The Bernie Mac Show (2001–2023) User Reviews

A Great Sitcom Plagued By Time Slot Changes

[hfan77 · 7/10 · 12 August 2008]

After years of sitcoms about dysfunctional families, Fox came up with a winner in The Bernie Mac Show. Even though it's a one camera comedy with no studio audience or laugh track, it's a sitcom I really enjoyed since the episodes usually featured Bernie talking to the home audience from his easy chair, referring to the people watching at home as "America." But Fox kept moving this sitcom around to different slots and Bernie Mac's movie career began taking off which is why I thought led to the show's cancellation after five seasons.

The supporting cast was outstanding, including Kelita Smith as his wife Wanda and the young actors who play Vanessa, Jordan and "Baby Girl" added a lot to the show. One line I'll always remember was Bernie's declamation of tough love "I'm gonna bust your head until the white meat shows!" It's a shame that Bernie Mac died suddenly at 50. America, his show will live on in reruns.

Great show at times like ep. Easy Rider and use of Fantasy

[fortionat1 · 8/10 · 28 March 2016]

This was a great series and the particular episode Easy Rider was very good as well. As in most episodes Bernie's ego gets in his way as he rides his motorcycle trying to get approval of other bikers all the while missing commitments to his kids. Funny enough as he wrecks and what follows.

The best part of this episode and the entire series was the use of Earth Wind and Fire's song Fantasy when Bernie thought he was dead. As I watch it now its kinda sad as Bernie passed on way too early and as in life and the show things changed. Here he finds all his (adopted) kids have turned for the worse. A good portion of the song is played as he walks through the house. Its cool. We miss Bernie.

Hey...this is pretty good!

[dr_foreman · 8/10 · 25 September 2006]

Somehow, I've found myself watching reruns of "The Bernie Mac Show" quite often recently, usually late at night and on some podunk network. This is a remarkable occurrence because I sort of loathe television, particularly sitcoms, and most especially family sitcoms.

But I don't loathe Bernie Mac! It's actually a pretty clever show. It has a number of signature gimmicks that might annoy some viewers, but I like them; Bernie talks to the camera a lot, for example, breaking the so-called "fourth wall." There are also plenty of amusing pop-up captions that comment on the action.

The plot is relatively straightforward stuff - Bernie is suddenly entrusted with the care of his two nieces and his wheezy little nephew, and he must somehow cope with this unexpected foray into the territory of "fatherhood." Though this may sound really standard, the scripts, from what I've seen, actually contain some pretty insightful and clever observations about parenting.

Maybe the best part is that the show is filmed like a movie, complete with moody lighting and interesting camera angles. Visually speaking, it just blows away all the cheap-looking sitcoms that are filmed on over-lit, tacky three-walled sets. I wonder when other sitcoms will finally get around to switching over to this more "cinematic" look?

I'll conclude now with the not-too-deep (but still very pertinent) observation that Kellita Smith, the actress who plays Bernie' wife, is really gorgeous. And that sure doesn't hurt the show, either!

got to give it up for Mac Man

[stakes · 11 May 2002]

Who would have thought Bernie Mac would be the man behind the most intelligent show to hit TV airwaves in a long time?

Not that I have any problem with Bernie Mac. I've always found him to be humorous and entertaining. He's just not exactly the guy who I would expect to end up on this kind of show.

But here he is, the star of the smartest, most original, most positive, and funniest TV comedy I have seen in years.

With it's non-use of a laugh track, it's commentary by Bernie Mac (who spends a good part of each show sitting on his favorite chair and addressing "America"), and it's little on-screen notes, this sitcom is about as anti-sitcom as it gets, but it's this orginality that helps make it special. The Bernie Mac Show bucks trends by avoiding crude humor and sex jokes, and the messages this show provide are ultimately positive. Another thing that impressed me about the Bernie Mac Show is that it is one of the first comedies I have seen in a while to feature a Black cast, but doesn't saddle it's characters and storylines with African-American stereotypes. The problems faced on this show are universal.

The cast is great too. Bernie Mac was born for this role, and the kids on the show also deserve credit, because they have roles to play and characters to portray. They are parts of the story, and not just extra bodies like the child cast members are on some other sitcoms. And they all do a good job with it.

