The Bear returned for its third season, and while the show once again delivered some quality episodes, it also proved a harsh reality in the process. Having already produced two fantastic seasons, the award-winning show’s return split opinions as The Bear season 3’s low audience score contrasts with its high critical performance on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the mixed reception, The Bear still has some spectacular episodes that reminded me of why I fell in love with the series, and I have full belief that season 4 can return to top form and continue the show’s gripping story.

Season 3 still had some stand-out performances, such as Liza Colón-Zayas and Jon Bernthal in “Napkins” alongside Abby Elliot and Jamie Lee Curtis in “Ice Chips”, which reminded audiences of the heights The Bear can hit. Although there are some valid criticisms about season 3’s pacing and overall story progression, I still enjoyed watching the character arcs and relationships develop. The Bear season 3’s cliffhanger ending also set up an interesting future, but the latest installment also confirmed one harsh reality that can put one of the show’s biggest debates to bed.

The Bear Season 3 Proved The Show Is A Drama, Not A Comedy

The Bear Season 3’s Tone Was Even More Dramatic Than Usual

There has been debate over the years about whether The Bear is a drama or a comedy, but season 3 finally answered the question. While the series did provide some humorous moments in its latest 10 episodes, season 3 had an even more dramatic tone than usual. John Cena’s hilarious The Bear season 3 cameo alongside the usual fiery arguments provided me with plenty of laughter; however, I couldn’t help but notice the tone felt far more serious this time around, with the very first episode’s lack of jokes setting the tone for the season.

Tina’s solo episode focused far more on the emotional impact of her struggle to find work, and it quickly became one of the most popular episodes of the season. In addition, the finale also centered far more around the show’s drama than it did humor, proving The Bear leans far more into this element. Although the first two installments were full of stressful moments, season 3 embraces this even more and leaves less time for comedy. While I appreciate The Bear‘s ability to balance both genres, I can’t look at the show as anything other than a drama.

Carmy’s inability to address his mistakes and apologize to Claire is one of season 3’s biggest themes, but it’s not the only heavy storyline. Marcus also had to deal with the loss of his mother, Sydney struggled with Carmy’s lack of communication and accountability, while Richie tried to make peace with Tiffany’s engagement. These elements reveal how much The Bear relies on its tension and emotion, proving it’s a drama with humorous moments, rather than a dramatic comedy.

Why There Is Confusion About The Bear’s Genre

The Bear Has Won Awards In The Comedy Genre Despite Its Dramatic Nature

While most shows have pretty obvious genres, there is some slight confusion about where The Bear lies, mainly due to its award history. Some websites describe The Bear as a drama, while others describe it as a comedy, but despite its overall dramatic tone, the show won several awards for best comedy series. The Bear‘s 2024 awards streak was incredible as it dominated its category, making it the most successful show at the Emmys, but its decision to enter as a comedy show caused some disagreement about what genre the series belongs in.

Its dark humor features prominently and contributes hugely to the show’s popularity, but there is no denying it would have found less success if it competed for best drama. Succession‘s incredible reviews allowed it to swoop the drama categories, while The Bear won big in the comedy section at award ceremonies, giving them both deserved success. However, had the shows gone directly against one another, it would have caused far more competition.

The Bear may have run for best comedy as it had a better chance of winning prizes. Likewise, it could be down to the writers truly believing the show belongs in this category, but after season 3, I’m not convinced it’s the latter. Dark humor is undoubtedly a big part of The Bear‘s identity, but despite the confusion, the series has proven that the dramatic themes are far more significant than the jokes. While it needs both to make it so special, The Bear will always be a drama in my mind, regardless of what the awards shows say.

The Bear Still Deserves Its Success Regardless Of Its Genre

The Bear Is Still One Of The Best Shows On TV

Regardless of its genre, The Bear still deserves all the success it has accumulated so far. Its atmosphere, visuals, and relatable characters all combine to make the perfect recipe, resulting in an engaging and tense story. Each character provides a reason to root for them while simultaneously showing their flaws, making the constant arguing and disagreements understandable from each perspective. While the frequent clashes and contrasting personalities create The Bear‘s stressful tone, they are also the reason the show is so funny.

The central characters feel like a dysfunctional family, as everyone has a pivotal role, whether it be in the kitchen, the front of house, or behind the scenes. However, their personalities also have a crucial part in making the restaurant work and the show thrive, despite the continuous conflict. Even if season 3 was a slight dip from the usual standard, I still believe The Bear is one of the best shows on TV, and although I don’t agree that the show is a comedy, I’m glad it has accumulated so many awards and accolades.

as the series deserves it.