Episode 1
Safe at First Base
24m
The Major adjusts to his new post at Camp Hollister, where the General's grandson takes pictures of Polly.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
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 2 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Major Dad
Episode 2
Welcome to Hollister
24m
The camp prepares for the Vice President's airplane refueling stop, which General Craig makes the Major in charge of.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 3
Get a Job
24m
Polly gets a job at a newspaper on the base, "The Bulldog," writing the human interest stories.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 4
The Goat
24m
A news story lies about her baseball team's playoff loss to Robin.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 5
First Anniversary
24m
Gunny baby-sits on the Major and Polly's first anniversary.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Paul Eiding
Episode 6
Wetting Down
24m
In opposition to Marine traditions, Holowachuk does not want alcohol at his wetting down to celebrate making 1st Lieutenant. The Major tries to find a solution.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 7
Infant-ry
24m
Casey goes overboard to get the Major's attention and becomes a mini-Marine.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Peter Garcia
Episode 8
Birthday Ball
24m
The major needs a guest of honor for a base celebration of the Corps' 215th anniversary, and Vice President Quayle responds to the invitation. It is also Elizabeth's 16th birthday, and she feels neglected.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 9
Wish You Were Here
24m
The Major tries to be spontaneous by taking the family on a last-minute trip to Hawaii.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 10
Love on the Run
24m
Lt. Holowachuk and his blind date make immediate wedding plans.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Janet Leahy
Episode 11
Operation Fun Run
24m
A hospital visit prevents the Major from completing a Navy Relief fund-raising project, so Gunny and Lt. Holowachuk must see it through.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Pamela Dunlap
Episode 12
Gift of the Major
24m
Casey's much-wanted toy goes to a needy child.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Lance Wilson-White
Episode 13
Flying Solo
24m
The Major anticipates a relaxing weekend when Polly takes the girls shopping.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 14
A Bird in the Hand
24m
The Major wants Gunny to express her anger after he accidentally destroys her favorite possession, a ceramic eagle once owned by the Corps' most decorated Marine.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 15
Learning to Drive
24m
During a driving lesson with the Major, Elizabeth hits the general's antique MG.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Lisa Albert
Episode 16
The Name is Over Here
24m
The Major and his family react to the start of the Persian Gulf War by settling a territorial dispute at home.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 17
Valentine's Day
24m
The Major is embarrassed by Polly's valentine tribute to him in the base newspaper when it reveals his romantic side in the article; Elizabeth finally agrees to a date with Jesse.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 18
Sins of the Father
24m
The Major tries to make amends for stealing a watch as a boy.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 19
The Possible Dream
24m
The officers organize a Marine talent show. The general, who no one thinks has talent, wants to perform and has to sing at the last minute; Robin runs for president of her student council.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 20
Private Affair
24m
Elizabeth's new beau is a practical-joking Marine the Major doesn't like.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 21
Polly's Choice
24m
Polly is asked to collaborate on a book with her former boyfriend, Evan Charters.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Jameson Parker
Episode 22
Silent Drill Team
24m
The Major realizes his dream of performing with the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Jack Wagner
Episode 23
Elmo Come Home
24m
Gunny reluctantly dog-sits a homeless puppy the Major hopes to adopt for Casey but becomes attached to it.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 24
Together
24mfinale
The Major is charged with writing a speech welcoming troops home from Saudi Arabia. He also decides he wants to adopt Polly's kids, but Elizabeth is reluctant.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
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