12 Best TV Shows Like The Bear To Binge Next

Among recent television shows, none have asserted their must-watch status as confidently as FX on Hulu’s “The Bear.” Created by Christopher Storer, this American series has made a significant impact, shaping the TV landscape of the post-streaming era. In just its first two seasons, it has garnered an impressive 21 Primetime Emmy awards.

As a passionate gamer diving into the captivating world of “The Bear,” I can’t help but feel hooked with each new season, drawing in more fans by the day. What makes this show truly stand out is its one-of-a-kind feel in today’s TV scene. There might not be another series quite like it, but there are certainly some that share similar narratives, aesthetics, and emotional depth with “The Bear.” Here, I’ve compiled a list of 12 shows that could make for an excellent binge after finishing “The Bear.

Shameless

For fans of “The Bear”, looking to explore shows with similar intensity, the obvious choice would be “Shameless”. This series chronicles the lives of the Gallagher family, a financially struggling group residing in Chicago. The head of the family, Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy), is an amoral father figure, while his eldest daughter Fiona (Emmy Rossum) takes on most of the parental responsibilities. She strives to keep the family together amidst Frank’s endless machinations and manipulations. Jeremy Allen White, who also stars in “The Bear”, portrays Philip Gallagher, one of the few “Shameless” characters present in every episode. Philip is a well-intentioned and intelligent young man whose life and future are often disrupted by his chaotic family situation and the need to look after his siblings.

Clearly, “Shameless” and “The Bear” both highlight White’s versatile acting skills, immersing him in complex and authentic family dynamics that blend raw comedy with gripping drama. While Philip and Carmy may differ significantly as characters, they both keep viewers captivated, whether they grow or stagnate throughout the seasons.

Whites

One of the most celebrated TV series centered around culinary arts and restaurant administration is known as “The Bear,” but it’s not the only show worth watching in this genre. This list includes various cooking-themed programs, and to kick things off, let me introduce you to a short-lived yet underappreciated British sitcom. “Whites” delves into the same high-stress kitchen chaos that “The Bear” is now famous for. So, get to know this show!

In 2010, a BBC Two sitcom named only one season with six episodes was broadcast. The plot is straightforward: After burning out and falling short of his potential as a rising star chef, Roland White (played by Alan Davies), now finds himself in the position of executive chef at a hotel restaurant. With little interest in the restaurant’s daily affairs, Roland delegates much of it to sous chef Bib (Darren Boyd) and restaurant manager Caroline (Katherine Parkinson).

Instead of “The Bear,” “Whites” primarily confines itself to the hotel and restaurant, with occasional peeks into the characters’ private lives outside of work hours. The series is also notably humorous, featuring a quirky, fast-paced wit that hints at its origin as a workplace comedy by accomplished sitcom writers Matt King and Oliver Lansley. Despite these differences, “Whites” shares many similarities with “The Bear,” including the pace of the kitchen scenes and the rich, warm-toned cinematography. Food enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in this series.

Chef’s Table

One of the most captivating and consistent series on Netflix since their early original productions has been “Chef’s Table,” a documentary show focusing on chefs and their culinary masterpieces. This production, created by David Gelb (director of the acclaimed “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” film), offers an artistic and creative perspective, making it one of the top cooking shows ever made.

Since its debut in 2015, the show has broadcasted seven main seasons and five spin-offs. The fundamental structure has stayed consistent: Each episode spotlights a distinct global celebrity chef, traveling from one country to another to showcase a variety of cuisines and culinary styles. Additionally, each episode delves into the chef’s life beyond the kitchen, providing insights into their creative approach and preferences.

Chef’s Table” mirrors the explorations in “The Bear” about life and culinary arts in an intriguing manner. Various restaurants portrayed in the series share similarities with The Bear, and the passion exhibited by the chefs resonates with their use of cooking as a means to express themselves and forge connections, much like characters on “The Bear.

Sweetbitter

Prior to her impressive portrayal of Lucy MacLean in “Fallout,” Ella Purnell made her mark as a lead actress by starring on Starz’s “Sweetbitter” from 2018 to 2019. Spanning only two seasons and totaling just 14 half-hour episodes, this series is a must-add for your binge list if you enjoy quick-paced, witty, and emotionally charged television set in the culinary industry.

Sweetbitter” and “The Bear” differ significantly because the former is set in New York City, where it delves deeply into the city’s unique atmosphere and culture, as well as the struggles of its inhabitants. In Sweetbitter, Purnell portrays Tess, a 22-year-old college graduate with limited real-world experience, who makes an impromptu move to New York and eventually finds work at an upscale Manhattan restaurant. This series focuses on Tess’s adaptation to her new environment and the relationships she forms with the restaurant staff, forming the core of the show’s dynamic. For those who appreciate personal stories in their restaurant dramas, Sweetbitter offers a satisfying viewing experience.

