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12 Shows Like The Bear For Fans of Culinary and Workplace Drama

March 3, 2023
shows like the bear

The slice-of-life dramas have become overly saturated, but recently the incredible series The Bear has caught the attention of viewers for the heart-wrenching tale about a young man struggling with addiction and the consequences of his actions. The show is raw, powerful, and moving, leaving viewers in awe of White’s exceptional performance. If you enjoyed watching the show and are looking for more that can capture your attention in the same way, then this list of shows like The Bear is perfect for you. Have a look!

The Bear is set in the difficulties of the culinary world, the realities of a busy kitchen with real flesh and blood people. Jeremy Allen White delivers an outstanding performance as the troubled protagonist. The Bear’s a powerful and moving series about family, redemption, and the human experience. The show’s excellent writing, direction, and performances make it a must-watch for fans of drama and character-driven storytelling.

List of TV Shows Like The Bear

  1. The Chef Show
  2. Masterchef Australia
  3. Succession
  4. Sweetbitter
  5. Ramy
  6. This Is Going To Hurt
  7. Severance
  8. Shameless
  9. Breaking Bad
  10. Ozark
  11. Narcos
  12. Mindhunter

1. The Chef Show (2019)

The Chef Show is a popular cooking show on Netflix that features filmmaker Jon Favreau and celebrity chef Roy Choi. Jon was inspired by Choi’s tutelage for the movie Chef which gave birth to this travelogue journey. The heartwarming show mixes cooking, travel, and conversations about food and life where the duo create simple yet delicious dishes that are easy to replicate at home.

The show also features special guests, including chefs, food critics, and celebrities like Kevin Feige, Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland. The Chef Show is a fun and entertaining show that celebrates the joy of cooking and the culture of food. It’s a perfect show for anyone who loves food and wants to see shows like The Bear.

2. Masterchef Australia (2009)

MasterChef Australia is a popular reality TV show that revolves around a cooking competition. The show brings together home cooks from across the country and challenges them to create culinary masterpieces. Each episode presents a new challenge, where contestants have to use their skills, creativity, and knowledge of food to impress the judges. 

The show has a strong focus on quality ingredients, sustainable practices, and pushing boundaries in the kitchen. The contestants compete for a cash prize and the title of MasterChef Australia. This reality show captures the real pressures of working in a professional kitchen similar toThe Bear and provides hope to and inspiration to cooks around the world.

3. Succession (2018)

Succession is an American television series that revolves around the Roy family, a wealthy media conglomerate family, and their battle for control over the family business. The show delves into the power struggles, scandals, and betrayals within the family as they navigate through their corporate and personal lives. 

Created by Jesse Armstrong, this series features Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, and Sarah Snook, among others. The show has been praised for its sharp writing, engaging storyline, and top-notch performances. A masterpiece in the eyes of the fans, Succession is a must-watch for those interested in dark-comedy shows like The Bear.

4. Sweebitter (2018)

Sweetbitter is a coming-of-age story that follows Tess, a 22-year-old woman who moves to New York City to start a new life. Tess quickly lands a job at a prestigious restaurant, where she discovers a world of fine dining, intense competition, and romance.

As she navigates the complexities of her new job and relationships, Tess struggles to find her place in the restaurant industry and in her own life. Through the show’s vivid and immersive storytelling, viewers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, love, and loss as Tess learns to find her own voice and her own path in the big city. Sweetbitter is an engaging restaurant drama shows like The Bear.

5. Ramy (2019)

Ramy follows the life of Ramy Hassan, a first-generation Egyptian-American who is trying to find his place in the world. Ramy is a young and struggles with his identity as a Muslim and as an American. Like Carmy, he tries to navigate the complexities of his family while also pursuing his own desires and goals.

The show tackles issues such as generational differences, racial profiling, and the challenges of dating in a conservative society. Ramy provides a fresh perspective on the Muslim-American experience and has been praised for its authenticity and honesty. So, if you wish to see shows like The Bear that bring you the complex journey of a young person’s life, then this one is for you.

