Everyone is talking about Netflix’s “Dahmer”, Amazon’s “The Rings of Power” or “House of the Dragon” – but the biggest series pearl can currently be found on Disney+! No, we’re not talking about “Andor”, but “The Bear: King Of The Kitchen”!
When TV chef Jamie Oliver was young, so was I, and even then I bought all sorts of cookbooks from him, even though I didn’t even have my own kitchen yet. And yes, I’ve seen all the episodes of “Zu Tisch” on Arte, I love hanging out in the kitchen downstairs during “Downton Abbey” and I’ve cried during some episodes of “Chef’s Table” on Netflix. In short: I love good food, I love cooking and I love watching it.
But with the eight-part series “The Bear: King of the Kitchen” on Disney+, it wasn’t just the plot that appealed to me, but also lead actor Jeremy Allen White, who I had already taken to my heart forever after the first episode of “Shameless” (the US version). And what is it they say? The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, which is probably why “The Bear” is already one of the best new series of 2022 for me. By the way, season two has already been ordered!
THIS IS WHAT “THE BEAR: KING OF THE KITCHEN” IS ABOUT ON DISNEY+
The plot of “The Bear” is quickly explained and doesn’t sound particularly extraordinary at first. Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) is a young, gifted chef who has worked in the world’s most important kitchens. After the death of his brother, he inherits the family business, The Original Beef Of Chicagoland, a popular but rather run-down sandwich shop.
Carmy wants to get the place back on its feet and has to make some changes. The old-established kitchen crew, which includes his “cousin” Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), is not very enthusiastic about this. Conflict is inevitable, and Carmy quickly realises that he, too, must change if he wants to get the restaurant on track and not fall apart.
TEMPO, CAST AND STAR CUISINE IN THE DINER – A DECLARATION OF LOVE TO “THE BEAR “
“The Bear” has already been running on Disney+ since the beginning of October. The series is still a real insider tip, but it shouldn’t remain so. Because just like the really terrific-looking food that Carmy cooks, the story is really addictive. The eight half-hour episodes are finished in no time and afterwards you just want more.
The series by the still fairly unknown showrunner Christopher Storer captivates with its incredible pace, funny yet profound dialogue, quirky characters that never become ridiculous and a terrific cast with old and new great faces (as well as some surprising guest appearances). Every single person in this kitchen, I would love to have lunch with – preferably at the original Beef Of Chicagoland.
“The Bear” is so insanely fast, loud and hectic that I need a little breather after each episode and am thankful I never considered a career as a chef. Rarely have I felt a series so intensely – and I’m not just referring to the bone-headed job in the kitchen. The way the different crew members find each other in the team and learn to define and love work in a completely new way for themselves is also extraordinary and intoxicating. Everyone is likely to take something for life from this series.