Boiling Point

Many films that bear thematic and stylistic resemblances to “The Bear” are worth exploring – such as “Chef,” “Burnt,” “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” and “Ratatouille.” However, the movie that might be most captivating for fans of “The Bear” is Philip Barantini’s “Boiling Point,” a 2021 British dramatic thriller. This film follows the struggles of a head chef (Stephen Graham) at a London restaurant during a particularly tough workday. Critically acclaimed, “Boiling Point” received four BAFTA nominations, with Stephen Graham earning a nod for best actor in a leading role. Although it’s a movie, we suggest checking out the TV miniseries sequel of “Boiling Point.

For those unfamiliar with the movie “Boiling Point,” BBC One’s series of the same name focuses on Carly, played by Vinette Robinson, as she embarks on opening her own restaurant after working as a sous-chef at Jones & Sons. The show, written by Barantini, Graham, and co-screenwriter James Cummings, retains the cinematic essence of tension, chaos, and escalation that characterized the film. In many ways, it mirrors the structure of popular “The Bear” episodes, using its extended runtime to build depth and complexity in both characters and storytelling.

Beef

Although Netflix’s “Beef” may be titled as if it revolves around culinary matters, it actually shares little resemblance in that regard. However, it offers an engaging watch for viewers who appreciate “The Bear,” despite their distinct storylines and main themes. Both series share a common thread: they are fiery, swift-moving, emotionally intense comedy-dramas. They manage to transform the seemingly lightweight half-hour episode format into a powerful platform for delivering compact, potent bursts of intensity.

There is at least one shared thematic element between the two: Similar to “The Bear,” “Beef” explores individuals grappling with business management challenges, which are often compounded by obstacles originating from both external forces (the universe) and internal struggles (themselves). Produced by A24, this series centers around Danny Cho (Steven Yeun), a contractor facing professional setbacks, and Amy Lau (Ali Wong), the owner of a thriving plant business on the verge of being sold to a home improvement conglomerate. An incident where Danny nearly collides with Amy’s SUV sparks growing resentment and hostility between them that eventually explodes into a heated road rage confrontation.

After that, Amy and I found ourselves drawn into a toxic obsession with one another. The chilling consequences of this fixation unfolded at an enthralling pace, making “Beef” a hard-to-resist series to marathon-watch. If you think I’m exaggerating, consider the Primetime Emmys’ praise for the show – it showered accolades on Yeun and Wong, the script, the direction, and even awarded them the prize for best outstanding limited or anthology series in a year that saw “The Bear” steal the spotlight in the comedy categories.

You’re The Worst

It’s surprising how infrequent it is for TV shows to adopt the same blend of wit, humor, and emotional depth as “The Bear,” which excels in this unique style. However, many other series fail to grasp the concept that comedy without a time constraint can easily transition into tragedy. One show that was overlooked despite demonstrating such insight, but deserved recognition, is “You’re the Worst” from FX and FXX.

Among the lesser recognized TV series from the past 15 years, “You’re the Worst” can be seen as a vestige of the TV’s Golden Age on the left bank. It was a daring, sharp, and unconventional series that served as an edgy alternative to the more widely appreciated comedy and drama shows dominating the scene during its time. At first glance, it appears to be a romantic comedy, chronicling the development of the relationship between British novelist Jimmy Shive-Overly (Chris Geere) and music PR manager Gretchen Cutler (Aya Cash) in Los Angeles over multiple years. However, what sets this show apart is that both Jimmy and Gretchen are deeply flawed, bitter individuals whose tumultuous romantic and sexual interplay is as frustrating as it is captivating. Rarely has a series been so insightful and uncompromising in portraying the struggle for connection and companionship of two misfits navigating city life.

How to Make It in America

A less recognized HBO series worthy of comparison with “The Bear” is “How to Make It In America.” Originally aired from 2010 to 2011, this show didn’t quite receive the recognition it deserved at the time, often being compared – not always positively – to HBO’s “Entourage.” However, as we look back, “How to Make It In America” stands out due to its intricate, layered storylines, raw emotional depth, and complexity that set it apart from the more popular predecessor.

Approximately 15 years after its release, we now have “The Bear,” which serves as a more effective lens for understanding the intentions of “How to Make It In America.” This show aimed to tackle honestly the chaos, energy, and underlying harshness of modern existence, without compromising on creating a sense of melancholy. The storyline, with its masculine perspective, centered around ambitious twentysomething entrepreneurs Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk), as they navigate the New York City fashion world, was offset by a substantial amount of emotional depth, cinematic visuals, and careful portrayal of real-life experiences in New York. In its subtle yet impactful manner, it became one of the 21st century’s most insightful and captivating series about the pursuit of success.

Fleabag

It’s interesting to note that “The Bear” and “Fleabag” share some common elements in terms of tone, style, and storytelling. In essence, they are both humorous yet poignant series revolving around troubled individuals who struggle to manage their personal lives while maintaining a struggling business, all while dealing with escalating anxiety and emotional turmoil.

