The Bernie Mac Show
The Bernie Mac Show is an American sitcom television series created by Larry Wilmore that aired on the Fox network from November 14, 2001, to April 14, 2006, spanning five seasons and 104 episodes.[1][2][3] The series stars comedian Bernie Mac as a fictionalized version of himself, portraying stand-up comic Bernie "Mac" McCullough, who reluctantly agrees to raise his drug-addicted sister's three children—teenager Vanessa, preteen Jordan, and young Bryana—alongside his wife Wanda after their mother enters rehabilitation.[1][4][5] Loosely inspired by Mac's own life and stand-up routines, the show blends humor with heartfelt family dynamics, often featuring Mac breaking the fourth wall to deliver his signature "Bernie Mac is the boss" monologues directly to the audience.[1][6] The main cast includes Kellita Smith as the level-headed Wanda McCullough, Camille Winbush as the sassy teenager Vanessa, Jeremy Suarez as the mischievous preteen Jordan, and Dee Dee Davis as the innocent young Bryana.[1][7] Critically acclaimed for its authentic depiction of African American family life and innovative comedy style, The Bernie Mac Show earned a Peabody Award in 2001 for its fresh take on parenting challenges.[7] It also secured two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (2002 and 2003), three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, a Golden Globe nomination for Mac in 2004, and a total of 32 awards across various honors.[8][9] The series remains notable for launching Mac into mainstream stardom and influencing subsequent family sitcoms with its bold, observational humor.[1][10]Synopsis
Premise
The Bernie Mac Show centers on Bernard "Bernie" McCullough, a successful stand-up comedian, and his wife Wanda, a business executive, who suddenly become the legal guardians of Bernie's three young relatives after his sister enters drug rehabilitation.[6] Set in a middle-class home on Chicago's South Side, the series explores the comedic and emotional upheavals as the couple adjusts to raising the children—niece Vanessa, nephew Jordan, and niece Bryana—in their previously child-free household.[11] This setup introduces ongoing clashes between Bernie's no-nonsense, disciplinarian approach and the kids' unpredictable behaviors, highlighting the challenges of blending urban-rooted family values with middle-class life.[12] Within the family structure, Bernie serves as the stern yet loving uncle figure, often resorting to tough love and humorous threats to maintain order, while Wanda provides a more nurturing, balanced perspective as the supportive spouse.[6] The children each bring distinct personalities that fuel the narrative: Vanessa, the eldest at around 13, exhibits rebellious sass and teenage independence, testing boundaries with her interests in boys and social status; Jordan, the middle child and only boy, displays offbeat intelligence and mischief through clever schemes; and Bryana, the youngest, embodies wide-eyed innocence and precocious demands, like wanting her own space.[11] These dynamics create a core tension around parenting in an African American household, emphasizing themes of discipline, generational gaps, and cultural identity amid everyday middle-class struggles.[12] The pilot episode establishes this foundation by depicting the initial decision to take in the children following the sister's rehab entry, with Bernie and Wanda navigating the immediate chaos of integrating the kids into their home—from unpacking belongings to enforcing house rules—while grappling with the permanence of their new roles.[6] Throughout the series, these elements underscore broader explorations of family resilience and the humor in cross-cultural adjustments within a stable, aspirational environment.[11] The narrative occasionally incorporates Bernie's direct-to-camera monologues to vent frustrations, adding a layer of confessional intimacy to the family conflicts.[12]Format and style
