Episode 1
The People's Choice, pt. 1
23m
The visit of the Major's father, Jake, creates tension.
Where to watch Major Dad
TV series
Major Dad
1989NR4 seasons6.5 / 10
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.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Major Dad premiered September 17, 1989. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
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.
Season 4 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
The People's Choice, pt. 2
23m
Jake moves in with Lt. Holowachuk after a fight with the Major.
Where to watch Major DadEpisode 3
Here's Looking at You, Pol
23m
Revealing old photos of mayoral candidate Polly hit the papers.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Barry Gold
Episode 4
Catered Affair
23m
The Major must hire Elizabeth to cater a reception for a visiting general.
Episode credits
Directed by Mary Lou Belli
Episode 5
There's No Place Like Farlow
23m
Casey has a fever and Oz-like nightmares on Halloween.
Where to watch Major DadEpisode 6
The Election Show
23m
The Major takes a leave of absence and goes with Polly on the election trail when she runs for mayor.
Where to watch Major DadEpisode 7
Gunny's Veiled Threat
23m
Gunny joins the Secret Service and becomes a harem member to guard a visiting emir.
Episode credits
Written by Liz Sage
Episode 8
One for the Road
23m
Fearing a crash, Elizabeth won't drive her new car; Gen. Craig is on crutches and creating havoc with them.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 9
Blue Tenant Holowachuk
23m
Apartment manager Lt. Holowachuk backs a rent strike against the landlord: Gen. Craig.
Episode credits
Guest stars Meg Wyllie
Episode 10
Old Acquaintance
23m
A change in her college friends disturbs Polly.
Episode credits
Guest stars Sherman Howard
Episode 11
About Face
23m
Everyone jumps to conclusions about Gen. Craig's activities.
Episode credits
Guest stars Lois de Banzie
Episode 12
I'll Be Seeing You
23m
Polly is enlisted to be hostess of the '40s-themed USO ball, where new and old loves are sparked.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Liz SageGuest stars Kim Johnston Ulrich
Episode 13
Night School
23m
Gen. Craig and the Major go to night school.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Belita Moreno
Episode 14
Piano Lesson
23m
The Major is embarrassed about taking piano lessons.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Pamela Myers
Episode 15
Come Rain or Come Shine
23m
A corporate headhunter woos several marines.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Gregory Itzin
Episode 16
Colonel of Truth
23m
After being denied a promotion, the Major considers leaving the Marines.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Anita Morris
Episode 17
From Russia with Like
23m
The major and a visiting Russian officer compete.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Liz SageGuest stars David Hayter, Yakov Smirnoff
Episode 18
The Spell of Grease Paint
23m
Polly's role in a play opposite Lt. Holowachuk makes the Major jealous.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars George Hearn, Joe Bays
Episode 19
Gunny Gets Robbed
23m
Gunny's apartment is robbed.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Andrew Hill Newman
Episode 20
Conduct Unbecoming
23m
The Major suspects Robin's new boyfriend may be battered by his father, another major, despite denials from the family; Lt. Holowachuk tries to fill his basketball team but finds complications when Gen. Craig wants to play--and no one wants to guard him because he is the general.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Anne Bloom
Episode 21
General Disturbance
23m
General Craig is transferred to the White House.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Liz SageGuest stars William Dennis Hunt, Jeff Williams
Episode 22
Oops, a Daisy
23mfinale
Polly and the Major get in an arguement over his birthday gift to Casey, a Daisy rifle. But who eventually wins the fight?
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Maura Soden
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Available now in United States
What to watch instead
These shows are available now and closely match Major Dad.
More about Major Dad
Cast
Gerald McRaneyJohn D. MacGillis
Shanna ReedPollyanna 'Polly' Cooper MacGillis
Matt MulhernEugene Holowachuk
Whitney KershawMerilee Gunderson
Beverly ArcherAlva 'Gunny' Bricker
Marlon ArcheyByron James
Marisa RyanElizabeth Cooper MacGillis
Nicole DubucRobin Cooper MacGillisCredits
- Created by
- Richard C. Okie
- Written by
- Lisa Albert, Liz Sage, Janet Leahy, Jeffrey Stepakoff, Peter Garcia, Barry Gold
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 96
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
CBSUnited States
Themes
blended familymilitarysitcom