The common thread between these two series is their exploration of grief and its ripple effects within a quarrelsome yet tightly-bonded family, focusing particularly on the siblings. The death of Fleabag’s mother and her friend Boo in “Fleabag,” as well as the demise of Mikey Berzatto in “The Bear,” cast a somber pall over their respective narratives, much like a backdrop to the comedic antics that ensue. These shows, initially appealing for their lighter aspects, may unexpectedly leave viewers emotionally overwhelmed by the powerful impact they carry.

Title “Fleabag,” to clarify, has a humorous edge and devotes less attention to culinary pursuits compared to its protagonist’s role as a café manager, presenting more scenes of her purchasing ready-made supermarket meals rather than cooking elaborate dishes. However, its narrative about a woman grappling with the complexities of managing a business, navigating contemporary dating and intimacy, and dealing with overwhelming feelings of guilt and regret will resonate strongly with fans of “The Bear,” due in part to the fact that “Fleabag” is widely recognized as one of the greatest TV shows ever made.

Reservation Dogs

Currently, we’re experiencing an excellent period for heartfelt, intricate, and slightly melancholic series that delve into contemporary life through the eyes of young individuals. “The Bear” is a prime example, while another of its FX on Hulu siblings, “Reservation Dogs,” also fits the bill. This show was pioneered by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, making it an unprecedented production in American television as it’s the first to be solely created by Indigenous writers and directors. Reflecting its aim to revolutionize the portrayal of Native Americans on screen, this is a fitting accomplishment in the realm of art and entertainment.

In a surprising yet charming contrast to its grand aspirations, “Reservation Dogs” frequently exhibits a laid-back demeanor, much like “The Bear.” It’s a comedic series that generously accommodates tranquil, reflective scenes. Similar to “The Bear,” it boasts an impressive cinematic style due to its exceptional team of directors. Additionally, just as “The Bear,” it is situated in the aftermath of a suicide that profoundly influences the main characters and their future aspirations.

Instead of focusing on a workplace or family setting for its drama, “Reservation Dogs” centers around a quartet of friends: Elora (Devery Jacobs), Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Cheese (Lane Factor), and Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), collectively known as the Rez Dogs. These four teenagers reside in a modest Muscogee Nation town in Oklahoma. A year following the demise of their buddy Daniel (Dalton Cramer), the Rez Dogs provide mutual support as they navigate the highs and lows of adolescence, while contemplating whether to follow through on Danny’s aspiration of relocating to California. The show skillfully explores themes such as friendship, growing up, financial struggles, and political issues related to Native American communities.

Treme

As a dedicated gamer, I find myself deeply immersed in two TV series that share striking similarities, even though they belong to different genres. While “The Wire,” created by David Simon and aired on HBO, is widely recognized as his magnum opus, the less celebrated “Treme” offers a more vivid and intricate portrayal of a unique city’s atmosphere. Unlike “The Bear,” which is comedic in nature, “Treme” shares a similar somber yet comforting tone with this FX on Hulu hit. Both series beautifully capture the camaraderie and healing power of community, while never shying away from the bittersweet realities that often accompany such pleasures.

Created by Simon and Eric Overmyer, “Treme” adopts a broad, novel-like storytelling style similar to “The Wire.” It focuses on the lives of numerous characters, including musicians, writers, and business owners, as they struggle to survive in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. The show primarily revolves around the Tremé district, an area rich in African American and Creole history and culture.

Viewers who enjoy the show “The Bear” may find themselves captivated by the tale of Janette Desautel (Kim Dickens), a resilient chef striving to keep her restaurant afloat amidst extensive damages and unhelpful insurance, all while clinging to her passion for cooking and New Orleans to help her endure difficult times. However, it’s important to note that “Treme” is a series where each character and storyline is engaging – an intricately woven human masterpiece even more remarkable for its dedication to portraying raw, unadorned reality.

Bob’s Burgers

The similarity in themes between “The Bear” and “Bob’s Burgers” is not missed by fans of either show. You might often come across creative fan art online that depicts “Bob’s Burgers” characters in the setting of “The Bear,” or vice versa, with a unique twist inspired by each show’s distinctive style. While part of the appeal may stem from blending the quirky cartoon universe of “Bob’s Burgers” with the intense drama of an FX series, there seems to be something deeper at play. In essence, both programs revolve around similar ideas: Families dealing with their issues through cooking and restaurant management.

Bob’s Burgers” and “The Bear” have distinctly different tones, with the former being more light-hearted and unpredictable in its storyline. The Fox series, titled after a fictional burger restaurant in a New Jersey coastal town, uses this setting as a base for various stories, but it’s a show where any plot or narrative diversion is fair game. Despite the whimsical nature of the show, the day-to-day struggles of running Bob’s Burgers and its impact on the financially strained Belcher family serve as the main themes. The series creatively explores the challenges of operating a restaurant in an enthusiastic and humorous way, all while making the Belchers just as endearing as the Berzattos in “The Bear.

2025-02-02 20:32