The Bernie Mac Show employed a distinctive comedic structure that blended elements of stand-up comedy with traditional sitcom storytelling, setting it apart from conventional multi-camera formats of the era.[11] The series utilized a single-camera setup to allow for more fluid, cinematic storytelling, enabling varied shooting angles and timelines that enhanced the realism of family interactions.[11] This approach eschewed a live studio audience and laugh track, opting instead for natural pacing that let Bernie Mac's performance drive the humor organically.[13] Episodes typically ran 22 minutes, following a straightforward narrative arc centered on weekly family conflicts that built to humorous resolutions while highlighting relatable domestic tensions.[11] A hallmark of the show's format was its opening stand-up monologues, where Bernie Mac would appear in his home den—a cozy, stage-like space resembling a personal lounge—directly addressing the audience as "America" with rants about the challenges of raising his sister's children.[11] These segments, delivered in Mac's signature gruff, observational style, often drew from real-life family anecdotes to preview the episode's central dilemma, establishing an intimate, confessional tone right from the start.[11] The den served as a recurring "stage" for these bits, complete with a signature armchair and minimal props, evoking the feel of a live comedy routine transplanted into a domestic setting.[11] Throughout each episode, frequent fourth-wall breaks amplified this blend of stand-up and narrative, with Mac turning to the camera for asides that provided wry commentary on unfolding events, frustrations with the kids, or his own parenting missteps.[11] These direct-to-audience moments created a mockumentary-like intimacy, allowing Mac to vent in character and underscore the show's theme of an exasperated uncle navigating chaos, much like a comedian working a tough crowd.[11] By interspersing these breaks amid the sitcom plot, the format seamlessly merged Mac's stand-up persona with the scripted family dynamics, making the audience feel like co-conspirators in his daily struggles.[11] The show's influences were rooted in Bernie Mac's established stand-up routines, which emphasized raw, unfiltered humor drawn from his experiences growing up on Chicago's South Side, adapted into a family-centric narrative.[14] Creator Larry Wilmore envisioned the series as a "Black Seinfeld," prioritizing authentic portrayals of Black family life that avoided stereotypes in favor of smart, observational comedy about everyday absurdities.[14] Wilmore's direction encouraged Mac's improvisational flair within scripted scenes, ensuring the humor felt genuine and reflective of real Black household dynamics without relying on clichés.[14] Visually, the series featured a warm, homey set design that evoked a comfortable middle-class home on Chicago's South Side, with earthy tones, cluttered living spaces, and personal touches like family photos to ground the comedy in cultural specificity.[11] The single-camera cinematography incorporated lingering shots and unconventional angles—such as overhead views during tense moments or close-ups on empty chairs symbolizing absence—to add emotional depth and a cinematic flair to the otherwise lighthearted proceedings.[11] This stylistic choice reinforced the show's Chicago roots, mirroring Mac's upbringing in a tight-knit, resilient community while maintaining an inviting atmosphere that drew viewers into the family's world.[11]Cast and characters
Main cast
Bernie Mac starred as Bernard "Bernie" McCullough, the show's protagonist and a stand-up comedian loosely based on himself, who reluctantly assumes guardianship of his sister's three children after she enters rehab, portraying a gruff yet deeply affectionate uncle who navigates family life with humor and heart.[1] His Emmy-nominated performance masterfully blended sharp comedic timing with moments of emotional vulnerability, earning him Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002 and 2003.[9] As the creator and star, Mac appeared in all 104 episodes, infusing the series with his signature stand-up style through direct-to-camera monologues.[15] Kellita Smith played Wanda McCullough, Bernie's intelligent and ambitious wife, a high-powered executive at AT&T who serves as the family's stabilizing force and voice of reason amid the chaos of raising the kids.