6. This Is Going to Hurt (2022)

This Is Going to Hurt is a gripping and poignant television show based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by British doctor Adam Kay. The show tells the story of Adam’s time working as a junior doctor in the National Health Service in the UK. It portrays the highs and lows of his medical career, from the first day of medical school to the long, grueling hours in the hospital ward.

The show takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, highlighting the challenges of the medical profession and the immense pressure on doctors to deliver the best possible care to patients. It’s a story of passion, dedication, and heartbreak that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. This Is Going to Hurt, like The Bear, moves at a fast pace and may switch quickly between comedy and drama, shedding focus on the minor tragedies that occur every day in the life of a working professional. Similar to shows like The Bear, This Is Going to Hurt is rated as one of the best shows of 2022, I highly recommend it to you.

7. Severance (2022)

Severance is a recently released series that has garnered a lot of attention for its unique take on workplace culture and its impact on employees. Set in the near future, Severance tells the story of Lumen Industries, a company that has developed a revolutionary technology to help people overcome their traumatic memories. 

The protagonist of the show is Adam (played by Adam Scott), a high-performing executive who is haunted by the loss of his girlfriend. He decides to try the technology developed by Lumen Industries, but things start to unravel when he discovers that the company has a dark side. Severance is a brilliant dark workplace series like The Bear.

8. Shameless (2011)

Shameless is a long-running TV series that concluded in 2021. Set in the South Side of Chicago, the show follows the Gallagher family as they navigate their way through poverty, addiction, and dysfunctional relationships. Featuring Jeremy Allen as Phillip “Lip” Gallagher, this show is known for its gritty and unapologetic portrayal of working-class life, as well as its complex and flawed characters.

Led by an outstanding cast that includes William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum, Shameless is known for its dark humour and realistic portrayal of social issues. It is considered a cult classic and one of the most groundbreaking shows of the past decade. Similar to shows like The Bear, Shameless is a great show for anyone interested in shows with Jeremy Allen.

9. Breaking Bad (2008)

Considered by viewers as one of the best shows on television, Breaking Bad follows the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling methamphetamine after he is diagnosed with cancer. As he becomes more involved in the world of drugs, Walt’s character transforms from a mild-mannered family man to a ruthless drug lord.

The series has some of the most exceptional writings, cinematography, and performances (particularly by lead actor Bryan Cranston). After watching series like The Bear if theword of drugs and addictions intruige you, then you should definitely consider Breaking Bad.

10. Ozark (2017)

Ozark is a gripping crime drama story of Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Much of the grim reality Ozark’s mirrors those of a series like The Bear.

While the show primarily focuses on the world of organized crime, it also delves into the inner turmoil and anxiety that Marty experiences. The show portrays Marty as a man who is constantly under pressure and struggling to keep his emotions in check, which is a poignant commentary on the impact of anxiety on individuals in high-stress situations.

11. Narcos (2015)

Narcos has gained a reputation for its gripping portrayal of the high-stress world of drug trafficking. The show is based on the true story of Pablo Escobar, a notorious Colombian drug lord, and the law enforcement officers who pursued him. 

Through its portrayal of the intense and dangerous world of drug trafficking, Narcos offers a commentary on the toll that high-stress environments can take on individuals. The show depicts the impact that this lifestyle has on both the traffickers and those tasked with bringing them to justice, making it another great series like The Bear for you to watch.

12. Mindhunter (2017)

Produced by the great David Fincher, the TV series Mindhunter explores the human psyche. The show is based on the true story of 2 FBI agents, John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker who revolutionized criminal profiling. Already seen this brilliant show? Check out our list of recommendations for shows like Mindhunter.

Mindhunter delves deep into the minds of serial killers, searching for their motivations and thought processes. The show is a commentary on the complexity of the mind and how understanding it can help us solve crimes. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in psychological dramas similar to series like The Bear.

Honourable Mentions 

Here are a few shows like The Bear that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out as well:

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Mr Robot
  3. Boardwalk Empire 
  4. The Sopranos
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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