‘The Bear’ And ‘Community’s Connection Runs Deeper Than Cameos

By Nicole Gallucci Twitter @nicolemichele5

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FX’s critically acclaimed series The Bear recently released its 10-episode second season, and in addition to tons more tension, culinary prowess, a stellar soundtrack, and quality character development, a chunk of fans were delighted to see even more references to Dan Harmon’s NBC sitcom, Community, this time around.

In Season 1, Community star Joel McHale made a surprise guest appearance through flashbacks as a New York City chef who used to berate and emotionally abuse Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) in the kitchen. Eagle-eyed fans also noticed a photo of Community star and Chicago native Danny Pudi hanging on the celebrity wall in The Original Beef of Chicagoland in Season 1, which could have seemed coincidental. But the nods didn’t stop there.

When Community‘s Gillian Jacobs appeared in Season 2 as Tiffany, Richie’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) ex-wife, fans of Greendale Community College’s finest friend group rightfully wondered if The Bear and Community shared a deeper connection. Those theories were essentially confirmed in Episode 9, when Richie told The Bear’s staff, “We’re gonna be streets ahead tonight,” a memorable, very specific reference to Community Season 1, Episode 21. It’s verbal wildfire! And, of course, McHale returned for a brief appearance in the Season 2 finale.

I know you don’t want to be streets behind on this. So what’s The Bear‘s connection to Community? Not only is The Bear creator Chris Storer a fan of the now off-air comedy, but he’s also a fan of its stars, specifically his long-time partner Gillian Jacobs.

“Chris Storer — who is the creator of The Bear — is the long-time partner of Gillian Jacobs — who played Britta on Community — so I’ve known him for a while,” McHale confirmed in a 2022 interview. “He’s tremendous. He’s one of those guys who’s always been in the game and in the mix. Everyone knows he’s really good, and then this just happened to be the thing that he made that exploded.”

Though Storer and Jacobs haven’t drawn much attention to their relationship over the years, the two have acknowledged each other in interviews, including Storer’s 2022 Throwing Fits podcast episode, during which he describes a date night at home with Jacobs, sharing they “usually make some form of Sunday pasta” as well as fish and more vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Whether audiences know Storer’s personal ties to the Community cast or not, they’re certainly picking up on (and enjoying!) the cameos and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout both seasons. For those impatiently awaiting a Community movie, The Bear Season 2 has been an unexpected treat. And people are already hoping for more Community crossovers down the line.

Will Danny Pudi appear in the flesh if The Bear returns for Season 3? Will Ken Jeong, Yvette Nicole Brown, or Alison Brie make appearances? Or will Donald Glover drop by The Bear, since the show’s executive producer Hiro Murai worked with Glover on Guava Island, Atlanta, and a number of Childish Gambino music videos? Only time will tell.

The Bear Season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.