Season 3 of "The Bear" set a new streaming record on Hulu with its premiere attracting 5.4 million viewers. This milestone marked the largest debut of any scripted series in Hulu's history, underscoring its popularity among streaming audiences.
Season 3 experienced a notable 24% increase in viewership during its initial four-day release period compared to Season 2. This growth reflects a continuing trend of expanding viewer interest in the series with each new season.
The strategic availability of "The Bear" on Disney+ alongside Hulu in the U.S. and on regular Disney+ accounts internationally contributed significantly to its robust viewership numbers. This multi-platform approach helped reach a broader audience base across different markets.
Continuing its strategy of releasing entire seasons at once, all 10 episodes of Season 3 were made available simultaneously. This approach caters to binge-watching habits among viewers, maximizing engagement and viewership metrics upfront.
Even before the release of Season 3, "The Bear" was renewed for a fourth season, indicating confidence in the show's ongoing popularity and viewer demand. Filming for the fourth season reportedly began concurrently with Season 3 production.
While earlier seasons of "The Bear" received glowing reviews from critics, Season 3 received a more mixed response. Critics noted an intensified focus on character development and themes, with some expressing concerns about pacing and character decisions.
Season 3 delved deeper into character dynamics, particularly highlighting the development of key figures like Carmy. Critics observed the exploration of personal growth and challenges faced by characters, contributing to the season's narrative depth.
Nielsen is scheduled to release official viewership ratings for "The Bear" approximately one month after its debut on July 25th. These ratings will provide further insights into the show's audience reach and engagement beyond initial streaming metrics.