Can anyone explain to me what appeal "The Bear" has? Because I do not get it.

[Coventina]

I'm halfway through season 2, and my husband keeps insisting it's a great show and I'll start loving it.

All I experience is a bunch of toxic people screaming at each other all the time and it just depresses me.

What am I not getting?

[Uncle Joe]

1. Tell him to watch this bear instead "The Bear (1988)"

An orphan bear cub hooks up with an adult male as they try to dodge human hunters.

[captain queeg]

4. I remember that movie. I liked it but highly unlikely premise.

[OnlinePoker]

2. I watched an episode and a half. That was enough to know I didn't like it.

Same went for that show Fleabag. I guess I've gotten too old for those sorts of shows now and have lost my taste for them.

[Wuddles440]

9. +1

[SleeplessinSoCal]

3. Are you a foodie? It helps to be a foodie.

I marvel at the occasional guest star like Olivia Colman and John Mulaney. I got into it for the cooking. I agree that it's awfully toxic. But nowadays, what isn't? i.e. The White Lotus, Succession.

Friday is the last episode of A Gentleman in Moscow. Excellent TV viewing IMHO.

[Demobrat]

5. Someone told me I would like it

because I grew up in Chicago. My high school was mentioned on the show. That was as good as it got. I am not a foodie and hate to cook.

There is absolutely nothing interesting about close ups on cooking food.

[hlthe2b]

6. Acquired taste, I think... I watched it because I was curious about the lead actor, who appeared in "Shameless"

on Showtime some years ago. The Bear was just okay IMO-- admittedly I had some curiosity about cooking on the "highest levels" in restaurants (albeit I dislike cooking shows in general, being pretty much a "non-foodie." )

[AltairIV]

7. Gave up

Gave up on The Bear after episode 2, that show is populated by some of the most unlikable characters outside of those associated with TFG. I would however strongly recommend the new adaptation of Shogun.

[Joe Cool]

8. I agree

No idea why people like it. It's just not appealing.

[Auggie]

10. It's a realistic take on a struggling family restaurant and the eccentric personalities of those who work there

Helps if you worked in food or was close to someone who did. Mrs. Auggie owned a cafe and worked in a commercial kitchen. Looks like fun but it's a brutal business.

We love The Bear.

[bif]

11. I loved it.

But no amount of explaining why I enjoyed it will make you like it. Either you do or you don't.

[Voltaire2]

12. It's a great cast, good writing, and a fairly realistic

portrayal of the strange world of gourmet restaurants- the intense collective effort that goes into producing world class meals, and the brutal financial environment that occurs in.

[EarthAbides]

13. It's those blue eyes....

It's hard to explain and it's difficult to watch at times, but kind of rewarding in the end. The scenes where all the fighting go on are impressive in the fact that you wonder if it is all ad lib. Jamie Lee Curtis should get an award for her portrayal of the mom at Christmas dinner. Most of that must have been ad lib! It's interesting to watch the other characters growing and becoming better, but Carmy can barely keep his head above water. But his blue eyes are hypnotizing!

[Coventina]

14. I have to admit his eyes are arresting.

I wonder if they are digitally enhanced in some way?

I just wanted to slap everyone at that Christmas party. That was the episode that prompted my thread.
I had *started* to build some affection for some of the characters, and now I hate them all again.

I realize that it took place 5 years before the events of the series, but still.....

[intrepidity]

16. Lol, just watched the Christmas episode

and midway through thought: "Hmmm, I wonder if this episode inspired that DU post?"

That was a brutal episode. I can't even imagine being in a family like that.

But I adore Oliver Platt. And Bob Odenkirk.

Strongly dislike "Cousin" and the actor playing him. Disliked him from way back in "Girls" ugh.

So much to dislike about the show but I will keep watching lol.

[bif]

18. The Christmas episode was exhausting!

[intrepidity]

17. Spent that whole episode trying to decode family relationships

Didn't want to bother googling.

Best guesses? (family tree)

[Coventina]

15. I want to thank all of you for answering my questions.

I appreciate both those who agree and disagree with me.

All I had ever heard from family, friends, and critics was that the show seemed to be universally loved.

Now I understand that there is indeed a range of opinions out there.