[16] Her portrayal highlighted Wanda's poise, femininity, and occasional firmness, often counterbalancing Bernie's more impulsive approach to parenting while managing her demanding career.[17] Smith appeared in all 104 episodes, contributing to the show's depiction of a strong marital partnership.[15] Camille Winbush portrayed Vanessa "Nessa" Thomkins, the eldest niece and a sassy, rebellious teenager known for her sharp wit, independence, and frequent clashes with Bernie over her desire for autonomy.[18] Beginning her role at age 11, Winbush's performance showcased the character's tactical smarts and hidden talents, including musical abilities highlighted in select episodes, marking a significant step in her early acting career.[19] She appeared in all 104 episodes as part of the core ensemble.[15] Dee Dee Davis depicted Bryana "Baby Girl" Thomkins, the youngest niece, an innocent and naive child whose sweet demeanor often masked occasional bratty outbursts, endearing her to the family while prompting Bernie's overprotectiveness.[20] Davis's portrayal provided an early career breakthrough at age five, capturing the character's wide-eyed charm and role as the family's emotional anchor. She featured in all 104 episodes.[15] Jeremy Suarez embodied Jordan Thomkins, the middle child and only nephew, a street-smart yet academically gifted boy with mischievous tendencies, goofy personality, and notable comedic timing that often led to humorous family mishaps.[21] Starting the series at age 11, Suarez's energetic delivery emphasized Jordan's physical awkwardness contrasted with his quick reflexes and likability, enhancing the show's youthful dynamics.[22] He appeared in all 104 episodes.[15]Recurring cast
The recurring cast of The Bernie Mac Show featured several supporting actors who appeared in multiple episodes across the series' five seasons, contributing to subplots involving Bernie's social circle, the kids' school life, and neighborhood dynamics. These characters often served as comedic foils or added layers to the family's interactions without being part of the core ensemble. Reginald Ballard portrayed W.B., one of Bernie's longtime poker buddies and a frequent participant in the group's gatherings, appearing in 36 episodes from 2001 to 2006.[23] As an unmarried, laid-back friend, W.B. provided humorous contrast to Bernie's more authoritative persona during casual hangouts and occasional storylines exploring male camaraderie and life advice. Lombardo Boyar played Chuy, another poker companion and Bernie's neighbor, who brought cultural humor through his enthusiastic and sometimes misguided helpfulness around the house, featured in 34 episodes starting from season 1 (initially played by Carlos Mencia in the pilot).[23] Chuy's role highlighted neighborhood interactions and lighthearted conflicts, such as handyman mishaps, enriching the show's depiction of community ties.[24] Michael Ralph appeared as Kelly, the third member of Bernie's poker crew, a dependable but wisecracking friend who joined in on schemes and banter, with 33 episodes to his credit across the run.[23] Kelly's presence expanded subplots on adult friendships and occasional family meddling, often amplifying the comedy in group settings.[25] Wade Williams recurred as Father Cronin, the local priest who offered moral guidance and comic relief in family crises, appearing in 14 episodes from 2001 to 2005.[23] His character added depth to storylines involving faith, community events, and Bernie's reluctant involvement in church activities, portraying a supportive figure in the McCullough household's extended network.[26] Naya Rivera played Donna, Vanessa's school friend who appeared in 10 episodes spanning seasons 2 through 5, contributing to teen-focused arcs about friendship, crushes, and high school drama.[23] Donna's interactions helped develop Vanessa's character through relatable adolescent experiences, such as parties and peer pressures.[24] Ashley Monique Clark portrayed Teri, another friend of Vanessa's (and occasionally Bryana's), who featured in 6 episodes primarily in seasons 4 and 5 after a guest spot in season 3.[27] Teri supported subplots on sibling rivalries and social circles, bringing youthful energy to the kids' school and extracurricular storylines.[28] These recurring roles collectively broadened the show's world beyond the immediate family, emphasizing themes of extended support systems and everyday humor in Black middle-class life.Unseen characters
