The Bear released a surprise prequel episode on Wednesday (May 6) titled ‘Gary’, starring show regulars Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

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Centred around a work trip to Gary, Indiana, it follows the characters of Richie (Moss-Bachrach) and Mikey (Bernthal) in flashback, before the death of Mikey that sets up the events of the first season of the show.

An official synopsis promises the story of “the two friends’ complicated relationship, uncovering new layers of Mikey’s mental state while offering crucial insight into the man Richie is when audiences first meet him in Season One — adding emotional context that reframes their story from the very beginning.”

The episode dropped on Hulu in the US, and is available on Disney+ in the UK. The two actors have also recently starred together on Broadway, in an adaptation of the Al Pacino movie Dog Day Afternoon.

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Moss-Bachrach and Bernthal co-wrote the episode themselves, with series creator Christopher Storer directing.

Moss-Bachrach announced the episode on his Instagram, writing: “COUSINS! PRIMOS! CUGINI!!! Get ready for GARY!!!! We are so excited to finally share this little adventure with Richie and Mikey. Written by me and @jonnybernthal . Directed by the one Christopher Storer. Making this was a dream come true. Thank you to the beautiful people of Gary, Indiana and as always Chicago, Illinois.”

The Bear’s fourth season was released last year, with NME’s four star review concluding: “Like Carmy himself, The Bear’s fourth season returns bruised but improved. It may not be a return to its early greatness but this batch of slick, heartfelt episodes proves the show is still capable of delivering some delicious drama.”

In March, it was confirmed that the fifth season of The Bear will be the last, following star Jamie Lee Curtis hinting at the show’s conclusion in a post on Instagram.