FX surprised viewers with a new “The Bear” episode on Wednesday, and the standalone installment puts Richie and Mikey at the center of the story. Titled “Gary,” the episode is a flashback that follows Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Mikey, played by Jon Bernthal, during a work trip to Gary, Ind.
The episode is designed to deepen the audience’s view of their relationship. According to the official description, it explores “the two friends’ complicated relationship,” while also revealing new layers of Mikey’s mental state and giving “crucial insight” into Richie as viewers first meet him in Season 1.
A standalone chapter with direct creative input
Moss-Bachrach and Bernthal wrote the episode together, giving the flashback a personal creative stamp from both performers. Christopher Storer, who created the series, directed “Gary,” keeping the episode closely tied to the show’s established tone and visual style.
Moss-Bachrach also highlighted the release on Instagram and noted that “Gary” appears on Hulu as its own title rather than as part of the main “The Bear” catalog. That detail makes the episode feel like a special event release rather than a standard season entry.
Why the episode matters for the series
The new flashback adds emotional context that changes how the relationship between Richie and Mikey can be viewed from the start of the series. By showing a different side of Mikey and clarifying Richie’s early characterization, the episode gives long-time viewers more background on the emotional foundation of “The Bear.”
The timing also places “Gary” just ahead of Season 5, which does not yet have an official release date but is expected in June, in line with the show’s usual pattern. The series has released all previous seasons in June, making that month the expected window again.
There is also growing expectation that Season 5 could be the final season. FX and Storer have not commented publicly on that possibility, but recurring guest star Jamie Lee Curtis has said multiple times that the series is likely heading toward its end.
Creative team behind the series
Storer serves as executive producer on “The Bear” with Josh Senior, Joanna Calo, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson, Hiro Murai and Rene Gube. Courtney Storer works as co-executive producer and culinary producer, while FX Productions produces the series.
“Gary” adds a new layer to the show’s larger story by revisiting one of its most important relationships and framing it with input from the actors who portray it. As Season 5 approaches, the surprise episode gives viewers another reason to revisit Richie and Mikey’s history before the next chapter arrives.
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