In The Bernie Mac Show, several characters are frequently referenced but never appear on screen, serving to deepen the family's backstory and emotional layers while enabling Bernie's direct-address monologues to explore themes of absence and resilience. The most central unseen character is Bernie's sister, Stacey Thomkins, the biological mother of Jordan, Vanessa, and Bryana, who is institutionalized in a rehabilitation facility due to drug addiction at the series' outset. Her prolonged absence creates ongoing guilt and tension within the household, as Bernie and Wanda navigate parenting her children, and she is alluded to in numerous episodes to highlight the challenges of surrogate family roles.[1] Another key off-screen figure is Mr. Thomkins, the children's biological father, who abandoned the family when Vanessa was five and Jordan was an infant and is currently imprisoned for shooting a man. His legacy influences plotlines involving the kids' sense of identity and paternal expectations, such as in the episode "Saving Sergeant Tompkins," where Bernie shares stories about him to foster Jordan's self-esteem.[29][30] Bernie's own father, often invoked as a grandfatherly presence in the narrative, represents an elder source of wisdom and comedic family anecdotes, particularly during Bernie's monologues recounting childhood lessons or mishaps. Additionally, passing references to Bernie's ex-girlfriends and professional contacts, like comedy club owners, provide humorous asides that enrich Bernie's character without requiring visual depiction. These unseen elements enhance the show's realism by implying a broader world beyond the main household and facilitate Bernie Mac's signature fourth-wall breaks to elaborate on familial lore and cultural insights.[31]Episodes
Series overview
The Bernie Mac Show ran for five seasons, comprising a total of 104 episodes. Season 1 aired 22 episodes from November 14, 2001, to May 15, 2002; Season 2 also featured 22 episodes from September 18, 2002, to May 14, 2003; Season 3 included 22 episodes from November 30, 2003, to June 29, 2004; Season 4 had 16 episodes from September 8, 2004, to April 8, 2005; and Season 5 consisted of 22 episodes from September 23, 2005, to April 14, 2006.[2] The series premiered mid-season in late 2001 on Fox and concluded in spring 2006, with several scheduling adjustments across its run, including a mid-season premiere for Season 3 and a mid-season break during Season 4 before resuming in January 2005.[2] These shifts reflected network programming decisions amid varying episode production and broadcast slots.[1] Thematically, the show initially emphasized Bernie McCullough's challenges in adjusting to sudden parenthood and establishing household rules with his niece and nephews, drawing from real-life family dynamics. As the series progressed, storylines evolved to explore teenage rebellion and social pressures faced by the older children, strains in Bernie and Wanda's marriage amid parenting demands, and the impact of Bernie's stand-up comedy career on family life.[32][33] High-profile guest stars, such as Chris Rock, appeared in select episodes to enhance comedic interactions and tie into Bernie's professional world, contributing to the show's blend of humor and cultural commentary without dominating the core family narrative.[34]Season 1 (2001–2002)
The first season consists of 22 episodes, which aired from November 14, 2001, to May 15, 2002. Production codes are in the format MAC-101 for the pilot, increasing sequentially. Directors and writers varied, with Michael Carrington directing several episodes and Larry Wilmore as the creator and frequent writer.[2][1]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Pilot" | November 14, 2001 | Bernie and Wanda agree to take in their sister's three children after she enters drug rehabilitation, leading Bernie to adjust to his new role as a parent. |
