The Bear: Redefining Workplace Comedies with Realism and Relatability

The Realistic and Relatable World of The Bear

The overwhelming success of the first two seasons of The Bear highlights the fact that the surprise FX on Hulu show has been able to solve one of the longstanding problems with comedies in the workplace. The cast of The Bear features Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), an award-winning chef who returns to Chicago and the popular but poorly-managed restaurant started by his late brother. Season 1 of The Bear saw Carmy and his sous chef, Syd (Ayo Edebiri), bring the restaurant back to respectability. Season 2 saw the pair open a fine-dining restaurant known as The Bear in a tough Chicago market.

Carmy and Sydney wear blue aprons in the kitchen on The Bear

The second season of The Bear was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy. In addition, Allen White and Edebiri plus two of their co-stars were nominated for Best Performance or Best Supporting Performance Golden Globes. The Bear, however, has not just been a hit with critics and award voters, but also with fans who praise the show for its relatable stories and its dedication to realistic details about working in the restaurant industry.

Richie, Carmy, and Donna in The Bear season 2

Workplace comedies have been prevalent on television screens for more than 15 years, and many of them show idealized versions of the workplace where everyone is actually like a family. Either there's rarely any toxic behavior (or the toxic behavior is something funny and everyone laughs it off). This provides a mostly unrealistic version of most work environments and it's why people can probably relate more to The Bear's than shows like The Office or Parks and Rec. Not to be overlooked as a reason why The Bear has been so popular, a lot more viewers have surely worked in restaurants than in the parks department or at a paper company.

The Bear has not been afraid to show unlikable characters, fights, and even fractured relationships around the edges of its comedy. The show has been praised for its realistic look at a family dealing with suicide, depression, chaos, and its attempts to stay together with their world crumbling down. In the actual restaurant, several members of the crew have left their positions throughout the two seasons, only to find that their co-workers are actually like their family, and they need those relationships, even if the relationships have flaws.

The Bear's Unique Approach to Comedy

The Bear may have been nominated in the Musical or Comedy category, but it isn't 'funny' in the same ways as other workplace shows. That foundation for the show gives it a very real flavor. A show like The Bear trying to get a joke in every minute would displace the reality that working in a restaurant or working to start a restaurant are some of the most stressful jobs that exist. Very few people routinely experience the antics of Brooklyn Nine-Nine or Parks and Rec.

In the end, The Bear's realism works in its favor, and the awkward comedy helps it achieve that. Most authentic workplaces aren't filled with actors telling scripted jokes. The comedy featured in The Bear is based primarily on the personality of the characters and their interactions, not jokes or pranks. There has been criticism that The Bear highlights things like stress, arguments, and drug abuse, but all the show's plots - comedic or otherwise - come back to the idea of the harsh reality of working in a fast-paced kitchen. That's one of the reasons viewers and critics love it and can't wait for The Bear season 3.

The Impact and Success of The Bear

The overwhelming success of The Bear highlights the impact it has had on the comedy genre. By presenting a realistic and relatable portrayal of the restaurant industry, The Bear has redefined workplace comedies, setting a new standard for authenticity and storytelling. Its unique approach to comedy, focusing on the realistic challenges of working in a fast-paced kitchen, has resonated with viewers and critics alike.

Season 2 of The Bear has garnered critical acclaim and Golden Globe nominations, solidifying its position as a groundbreaking series that challenges the traditional norms of workplace comedies. The show's dedication to portraying unlikable characters, fights, and fractured relationships has been praised for its honest and raw depiction of the complexities of the restaurant industry.

The Bear's success not only lies in its ability to captivate audiences with relatable stories but also in its commitment to showcasing the harsh realities of the restaurant business. Its impact on the comedy genre goes beyond entertainment, as it sparks conversations about mental health, relationships, and the challenges of working in a high-pressure environment. As fans eagerly await The Bear season 3, it's clear that the show has made a lasting impression and set a new standard for workplace comedies.