The Bear

What’s it about?

Series about a young chef (Jeremy Allen White) from the world of fine dining who comes home to Chicago to run his family's Italian beef sandwich shop after the suicide of his older brother, who left behind debts, a rundown kitchen, and an unruly staff.

The facts

• Created by Christopher Storer
• English language with some Spanish dialogue
• Eight episodes, ~30 minutes each
• Starring Jeremy Allen White

Why did it get this rating?

This film was self-rated by Disney+. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Suicide themes

There is discussion about suicide, but the references aren’t detailed and the conversations hint at the emotional fallout from suicide. In episode one Carmy has flashbacks to seeing a covered body on a gurney in the morgue. In episode two one of the staff asks the restaurant manager what happened to the former owner. The restaurant manager says matter-of-fact ‘he shot himself in the head four months ago’ and doesn’t elaborate further.

Offensive language

In the high-pressure commercial kitchen environment swearing is used often for emphasis and as an outlet for stress. There are heated conversations between colleagues where the use of swearing is excessive. Common use of highly offensive language such as ‘f**k’ ‘c*nt’ and ‘m*therf*cker’.

Other things to note: Cruelty, smoking and addiction

Bullying in the workplace is shown through the pressure of the commercial kitchen environment. In one scene Carmy is seen in a New York kitchen with his boss whispering cruel comments in his ear about his shortcomings (real or imaginary) as a chef. This is shown as damaging, and hints at further storylines about workplace bullying and trauma to come.

There is brief discussion about addiction and attending Alcoholic Anonymous. Chefs are seen taking smoko breaks and smoking to relax from their stressful working environment.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• The Bear season 2 guide
• Is The Bear the most stressful show on TV? (NZ Herald)
• No show has better captured a toxic workplace than ‘The Bear’ (The Atlantic)