When FX’s dramedy series The Bear premiered in June 2022, it became an instant phenomenon. The tense, poignant, and often hilarious show took the world by storm and won the hearts of fans and critics alike with its earnest portrayal of Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto and his struggle to keep his late-brother’s sandwich shop The Beef alive. By the time season 2 premiered in summer 2023, audiences knew they were watching something special, and were hungry for a second helping.
From the witty one-liners and kitchen zingers to the tender, heartfelt moments between family, the writers of The Bear have worked their magic to make the characters feel real, even earning show-runner Christopher Storer the outstanding writing for a comedy series Emmy award in 2023.
Whether or not you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, the show has something for everyone. It juggles heavy topics like addiction, family trauma, and emotional bonds, while balancing the character’s desire to succeed in the culinary world. With Ayo Edebiri as newly-hired-partner-chef Sydney and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie, the de facto manager of the restaurant, the show’s ensemble cast deliver iconic lines that are already going down in TV history.
Are these quotes from The Bear proof that it’s a must-watch? Yes, chef. Thank you, chef. Do your favorite quotes from The Bear make the cut? Vote and let us know!
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1'It Would Be Weird To Work In A Restaurant And Not Completely Lose Your Mind.'
Who Said It: Sydney
The Episode: Season 1, Episode 8
If there’s any obvious takeaway from The Bear, it’s that kitchen life is stressful. From the literal heat to the fast-paced turnaround and high-volume demands, being a chef is no easy feat. While Sydney and Carmy are both passionate chefs, the season finale sees both characters facing the pressure of keeping the restaurant afloat and holding onto their sanity. This quote perfectly sums up how it feels to do something so stressful and so intense just because you love it.
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2'Do I Have Access To $500 Bucks? I Absolutely Do. I'm A 43-Year Old Man.'
Who Said It: Steven
The Episode: Season 2, Episode 6
Season 2, episode 6 introduces the audience to the rest of Carmy’s boisterous Italian family. With multiple guest stars including Jamie Lee Curtis, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, and John Mulaney, this tense episode quickly became a standout in the season among fans and critics. John Mulaney’s Steven is a hilarious addition, and the dinner table banter shown here is tense, biting, and brutal. This line provides a much-needed laugh among the tension, and shows just how deep the family trauma goes for the Berzattos.
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3'I Wanna Cook For People And Make Them Happy And Give Them The Best Bacon On Earth.'
Who Said It: Sydney
The Episode: Season 1, Episode 8
When Carmy and Sydney first meet as chefs in the restaurant, audiences know right away that they’re in for a great pairing. Sydney is a passionate, quiet-at-first chef who is familiar with Carmy’s past life in the culinary world. While Carmy is trying to make ends meet and get by, Sydney just wants to cook good food for people to make them happy. The dynamic between the two gives the show an emotional edge and the depth of their bond grows as the first season comes to a close.
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4'Trying To Fix The Restaurant Was Me Trying To Fix Whatever Was Happening With My Brother.'
Who Said It: Carmy
The Episode: Season 1, Episode 8
At the end of season 1, The Bear sees Carmy finding some much-needed closure with his brother Mikey’s death. Carmy comes to realize through Al-Anon that the reason he’s so obsessed with fixing the restaurant is because it’s all he has left of his brother, whose death has left everyone on the show with unresolved issues. This is Carmy’s moment of clarity, and he realizes that no matter what happens with the restaurant, it won’t bring his brother back or give him closure on his death.
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5'I Wear Suits Now.'
Who Said It: Richie
The Episode: Season 2, Episode 8
Richie is the character that brings much of the comic relief to the show through his outlook, and the end of season 2 sees him stepping into the role of manager at the new restaurant, aptly named the Bear. He is excited, and takes his duties seriously, as illustrated through his outfit and his new attitude. While it’s a funny line, this quote also highlights Richie’s commitment to the restaurant and his self-esteem boost from being a integral part of the business.
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6'You Can Spend All The Time In The World In Here, But If You Don’t Spend Enough Time Out There…'
Who Said It: Luca
The Episode: Season 2, Episode 4
Season 2 shows the Beef's pastry chef Marcus on an international journey to improve his craft. This episode, directed by Ramy Youssef, has Marcus in Copenhagen, studying under the famous chef Luca, played by Will Poulter. The episode is a standout as we see Marcus continuing to learn and grow as a chef while exploring a place that is unfamiliar and leaves him feeling vulnerable. As Luca tells him in this now-famous quote, you can’t be successful if you can’t balance your work with your life. Marcus is a dynamic character, as we watch him struggle with independence while caring for his sick and elderly mother.
Yes, chef?
