Season 4 of The Bear may have garnered the poorest critical feedback to date, yet it has significantly gained popularity among viewers in comparison to Season 3, as reported by Rotten Tomatoes. Considering this, what lies ahead for the series? Will The Bear make a comeback for Season 5? And if it does, what fate awaits characters like Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Syd (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)? Here’s what we know up to this point, alongside some forecasts.

Is The Bear returning for Season 5?

Absolutely! FX revealed at the start of July that The Bear has been officially renewed for a fifth season, expected to premiere in 2016. “The Bear remains a global favorite among fans, and the reaction to this season—shown by extremely high viewership—has been as remarkable as any of its earlier seasons,” stated FX chairman John Landgraf in a press release. “Every year, Chris Storer, the producers, cast, and crew make The Bear one of the finest shows on television, and we are thrilled that they will proceed to narrate this extraordinary tale.”

What will The Bear Season 5 focus on?

Spoilers ahead!

While it’s challenging to know for sure, we can formulate some informed predictions. Season 4 wrapped up with the central characters in a position of uncertainty: Carmy decides to withdraw from the restaurant to concentrate on his personal journey, and Syd mentions she will only remain if Richie and Natalie (Abby Elliott) are included in the ownership agreements.

There’s also the dilemma of the restaurant’s lack of profitability, although the prospect of earning a Michelin star and expanding The Beef sandwich shop—thanks to Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) and guest star Rob Reiner—might provide a lifeline.

As noted in our Season 4 finale breakdown, we speculate that the restaurant will continue to encounter obstacles in Season 5 while Carmy takes a break from being a chef to prioritize his personal development.

All seasons of The Bear are currently available for streaming on Hulu.