The final season of The Bear is serving up more Chicago flavor, this time with a couple of familiar WGN faces.
WGN Chief Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory makes a brief cameo in the first episode of the show’s fifth and final season, while legendary Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling appears later in Episode 7 during one of the season’s more chaotic restaurant sequences.
Skilling’s cameo comes as the chefs believe they are serving a man they call “Star Man,” a potential Michelin-related presence whose arrival sends the kitchen into high alert.
“Cousin, Tom Skilling is here,” Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, tells the kitchen.
Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, answers with a very non-Chicago response: “I have no clue who that is.”
Sydney, played by Ayo Edebiri, immediately jumps in with the correction many Chicagoans would appreciate: “I love him.”
It is a small moment, but a very Chicago one.
Skilling, who joined WGN-TV in 1978, became one of the city’s most trusted and beloved media figures during a career that spanned more than 45 years. Known for his deep knowledge of the weather, enthusiasm, and detailed explanations, Skilling retired from WGN in February 2024, though he remains a visible and much-loved presence in Chicago.
Ivory, meanwhile, continues as WGN’s Chief Meteorologist, making his appearance another local nod in a series that has always leaned heavily into Chicago texture.
Since its debut, The Bear has used the city as more than a backdrop. From neighborhoods and restaurants to local media references, the Emmy-winning series has built much of its identity around Chicago specificity. The Skilling and Ivory cameos continue that tradition, giving local viewers a reason to point at the screen.
The legendary meteorologist posted a photo of himself and Christ Witaske, who plays Pete Katinsky, Sugar’s (Abby Elliott) husband.
The show’s final season is now streaming on Hulu. Episodes will also air weekly on FX through August 6.
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