The Streaming Series That Is Breaking Records In Season 2

The Bear Season 2 is now Hulu's most-watched FX series within its first week of debut.

By Charlene Badasie | Updated

the bear jeremy allen

The Bear season 2 is a massive hit, becoming the most-watched premiere of any FX series on Hulu less than a week after its release. The comedy-drama experienced a significant boost in viewers compared to its first season, with a 70 percent surge in total hours streamed within the first four days of its 10-episode debut on June 22.

According to Deadline, the first season had already established itself as the most-watched single season of a comedy series in FX history. The Bear Season 2 is poised to surpass that record. Created by Christopher Storer, the series premiered on Hulu on June 23, 2022. The story follows Carmen Berzatto, a talented chef who leaves behind the world of fine dining to run his family’s sandwich shop.

As Carmy navigates this unfamiliar territory, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of running a small business, including rebellious kitchen staff, strained family dynamics, and the profound impact of his brother Michael’s heartbreaking suicide. Balancing these challenges, Carmy embarks on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and resilience.

The Bear, seasons 1 and 2, features a talented ensemble cast. Jeremy Allen White portrays Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, an esteemed chef de cuisine from New York City who returns to his hometown to revive The Original Beef of Chicagoland sandwich shop. Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Richard “Richie” Jerimovich, the unofficial manager of the establishment.

Ayo Edebiri thunderbolts
Ayo Edebiri in The Bear

Ayo Edebiri shines as Sydney Adamu, a skilled yet inexperienced chef who joins The Bear as Carmy’s new sous chef, eager to learn and grow under his guidance. Lionel Boyce portrays Marcus Brooks, a talented bread baker who, inspired by Carmy’s mentorship, transitions into the role of a pastry chef. Liza Colón-Zayas plays Tina Marrero, a sharp-tongued and tenacious line cook with years of experience.

Abby Elliott portrays Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto, Carmy and Michael’s older sister, reluctantly sharing ownership of the restaurant. The Bear season 2 features Matty Matheson as Neil Fak, a childhood friend of Carmy and Michael, who occasionally helps out as a handyman for the restaurant. He appeared in season 1 as a recurring character.

The Bear received critical acclaim for its first season, which promoted a swift season two renewal. The first installment received praise for its direction and the performances of its cast. It also earned nominations for Best Comedy Series at the Golden Globe Awards and Critics Choice Awards, where Ayo Edebiri was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

The entire cast received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. However, series star Jeremy Allen White took home the trophy for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for The Bear at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Adding to its list of accolades, The Bear season 1 and 2 boasts impressive ratings on various review aggregation platforms. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series maintains a perfect 100 percent critics rating, indicating widespread positive reception. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, the overall series has earned a score of 91, further highlighting its high quality.

Interestingly, the sandwich shop’s interior that serves as The Bear’s focal pointis meticulously crafted to resemble the real-life Mr. Beef on Orleans in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The show’s creator shares a special connection with the owner’s son, having been a regular patron of the establishment for years.

The Bear season 2 follows the determined crew of The Original Beef of Chicagoland as they embark on a mission to revitalize their worn-out sandwich joint. When they take on the challenging task of stripping the restaurant down to its core, the crew is forced to reflect on their identities and make profound choices about the paths they wish to pursue.

Before leading the cast of The Bear in seasons one and two, Jeremy Allen White starred in several television shows and movies. His most notable appearances include Shameless, where he portrayed Phillip “Lip” Gallagher for 11 seasons.

He also appeared in the first season of 2018’s Homecoming. His film credits include Afterschool, Twelve, and the 2010 horror film, The Rental.

The Bear, season 1 and 2 , is currently available to stream on Hulu.