Fans of the hit series The Bear are in for an early treat as FX announced an unexpected shift in the premiere schedule. Originally set for June 27, the show's third season made its debut on June 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, a full three hours ahead of its planned release. This early premiere wasn't limited to U.S. viewers; international fans were also able to join in on the excitement as the episodes simultaneously dropped on Disney+ in regions including the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Gibraltar, the Balkans, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Egypt, and various countries in the Middle East.
Series Rundown
The Bear, which launched in 2022, features Jeremy Allen White as Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a prodigious young chef who returns to Chicago to take over his family's sandwich shop following a tragic death in the family. In its third season, the show continues to follow Carmy and his team, Sydney and Richie, as they strive to transform their humble beef stand into a top-tier dining experience. The series brilliantly captures their journey towards culinary brilliance while testing the strength of their personal and professional relationships.
Season 3 also sees the return of familiar faces such as Oliver Platt and Molly Gordon, alongside Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Matty Matheson, who bring depth and intrigue to the expanding storyline. As the team pushes the boundaries of fine dining, they navigate the pressures and challenges that come with running a burgeoning restaurant, setting the stage for a season filled with drama, heart, and transformative moments.
With all 10 episodes now available for binge-watching on Hulu, The Bear Season 3 promises to deliver an immersive viewing experience that explores the highs and lows of culinary ambition and the enduring power of family and friendship.
Highlighted Marketing Strategy: This unexpected shift in the premiere schedule of FX's The Bear Season 3 is a strategic move that capitalizes on the show's growing popularity and the heightened anticipation around its return. By releasing the episodes ahead of schedule, FX cleverly generated buzz and maximized viewership during a peak viewing window. The simultaneous release across various countries via Disney+ further underscores the network's commitment to reaching a global audience, demonstrating an understanding of the digital era's demand for instant access.
Celebrating with Flavour
To celebrate the release of Season 3 of FX's The Bear, American Express has partnered with venues in New York and Chicago to offer fans unique, complimentary treats. In Chicago, enthusiasts are invited to Parson’s on Monday, July 1, from 3 PM to 8 PM, where they can enjoy Parson’s Banana Pudding and Parson’s X Appel’s Local Soda. Meanwhile, New York fans can visit The Wooly on Friday, June 28, between 1 PM and 6 PM to savour The Wooly’s Watermelon Basil Lemonade or The Wooly’s Pistachio and Rosewater Sticky Cinnamon Bun.
Beyond these city-specific treats, the American Express partnership also features FX's The Bear Tasting Kitchen Experience, which took place on Monday, June 24th. This exclusive event will be held at NeueHouse Hollywood, offering an immersive dining experience paired with a screening. Guests will enjoy a themed cocktail hour, a seat at the chef’s table for an exclusive dinner, and an advanced screening of the first two episodes of the new season. Designed for Global Dining Access by Resy members and their guests, the experience caters to just 50 attendees, making it a truly intimate celebration of the critically acclaimed series.
Culinary Arts Meet Television: A Synergistic Collaboration
American Express and Resy, in partnership with FX, are once again elevating the dining experience to celebrate the new season of FX's The Bear. Following the success of their collaboration for the show's second season—which featured a documentary-style series showcasing chef stories from diverse food hotspots in NYC, LA, and Miami—the partnership continues to build excitement around the series. This season, they take you behind the scenes at three of Chicago's top restaurants: Giant, Kasama, and Obélix, offering an inside look at their unique connections to the show. This ongoing collaboration seamlessly blends culinary arts with television, enhancing the viewer's engagement with both the series and the featured dining establishments.
Highlighted Marketing Strategy: The partnerships between American Express, Resy, and FX extend the culinary themes of The Bear into real-world experiences, bridging the gap between on-screen content and audience interaction. These collaborations offer fans-themed culinary events in major cities like New York and Chicago, transforming viewers into participants. These experiences not only enhance the show’s themes of culinary excellence and creativity but also create exclusive, memorable interactions that resonate with the urban, culturally savvy demographics of American Express and Resy's clientele.
A Toast to Creativity: Stella Artois’ Let’s Do Dinner Series
Anheuser-Busch is revitalizing the summer dining scene with the return of Stella Artois’ Let’s Do Dinner Series, offering unique culinary experiences throughout the season. This year's lineup includes notable collaborations such as Questlove’s Cheesesteak™ Diner and the Ludacris-hosted Stella Artois x Black Restaurant Week. Additionally, a standout event is the Stella Artois x FX’s The Bear, set to take place on June 20 in Los Angeles, California.
The event promises an evening where food and entertainment merge seamlessly, highlighting the synergy between Stella Artois and FX’s hit show, The Bear. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a "chaos menu," crafted by two chefs who bring their unique styles to create dishes inspired by the show’s characters, Carmy & Sydney. This culinary adventure coincides with the premiere of Season 3 of The Bear. The evening is designed to celebrate the art of food pairings and innovative cooking, mirroring the dynamic and creative essence of the series itself.
Highlighted Marketing Strategy: The integration of The Bear with Anheuser-Busch's Stella Artois’ Let’s Do Dinner Series further illustrates the effective use of cross-brand synergy. By associating with a popular TV show known for its culinary focus, Stella Artois enhances its brand perception as a supporter of unique dining experiences, thereby attracting an audience interested in upscale, experiential events.
The early release of The Bear Season 3 and its surrounding marketing initiatives showcase a masterclass in strategic promotion and audience engagement. From surprise premieres to culinary collaborations with top brands like American Express and Stella Artois, FX has crafted a campaign that extends the excitement from the screen into the real world. These innovative marketing tactics not only enhance the viewing experience but also forge a deeper connection with the audience, blending the art of storytelling with culinary mastery to create a truly immersive cultural phenomenon.
