The Bear

The Bear absolutely lives up to all the hype that it's been getting. Normally this isn't a show that would interest me but after reading all the great reviews and seeing how it's on every "best show of the year" list I've seen so far I thought I'd give it go. This not only met my expectations but surpassed them in every way. This has been nominated for every award possible and deservingly so. I'm especially glad for Jeremy Allen White since I'm a big Shameless fan. He was fantastic in this and leads a great cast. I couldn't stop watching this, I binged the entire first two seasons over the course of a few days and was disappointed when it was over. There's a reason this show was nominated for so many awards.

I am really enjoying this show. I've made it through six episodes and the character development is great. I am already rooting for so many of the characters. It's turning into a real feel-good show. The casting and acting are great. I love the writing and the setting/cinematography are as realistic as it can get. With so many choices out there I find it oddly difficult to find shows that I truly enjoy. But this is one of them.

Although the entire cast is stellar, Jeremy Allen White Is the absolute super star of the show. His portrayal is so real, heartfelt, nuanced, and heartbreaking. His character is trying his best, A lot of the times failing, but also a lot of times winning. Very sympathetic portrayal. As someone who used to work in the restaurant industry, and still has family and friends working in professional kitchens, The material definitely hits close to home. Although there is many great comedic moments in the show and moments of funny awkwardness, this show is definitely an intense drama. There is so many things to unpack. But I think most people can enjoy this show due to the excellent writing, directing and acting. Even if you've never worked in the service industry before, we have all eaten out at restaurants and you know how crazy you can be. You will get it. The show does not relent. Each episode continues to get more and more intense. And The payoffs are excellent. Whether you love the characters or hate them, You really want to know what's going to happen with these people. Top tier TV. Highly recommend.

Great acting, writing, direction. Shots and scenes are artful and not pretentious, soundtrack choice is excellent. Having worked in a kitchen and a fan of cooking/food shows, Bourdain, this is well conceived masterpiece.

Sure the episodes are short and only 8 episodes, but if that was its first and only season, it was short and sweet, and even the little bit of filler made sense. A nice tight package, a must watch!

If you like watching people stressing out, arguing, fast camera...all in the name of food, then have at it. I'd rather watch something entertaining that won't have me reaching for the blood pressure pills.