Major Dad

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  • TV-PG
  • 1989
  • 4 Seasons
  • 6.5  (3,129)

Major Dad was a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1989 to 1993. The show starred Gerald McRaney as Major John D. MacGillis, a Marine Corps officer who meets and falls in love with a divorced mother of three, Polly Cooper (Shanna Reed). The show centered around the challenges of MacGillis's new life as a stepfather and husband to Polly, who is a devout feminist and career woman. MacGillis is portrayed as an old-school military man with a strict sense of discipline, while Polly is a professional journalist who values her independence and works hard to balance work and family life.

The show's cast also included Beverly Archer as Gunnery Sergeant Alva Bricker, MacGillis's no-nonsense and sassy assistant. Jon Cypher played General Marcus C. Craig, MacGillis's commanding officer, who often visited the family at their home. Nicole Dubuc, Matt Mulhern, and Marisa Ryan played Polly's three children, Elizabeth, Robin, and Casey.

Throughout the show, MacGillis and Polly navigate the complexities of blending a military and civilian family, dealing with teenage angst, and maintaining their marriage. The show often explored issues relevant to the time, such as the Gulf War, women's rights, and the effects of military life on families.

The character of MacGillis was presented as a positive role model for both military personnel and fathers in general. While he was strict and traditional, he was also presented as a loving and caring husband and father who deeply cared for his family. The character of Polly, on the other hand, challenged traditional gender roles and provided a fresh perspective on family and work-life balance.

The show's humor was lighthearted and family-friendly, and the chemistry between the actors was palpable. Major Dad was a popular show during its run and was praised for its portrayal of a military family. The show was also notable for the participation of actual Marines as extras and advisers to ensure accurate depictions of military life.

In conclusion, Major Dad was a beloved sitcom that followed the challenges of a Marine Corps officer and his family as they adapted to military and civilian life. With a mix of humor, heart, and relevant social commentary, the show captured the essence of a family navigating modern American life.

Major Dad is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (96 episodes). The series first aired on September 17, 1989.

Major Dad
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Seasons
Oops, a Daisy
22. Oops, a Daisy
April 16, 1993
The Major and Polly (Gerald McRaney, Shanna Reed) clash when he gives Casey (Chelsea Hertford) his Red Ryder...
General Disturbance
21. General Disturbance
April 9, 1993
When Gen. Craig (Jon Cypher) is transferred to the White House, the Major and Gunny (Gerald McRaney, Beverly...
Conduct Unbecoming
20. Conduct Unbecoming
April 2, 1993
The Major (Gerald McRaney) tries to help Robin's (Nicole Dubuc) boyfriend (James Larson) when he learns the...
Gunny Gets Robbed
19. Gunny Gets Robbed
March 12, 1993
Gunny's (Beverly Archer) friends help her try to put her life back together after she is robbed. With Gerald...
The Spell of Grease Paint
18. The Spell of Grease Paint
March 5, 1993
The Major (Gerald McRaney) is jealous when Holowachuk (Matt Mulhern) has to do a love scene with Polly (Shanna...
From Russia with Like
17. From Russia with Like
February 19, 1993
Major MacGillis and a visiting Russian major (Gerald McRaney, Yakov Smirnoff) have difficulty forgetting their...
Colonel of Truth
16. Colonel of Truth
February 12, 1993
When the Major (Gerald McRaney) fails to be promoted to colonel, he considers leaving the Marine Corps. Guest...
Come Rain or Come Shine
15. Come Rain or Come Shine
February 5, 1993
A local disaster convinces the Major, Gunny, Gen. Craig and Holowachuk (Gerald McRaney, Beverly Archer, Jon...
Piano Lesson
14. Piano Lesson
January 29, 1993
When Polly (Shannon Reed) forces the Major (Gerald McRaney) to take piano lessons, he nearly misses the first...
Night School
13. Night School
January 22, 1993
The Major and the General (Gerald McRaney, Jon Cypher) sign up for the same class at a local college, much to...
I'll Be Seeing You
12. I'll Be Seeing You
January 15, 1993
Polly (Shanna Reed) is drafted into serving as hostess of a 1940s-themed USO ball at Camp Hollister. With...
About Face
11. About Face
January 8, 1993
When the General (Jon Cypher) receives mysterious phone calls from a woman, Holowachuk (Matt Mulhern) jumps to...
Old Acquaintance
10. Old Acquaintance
December 18, 1992
When two old college friends (guest stars Sherman Howard, Nancy Linari) arrive, Polly (Shanna Reed) has...
Blue Tenant Holowachuk
9. Blue Tenant Holowachuk
December 4, 1992
Apartment manager Holowachuk backs a rent strike against landlord Craig.
One for the Road
8. One for the Road
November 20, 1992
Elizabeth (Marisa Ryan) becomes afraid to drive her new convertible after a friend is in a car accident. Guest...
Gunny's Veiled Threat
7. Gunny's Veiled Threat
November 13, 1992
Gunny (Beverly Archer) works under cover in a harem to protect the visiting Emir of Katodd (guest star Harvey...
The Election Show
6. The Election Show
November 6, 1992
The Major (Gerald McRaney) goes on leave to accompany Polly (Shanna Reed) as she campaigns for mayor of...
There's No Place Like Farlow
5. There's No Place Like Farlow
October 30, 1992
While Casey (Chelsea Hertford) is home sick on Halloween, she dreams that everyone is a frightening monster....
Catered Affair
4. Catered Affair
October 23, 1992
Elizabeth (Marisa Ryan) persuades the Major (Gerald McRaney) to hire her to cater a reception for visiting...
Here's Looking at You, Pol
3. Here's Looking at You, Pol
October 16, 1992
Polly's (Shanna Reed) mayoral campaign is sidetracked when some revealing photos of her appear in the local...
The People's Choice, pt. 2
2. The People's Choice, pt. 2
October 2, 1992
Jake (guest star Brian Keith) becomes a roommate and father figure to Holowachuk (Matt Mulhern) after he and...
The People's Choice, pt. 1
1. The People's Choice, pt. 1
September 25, 1992
The Major's (Gerald McRaney) domineering father (guest star Brian Keith) pays a visit; Polly (Shanna Reed)...
Description
Where to Watch Major Dad
Major Dad is available for streaming on the UMS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Major Dad on demand at Netflix.
  • Premiere Date
    September 17, 1989
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (3,129)
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