For those who have been enraptured by the tantalizing world of ‘The Bear,’ a Hulu original series that has taken the world by storm, the wait for its third season probably feels unbearable. All ten episodes of the new season will premiere on Thursday, June 27th. This critically acclaimed show, which follows the life of Carmy Berzatto, a talented chef navigating the tumultuous waters of a family-owned sandwich shop in Chicago, has left viewers craving for more. Fear not, for we have curated a delectable menu of shows that promise to satiate your appetite for culinary adventures, familial dynamics, and high-stakes drama.
Table of Contents
1. ‘Industry’: A Feast for Ambition
If the breakneck pace and cutthroat ambition of ‘The Bear’ left you hungry for more, then ‘Industry’ should be your next indulgence. This HBO masterpiece delves into the lives of a group of young graduates vying for coveted positions at Pierpoint & Co., a prestigious London investment bank. Much like ‘The Bear,’ ‘Industry’ seamlessly intertwines the personal and professional, exploring how unresolved traumas and ambitions shape the way these individuals approach their work. With its captivating cast and a plot that ratchets up the tension with every episode, ‘Industry’ promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. ‘Shameless’: A Taste of Familiarity
For those who can’t get enough of Jeremy Allen White’s magnetic performance as Carmy, ‘Shameless’ offers a tantalizing glimpse into his acting prowess. In this long-running Showtime series, White portrays Lip Gallagher, the eldest son of a dysfunctional family living on the South Side of Chicago. Like Carmy, Lip is a character defined by his unwavering love for his family, explosive temper, and remarkable intelligence. As you immerse yourself in the Gallagher family’s struggles, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world that feels comfortingly familiar, yet distinctly compelling.
3. ‘This Is Going to Hurt’: A Serving of Intensity
If the high-pressure environment of a restaurant kitchen appeals to you, then ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ promises to deliver a dose of intensity that will leave you breathless. Based on Adam Kay’s memoir, this series takes you into the heart of an underfunded British hospital’s OB-GYN ward, where a fictionalized version of Kay grapples with the demands of his work and the toll it takes on his personal life. Like ‘The Bear,’ ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ operates at a breakneck pace, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic moments, showcasing the everyday tragedies that unfold in the lives of dedicated professionals.
4. ‘Ramy’: A Taste of Identity
Before helming ‘The Bear,’ director Christopher Storer lent his talents to ‘Ramy,’ a semi-autobiographical dramedy created by comedian Ramy Youssef. In this series, Youssef portrays Ramy Hassan, a first-generation Egyptian American grappling with the complexities of his identity as a Muslim and a millennial in modern-day America. While ‘Ramy’ may not match the frenetic pace of ‘The Bear,’ it offers a heartfelt exploration of faith, family, and the pursuit of purpose, themes that resonate deeply with fans of the Hulu hit.
5. ‘BEEF’: A Serving of Revenge
If the intensity and high-stakes drama of ‘The Bear’ left you craving for more, then ‘BEEF,’ a Netflix original, promises to deliver a satisfying dose of adrenaline-fueled entertainment. This dramedy follows two strangers, Danny Cho and Amy Lau, who become embroiled in a vengeful war after a minor road rage incident spirals out of control. With each act of retaliation escalating the consequences, ‘BEEF’ captures the exhilarating lengths to which these characters will go to inflict bad karma upon one another, mirroring the unwavering determination that drives the characters in ‘The Bear.’
6. ‘Sweetbitter’: A Taste of Behind-the-Scenes Drama
For those who relished the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of high-end restaurants that ‘The Bear’ provided, ‘Sweetbitter’ should be your next culinary indulgence. This Starz drama follows Tess, a young waitress navigating the chaotic and demanding environment of an upscale New York City restaurant. Like Carmy’s experiences at Noma, Tess’s journey offers a captivating exploration of the close-knit relationships that develop among co-workers in the culinary industry, as well as the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one’s passion.
7. ‘Julia’: A Taste of Culinary Pioneering
One of the most captivating aspects of ‘The Bear’ is the unwavering passion and enthusiasm that its characters exhibit for their craft. If this resonated with you, then ‘Julia’ promises to be a delightful addition to your viewing menu. Based on the life of legendary chef Julia Child, this series follows her journey from a young woman working for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II to becoming a culinary icon and television personality. ‘Julia’ celebrates Child’s determination to bring French cuisine to American households, showcasing the power of pursuing one’s dreams with unwavering dedication.
8. ‘Atlanta’: A Taste of Surrealism
While ‘Atlanta’ may not share the culinary theme of ‘The Bear,’ it offers a unique and compelling exploration of a man’s journey back to his roots, much like Carmy’s return to Chicago. Created by and starring Donald Glover, this critically acclaimed series follows the lives of two cousins, Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles and Earnest “Earn” Marks, as they navigate the vibrant and often surreal world of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. Like ‘The Bear,’ ‘Atlanta’ embraces a genre-defying storytelling format, seamlessly blending elements of surrealism, social commentary, and character-driven narratives, resulting in a viewing experience that is both thought-provoking and endlessly captivating.
With this curated selection of shows, your culinary cravings for drama, family dynamics, and high-stakes storytelling are sure to be satisfied. Indulge in these captivating narratives, and let them transport you to worlds that are as rich and flavorful as the dishes served at The Original Beef. Bon appétit!
