The first set of reviews for The Bear Season 3 are out now, and the critics are not too ecstatic about the latest instalment. While the majority of critics have praised Season 3 for its acting performances, many have also criticised its plot for being “overstuffed” and “aimless.” In other words, we can say that the third chapter is not as impressive as its predecessors.
According to Indiewire, the third season suffers from unresolved plotlines and stagnant pace, but possesses “enough savory portions to satisfy loyal diners”.
‘The Bear’ Season 3 Still Cooks, but on a Low Simmer https://t.co/4kWkvR6Rvl
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) June 27, 2024
Rolling Stone’s review highlights several overstuffed episodes in Season 3. However, the platform praises the performances of Jeremy Allen White (Carmy), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie), and Ayo Edebiri (Sydney). The leading trio, along with the rest of the cast, deliver a captivating mix of intense and heartwarming moments. Despite the strong performances, Rolling Stone seems less impressed with the show’s “slew of real-chef cameos” and the overstuffed plotlines.
#TheBearFX S3 REVIEW:
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 28, 2024
Carmy, Sydney, Richie, and the gang bring as much heart, anxiety, and intensity as ever. Yet a slew of real-chef cameos, multiple Faks, and is-this-real-or-imaginary moments make these episodes feel slightly overstuffed.
More: https://t.co/q0c2AgrRnE pic.twitter.com/lqyLGVsiIe
IGN declares Season 3 “compulsively watchable”, and questions the showrunners’ decision to slow down its plot’s frantic pace. The platform also seems disappointed with the character arcs in the latest season, describing them as “jarring and confusing”.
Season 3 of The Bear remains a worthwhile watch thanks to its creative storytelling, exceptional performances, and a handful of character-centric episodes that allow supporting players to shine.
— IGN (@IGN) June 27, 2024
Our full review: https://t.co/ZLRWvc3xbV pic.twitter.com/qegpBM8qR7
Variety considered The Bear Season 3 a “step down” from the previous seasons in its review.
'The Bear' Takes a Step Down in an Aimless Season 3 That Leans Too Heavily on Star Power: TV Review https://t.co/Lrc6rIziNt
— Variety (@Variety) June 27, 2024
In its review, Vanity Fair declared the latest season as a “distracted” entry, with its central plotline getting weakened by too many shifts in “style and focus”.
Review: ‘The Bear’ is a distracted series, one whose diversions further weaken its central plotline.
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) June 27, 2024
🔗: https://t.co/Sfflzeb0vV pic.twitter.com/UknNDNxH9k
While the first reactions haven’t been overwhelmingly positive, the critical reception of The Bear Season 3 on Rotten Tomatoes paints a different picture. Currently, Season 3 boasts a “fresh” RT score of 94% based on over 50 certified critic reviews. However, the audience score (82%) suggests viewers aren’t quite as enthusiastic as the critics. There’s a chance the critic score might drop in the near future.
Catch all episodes of The Bear Season 3 on Disney+ Hotstar. Stay tuned for more updates.