The Bear shocks fans with secret Richie and Mikey prequel episode

The Bear releases surprise prequel episode Gary starring Richie and Mikey ahead of the season 5 premiere on Hulu

The Bear has surprised fans with an unexpected prequel episode titled “Gary”, released on Hulu ahead of its upcoming fifth season.

The hour-long special focuses on fan-favourite characters Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Mikey, played by Jon Bernthal, and is set before the events of the main series. The episode follows the pair on a trip to Gary, Indiana, offering a deeper look into their backstory and relationship dynamics.

Both Moss-Bachrach and Bernthal co-wrote the episode, while series creator Christopher Storer directed it. Moss-Bachrach announced the release on social media, describing the project as a passion-driven collaboration and thanking the communities of Gary, Indiana, and Chicago for their support during production.

The surprise release adds new momentum to the Emmy-winning series, which has built a reputation for blending intense kitchen drama with emotional character storytelling. The show has previously earned multiple awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and several acting wins across its ensemble cast.

The prequel arrives as anticipation builds for season five, which is expected to premiere in the summer. While FX has not officially confirmed the series ending, cast members and industry reports have suggested the upcoming season could serve as the final chapter.

Since its debut, The Bear has become one of FX’s most critically acclaimed shows, with its storytelling style and performances helping it secure more than 20 Emmy Awards across its run.

The release of “Gary” gives fans an early emotional return to the world of The Bear, while expanding the narrative ahead of the show’s next major chapter.