Episode 1
Major Dad
24m
Polly writes a distressing article on the Marines. The Major sets out to prove her wrong, and they fall in love.
Episode credits
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Peggy Cass, Tim Thomerson
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 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Major Dad
Episode 2
Just Polly & Me, and the Kids Make Five
24m
The Major proposes, but Polly's daughters must approve.
Episode credits
Directed by Will Mackenzie
Episode 3
Rescue Mission
24m
Major Smiley, an old pal, tries to dissuade the Major from marriage.
Episode credits
Directed by Will MackenzieWritten by Janet LeahyGuest stars Dann Florek, Tim Thomerson
Episode 4
Wedding
24m
An alert on the base interrupts the Major and Polly's wedding day.
Episode credits
Directed by Will MackenzieGuest stars Bette Ford, Tim Thomerson
Episode 5
Wounded Flyboy and the Nurse Who Gave Him Reason to Live
24m
The Major and Polly have trouble finding time together because of their busy schedules.
Episode credits
Directed by Linda DayWritten by Lisa AlbertGuest stars Owen Bush
Episode 6
Twinkle
24m
Polly asks the Major to straighten things out when Elizabeth falls for Lt. Holowachuk.
Episode credits
Directed by Linda DayWritten by Jeffrey Stepakoff
Episode 7
Jane Wayne Day
24m
Polly endures a survival-training day for Marine wives.
Episode credits
Directed by Linda DayGuest stars Diane Delano
Episode 8
Robin's Awakening
24m
A long-distance chess match comes to town for the final battle and it turns out that a young teen sparks an interest in boys for Robin.
Episode credits
Guest stars Chris Demetral
Episode 10
Love Doctor
24m
Sgt. James decides to pursue a career as a radio personality instead of re-enlisting.
Where to watch Major DadEpisode 11
See the Hill ... Over the Hill
24m
The Major worries he may be over the hill and challenges a reluctant Holowachuk to a martial arts rematch.
Where to watch Major DadEpisode 12
Boxer Rebellion
24m
The Major and Polly disagree about the dress code at Elizabeth's school. The Major says change the schoolboard, and Polly says change the rules and she helps Elizabeth protest.
Episode credits
Guest stars Nan Martin
Episode 13
Discipline
24m
The Major and Polly think of how to punish Casey for losing one of The Major's medals.
Episode credits
Written by Jeffrey Stepakoff
Episode 14
Lemon
24m
Clashing lifestyles send the family to a counselor after the Major dumps the girls' dead pet bird.
Episode credits
Guest stars Lenny Wolpe
Episode 15
That Connell Woman
24m
An old girlfriend and Lt. Colonel has romantic designs on the Major.
Episode credits
Written by Lisa AlbertGuest stars Randee Heller
Episode 16
Jr.
24m
Polly has morning sickness and gives the Major hopes of fatherhood.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 17
Major Coach
24m
Hard feelings arise after Polly ask the Major to coach Robin's basketball team. Lt. Holowachuk buys an expensive camera from a beautiful woman and the Major suspects she is a con artist.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 18
Camp MacGillis
24m
The Major takes th family on a camping trip.
Episode credits
Written by Janet Leahy
Episode 19
Not with My Daughter You Don't
24m
The Major becomes an overprotective father when Elizabeth's new boyfriend Chip becomes more serious.
Episode credits
Guest stars Rod Brogan
Episode 20
Officer of the Day
24m
Lt. Holowachuk gets in trouble when he plans a secret country hoe-down birthday party for the Major.
Episode credits
Written by Lisa Albert
Episode 21
All Quiet on the Home Front, pt. 1
24m
The Major is put on alert for a top-secret mission
Episode credits
Written by Lisa Albert
Episode 22
All Quiet on the Home Front, pt. 2
24m
The Major's family welcomes him back, but he thinks they resent his job.
Where to watch Major DadEpisode 23
See the Bridge
24m
After returning safely from combat, Lt. Holowachuk craves danger.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 24
Standing Tall
24m
Casey takes the Major's advice on how to handle a bully.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Mimi Kennedy
Episode 25
Face the Music ... and Dance, pt. 1
24m
The Major takes a job offer to be transferred to Camp Hollister in Virginia.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Jeffrey StepakoffGuest stars Gary Grubbs
Episode 26
Face the Music ... and Dance, pt. 2
24mfinale
The Major decides to quite the Corps.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Lisa AlbertGuest stars Bob Hastings, Barry Pearl
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
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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