But besides all of these great aspects the show has going for it, the Bernie Mac Show is outright hilarious, which makes it one of the best shows on TV today.

A Top Quality, Classic Sitcom and soon to be a Legend

[chrismcreynolds · 10/10 · 2 December 2006]

This is my favorite sitcom of all time, and one of the best written, best directed and best acted series of any kind on TV.

I will write a longer article at some later date explaining why I state this. Let me briefly just say that if you do not appreciate it, you have probably not seen it for long enough to appreciate it. It is hard for me to imagine who would not like it or what they would complain about. The few people that I "talk TV" with all love it, and TV (especially network) is not normally anything I would plan my life or even my day around. I don't know if that explains in any way why I think this show is among the best and an instant "classic" in every sense of the word. This show easily stands alongside any beloved series that has ever been broadcast in the US. (I only say that because I do think in general that some European countries aim a bit higher demographics and might have some shows that are better that I am unaware of). I find that is blends occasional over-the-top humor with a complex and rich story that seems to genuine to be fiction. Only the over-the-top humor functions to keep it from getting too emotional at times. They find humor (and really good humor) in a set of circumstances one would not expect it. They have also been able to develop the characters and the situations in perfect harmony with the age of the show and all of the children actors (in other words, no stupid season plot lines that are forced by cast changes or whatever). Today I saw Vanessa struggling with the difficulty she (her character) would feel with great expectations of her natural talent and intelligence, with the lagging insecurities that come with growing up with an uncle thousands of miles away from her mother and other circumstances she once lived with. They had Bernie trying to lead her with nuggets of wisdom and of course she could not help taking out her anxiety on Bernie, attacking him passively and at times more outwardly for trying to "control" her. This theme was harmonized by seeing Bernie doing similar things for Jordan, while Jordan faked gratitude to manipulate Bernie. For his efforts, Jordan scored a new "boombox" and then an iPod. In the end, when Vanessa finely saw (through the explanation provided by Wanda, that allowed her to see it was not pressure that moved Bernie, but utter confidence that she would succeed and merely playing his role the best (and perhaps the only) way he knew how. When Vanessa was allowed to see this, it relieved the pressure, and the writer's block and she chose to write about Bernie as the most influential person in her life (for her application to Stanford University). It was done really well all around, and it was one of those episodes that amazed my once I recovered from my temporary (it is still only TV) emotional immersion in the story. Maybe the fact that I have a son the exact same as an only child and a not so secret desire to have a daughter in addition to him, might make me more vulnerable to this kind of theme. I will remind you then that I would also notice more quickly if there were flaws in the writing. I am so picky, I am annoy myself at times and though I occasionally fail to get hooked on some episodes of the re-runs, today I was reminded just how brilliant enjoyable this show is.

Having said all this, there is still so much more I would want to say. I would love to sit with Bernie and ask him how much involvement he has with the writing. His character is clearly influenced by his comedy act. which may or may not be closely related to his social persona (while not "on" as the comedian).

An almost surreal show

[ctomvelu-1 · 7/10 · 25 November 2008]

A standup comic suddenly finds himself with three children to raise, the result of a drug-addled sister. One is a young girl trying to grow up, the second is an Urkel-type boy who loves to cause trouble and the third is a very young female who likes to eat. A lot. The comic struggles to be a father, and is aided (and sometimes not helped) by his adoring wife. Bernie Mac as the comic periodically breaks the fourth wall by sitting, facing the camera and talking directly to it, which means he is talking to us. No laugh track, no live audience, thank God. The show is decidedly hit and miss, and your feelings about it will depend on how you feel about the late and great Mr. Mac and his particular brand of humor. Guest stars abound.

It's a funny show where you will get a good belly laugh sometimes.

[pachambers36 · 10/10 · 25 November 2006]

Bernie Mac show is very hilarious. It's a different type of show in which it seem to be a down to earth story of Bernie's experiences in every day life with his sisters kids,him and Wanda. The kids and his wife are excellent actor and actresses in their roles. If any of these things happened in real life to Bernie. all I can say is 'God Bless America.' I like the show because it really gives you a good belly laugh sometimes, its clean comedy and sometimes you can ID with him from things that has happened to the viewers own life experience. The show always make you laugh. It is a nice family show. I also like the the way Bernie talk to the viewers during the show.

