FX Releases Surprise The Bear Prequel Episode "Gary"
The surprise episode offers a deep dive into the relationship between Mikey and Richie, exploring key backstory ahead of the series' final season.
Episode: "Gary"
"Gary" is an hour-long special flashback prequel that precedes the events of Season One. The episode follows Mikey (Jon Bernthal) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) on a work trip to Gary, Indiana.
The episode explores their relationship and provides crucial context for Mikey's mental state and Richie's character as first portrayed in the series' debut season.
Production and Credits
- Co-written by Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal
- Directed by series creator Christopher Storer
- Moss-Bachrach announced the episode's release on social media
Availability
The episode is not listed in the main The Bear hub on Hulu. Viewers must search for "Gary" to find it, where it appears as its own title.
Season 5 Premiere
FX announced that the fifth and final season of The Bear premiered on June 25 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on FX and Hulu, and on Disney+ internationally. All eight episodes were made available at launch.
The season begins the morning after characters Sydney, Richie, and Natalie discover that Carmy has quit the food industry. The restaurant faces financial difficulties, a potential sale, and a storm. The team works together for a final service in hopes of earning a Michelin star.
According to the series synopsis, the staff learns that "what makes a restaurant 'perfect' might not be the food, but the people."
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 the culinary producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.
Awards and Season Context
The first three seasons of The Bear have won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series for Season 1, as well as individual acting awards for cast members including Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jon Bernthal, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Finale Details
Reports regarding the season's status and finale details contain some conflicting information:
Release Timing: Reports on the release date for Season 5 varied, with some stating it was expected in June 2026 and others stating it premiered in June 2025. The premiere has been confirmed for June 25 on FX and Hulu.
Season Finale Content: In interviews, cast members stated that the finale (episode 508) does not include funerals, a "Red Wedding"-style event, aliens, major time jumps, or multiple endings. They confirmed the events of the series were not all a dream.
Series Conclusion: The series concluded with the fifth season. Actor Jeremy Allen White described the episode as "the end of The Bear."