For a show that burst onto the scene with near-universal critical acclaim, the debut of The Bear Season 4 has hit a surprising snag, landing a series-low score on Rotten Tomatoes and sparking a heated debate among reviewers: has the acclaimed culinary drama run its course?
Known for its intense kitchen chaos and deep character dives, The Bear quickly became a critical darling. Season 1 debuted with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, followed by a stellar 99% for Season 2. While Season 3 saw a slight dip to 89%, this was still widely regarded as excellent, positioning the show as one of the “Best Drama” series available on platforms like Disney+, according to guides ranking top streaming content.
However, the reception for The Bear Season 4 marks a significant shift, with the season currently holding a 71% Tomatometer score based on initial reviews. While 71% is by no means a bad score for a TV show, it represents a substantial drop for a series accustomed to scores in the high 90s. The trajectory of declining scores – from 100% to 99%, then 89%, and now 71% – has led many critics to question the show’s longevity. It’s worth noting that even Season 3, despite its 89% critic score, saw a much lower 51% audience score, perhaps foreshadowing a growing disconnect for some viewers.
Why Some Critics Think It’s Time to Close the Kitchen
Several reviewers explicitly suggest that the show may have passed its peak. Some feel the underlying issues present in earlier seasons, particularly Season 3, have become more pronounced. One critic described Season 3 as “aimless, pompous and, quite frankly, boring,” elements they see persisting into Season 4, suggesting a lack of necessary evolution.
The sentiment is that the show, while perhaps a “pandemic-era miracle,” might not be “built for longevity.” Using a restaurant analogy, one reviewer posited that simply reaching a point of “better” – like a restaurant barely breaking even after losing money – isn’t enough “to make the payoff worth the slog” if the narrative isn’t delivering fresh substance. A blunt assessment from another critic simply declared, “the show should end here.” The core concern for these reviewers seems to be a perceived repetitiveness or a failure to innovate on the established, high-stress formula.
Still Simmering? The Positive Perspectives
Despite the significant drop in the aggregate score and the calls for its conclusion, The Bear Season 4 hasn’t lost its flavor for everyone. Some critics continue to find the series compelling and rewarding.
One reviewer suggested that, pitched at a “low simmer instead of a full boil,” the show is surprisingly becoming “comfort-food TV,” implying that the familiar rhythms, while perhaps repetitive to some, offer a different kind of satisfaction. Another hailed Season 4 as “an absolute triumph,” placing it in the same tier of quality as the much-lauded Season 2. These positive reviews indicate that the signature blend of intense drama and character focus still resonates strongly with a segment of the critical audience.
What Season 4 Explores
The Bear Season 4 continues to follow chefs Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they navigate the treacherous path of elevating their restaurant. The official synopsis hints at “new challenges around every corner,” forcing the team to “adapt, adjust, and overcome.” This season, the narrative explores the idea that “the pursuit of excellence isn’t just about getting better – it’s about deciding what’s worth holding on to.”
Where to Watch
For viewers wanting to form their own opinion on whether The Bear Season 4 lives up to its predecessors, the season is available to stream on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus internationally.
The critical reception for Season 4 clearly marks a turning point, prompting serious discussion about the show’s future. Whether this dip signifies a creative decline or simply a polarizing shift in focus remains a debate for critics and audiences alike.
