The acclaimed culinary series, The Bear, made a comeback for its second season this summer, receiving rave reviews once again. However, it was the show’s first season that recently garnered 13 Emmy nominations, including one for outstanding comedy. Joanna Calo, who writes, runs, and directs the series alongside creator Christopher Storer, shares that they never intended to create a conventional comedy and were determined to make the show stand out in the crowded content landscape.
Calo explains, “Chris and I both felt that if we were going to add another show to the content heap, it needed to be different enough to be worth the internet space.” Their shared philosophy paid off, as The Bear has become the show of the summer for the second year in a row. Calo also mentions that she plans to start plotting a third season once the WGA strike concludes.
In a conversation with THR, Calo discusses her contribution to The Bear after reading Storer’s early scripts. She felt she could bring a structural perspective to enhance what was already there. Having learned a lot from working on BoJack Horseman, Calo wanted to focus on character and season arcs. She particularly noticed a special connection between the characters Carmy and Sydney and wanted to prioritize their relationship.
Calo expresses surprise at the internet’s obsession with Carmy and Sydney getting together. She explains that she initially suggested the idea, but Storer rejected it. However, she believes it is important to acknowledge that relationships are complicated and not always easily categorized, highlighting the messiness of real life.
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When discussing the show’s immersive and chaotic kitchen scenes, Calo mentions that it didn’t scare her or the team in the writers’ room. She credits Storer’s writing and understanding of kitchen environments for creating such a powerful and unsettling pilot episode. The intention was for viewers to experience what the characters were going through without the need for excessive explanations.
Calo shares that while some people were initially nervous about The Bear’s unique approach, she found the half-hour format creatively stimulating in the show’s second season. It allowed them to play with moments of silence, contrasting with the noise in the first season. The show is known for being selectively devastating, combining comedy with realistic portrayals of the highs and lows of the culinary industry.
When asked about establishing levity guardrails, Calo explains that they didn’t overthink it. They wanted to make things real and explore both the sad and humorous aspects of life. Comedy was often used as a way to deflect from addressing difficult subjects, adding depth to the characters and their stories.
Reflecting on the first season, Calo acknowledges that they discovered the fascination of incorporating true stories from chefs into the show. Opening a restaurant was portrayed as a challenging and dramatic experience that provided compelling narratives. They also realized the talent of their cast members and wanted to further develop their characters in the second season.
In season two, The Bear featured several A-list guest stars, and Calo explains that they had conversations about the pros and cons of such stunt casting. While they aimed to cast actors who could hold their own, it wasn’t all about fame. Energy and passion were essential factors. The addition of recognizable faces in flashbacks also added impact to the storytelling.
Regarding the season two finale, Calo reveals that they had considered different scenarios for Carmy’s departure. Ultimately, they wanted to give Sydney a chance to rise into power, and the idea of locking Carmy away in a freezer seemed fitting. This decision was inspired by the desire to punish Carmy for his joy while allowing Sydney to take charge.
Finally, Calo admits that she didn’t try the omelet that has caused a stir on the internet but plans to do so. She expresses her excitement for the future of The Bear and the stories they have yet to tell.
Ultimately, The Bear’s first season has left a lasting impression, paving the way for its successful return. With its unique approach to comedy and storytelling, the show continues to captivate audiences and earn critical acclaim. As Calo prepares for a potential third season, fans eagerly anticipate what new culinary adventures and emotional journeys lie ahead.