| 2 | 2 | "Now You Got It" | November 14, 2001 | Bernie falls ill on the day he planned to go to Las Vegas and ends up spending time with Bryana, who wants to watch cartoons. |
| 3 | 3 | "The Main Event" | November 21, 2001 | Bernie teaches Jordan how to stand up to a bully at school, but Jordan takes the lesson too far. |
| 4 | 4 | "Bernie Mac, Ladies Man" | November 28, 2001 | Wanda arranges a playdate for Bryana, but Bernie mistakes it for a social gathering and chats with the mothers, leading to misunderstandings. |
| 5 | 5 | "Saving Bernie Mac" | December 5, 2001 | The kids try to save allowance money to buy Bernie a birthday gift, but their efforts cause chaos in the house. |
| 6 | 6 | "Here to Stay" | December 12, 2001 | As the kids settle in, Bernie sets strict house rules to maintain order. |
| 7 | 7 | "A Christmas Story" | December 19, 2001 | The family prepares for Christmas, but the kids' desire for a puppy tests Bernie's patience. |
| 8 | 8 | "Starting School" | January 2, 2002 | Bernie enrolls the kids in different schools based on their needs and helps them prepare for the first day. |
| 9 | 9 | "Hot Hot Hot" | January 16, 2002 | A hot day leads to the AC breaking, causing tempers to flare among the family. |
| 10 | 10 | "Wanda's Week Off" | January 23, 2002 | Wanda takes a week off to bond with the kids, but Bernie worries about the dynamic changing. |
| 11 | 11 | "The King and I" | January 30, 2002 | Bernie notices Vanessa challenging his authority and tries to reassert control. |
| 12 | 12 | "Hall of Fame" | February 6, 2002 | Jordan joins the football team to win a trophy for Bernie's display case. |
| 13 | 13 | "Handle Your Business" | February 13, 2002 | After a scare with a robber, Bernie becomes overprotective of the family. |
| 14 | 14 | "Back in the Day" | February 20, 2002 | Bernie reflects on his age while dealing with the kids' energy. |
| 15 | 15 | "Lock Down" | March 6, 2002 | Bernie restricts the kids' TV and video games to focus on their studies. |
| 16 | 16 | "Mac 101" | March 27, 2002 | Bernie teaches the kids life lessons through his "Mac-isms." |
| 17 | 17 | "The Talk" | April 3, 2002 | Bernie gives Vanessa "the talk" about boys after she shows interest in one. |
| 18 | 18 | "Father Knows Best" | April 17, 2002 | Bernie interferes with Vanessa's pool party and deals with Jordan's new friends. |
| 19 | 19 | "The Sweet Life" | May 1, 2002 | The kids go on strike over chores and demand payment for their work. |
| 20 | 20 | "Kelly's Heroes" | May 8, 2002 | Bernie's friend Kelly moves in temporarily, helping with the kids but challenging Bernie's role. |
| 21 | 21 | "Sweet Home Chicago: Part 1" | May 15, 2002 | The family travels to Chicago for a relative's funeral, where Vanessa wants to see her mother. |
| 22 | 22 | "Sweet Home Chicago: Part 2" | May 15, 2002 | The trip to Chicago continues as Bernie shares stories from his past with the kids. |
Season 2 (2002–2003)
The second season has 22 episodes, airing from September 18, 2002, to May 14, 2003. Production codes continued from MAC-201. Common directors included Carrie Preston and writers like Steve Marshall.[2][35]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 1 | "Keep It on the Short Grass" | September 18, 2002 | Bernie participates in a charity golf tournament with celebrities, causing a PR mishap. |
| 24 | 2 | "Goodbye Dolly" | September 25, 2002 | Bernie fakes an illness to attend a basketball game with Jordan. |
| 25 | 3 | "Carfool" | October 30, 2002 | Carpool issues lead to Jordan being blackmailed by a classmate. |
| 26 | 4 | "Mac Local 137" | November 6, 2002 | The kids strike for better pay after doing extra chores. |
| 27 | 5 | "Welcome to the Jungle" | November 13, 2002 | Jordan's school project snake causes fights between him and Bryana. |
| 28 | 6 | "Bernie Mac Dance Party" | November 20, 2002 | Bernie hosts a dance party for the kids' school event. |
| 29 | 7 | "Tryptophan-tasy" | November 27, 2002 | Bernie has nightmares after overeating at Thanksgiving. |
| 30 | 8 | "The United Front" | December 4, 2002 | Bernie and Wanda try to present a united front in disciplining the kids. |
