10 shows to watch if you like The Bear

As someone who has spent countless hours in the bustling world of food service, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to these shows that beautifully capture the essence of the industry and the lives of those who work within it.

You’ll be delighted to know that “The Bear” has been a massive success on streaming platforms, and if you’re a fan looking for similar shows, there are plenty more to explore!

Following its premiere in 2022, The Bear has exploded in popularity. The story of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) striving to transform his family diner into a high-end restaurant has garnered praise for its exceptional writing and acting, as well as its accurate portrayal of the bustling kitchen environment and behind-the-scenes happenings that diners rarely witness. Viewers are captivated by the chaos in the kitchen and the many secrets it holds.

For those who enjoy complex character interactions and a restaurant backdrop filled with dramatic flair, here are ten shows similar to “The Bear” that you might find entertaining as you wait for its fourth season. These series have been subtly influenced by the creator and stars of “The Bear”, providing an appealing alternative until new episodes arrive!

Kitchen Confidential 

Before achieving stardom in films, Bradley Cooper appeared on this short-lived Fox series from 2005, which was adapted from the book of the late Anthony Bourdain. In the show, Cooper portrayed Jack Bourdain, a former culinary prodigy whose struggles with addiction led to his downfall. He is given an opportunity to manage a restaurant in Manhattan. The series kicks off immediately as Jack discovers he has just 48 hours to hire staff and open the restaurant.

The program exudes an impressive aesthetic, effectively portraying the hectic rhythm of the kitchen and featuring rising talents such as John Cho, Jaime King, and Bonnie Sommerville. Unfortunately, it ran for just one season, but Cooper’s performance is outstanding, and it’s evident that many elements reminiscent of The Bear can be found in this overlooked gem of a series.

Kitchen Confidential is streaming on Hulu.

Sweetbitter

This Starz television show centers around Tess, portrayed by Ella Purnell, who ventures to New York City and secures employment at an upscale eatery. The series is distinctive for depicting Tess’s initial affection for her work colleagues, later finding herself ensnared in their indulgent lifestyle. The first season may seem a bit choppy, whereas the second season refines things and presents some compelling character developments. Purnell delivers a solid performance, illustrating Tess transforming from naive to reckless yet still holding onto optimism for what’s ahead. The environment mirrors that of “The Bear” while offering intriguing character interactions, making it an enjoyable binge-watching experience.

Sweetbitter is streaming on Starz.

Feed the Beast

2016’s short-lived AMC series finds David Schwimmer and Jim Sturgess as lifelong buddies venturing into the business of opening a Greek restaurant together. Being that Schwimmer is on the path to recovery from addiction and Sturgess has a past as an ex-convict, they encounter various hurdles. However, their most significant obstacle arises when they unintentionally cross paths with a mobster who now demands a share in their establishment.

The series balances the restaurant dramedy with the crime thriller as well as the difficult friendship of the two leads. It’s an odd mix of genres that the actors manage to pull off pretty well. Sadly, it was canceled after one season on a cliffhanger but deserves a watch as it resembles The Bear in many ways. 

Feed the Beast is streaming on AMC+.

Julia

In the culinary world, Julia Child was more than just a chef; she was an admired figure. Sarah Lancashire skillfully portrays this icon, making her feel real. The story unfolds in 1961, when Child publishes her first successful cookbook and later secures her own TV show. David Hyde Pierce delivers a convincing performance as her husband, who initially supports her but eventually grapples with her growing success.

Lancashire skillfully captures the authentic essence of the Child, from her unique voice and mannerisms to her stylish handling of different cooking scenes. Her portrayal of her relationship with her husband is convincing, as well as the struggles Child faced in establishing herself against skeptical TV executives and elite chefs. Despite only running for two seasons, this show serves as a fitting homage to the groundbreaking woman who revolutionized television cooking and remains an inspiration to aspiring chefs everywhere.

Julia is streaming on MAX.

