMOS! CUGINI!!! Get ready for GARY!!!! We are so excited to finally share this little adventure with Richie and Mikey. Written by me and @jonnybernthal. Directed by the one Christopher Storer. Making this was a dream come true. Thanks to the beautiful people of Gary, Indiana and as always Chicago, Illinois.”
Gold Derby has reached out to the show’s awards campaigners to determine whether “Gary” will be submitted at the 2026 Emmys. The fourth season, which aired last summer, is eligible for Emmys consideration.
The upcoming fifth season, which is set to air later this year, will be the final season of the award-winning comedy, according to series star Jamie Lee Curtis. FX declined to comment.
Curtis, an Emmy winner for The Bear, first stoked speculation of the news last month with a photo on social media with costar Abby Elliott, who plays Curtis’ daughter on the show. “FINISHED STRONG! Surrounded by an extraordinary crew and group of writers and producers and scene partners on the show that Chris Storer created, completing the story of this extraordinary family that we have all fallen in love with. Got to finish it out with my baby Berzatto bear, @lilcutieforever @thebearfx.”
Curtis seemingly confirmed the news during interviews at the premiere for her Prime Video series Scarpetta, where she was asked about her post. “I think everybody understood that it was the last season of the show,” she told Access Hollywood, questioning why everyone thought it was “a big deal.” “If it isn’t, then I’ve completely blown it.”
Here’s everything to know about season 5 of The Bear.
THE PLOT
Season 4 ended with Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) announcing to Syd (Ayo Edebiri) and Richie (Moss-Bachrach) that he’s leaving the restaurant. While we don’t know much about the upcoming season, it’s safe to assume it will pick up with that cliffhanger.
THE AIRDATE
FX renewed the show last summer; it has traditionally aired new seasons of the show in June. That timing has always helped support the awards campaign of the previous season. Season 4 will be competing in the current Emmys cycle, and Season 5 will be eligible in 2027.
AWARDS CHANCES
The Bear has been an awards magnet since its first season, winning 21 Emmy Awards (and 49 nominations), including Best Comedy Series in 2023 and Best Actor for White in 2023 and 2024, along with five Golden Globes (and 15 nominations). It’s also been recognized by the Critics Choice Awards, Actor Awards, Writers Guild, Directors Guild, Producers Guild, TCA Awards, Spirit Awards, AFI, and more. But its awards momentum has slowed in recent cycles amid debate over whether it should be competing as a comedy. Still, its awards legacy is undeniable, and voters may want to recognize it for its final outing.
