FX has released a surprise prequel episode of The Bear titled "Gary," and subsequently announced that the fifth and final season will premiere on June 25, 2025.
The episode, which focuses on characters Mikey and Richie, is available on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.
The hour-long special serves as a flashback, following cousins Richie and Mikey on a work trip to Gary, Indiana, before the events of Season One.
Episode Release and Content
The episode titled "Gary" was released as a surprise by FX on Hulu and Disney+. The narrative takes place before the events of Season One, which begins after Mikey's suicide. The episode explores the relationship between the two men and provides context for Mikey's mental state and Richie's character as first seen in the series.
Note: The episode is not listed in the main The Bear hub on Hulu; viewers must search for "Gary" to find it.
Production and Credits
The episode was co-written by actors Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal, both of whom have previously appeared together in Netflix's The Punisher and on Broadway in Dog Day Afternoon. The episode was directed by series creator Christopher Storer. Moss-Bachrach announced the episode on social media.
Season 5 Premiere Date and Details
FX has announced that the fifth and final season of The Bear will premiere on June 25, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
The season will be available on FX, Hulu, and internationally on Disney+, with all eight episodes released simultaneously at launch. On FX's linear channel, the first two episodes will air back-to-back, followed by weekly episodes.
Season 5 Synopsis
According to the official synopsis, Season 5 begins the morning after characters Sydney, Richie, and Natalie discover that Carmy has quit the food industry, leaving the restaurant to them. With no money, a potential sale, and a storm approaching, the team must work together for one final service in hopes of earning a Michelin star.
Cast and Production
The series stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Matty Matheson. Recurring roles include Ricky Staffieri, Oliver Platt, Will Poulter, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
The Bear is created by Christopher Storer, who executive produces alongside Josh Senior, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson, Hiro Murai, and Rene Gube. Courtney Storer serves as co-executive producer and culinary producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.
Awards
The first three seasons of The Bear have won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series for Season 1. Acting awards have been won by Moss-Bachrach, Curtis, White, Ayo Edebiri, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Jon Bernthal.