| 31 | 9 | "The Sweet Life" | December 11, 2002 | Bernie ignores doctor's orders to change his diet for high cholesterol. |
| 32 | 10 | "Sin Cup" | January 15, 2003 | The kids learn about sins from a priest and see Bernie as a sinner. |
| 33 | 11 | "Bernie Mac Rope-a-Dope" | February 5, 2003 | Bernie offends Wanda's boss at a dinner party.[36] |
| 34 | 12 | "Magic Jordan" | February 12, 2003 | Jordan uses magic tricks to impress a girl.[37] |
| 35 | 13 | "Raging Election" | February 26, 2003 | Bernie enlists India.Arie to help with Vanessa's talent show.[38] |
| 36 | 14 | "Leaving Los Angeles" | March 12, 2003 | Bernie skips a flight to take the kids to the movies, but they sneak out.[39] |
| 37 | 15 | "Pink Gold" | March 19, 2003 | Bernie hogs the spotlight with Chris Rock on The Tonight Show.[40] |
| 38 | 16 | "Chess Wars" | April 9, 2003 | Jordan plays chess with Bernie to earn permission for a paintball outing.[41] |
| 39 | 17 | "The Incredible Bulk" | April 16, 2003 | Bernie becomes addicted to bulk shopping at a warehouse.[42] |
| 40 | 18 | "Maid Man" | April 23, 2003 | The family hires a maid, but the kids abuse the privilege. |
| 41 | 19 | "Nut Job" | April 30, 2003 | Wanda's parents visit and take over the household. |
| 42 | 20 | "The Other Sister" | May 7, 2003 | The family deals with another relative's visit. |
| 43 | 21 | "Meet the Grandparents" | May 7, 2003 | Wanda's parents visit and take over the household.[43] |
| 44 | 22 | "For a Few Dollars More" | May 14, 2003 | Bernie tries to earn extra money through a scheme while reflecting on family finances. |
Season 3 (2003–2004)
Season 3 features 22 episodes, from November 30, 2003, to June 29, 2004. Production codes MAC-301 onward. Directors like Sam Anderson contributed, with stories by A.J. Allen.[2][44]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 1 | "Eye of the Tiger" | November 30, 2003 | Jordan trains for a boxing match under Bernie's guidance. |
| 46 | 2 | "Love Thy Nephew" | December 7, 2003 | Bernie deals with Jordan's crush on a neighbor. |
| 47 | 3 | "Road to Tradition" | December 14, 2003 | The family prepares for a holiday tradition. |
| 48 | 4 | "Laughing Matters" | December 21, 2003 | Bernie tries to make the kids laugh during a tough time. |
| 49 | 5 | "Hair Jordan" | January 4, 2004 | Jordan experiments with his hairstyle, causing concern. |
| 50 | 6 | "Love Bug" | January 11, 2004 | Vanessa gets her first boyfriend, prompting Bernie's protectiveness. |
| 51 | 7 | "It's a Wonderful Wife" | January 25, 2004 | Bernie appreciates Wanda more after a mishap. |
| 52 | 8 | "Family Reunion" | February 8, 2004 | The extended family gathers for a reunion. |
| 53 | 9 | "Droobie or Not Droobie" | February 15, 2004 | The kids discover marijuana and Bernie educates them. |
| 54 | 10 | "J-O-R-D-A-N Spells Funny" | February 22, 2004 | Jordan participates in a spelling bee. |
| 55 | 11 | "Make Room for Caddy" | March 7, 2004 | A family friend moves in temporarily. |
| 56 | 12 | "Saving Sergeant Tompkins" | March 14, 2004 | Bernie honors a war veteran friend. |
| 57 | 13 | "It's Mac-ademic" | March 22, 2004 | The kids' academic performance is reviewed. |
| 58 | 14 | "The Getaway" | March 29, 2004 | The family takes a road trip. |
| 59 | 15 | "Easy Rider" | April 5, 2004 | Bernie buys a motorcycle and teaches safety. |
| 60 | 16 | "Who's That Lady" | April 12, 2004 | Bernie mistakes a woman for someone else. |
| 61 | 17 | "Mac-Inations" | April 12, 2004 | Bernie deals with the kids' imaginations running wild. |
| 62 | 18 | "That Old Mac Magic" | April 26, 2004 | Jordan learns magic tricks from Bernie. |
| 63 | 19 | "The Talk" | April 26, 2004 | Bernie gives Jordan advice on relationships. |
| 64 | 20 | "Five Stages of Bryana" | June 15, 2004 | Bryana goes through emotional stages over a loss. |
| 65 | 21 | "Go Bernie, It's Your Birthday" | June 22, 2004 | The family celebrates Bernie's birthday. |
| 66 | 22 | "Thanksgiving" | June 29, 2004 | The family hosts Thanksgiving with mishaps. |
Season 4 (2004–2005)
