It feels like just yesterday that the nation was eagerly awaiting The Bear season 4, but merely one week after it dropped on Hulu, I fear we’ve all already binged it. It’s not our fault! They released all 10 episodes at the same time. What’s one supposed to do, watch it over a period of several weeks? I’m incapable of doing such a mature, healthy thing. There’s almost nothing I love more than watching Jeremy Allen White be hot and sexy The Bear, so I was immediately curious: Are we getting a fifth season of the culinary drama that they somehow try to claim is a comedy? I know I’m not ready for Jeremy and Irish Queen Ayo Edebiri to leave my screen.

Fortunately, FX confirmed a season 5 on July 1, so we can all breathe a sigh of relief. (I’ll admit, the ending of season 4 had me worried… It seemed rather final.) As we wait for the next episodes of this beautiful show, here’s everything to know about The Bear season 5, including the release date, cast, and plot.

The Bear Season 5: Release Date, Cast, Plot

When Is The Bear Season 5 Coming Out?

Image Credit: FX

According to Deadline, we can expect The Bear season 5 in 2026. Alrightie, that’s vague AF, but at least we won’t have to wait multiple years.

In a press release about the new season, FX Chairman John Landgraf said, “The Bear continues to be a fan favorite worldwide, and their response to this season — as seen through incredibly high viewership — has been as spectacular as any of its previous seasons.” He added, “Year in and year out, Chris Storer, the producers, cast and crew make The Bear one of the best shows on television, and we are excited that they will continue to tell this magnificent story.”

The Bear Season 5 Cast

Image Credit: Getty

No cast members have been confirmed yet for season 5, but I have concerns. Based on how season 4 ended, I’m not 100 percent sure that Jeremy is coming back?? I’m almost positive Ayo would return, and I’m guessing we could also expect Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie), Abby Elliott (Natalie), Lionel Boyce (Marcus), Liza Colón-Zayas (Tina), Edwin Lee Gibson, and Matty Matheson to come back. Pray for Jeremy, too.

What Will The Bear Season 5 Be About?

We don’t have any season 5 plot details yet, but season 4 ended on a pretty weird note — Carmy decides to leave the restaurant as soon as The Bear is stable (or gets a Michelin star). He tells Sydney that he doesn’t find joy or passion in cooking anymore, and he’s ready to retire. And when that convo happens, he’s already removed himself from the restaurant’s partnership agreement. Naturally, Sydney’s upset at first, but after processing the news, she agrees to lead the restaurant and wants Richie and Natalie as her partners.

Maybe season 5 will focus on Carmy’s last days with The Bear? Or maybe it’ll skip ahead and show Carmy’s next chapter and his friends and coworkers navigating the restaurant without him? We’ll have to wait and see.