Season Three is the best season of the show and the later seasons suffer from trying to course correct from the negative reactions to it.
Season 3 and 4 were filmed together so they didn’t try to course correct at least that season. I think season 5 is a great wrap up of everything on the show and the penultimate episode is one of the best of the series.
It is the most plot-heavy season. The second-to-last episode is probably the best one of the bunch. It is overall a very safe season but I wouldn't call it bad.
I don't watch that many shows and the ones I do are usually pretty highly acclaimed so I am not a good judge on what is good vs. bad TV but I would put The Bear in that second tier. It isn't The Sopranos or Deadwood but I would put it next to stuff like The Americans or Breaking Bad.
Last thread bump for Emmy noms I swear. Best Comedy Best Actress in a Comedy - Ayo Guest Actor Comedy - Reiner Guest Actress in Comedy - JLC Directing for Comedy Shows lowest haul of it's run. No JAW, No Ebon, No Bernthal for guest actor. No Colon-Zayas. I know that season 4 was considered sub par by many but damn.
Gary was a good call because now it technically can get Anthology/TV movie noms too next year, where it might have a better chance.