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.

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.

I've worked in a family owned restaurant in Chicago for decades. The intensity among family members and the dialog between workers is extremely realistic. All the characters in this series have depth which makes it believable. This show has no "caricatures" or "cartoon-like" people for comic relief. Excellent show!

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!

I have never watched Shameless so I'm discovering Jeremy Allen White. I am in awe. I haven't seen that true vibe since early Dustin Hoffman (Kramer vs Kramer). The show is so raw and believable that you feel like a voyeur looking in a neighborhood restaurant and its staff. Just a slice of real life, delivered by a wonderful ensemble. I was late to the party but I'm happy I finally joined in. It's a gem, a breath of fresh air in this era of big budget series or predictable cop shows. And the chaotic environment is spot on. Having friends in the restaurant business, the chaos is real.

Long live the Bear !