In SHIFTER’s Best of 2025, our journalist roundtable, including Golden Globe Awards and Critics Choice Awards voters, and Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-Approved Critics, has named The Bear as SHIFTER’s Best TV Series.
Our process included a first round where our participating journalists completed a form where they could nominate the potential nominees. From the nomination form, a final voting form was created where our participating journalists voted on the winners from the list of nominees. The journalists completed the forms individually and were not able to see the other journalists’ answers.
Finalists: The Bear, Severance, The Studio, Abbott Elementary, The Diplomat

With nominations for Golden Globe nominations for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, FX’s The Bear has once again set itself apart as one of the leading TV series this awards season.
What sets itself apart from the pack is not only the performances and writing, but the dynamic between cast members. There’s clear off-screen family dynamic that radiates on screen.
The series is also artistic at times, especially in how it features food and the city of Chicago. The love for food and Chicago has been an ongoing theme throughout all the seasons.
The finale took an unexpected turn that may take the series and cast in a whole different direction, building anticipation for Season 5.
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