Raw

This less-known Irish television show revolves around a restaurant in Dublin as its title suggests. It begins with a new chef discovering that the co-owner has left town following an argument with gangsters, and his wife is forced to step into the role of manager. The second season introduces a new owner and direction, but the staff remains the same, frequently clashing among themselves. What sets this show apart is its Dublin backdrop and its intriguing characters, making it an excellent choice for viewers who appreciate complex family dramas centered on a restaurant.

Raw is streaming on Tubi

Boiling Point

Based on the 2021 film of the same title, this 2023 British series from writer/director Philip Barantini is perfect for fans of Bear. The protagonist is a female head chef running her own restaurant who faces challenges, including a pompous chef and her ex-boss trying to re-enter the culinary scene.

The production of the show is brilliantly managed, effectively portraying the hectic atmosphere of a kitchen environment while also depicting the challenges faced in running a restaurant nowadays. The actors deliver commendable performances, including some intriguing love stories, and I eagerly anticipate a potential second season to keep the enjoyable journey going.

Boiling Point is streaming on Netflix.

Gentefied

This Netflix series offers an engaging portrayal of cultural conflicts within a family-owned Los Angeles taco shop. The story revolves around three Mexican-American cousins who are each pursuing their unique aspirations in the restaurant business. They desire to modernize the menu, decor, and concept to suit contemporary tastes, but their elders prefer preserving traditional values. The series deals with themes such as racism, class struggles, toxic masculinity, and more, infusing humor and emotion into its narrative. It’s a lively show that beautifully captures diverse cultures, even though the taco shop may not always take center stage. Instead, it serves as a charming setting for an exceptional exploration of immigrant life experiences.

Gentefied is streaming on Netflix.

Shameless

If you’re a fan of Jeremy Allen White and would like to see more of him in a Chicago-based setting, don’t miss his standout performance in this enduring Showtime comedy. In the series, he plays Lip, the second child of the eccentric Gallagher family, who is likely the most intelligent among them but grapples with alcohol issues. Throughout the show, Lip attempts to distance himself from his unruly family, only to find himself leading them instead, butting heads with sister Fiona (Emmy Rossum) and frequently intoxicated father Frank (William H. Macy).

Describing the series as merely explicit is an understatement; it delves into risqué territory, featuring Lip’s unconventional relationships, such as his tryst with his college professor (Sasha Alexander), and culminating in him becoming a father himself. The show serves as a wild, outrageous journey that solidified White’s potential for stardom in the future.

Shameless is streaming on Netflix.

Ramy

Prior to crafting “The Bear,” Christopher Storer demonstrated his talents in both producing and directing, earning acclaim for his work on the hit Hulu dramedy. Ramy Yousseff garnered a Golden Globe for his performance as the title character, a young man grappling with his identity as an American Muslim in contemporary society. It’s clear that several elements of the show, such as its intricate lead character, challenging family dynamics, and diner setting, have influenced “The Bear.”

The series is amazing, from acting to writing to some top guest stars like two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. It comes together into a wonderful package for one of the better dramedies around, and many of the actors later guest-starred on The Bear, showing how important Ramy was for that later series’ success.

Ramy is streaming on Hulu.

From Scratch

In a lush Italian backdrop, Zoe Saldana’s character Amy goes on vacation. She meets Lino, a chef, and the two quickly develop a connection. They get married, with Lino moving to Los Angeles to start his own restaurant. The series, which spans eight episodes, follows their romantic journey filled with highs and lows, including a challenging health issue they encounter together. This Netflix production has elements of a traditional romance movie but offers a more extended, detailed portrayal.

1. Italian meals are so captivating, they’ll inspire you to place an order right away. The chemistry between Saldana and Mastrandrea is exceptional, with a strong ensemble backing them up. Although it gets quite emotional towards the end, it’s done tastefully, and food serves as a powerful metaphor to create a heartwarming series for Bear fans to enjoy.

From Scratch is streaming on Netflix. 

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2024-09-01 01:28