https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-bear-surprise-prequel-episode-1236586465/

Titled “Gary,” the hourlong episode that dropped today features Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richie and Jon Bernthal’s Mikey on a trip to Gary, Indiana, before the events of the main series. (The episode searchable on Hulu under the episode title.) Moss-Bachrach and Bernthal are currently starring in the play adaptation Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcz8MK6Alhs). “COUSINS! PRIMOS! CUGINI!!! Get ready for GARY!!!! We are so excited to finally share this little adventure with Richie and Mikey,” Moss-Bachrach wrote on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DX9nYQ7tsMw/), adding that he co-wrote the episode with Bernthal with The Bear creator Christopher Storer directing. “Making this was a dream come true,” he wrote. “Thank you to the beautiful people of Gary, Indiana and as always Chicago, Illinois.” The Bear’s fifth and final season is expected to premiere this summer, possibly in June.

The Bear prequel is a reminder of when the show was good (https://www.tastingtable.com/2165655/the-bear-hulu-prequel-explained/)

The surprise The Bear prequel episode, titled "Gary," released in May 2026, features Richie and Mikey (Jon Bernthal) in a character-driven story set before the series began. Co-written by Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, it focus on their relationship, offering a raw, emotional narrative that critics feel highlights the show's core strength.

The Bear Made Richie Its Best Character Long Before the Prequel (https://www.cbr.com/hulu-the-bear-forks-richie-best-character/)

Well before the surprise prequel episode, "Gary", premiered on Hulu, The Bear cemented Richie as its greatest character with one perfect episode.