Major Dad
Created by Richard C. Okie
On CBS
A warm, earnest family sitcom about a military officer navigating blended-family life, built on affection and gentle humor rather than conflict.
Major Dad is an American sitcom created by Richard C. Okie and John G. Stephens, developed by Earl Pomerantz, that originally ran from 1989 to 1993 on CBS, starring Gerald McRaney as Major John D. MacGillis and Shanna Reed as his wife Polly. The cast also includes Beverly Archer, Matt Mulhern, Jon Cypher, Marisa Ryan, Nicole Dubuc and Chelsea Hertford.
Questions people ask
Does Major Dad leave you hopeful? Yes, very. More hopeful than 92% of series.
Is Major Dad easy watching? Yes, very. More comforting than 91% of series.
Is Major Dad sad? Barely. Less sad than 88% of series.
Is Major Dad violent? Barely. Less violent than 78% of series.
Is Major Dad scary? Barely. Less frightening than 76% of series.
These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.
Cinnamon Score
How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
You have seen this shape before.
How unlike any other series this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
Ensemble
Like Major Dad
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Major Dad
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Major Dad, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Major Dad, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Major Dad, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