Season 4 has 16 episodes, airing from September 8, 2004, to April 8, 2005, shortened due to scheduling. Production codes MAC-401. Writers included Warren Hutcherson.[2][45]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | 1 | "Big Brother" | September 8, 2004 | Bernie mentors a troubled teen. |
| 68 | 2 | "Stiff Upper Lip" | September 15, 2004 | Bernie teaches the kids to hide emotions. |
| 69 | 3 | "Being Bernie Mac" | September 22, 2004 | Bernie deals with a Bernie Mac impersonator. |
| 70 | 4 | "Mac Overdrive" | September 29, 2004 | The family gets a new car, leading to conflicts. |
| 71 | 5 | "My Privacy" | January 14, 2005 | Bernie tries to find privacy in his own home. |
| 72 | 6 | "Who Gives This Bride" | January 14, 2005 | Vanessa's cousin gets married, involving the family. |
| 73 | 7 | "Nerdy Mac" | January 21, 2005 | Bernie helps Jordan with schoolwork. |
| 74 | 8 | "Stone Nuts" | January 28, 2005 | The kids find Bernie's hidden snacks. |
| 75 | 9 | "Jack & Jacqueline" | February 4, 2005 | The family meets a couple like Jack and Jackie. |
| 76 | 10 | "Manchild in Vanessa Land" | February 11, 2005 | Vanessa dates an older boy. |
| 77 | 11 | "You Don't Know Squad" | February 18, 2005 | Jordan joins a dance squad. |
| 78 | 12 | "You Got Served" | February 25, 2005 | The family enters a dance competition. |
| 79 | 13 | "I Don't Wanna Be a Playa No More" | March 11, 2005 | Bernie gives up his playboy ways for family. |
| 80 | 14 | "The Big Picture" | March 18, 2005 | Bernie reflects on family photos and memories. |
| 81 | 15 | "The Music Mac" | April 1, 2005 | Bernie encourages the kids' musical talents. |
| 82 | 16 | "Walk Like a Man" | April 8, 2005 | Bernie teaches Jordan about manhood. |
Season 5 (2005–2006)
The final season includes 22 episodes, from September 23, 2005, to April 14, 2006. Production codes MAC-501. This season featured more guest stars and culminated in the series finale. Directors included Debbie Allen for some episodes.[2][46]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | Short summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83 | 1 | "Father Knows Best" | September 23, 2005 | Bernie asserts his fatherly authority over the kids. |
| 84 | 2 | "Wrestling with a Sticky Situation" | September 23, 2005 | Jordan gets involved in wrestling and a prank. |
| 85 | 3 | "Marathon Mac" | September 30, 2005 | Bernie trains for a marathon with Jordan. |
| 86 | 4 | "The Big Payback" | October 7, 2005 | The kids seek revenge on each other. |
| 87 | 5 | "Car Wars" | October 21, 2005 | Family conflicts arise over the car usage. |
| 88 | 6 | "Night of Terror" | October 28, 2005 | A storm causes a night of fear in the house. |
| 89 | 7 | "For Whom the Belt Tolls" | November 4, 2005 | Bernie uses discipline to teach responsibility. |
| 90 | 8 | "Pop Pop Goes the Weasel" | November 11, 2005 | The kids discover Bernie's old habits. |
| 91 | 9 | "Prison Break" | November 18, 2005 | Jordan feels trapped by rules and tries to escape. |
| 92 | 10 | "Some Church Bull" | December 2, 2005 | The family attends church with humorous results. |
| 93 | 11 | "Sorely Missed" | December 16, 2005 | Bernie misses a family member's presence. |
| 94 | 12 | "The Big Stink" | January 6, 2006 | A bad smell in the house leads to investigations. |
| 95 | 13 | "Love Was Around Before the Buzzard Was Here" | January 13, 2006 | Wanda deals with a past love. |
| 96 | 14 | "Detox" | February 3, 2006 | Bernie tries to detox from bad habits. |
| 97 | 15 | "The Ghost & Mrs. Mac" | February 10, 2006 | The family thinks the house is haunted. |
| 98 | 16 | "B-Mac's Not Here" | February 17, 2006 | Bernie takes a break from parenting. |
| 99 | 17 | "The Big Picture" | March 3, 2006 | The family plans a big event. |
| 100 | 18 | "Vanessa's Friends & Lovers" | March 10, 2006 | Vanessa navigates friendships and romance. |
| 101 | 19 | "The Money, the Car, the Ex-Wife" | March 17, 2006 | Bernie deals with an ex-wife issue. |
| 102 | 20 | "Spinning Wheels" | April 7, 2006 | The kids' carelessness causes trouble. |
| 103 | 21 | "Growing Pains" | April 14, 2006 | The family faces changes as the kids grow up. |
| 104 | 22 | "Bernie's Angels" (series finale) | April 14, 2006 | Bernie has a health scare, leading the family to reflect on their growth and bond together. |