The Bearseason 4 won’t premiere until next year, but the2025 trailer for Disney+offers a glimpse at the coming episodes — andthey confirm the FX series will deliver on a dream character pairing. WhileThe Bear’s accurate portrayalof kitchen dynamics and its balance of comedy and drama contribute to the show’s success, its characters are its biggest draw. Their relationships with one another are the heart of the show, with duos like Carmy and Sydney or Richie and Natalie driving the drama, along with the more touching moments ofThe Bear.
And it seems we’ll be getting a much-anticipated pairing inThe Bearseason 4, at least if theDisney+footage is anything to judge by.There’s one character Sydney has yet to interact with in the FX series: Carmy and Natalie’s mother, Donna. It looks like that will change in the upcoming episodes, which is an exciting prospect for fans. A Sydney and Donna interaction has a lot of potential to shape the story going forward, so it’s great to know it’s finally happening.
Why Sydney & Donna Meeting In The Bear Season 4 Is So Exciting
The Disney+ trailer’s footage ofThe Bearseason 4 shows Sydney and Donna having a conversation about family, with Donna saying, “Sometimes your work family is closer to you than your family family.” It looks like a sweet moment between the two characters, and it finally delivers on a dynamic the show has yet to explore. Part of the reason Sydney meeting Carmy’s mother — and having this particular conversation with her — is so exciting is that this is the final step towards Sydney and Carmy really becoming found family.
The Bear’s Character Dynamic Is Great, But Season 4 Must Separate Carmy & Sydney
Carmy and Sydney’s complicated relationship is one of The Bear’s most interesting character dynamics, but it could hold Sydney back in season 4.
Most of the characters who work at The Bear have this history already, as their lives are intertwined through their actual families — and, of course, through Mikey. Sydney doesn’t have this connection, which makes her feel like an outsider at times. If she meets Carmy’s mother, she’ll come to truly understand her business partner better. She’ll also be more in the loop when it comes to the other characters' histories, and she’ll feel like an official member of their workplace family. This seems to be where season 4 is headed, andDonna is a great means of signaling it.
It’s clear Carmy isn’t open about his history, so it takes a certain level of trust to meet the entire Berzatto family.
It’s clear Carmy isn’t open about his history, so it takes a certain level of trust to meetthe entire Berzatto family. Needless to say,this is a huge step in the right direction for his relationship with Sydney. It also holds the potential for further drama, especially since this scene appears to be taking place at Tiff’s wedding. The attire and background suggest as much, so even if Donna isn’t the center of it this time, something interesting is bound to happen.
Sydney & Donna’s Meeting Could Help Shape The Bear Season 4’s Story (& Beyond)
This Could Be Why Sydney Chooses To Stay At The Restaurant
Beyond signaling a new closeness between Sydney and Carmy,Sydney’s interaction with Donna also promises to shapeThe Bearseason 4’s story.The Bearseason 3 endedwith Sydney debating leaving the restaurant, but her conversation with Donna could be the key to changing her mind. It’s clear Sydney is conflicted about the decision, and at least some of that stems from the relationships she’s built at The Bear. Donna’s words speak to that, driving home that one’s workplace family is an important piece of their career.
For a workplace TV show with a heavy focus on found family relationships, this would be a fitting turn for Sydney’s character.
It’s not clear if this is why Sydney will choose to stay in the end — or if she’ll even stay at all. However, for a workplace TV show with a heavy focus on found family relationships, this would be a fitting turn for her character. It would feel earned, and it would be a compelling way to have her make that choice. After all, any advice coming from someone at The Bear will be biased. A discussion with Donna, who’s an outsider to the restaurant, could catch Sydney off guard in a way that’s necessary.
Sydney & Donna’s Meeting Could Continue One Of The Bear’s Biggest Trends
This Scene Could Be From The Bear Season 4’s Next Big Episode
Sydney and Donna’s meeting inThe Bearseason 4 could also continue a trendthat started with Donna’s introduction back in season 2. Donna has only played a prominent role in two of the show’s episodes — and both of them became the standouts of their respective seasons. Donna’s first appearance takes place in season 2’s “Fishes,” which remainsThe Bear’s best episodeto date. This Christmas installment gives a glimpse of the Berzatto family’s dynamics, and it also gives more insight into Mikey. Jamie Lee Curtis' performance as Donna is a major highlight that drives the story forward.
The Bearseason 4 is confirmed for 2025, but a specific release date has yet to be revealed.
While Donna shows up briefly in the season 2 finale, her next big appearance is in the season 3 episode “Ice Chips.” Alongside “Napkins,” this is hailed as one of the strongest installments in a third season that’s otherwise a little underwhelming. It sees Natalie going into labor with no one but Donna to comfort her — a less-than-ideal situation given their history. It does show a better side of Donna though, and her appearance in season 4 could continue this trend. If Donna’s in it, this episode ofThe Bearseems likely to be another winner for the FX show.
