The Bear has always been subtle when it comes to romance, and with each passing season, new relationships have felt increasingly unlikely. That is largely because romance isn’t the central focus of the series. However, by the time the show reached Season 5, a vocal corner of The Bear fanbase was desperate for Carmen Berzatto and Sydney Adamu to cross the line from culinary partners to romantic lovers – even with the shadow of Carmy’s ex, Claire, looming. At the same time, we all wanted to see Richie finally find love and happiness with Jess.
Things unraveled quite ambiguously by the end of The Bear Season 5.
Carmy and Sydney Did Have a “Moment” In Season 5
Most of Season 5 focuses on one hectic, dangerous, and chaotic service. Following this nightmare shift, which culminated in a grandstanding Episode 7, Sydney and Carmy find a rare moment of peace the next morning with the beautiful sunlight shining through onto them. Absorbing what they’ve just achieved, the pair share a warm embrace.
The writers clearly did this on purpose for the SydCarmy shippers, but let’s be real – this was not a serious romantic tease. It only confirmed that these two are creative soulmates destined to remain platonic. The show ultimately highlights how a professional partnership between a man and a woman can be just as compelling to watch as a romance.
Despite all the online discourse, the writers could have easily given in and delivered a last-minute romance between them, but it wouldn’t have made any sense, and it would have felt cheap. In fact, I’ve never seen romantic chemistry between them. I’ve only ever seen two competitive chefs trying to achieve the golden status of a Michelin Star.
I also believe a romance would have devalued both of their character arcs. Carmy gave up his relationship after realizing he needed to figure himself out first, while Sydney’s journey has always been about establishing her own voice and leadership in the culinary world. Having her step in to “fix” Carmy would have completely derailed what the writing had already achieved.
So no, Carmy and Sydney do not kiss in the Season 5 finale, and the writers had the courage not to imply that they would. They made their platonic point, and that’s where they drew the line.
Richie and Jess Take Flight
The romance I was actually gunning for was Richie and Jess. As it turned out, Richie’s development as a man stood in stark contrast to Carmy’s stagnation between Seasons 3 and 5. Richie has worked on both his personal and professional life excellently, making him a standout character.
In Season 5, Richie and Jess grow closer, which Sydney cheekily notices and teases them about. Richie’s internal work – learning hospitality, wearing the suit, and finding his self-worth – didn’t just pave the way for an improved career path; it opened the door for a relationship with a genuine person. At the end of Season 5, Richie and Jess (whom we first met at the restaurant Ever) hold hands on their way to a plane to Japan. Richie is terrified of flying, and he is leaning on Jess for support.
Richie holding hands with Jess represents a healthy vulnerability that Carmy simply isn’t ready for yet. The story serves as a parallel between where Carmy needs to be and where Richie already is.
Richie and Jess showed their vulnerable side to each other in ‘The Bear’ Season 5 (Photo: Disney+)
Claire Is The One That Got Away for Carmy
One relationship I deeply supported – which also led to the most painful breakup of the series – was Claire Dunlap and Carmy. These two had undeniable chemistry and a deep understanding of one another. Yet, they never made a serious reconnection, despite Carmy’s attempts to fix the past.
At the end of Season 5, Claire briefly reappears at the final birthday party for Richie’s daughter. Carmy sees that Claire is happy, which brings him much-needed closure – another excellent plot choice by the writers. Carmy cannot be in a serious relationship until he learns to love himself and sort out his own mind. Claire represents what he could have, mirroring the happiness Richie has found with Jess.
Of course, all of these romantic beats remain open to interpretation, but the team behind The Bear respects the audience and clearly understands that we have brains. Apart from Richie and Jess, nothing of romantic significance progressed in Season 5 – and the show is better for it.