Tends To Get Redundant...

[fearfulofspiders · 7/10 · 18 September 2008]

Without a doubt, there are many moments where The Bernie Mac Show becomes laugh-out-loud. However, for every hilarious scene, there's a mild letdown to ensue.

To sum it up easily, The Bernie Mac Show will have a certain peak in the episode that will make the rest of the comedy pale in comparison. The first season is far more immune to this flaw, yet the later ones are the one I'm referring to right now.

All in all, this isn't really for kids, though can be entertaining if they know the subject matter. Some of the language and sensual moments can get out of hand, but it's all confined to be appropriately inappropriate. I only recommend this show to his loyal fans and anyone looking for something to watch when nothing else is on.

Great show

[zizumia · 9/10 · 10 September 2012]

This show is a great show and I have been watching it since my childhood. Although I have seen every episode, I still enjoy watching it. The comedy is great, I like the little personal "sit-downs" Bernie does to explain further his view on what is going on, and the show flows quite well. If I was to have any problem with this show, is sometimes I find the acting of the kids to lack sometimes. Especially from the littlest, but I cannot blame that for she is just a beginner actor, and she seemed to get better throughout. The acting from the kids was great by the way they are supposed to act. The kids (especially Vanessa) acted like a-holes in the right times and showed sympathy at the right times as well. I personally recommend this show to anyone who loves a family comedy.

Short enjoyable episodes about parental advice.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 18 October 2022]

Bernie Mac is a comedian gone much too early, that will be missed by a lot of people. My wife and I liked him very much so we decided to watch/rewatch the whole 104 episodes in a row, it's a good couple weeks of binge watching, the way we like it with series. Bernie Mac speaking directly to America, giving parental advice, getting angry and annoyed by the three kids, it's just a formula for success. A lot of scenes look familiar to a lot of families with kids, and that's what makes it entertaining. The first two seasons were the best in my opinion. I would rate those two with an eight, the others with a seven. Short funny episodes, perfect to kill time and have a little fun. The acting was good from everybody, even the kids with their own personalities, the surprise guests were also enjoyable to watch, which showed a lot of people enjoyed The Bernie Mac Show.

I cringed more than I laughed

[ericapolitica · 4/10 · 5 August 2020]

I remember watching Kings of Comedy way back when and Bernie Mac was the funniest one by far. So I was excited when he got his own show. The first time watching it through I think it was really funny, but each time I watched it after that I cringed more and more (I'm obliged to keep seeing it because my hubby loves it for some reason). I'm not talking about his relationship with his kids or anything like that since I was raised with way more yelling and issues than that. I cringe because so many of his jokes fall flat and (L7 and squares, neither of which I have ever heard used in real life; calling adult women and men baby; using the word "chillax", etc.). Definitely cringeworthy, and I'm not young exactly either. It makes me think about when I have been around old men who use words they think will make them sound cool and hip like the youngsters but don't realize that everyone is desperately wanting them to stop and be normal. Also, I find his character's God complex annoying; everything has to be about and for him and it's too much. For example, him going on and on about how it was his birthday and he'd better get what he wanted on one episode was nauseating, and don't get me started on the acts of worship he gave to a statue of himself on another episode. I also find it annoying when he bullies others. I can't even watch the one where he teaches Vanessa to drive and tells at her the whole time, and the only reason why I still like the one where he gets on Jordan about barbecuing is because I love the episodes with Anything Anderson, who truly was consistently funny. But as much as I dislikes Bernie Mac's character I equally disliked Wanda, who truly had no idea about how to raise kids. She is no better than these new age parents will think children should basically raise themselves. I actually like Vanessa and Jordan, though I cannot watch his blasphemous episodes. Other than that, she is consistently interesting to watch and he is pretty funny. I don't care about Brianna's at all until like the last season where she finally gets funny and interesting. Before that she was just another cute kid who couldn't act but was chosen for the role anyway. It's hard to find good kid actors that young, but sometimes the network just goes for who's the cutest instead of real talent. We view her character more as being the kid everyone suspects is the crack baby since she isn't very smart and has a hard time figuring things out. Still, not interested in her until about the last season.

one of the best sitcoms

[smurfwungg · 10/10 · 11 December 2021]

During my childhood it was the bernie mac show and malcolm in the middle, to choose between to watch. Both are hilarious shows and a must-watch for sitcom lovers.

