The Bear Season 2: Everything We Know So Far

Yes, chef! After debuting to rave reviews — and even thirstier fans — in June, The Bear is poised to return this year for another season of culinary chaos. The Bear Season 1 finale saw Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) receive a sudden windfall, alleviating some of the stress of running The Original Beef of Chicagoland in the wake of his brother’s death. With this influx of cash, Carmy and sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) set out to transform the restaurant into something new, a storyline that promises to test the limits of their partnership in exciting ways.

During the Television Critics Association 2023 Winter Press Tour, creator Chris Storer, co-showrunner Joanna Calo, and the show’s stars previewed what’s to come for FX’s hit dramedy. As Storer explained, “Season 2 is where the show properly begins since we’ve met everyone.”

So, what will The Bear cook up next? Here’s everything we know so far about The Bear Season 2:

What is The Bear Season 2 about?

Since production on The Bear Season 2 began in February, Storer and Calo have kept details close to the vest, but during the show’s TCA panel, they revealed that they had “a solid map for Season 2 before we finished Season 1.” That road map involves turning the Original Beef into something a bit more upscale (fans will remember that in the final moments of Season 1, Carmy hung a sign on the window informing customers that “The Bear is coming”), while still retaining the spirit of the original restaurant.

“In terms of Season 2, you’re going to see them build a restaurant. They think they’re starting from a healthy place, but a restaurant creates different problems and they’ll, in some ways, regress,” teased Storer, explaining that Carmy and Sydney will be racing against the clock to meet their opening day deadline.

The Bear producers added that Season 2 will also explore the realities of running a small business, especially amid the pandemic. Storer expressed a similar sentiment in an interview with Variety, saying, “Season 2 really is about the opportunity to start fresh and what does that mean. What does Carmen and Sydney’s dream restaurant look like? But also at the same time, what is a dream restaurant in 2023 look like? I think that’s the thing they’re sort of battling with.”

Who’s in The Bear cast for Season 2?

As Carmy learned throughout Season 1, the Original Beef operates as a little family, and The Bear would be nothing without its ensemble. In addition to returning stars Jeremy Allen White, who won Best Actor in a TV Comedy at the Golden Globes, and Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach will reprise his role as Carmy’s “cousin” Richie, while Lionel Boyce and Liza Colón-Zayas will step back into the kitchen as pastry chef Marcus and line cook Tina, respectively.

As for the show’s supporting players, Carmy will need some help renovating his new restaurant, so expect to see Matty Matheson’s handyman Faik messing around with the Ball Breaker machine in Season 2. And let’s not forget that Carmy is still on the hook for his brother’s $300,000 loan — even if the money is currently covered in tomato sauce and will soon be tied up in the new restaurant — which means it’s only a matter of time before Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) comes calling.

Will Jon Bernthal Be in The Bear Season 2?

Carmy's late brother Michael (John Bernthal) appeared in just one episode, but he made quite an impression in the flashback scene. Unfortunately, Storer and Calo have remained mum on whether Bernthal will appear in another flashback in Season 2, so fans will have to stay tuned for more information.

While Bernthal’s status is still up in the air, fans will be reunited with another Berzatto in Season 2: Sugar, Carmy’s sister, played by Abby Elliott.

When Will The Bear Be on Hulu?

The Bear Season 2 will premiere June 22, 2023. This season, the dramedy has been expanded to a 10-episode run. Watch the official trailer:

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Claire Spellberg Lustig is the Senior Editor at Primetimer and a scholar of The View. Follow her on Twitter at @c_spellberg.