Episode 1
The Shut Down
23m
Defense cutbacks threaten Camp Hollister.
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 3 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Major Dad
Episode 2
Major Moonlighting
23m
The Major moonlights as an attendant at the service station Holowachuk manages.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Phil Buckman
Episode 3
Polly's Pen Pal
23m
Robin's smitten penpal, Lt. Vickers, arrives and learns she sent him a picture of Polly.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 4
A Few Good Men
23m
The Major is chosen to represent Camp Hollister on a calendar depicting ideal servicemen.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Lisa Albert
Episode 5
Poker Night
23m
General Craig orders his staff to have a night of fun to boost sagging morale.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 6
Anything You Can Do I Can Do Perky
23m
Gunny suspects the motives of the perky sergeant the General assigns to assist her.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Lorna Patterson
Episode 7
Educating Casey
23m
The Major and Polly succumb to the pressure when Casey is chosen to apply for an accelerated school, which means interviews and tests.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 8
Lady in Waiting
23m
When Elizabeth is hired as a waitress, Polly and the Major object to her provocative uniform (short, fluffy black dress, white apron and pig ears) which leads Elizabeth to organize a revolt at work.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 9
General Unrest
23m
The General moves in with the MacGillises when his wife throws him out.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 10
Steel Magnolia
23m
A lobbyist stages a protest over cutbacks in civilian personnel at the base.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Vicki Lawrence
Episode 11
On the Line
23m
The Marines take over for civilian employees who strike to protest cutbacks at the base.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Elmarie Wendel
Episode 12
The Shell Game
23m
A land developer's plan to build a mall on the site of Camp Hollister is thwarted by a nesting turtle.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Julie Payne
Episode 13
Who's That Blonde ?
23m
Gunny dyes her hair blond after the bill allowing women to be in combat fails; Lt. Holowachuk spruces up his "space."
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Lisa Albert
Episode 14
We've Got Trouble
23m
Lt. Holowachuk and Gunny get competitive at pool.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 15
Three's a Crowd
23m
Casey's new boyfriend likes hanging out with the Major.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 16
Three Angry Marines
23m
Gunny, Holowachuk, and the Major are assigned to a court-martial panel but have different opinions about the case.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Lance LeGault
Episode 17
Close Encounters
23m
The MacGillises participate in a marriage workshop during a weekend getaway.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Barney Martin, Kathleen Freeman, Bruce Jarchow
Episode 18
Base Desires
23m
The MacGillises vie with another family to be military family of the year.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Lane Davies, Linda Hart, Kriss Turner
Episode 19
When Gunny Talks
23m
Gunny gives successful investment tips to Elizabeth, who then becomes concerned only with making money.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 20
The L Word
23m
Elizabeth falls for her tutor; Gunny's beau says too much.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Eric Close
Episode 21
Sick Bay
23m
The Major writes an article on raising children for a bedridden Polly that doesn't sit well with her.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Episode 22
Charlotte's Web
23m
An "adopt-a-Marine" program pairs Holowachuk with a wild woman.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckWritten by Lisa Albert
Episode 23
The Noisy Drill Team
23m
Gen. Craig prepares the base for inspection by the closure committee.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Lee Wilkof, Maura Soden, Bob Amaral
Episode 24
In the Brick of Time
23mfinale
Polly prepares an upbeat documentary on Camp Hollister's closing.
Episode credits
Directed by Michael LembeckGuest stars Ruth Buzzi, Jon Cypher
Episode information updated Jul 23, 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