Series end date and summary
The Bernie Mac Show concluded in April 2006 after five seasons on The WB. The timeline below outlines key milestones from premiere to finale, placing the end date in context with production, cast, and network shifts.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 14, 2001 | Series premiere on The WB | Launched the sitcom built around Bernie Mac’s stand-up persona and family comedy |
| 2002–2005 | Seasons 2–4 aired | Established the show’s voice, raised ratings, and introduced recurring characters |
| 2005–2006 | Season 5 (final season) aired | Moved to UPN after The WB–UPN merger; wrapped storylines before series close |
| Apr 2006 | Series finale aired | Marked the end of the regular run, though reunions and syndication followed |
Background and network journey
The Bernie Mac Show debuted on The WB in November 2001 and built a loyal audience through broad family humor rooted in Mac’s Chicago club background. In 2006, shifts in broadcast landscapes led the show to move from The WB to UPN for its final season. Understanding this network transition helps explain the timing and conditions around the finale.
The WB to UPN transition
When The WB and UPN closed to form The CW in 2006, several series migrated to UPN or ended. The Bernie Mac Show was among those that shifted to UPN for Season 5, allowing the series to complete its story under the new umbrella before concluding in spring 2006.
Key milestones and episode count
Across its run, The Bernie Mac Show delivered well over 100 episodes, balancing standalone jokes with serialized family dynamics. The following comparison frames its duration, output, and finale context against typical network sitcom patterns.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | November 14, 2001 | Network press logs |
| Finale date | April 2006 | Network schedules, trade reporting |
| Total seasons | 5 | Official series credits |
| Approximate episode count | 104–108 episodes | Industry databases (varies by counting method) |
| Primary networks | The WB (seasons 1–4), UPN (season 5) | Network announcements, renewal reports |
Notable cast and creative contributors
The series showcased Bernie Mac’s commanding comedic presence alongside ensemble work from regular cast members who helped sustain warmth and humor across multiple years. Producers and writers shaped the family-oriented storylines that defined the show’s identity and contributed to its multi-season run.
- Bernie Mac as Bernard ‘Bernie’ McCullough
- Regina King as Brenda Jenkins
- Camille Winbush as Bryana ‘Baby’ James
- Tonea Stewart as Aunt Helen
Reception and cultural footprint
The Bernie Mac Show earned praise for blending affable sitcom humor with heartfelt family moments. While it never reached top-tier national ratings, it maintained a devoted audience and remains a touchstone for wholesome, character-driven comedy. Syndication and streaming availability have helped the series retain visibility well beyond its original run.
Final season details and wrap-up
Season 5 aired on UPN and brought long-running plots toward closure in spring 2006. The decision to end the series at that point reflected a combination of creative completion, audience patterns, and network scheduling realities. The finale allowed the core family to reach a satisfying conclusion, establishing a clear endpoint that has held in retrospectives and later interviews.
Legacy and syndication
In the years since its finale, The Bernie Mac Show has remained available through reruns and digital platforms, continuing to find new viewers. Its mix of comedy and family focus ensures it endures as a recognizable, feel-good entry in early-2000s television.