The Bear has returned for its fifth and final season, and while it's already making a splash on streaming, it's not quite the king of the hill. The FX drama, which dropped its last batch of episodes on June 25, 2026, has quickly climbed to become the second most-watched TV title on Disney+. But it's still trailing behind Not Suitable for Work, Mindy Kaling's workplace sitcom that premiered earlier in the month.
Despite some online trolling, The Bear Season 5 has been met with near-universal praise. It debuted with a perfect 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes (now at 98%), with many applauding the season for delivering an emotionally satisfying conclusion and returning to the tight, character-driven storytelling of its early episodes. Within just three days, the show surged to the #2 spot on Disney+, just behind Not Suitable for Work, which has held the top position for weeks since its June 2 premiere.
The competition between these two series is heating up. The Bear is currently dominating the American charts on both Hulu and Disney+, while Not Suitable for Work appears to be a major favorite in international territories. The coming days will likely see the two shows battle for that coveted #1 spot, especially as word-of-mouth spreads about The Bear's final season.
What's the Buzz About 'The Bear' Season 5?
Season 5 picks up the morning after the Season 4 finale, where Sydney, Richie, and Natalie learn that Carmy has quit the food industry and left the restaurant in their hands. With little funding and plenty of obstacles, the trio must come together for one final service in hopes of earning a Michelin star. Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Abby Elliott all return to reprise their roles in this emotional conclusion.
For fans who want to dive deeper into the season's highlights, check out our ranking of every episode in The Bear Season 5.
What Is 'Not Suitable for Work' About?
On the other side of the streaming battle, Not Suitable for Work follows five ambitious 20-somethings living in Manhattan as they navigate early career struggles and messy love lives. The post-collegiate comedy-drama centers on best friends and roommates AJ and Abby, who try to survive being neighbors with the guys from across the hall. The cast includes a reluctant medical student who quits to pursue acting, a nepo baby trying to break into cable news, and a co-worker with a crush. The debut season concluded six days ago and has yet to be renewed for a second season.
While The Bear is a critical darling, Not Suitable for Work has proven to be a streaming powerhouse, holding its #1 spot for weeks despite mixed reviews. It's a testament to Kaling's ability to create shows that resonate with a broad audience.
Both The Bear and Not Suitable for Work are available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. As the streaming wars continue, it's clear that both shows have found their audiences—but only one can be the top dog.
