The Bear has faced its fair share of scrutiny regarding its classification as a comedy at the Emmys. Despite this, numerous humor-filled moments within the series undeniably establish its comedic credentials. The Emmys’ traditional categorization of shows as either comedies or dramas harkens back to earlier television models, where clear distinctions existed between half-hour and hour-long productions. Half-hour comedies typically featured outlandish characters, humorous storylines, and laugh tracks, while hour-long dramas delved into more profound themes and character complexities. However, the rise of streaming platforms has blurred these once-clear genre borders, leading to a broader interpretation of comedy and drama.
Take Succession, for instance—a razor-sharp satire of corporate America recognized as a drama despite its humor and absurdity, simply due to its hour-long episodes. Conversely, The Bear intricately dissects the emotional toll of a toxic workplace, yet gets labeled a comedy due to its half-hour runtime. Nevertheless, it positions itself intriguingly within the comedy genre through its genuinely funny scenes and character interactions.
10 Richie’s Humorous Encounter with a Nerd Mob
Season 1 begins with an unforgettable comedic moment in episode 1, titled “System.” When Carmy attempts to engage a group of LARP enthusiasts visiting the restaurant to play the retro arcade game Ballbreaker, he aims to boost sandwich sales. Chaos erupts when he attempts to regain control, only to be overrun. Suddenly, Richie intervenes dramatically, firing a gun into the air to announce: “Any of you incel, QAnon, 4chan, Snyder Cut motherf***ers wanna get outta line now!?”
This introduction effectively showcases Richie’s character. Although he might be lacking in restaurant knowledge, his street-savvy nature is invaluable. His comedic tirade against the nerd crowd quickly became a standout quote from the show, illustrating his knack for humor through astute yet exaggerated observations.
9 Sydney’s Perfectly Timed Deflection
In episode 3, “Brigade,” a moment of vulnerability between Carmy and Sydney leads to a brilliantly humorous twist. After Carmel’s attempt to connect with Sydney regarding his brother’s struggle with addiction during his AlAnon meeting, Sydney responds with, “…a little too personal, I think.” Ayo Edebiri’s impeccable deadpan delivery alongside Jeremy Allen White’s shocked expression amplifies the comedic effect, highlighting their still-embryonic friendship.
8 The Iconic Hot Dog Debate
In episode 4, “Dogs,” as Carmy and Richie cater a children’s birthday party, they encounter a delightful comedic clash between their usual abrasive banter and the innocent party atmosphere. One telling exchange occurs when Richie exclaims, “What kind of a**hole puts ketchup on a hot dog?” to which Carmy dryly replies, “A child, Richie.” This moment encapsulates their dynamic, showcasing Richie’s loudmouth nature contrasting with Carmy’s calm rationality.
7 Richie’s Comedic Revelation
In the eighth episode, “Braciole,” chaos ensues during a bachelor party at The Beef, culminating in a wild brawl. After a particularly alarming confrontation that leaves Richie waiting to learn if he’s charged with murder, he eventually receives the news that he’s only facing aggravated assault. His comedic sigh of relief following the drastic night of introspection results in a humorous return to his old self, skillfully juxtaposing dark themes with levity.
6 Pete’s Comedic Holiday Mishap
One of the standout episodes, “Fishes,” showcases the complicated emotions of a disruptive holiday. Donna Berzatto’s unpredictable behavior makes the Christmas dinner anything but merry. The humor peaks when Pete arrives with a tuna casserole, comically termed “the eighth fish” during their attempts at the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes, illustrating their family’s dysfunction through a well-meaning disaster. John Mulaney’s character succinctly captures the moment: “Hey, Pete, thanks for bringing the fish!”
5 Sugar’s Observational Humor During Apologies
Throughout season 2, The Beef undergoes a transformation, aiming to elevate its dining experience. In the episode “Bolognese,” during a rare moment of genuine responsibility, Richie apologizes sincerely to Sugar, but her request for witnesses to ensure the authenticity of his apology adds a humorous twist. The implication that no one would believe Richie’s accountability without witnesses cleverly juxtaposes sincerity with humor.
4 Carmy’s Refrigerator Fiasco
In the climactic episode “The Bear,” the restaurant finally reopens for a family and friends night following a series of comical setbacks. Amid the chaos, an unexpected disaster occurs when Carmy becomes trapped in the walk-in refrigerator, thanks to a broken door handle—a brilliant setup from earlier seasons. This scenario introduces a classic sitcom element, mixing humor with dramatic stakes as it leads to further emotional confrontations for Carmy.
3 Richie vs. Ceiling Mold
Episode 2, “Pasta,” highlights the blend of clever dialogue and physical comedy through a memorable gag with Richie. Faced with a mold issue within the establishment, he assures everyone that there’s no cause for alarm. The moment he pokes the ceiling, it collapses under the weight of dust and mold, landing hilariously atop him. This blend of slapstick humor illustrates the ongoing challenges the characters face in their transition to fine dining.
2 The Xanax Incident at the Birthday Party
A particularly memorable sequence unfolds in episode 4 when Carmy’s homemade Ecto cooler for the kids inadvertently gets spiked with Richie’s Xanax. The resulting chaos, as children start to pass out, highlights the show’s dark comedic tone. The absurdity peaks when Cicero reacts to the drugging with surprising indifference, encapsulating the series’ unique blend of humor and horror.
1 A Comedic Accident: Sydney Stabs Richie
In episode 7, “Review,” tension mounts as Richie reads a glowing review about the risotto that Sydney unexpectedly created. Instead of celebrating, Carmy reacts furiously over Syd’s decision to serve a dish not on the menu. Amid mounting chaos during a lunch rush, Sydney accidentally stabs Richie during an argument. Richie’s hilariously deadpan response, “I got stabbed!” perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of The Bear—a series that thrives on infusing chaos with humor.
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