Through three seasons of eligibility, FX’s The Bear has been nominated for 49 Primetime Emmys while taking home 21 trophies. The fourth season could add some nominations shortly after the debut of the fifth and final season. Our favorite chefs in the most chaotic kitchen atmosphere in TV history are winding down one of the most successful comedy series of our time. With the stakes never higher, the kitchen has to come together one last time to try to get that unattainable star.

The fifth and final season of The Bear picks up the morning after Head Chef Carmy informs Sydney, Richie, and Sugar that he is quitting the food industry and leaving the restaurant to them. With the threat of a sale due to no money and a storm on their way, the new partners have to get the group together one last time to achieve what could be their final service.

‘The Bear’ Season 5 Review

A person wearing an apron and headscarf stands in a dimly lit storage room with metal shelves, illuminated by blue lighting. — FX’s The Bear — “Soda” — Season 5, Episode 1 — Pictured: Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu. CR: FX

Carmy battled his past, imposter syndrome, and many other things in his battle to achieve both the heights of being a chef and that Michelin star. His journey is relatable to anyone chasing something they love. For me, I see a lot of my ride as a film critic and the often exhausting nature that comes along with chasing this dream. I always feel this nature of, Do I belong? Why am I still doing this? What is my end goal?

Over time, the consistent struggle of not attaining your goals led to putting you in a place of questions. For Carmy, it was his want to make that restaurant thrive and that star. For me, it’s always been chasing that Rotten Tomatoes certification and possibly even that full-time job in this space. You find success with the talents (being a head chef or part of Critics Choice), but when it comes to the end goal, you wonder at what point you should walk away.

A man with a beard and short hair stands indoors near a rain-streaked window, looking towards someone out of focus in the foreground. — FX’s The Bear — “Lamb — Season 5, Episode 2 — Pictured: Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard “Richie” Jerimovich. CR: FX

Carmy’s stepping back ruffled the feathers of everyone in the kitchen. However, the show must go on. Sydney is faced with having to run the kitchen with so much adversity sitting in her way that anyone would run if provided this opportunity. Instead, with the lack of supplies, understaffing, and a downpour, she steps up to the plate and takes The Bear to the next level.

I was a big fan of the last two seasons, but the one thing I wanted The Bear to do to close out the show was go back to what made this show special: being in the kitchen. The creators did just that. Each episode is packed with adrenaline that puts us in the middle of the kitchen. You feel the challenges that Sydney and the crew are forced to overcome, and that anxiety-inducing nature truly puts audiences on the edge of their seats.

The ensemble cast is what has always made this show special. Even characters like Neil, Marcus, and Chef Luca, who don’t have huge roles, play important parts in the stories of Sydney, Carmy, and Richie. Speaking of Sydney, as I mentioned with Carmy stepping back, this thrust Sydney to the forefront. Ayo Edebiri has always been great in the show, but my god, she has never been better than this season. Her ability to be vulnerable within this newfound leadership was transcended.

Is The Bear Season 5 Worth Watching?

Ultimately, The Bear Season 5 delivers a fitting ode to what made the series so great to begin with. While Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss Bachrach might be turning in their chef coats, we will never forget what they delivered for five seasons. The creators put us in the kitchen for one last adrenaline-filled service to bid farewell to The Bear.