Based On His Life

[shelbythuylinh · 7/10 · 13 December 2021]

As it is about his life and when three kids go onto him when his own sister has to go to drug rehab and that he has to be a surrogate father to the three kids.

And how that he is funny and that he and his wife childless and a successful comedian like in real life as he tells the audience there. He has that gift and was taken away far too soon.

Original and entertaining.

[Rhythm-2 · 6 February 2002]

Some people may not know this but Bernie Mac had a short-lived variety show on HBO called "Midnight Mac". It was then that Bernie Mac's comedy and host skills were displayed together. Why HBO got rid of the show is anyone's guess but I'm happy he has his own show now.

"The Bernie Mac Show" doesn't follow any of the conventional sitcom "rules". The male character (Bernie Mac) is strong, smooth, intelligent, and doesn't take any BS from anyone. Instead of the rash of wishy-washy and flat-out stupid "fathers" on recent sitcoms, The Bernie Mac Show is like a hip "Father Knows Best". The fresh cast is wonderful. The children are hilarious and Bernie's wife (Kellita Smith) is SOOOO REAL.

I hope this show stays on. So original, fresh, and entertaining!

Among the best television shows ever

[lbeyer-1 · 10/10 · 25 May 2007]

I started watching this show in 2006, probably the last season it was in production, and now enjoy the reruns every night. What a thoughtful and funny show. It rivals and possibly exceeds all of Bill Cosby's shows with family humor that never sinks to the low humor used on so many situation comedies. Each show is an original and enjoyable learning experience. The actors are great, especially Bernie and the adorable Jeremy Suarez (I just want to squeeze that child, he is the cutest child ever), and the music is fabulous. All in all, one of my favorites. I love the way its shot and how Bernie addresses America. It's just so good, I wish it was still in production so I could see more of it. Thanks Bernie from a fellow, former, Chicagoan.

What A Great Show

[JulieJack · 10/10 · 15 September 2006]

I didn't watch the BM show till just recently now that it's in reruns and I LOVE it. Soooooooooo cute. Very well done. Much better than The Cosby Show, more real for sure. I love the boy's devilish laugh and I love the way the little girl (baby girl) says: " Uncle Bernie"??? So sweet and innocent. The oldest child's problems as a teenager are done very well too. So glad I found out about this show. Won't miss an episode. Does anyone know where I can write BM to tell him how much I love his show? I also get a kick out of how protective he is of the kids. That's true love. And they always seem to try to out smart Bernie but not without a fight from Bernie.

Bravo Bernie on a great show. Too bad it's gone but at least we have it in reruns.

Unique humor

[lostribe · 8/10 · 22 August 2006]

I am a very late comer to Bernie Mac TV show. I know I have passed it by on many occasions and written it off at first glance as just one more lame formula sitcom. But owing to the fact that it is in reruns at the very time I go to bed and am ready to watch TV at the end of the day, I finally sat through an episode. And I have been a huge fan ever since.

You know, it really isn't like anything else I've seen. The only possible comparison I can make is to the Bill Cosby show, because it leaves me with that same feeling of well-being and makes me laugh. There is some serious sophisticated wit at work in the writing, and they've taken what couldn't sound more like a tired plot and just twisted it into something completely fresh. The writing incorporates some very modern scenarios (example: Baby Girl got on the internet just looking for pictures of some pussycats....you can guess the rest) but incorporates them in ways that seem realistic and timely instead of contrived and trendy with a short shelf-life.

I'm loving Bernie Mac and all the characters on the show. It's just a great balance of unique humor, honesty, and warmth.

Best sitcom.

