The Bear Season 4: Why did this season had the worst Rotten Tomatoes score than the previous? Possible reasons explored

With the simultaneous release of all ten episodes, The Bear Season 4 debuted on FX on Hulu on June 25, 2025. Along with returning showrunners Christopher Storer and Joanna Calo, Jeremy Allen White plays Carmy, a gifted chef who runs his late brother's sandwich store in Chicago.

In early 2025, Season 4 was finished, having been recorded concurrently with Season 3. Even though the new season was well-reviewed, the critical response was a little less fervent than in prior seasons, indicating a more muted reception.

With an emphasis on character development rather than mayhem, The Bear Season 4 concluded on a poignant note. Despite receiving high marks for performances, its slower pacing, softer tone, and disjointed narrative earned it the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score. Although the emotional depth still struck a chord with many, critics failed to capture the immediacy of previous seasons.

More about The Bear Season 4’s low Rotten Tomatoes score

The Bear Season 4 finished on a peaceful, emotional note, with a focus on character development rather than culinary turmoil, and episode 7, set at Richie's ex-wife Tiffany's wedding, brought the Berzattos together for a rare reunion.

Instead of tremendous tension, the episode had beautiful moments. These were like Carmy meeting his mother Donna again, a heartfelt sequence in which everyone consoles Richie's scared daughter, and a gentle reconnection between Claire and Carmy on the dance floor, and the episode stood out for its warmth, thoughtfulness, and depth.

Season 4 received merely 81%, the lowest Rotten Tomatoes review score for the series to date, despite these poignant moments. Compared to the previous seasons, which had almost flawless ratings, this is a significant decline. Critics had differing opinions about the season's overall structure and narrative decisions, despite the fact that many fans continued to praise the performances and poignant moments.

A big concern was the sluggish pace, and earlier seasons, particularly the first, relied on quick, high-stakes storytelling to reflect the stress of restaurant life, and Season 4 moved focus to quiet chats, personal problems, and emotional rehabilitation. While this added depth, it also made the show seem slower and less frantic, leaving some viewers feeling alienated.

The show's tone also shifted. Whereas previous seasons blended humor with anxiety-driven drama, this season focused more on comfort and reflection. While this reflects the characters' development, particularly Carmy's, critics believe it softens the show's distinct intensity. The kitchen stress and fast-paced energy that had distinguished The Bear were mostly absent.

The fractured storytelling was another concern brought up. Certain episodes, such as Sydney's professional choices or Richie's emotional struggles, mostly concentrated on single individuals and their personal journeys. Despite the excellent performances, reviewers pointed out that these side trips occasionally slowed down the main plot and gave the season a haphazard aspect.

The Bear Season 4 has a lot of positive aspects in spite of these problems. The characters' emotional development was handled with care, and the performance received high praise. Though it lacked the immediacy of previous seasons, the season nonetheless featured poignant moments and intelligent conversation.

Trending

Stay tuned to Soap Central for regular updates on daily soaps, TV shows, and movies.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback