Substrate
culture

FX and Hulu Release Surprise Prequel Episode 'Gary' for 'The Bear' Series

FX and Hulu released a one-hour prequel episode titled 'Gary' for the series 'The Bear' on May 5, 2026. The episode, co-written by actors Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal, explores characters Richie and Mikey on a work trip to Gary, Indiana. It is available exclusively on Hulu, with Season 5 of the show expected in June 2026.

New York Post
DI
CU
3 sources·May 5, 5:16 PM(12 hrs ago)·1m read
|
FX and Hulu Release Surprise Prequel Episode 'Gary' for 'The Bear' Seriesupi.com
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.

FX and Hulu released a prequel episode titled 'Gary' for the series 'The Bear' on May 5, 2026. The one-hour episode follows characters Richie and Mikey on a work trip to Gary, Indiana. It explores the complicated relationship between the two friends, uncovering new layers of Mikey's mental state while offering insight into Richie's character as first met in Season 1 of 'The Bear'.

Post via X — linked by one of this story's sources.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal announced the episode 'Gary' on Instagram. The actors, who portray Richie and Mikey respectively, co-wrote the episode. In their joint post, they stated they 'are so excited to finally share this little adventure with Richie and Mikey,' according to the New York Post.

The episode adds emotional context that reframes the story from the beginning of 'The Bear'. It appears as its own show on Hulu, separate from 'The Bear' catalog. 'Gary' is exclusive to Hulu. Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for its basic plan with ads to watch 'Gary'.

99 per month after the trial. 99 per month. 99 per month for ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu.

To stream 'Gary,' users must search for it on the service, as it is not housed within 'The Bear's catalog. Season 5 of 'The Bear' is expected to premiere in June 2026.

Jamie Lee Curtis posted on Instagram indicating that Season 5 of 'The Bear' would be the end of the show. Neither FX nor the show's creator have commented on whether Season 5 will be the final one, but Curtis's post suggested it would conclude the series.

Key Facts

Release of 'Gary' episode
FX and Hulu released a prequel episode titled 'Gary' for 'The Bear' on May 5, 2026, co-written by Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal.
Episode content
The hour-long episode follows Richie and Mikey on a work trip to Gary, Indiana, exploring their relationship and adding context to the series.
Viewing options
Exclusive to Hulu with free trial and bundles starting at $12.99/month including Disney+.
Season 5 details
Expected premiere in June 2026, with Jamie Lee Curtis indicating it may be the final season.
Announcement
Actors announced the episode on Instagram, expressing excitement to share the adventure.

Story Timeline

6 events
  1. 2026-05-05

    FX and Hulu released the prequel episode 'Gary' for 'The Bear'.

    1 sourceNew York Post
  2. 2026-05-05

    Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal announced the episode 'Gary' on Instagram.

    1 sourceNew York Post
  3. 2026-06 (expected)

    Season 5 of 'The Bear' is expected to premiere.

    1 sourceNew York Post
  4. Undated (recent)

    Jamie Lee Curtis posted on Instagram indicating Season 5 would be the end of the show.

    1 sourceNew York Post
  5. Undated (prior to release)

    Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal co-wrote the episode 'Gary'.

    1 sourceNew York Post
  6. Undated (ongoing)

    Hulu offers 30-day free trial and various subscription plans for viewing 'Gary'.

    1 sourceNew York Post

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Potential boost in viewership for 'The Bear' ahead of Season 5 premiere.

  2. 02

    Enhanced character backstory influencing fan interpretations of the series.

  3. 03

    Increased subscriber interest in Hulu due to exclusive content release.

  4. 04

    Discussion around series conclusion based on Jamie Lee Curtis's post.

  5. 05

    Promotion of Disney+ bundles through Hulu content integration.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced3
Framing risk0/100 (low)
Confidence score62%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count255 words
PublishedMay 5, 2026, 5:16 PM
Bias signals removed4 across 4 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 4

Related Stories

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Earns $234 Million Globally Since April 29 Releasenews.google.com
culture4 hrs ago

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Earns $234 Million Globally Since April 29 Release

The sequel to the 2006 film generated $77 million in U.S. theaters and $157 million internationally. Production included an added fashion montage in Italy, and the Italian dub features returning voice actors. Meryl Streep expressed interest in Lady Gaga leading a potential third…

DI
PO
Wired
3 sources
13th NollywoodWeek Film Festival Underway in Paris with Voyage Thememanilatimes.net
culture18 hrs agoDeveloping

13th NollywoodWeek Film Festival Underway in Paris with Voyage Theme

The 13th edition of the NollywoodWeek Film Festival is taking place in Paris, featuring the theme of 'Voyage' that transports audiences to Nigeria and beyond. The Nollywood industry, valued at over $6 billion, is highlighted amid discussions of its growth and challenges. Festival…

France 24
1 source
MetFilm Sales Acquires Worldwide Rights to Mongolian Documentary 'Colors of White Rock' Ahead of Tribeca PremiereWhite House / Wikimedia (Public domain)
culture22 hrs agoDeveloping

MetFilm Sales Acquires Worldwide Rights to Mongolian Documentary 'Colors of White Rock' Ahead of Tribeca Premiere

London-based MetFilm Sales has secured worldwide sales rights to the debut feature documentary 'Colors of White Rock' by Mongolian filmmaker Khoroldorj Choijoovanchig. The film, set for its world premiere next month in the official documentary competition at the Tribeca Film Fest…

Variety
1 source