Beloved Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling makes a special guest appearance in “The Bear” Season 5, stepping into the show’s frantic kitchen chaos. The episode also spotlights how deeply the series’ creators lean on Windy City culture—and how Skilling’s decade
When Richie spots Tom Skilling standing in the middle of chaos, the moment lands like a perfect Chicago wink: “Cousin, Tom Skilling is here,” Richie announces in Episode 7. Carmy’s reaction is immediate and bewildered—“I have no clue who that is.”
Syd cuts through the confusion with a simple certainty. “I love him,” she says, capturing what many long-time Chicago natives already feel: Skilling isn’t just a familiar face in local weather coverage—he’s part of the city’s own storytelling.
Skilling’s presence comes at the peak of one of the series’ busiest days. Joining “Star Man” Dearborn on an episode that runs on frantic energy, the real-world weatherman experiences the restaurant’s “delicious courses” while remaining blissfully unaware of the nearby kitchen turmoil.
The casting choice isn’t random. Skilling has spent more than 45 years connected to Chicago television weather, beginning with his start at WGN-TV in 1978. He served as chief meteorologist on WGN Midday News for more than 30 years. building a reputation for in-depth reporting. enthusiasm. and the use of state-of-the-art technology. His WGN bio describes him as a leading authority on weather across the Chicagoland.
That deep tenure is rooted in a lifelong path. He began in radio at WKKD Radio in Aurora at age 14, then moved to his first television role at WLXT-Channel 60 at 18. From there, he dedicated nearly his entire teen and adult life to weather coverage.
Over the years, he accumulated accomplishments that go beyond day-to-day forecasts. He helped coordinate the Tribune Weather Center. He hosted a Tornado and Severe Storms Seminar at Fermilab for more than 38 years. and he has been the voice behind the Chicago Tribune’s “Ask Tom Why” weather column. In 2018, the Illinois Broadcasters Association recognized him as its Broadcast Pioneer.
After appearing on WGN for more than 45 years, Skilling retired in February 2024. Even so. he’s stayed in the public eye across the Chicagoland—speaking at events. posting about local weather on Facebook. and making occasional appearances on WGN to discuss severe weather events. In recent weeks, Chicago Reddit users have shared their own excitement, praising the familiarity and warmth he still brings.
The series’ Season 5 also leans into that kind of local specificity. “The Bear” included Skilling in the penultimate episode, using him as a cultural detail that feels earned—especially in a show that thrives on precision about the Windy City.
All eight episodes of the final season are available to binge on Hulu. The show also aired weekly episodes on FX through Aug. 6. It will continue airing on FX starting with two episodes on Thursday, June 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by weekly episodes through August 6.
Tom Skilling The Bear Season 5 Hulu FX WGN-TV Chicago meteorologist Jeremy Allen White Ayo Edebiri Ebon Moss-Bachrach