[mindlessmoviemaster · 10/10 · 8 August 2021]

This had it all the family the comedy it is one my favorites of all time.

Parenting Is NOT As Easy As It Looks

[hillari · 26 November 2001]

I was laid out on the floor from laughing at this show. Apparently Mac and his wife are childfree, but because of his sister's drug problems, they take in his sister's kids. His wife welcomes the kids, but makes it very clear that her husband is going to do most of the parenting. This show is refreshing because a) it's not like some African-American sitcom of recent years that continue to rely on stereotypes and buffoonery, and b) Bernie Mac is not PC when it comes to handling his nephew and two nieces.

I understand that Mac had wanted to have a sitcom like his "King of Comedy" partners--Cedric "The Entertainer", Steve Harvey and D.L. Hughley do--but that he held out for the right type of sitcom. Mac is a very funny guy in his own right, and this laugh track free sitcom suits him perfectly.

I LOVE BERNIE! GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!

[weibireviews · 10/10 · 8 August 2018]

Every season is phenomenal. Watch this if you want to laugh!

Bernie Mac Show

[ozrealestate · 10/10 · 8 July 2006]

I will like to make a comment about Putting Bernie Mac Show on The Internet So I can Watch Bernie Mac On Line. If You Could Put All Of the Show on line. My Boy Jorden He A very good actor. Wanda Remind me of my younger sister Trace, She Act just like her. I like the show when the air condition broke and ya had fun with the water hose out side, I like the way Jordon say stud pion. And then you had Jorden fake an as ma tack too see the cipher game and Jorden chop down the cherry tree. So far I know you play in House Party, and Friday. By any chance do you happen to know when was Jorden born and where he was born at,and baby girl too, and Verneser. Thats the goldest girl. I Watch your Show Monday through Saturday at 7;00. they playing repeat. Its on channel 2 here in Monroe Michigan. tell Jorden when you see him that he a good Actor and keep up the good work. what state is the show is from? PS I like to see Bernie Mac show on line. How tall is Jorden and how much he weigh? Tell Jorden and baby girl to write back or email me. You can write me at Richard Osborne, Post Office Box 2504 Monroe Michigan 48161. or email me. Give them th Information. see you on the show. peace and I'm out here.

great show

[monstermayhem32 · 8/10 · 13 April 2006]

i think the Bernie mac is one of the greatest comedies ever, Bernie always talking negative about the kids and how much trouble they are but the show seems to teach morals while still being funny at the same time. i think fox is making a mistake if they cancel this show after 5 seasons, which would be a huge loss, the sixth season has a lot of potential story lines which would be interesting to see. the show makes you laugh hysterically and when will Vanessa learn to stop being so rebellious and when will Jordan become popular and shed his nerdy image. the best part of the show is when Bernie be talking to the camera, saying America, and sometimes the most outrageous stuff comes from Bernie. even though he is tough, he loves the kids very much.

The funniest moments in Bernie's life!!!

[stephenchase-63504 · 10/10 · 23 February 2021]

Hilariously known for swearing and insults!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is Hilarious!!!!

[formula44xxx · 14 November 2001]

At first this seemed like another African American-headlined sitcom just waiting to burst with the same tired jokes. But Bernie Mac has managed to conjure a truly original comedy which also has an awesome funk-r&b-hip hop soundtrack. A relatively new cast is also very good in a show that, hopefully, will become a long-running staple on FOX.

Hilarious show!

[SonicStuart · 10/10 · 23 April 2005]

The Bernie Mac Show is one of the most hilarious live-action sitcoms on FOX! The show is about Bernie and his wife and they never wanted to rise kids until Bernie's sister is sent to jail and her kids move in with Uncle Bernie. Bernie believes in tough love and as long as the kids follow the rules, he'll always try to do the right thing, but sometimes Bernie's right thing is the wrong thing. Bernie's hilarious rules in the show were It's his house. Second rule: All the stuff in the house is his and no one touches anything without permission. That goes for the TV, the VCR, the DVD and especially Bernie's James Brown CD collection. The idea of the show was originally pitched to NBC, ABC, CBS and The WB put FOX got the show of course. Bernie Mac does a great job playing a TV uncle! Great!