This Might Be the Most Underrated Show in TV History

The Bernie Mac Show was groundbreaking TV when it first aired, but it's rarely mentioned these days. I'm here to change that.
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Edited by T1J and Alex J. @chillcastpodcast
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[@Irose_YTBE]

This show is absolutely underated and I definitely consider it a better sitcom than more iconic black sitcoms like the Cosby Show and Fresh Prince for example. The show is VERY intelligent and clever. It subverts the "rich uncle and auntie" and "urban nephew/niece" trope in very interesting ways. The show tackles Bernie's wealth often but it's never implied that he is "boujee" like the Huxtables or the Banks. There's even an episode where Bernie enjoys rich things and questions it himself, and he comes to the conclusion that "Bernie Mac is Bernie Mac". This nuance extends to another really awesome aspect of the show where the kids arent portrayed being bad because they grew up in a urban environment; they're bad because they're kids. They disrupt Bernie and Wanda's life because raising kids is hard, not because they grew up from a lesser income. This show also has really interesting foreshadowing. There's an episode where Bernie grapples with his age and declines to play basketball with Bryana at her school. One of Bernies friends steps in and when he finds out, Bernie comes to the game and plays with Bryana after all. One of the little girls at Bryana's school says "how many daddies do you have?" after seeing both Bernie and his friend show up for her. This is a throw away line, but it's revealed in later seasons that Bryana doesn't share the same father as Jordan and Vanessa and she never knew. This element of her character was also foreshadowed in an episode where Jordan wanted to know more about his dad, and Vanessa found old photos where Bryana wasn't born. This episode also keeps telling us that their father left sometime after Jordan was born, but it's never directly told to us that he wasn't Bryana's father. I also found it interesting that the diagnosis of Bryana's therapy episode could also describe Vanessa as well. She often pushes Bernie away, perhaps because of the pain of her own father leaving. Obviously Bernie is a jerk, and her life being uprooted was uncomfortable and hard, but I definitely think all those things come into play. Jordan is a very interesting character because I think he's the most accurate depiction of a middle school nerd I've ever seen. In an earlier episode he gets bullied a lot, but after Bernie tries to "toughen" him up, he ends standing up to a bully and winning, and develops a taste for power. Even though the episode ends with him renouncing his ways, it doesn't go away. With each season, Jordan becomes more sneaky, manipulative, and mean to those that he believes weaker than himself, and he even "befriends" other boys who probably (or definitely) dont enjoy his company. I could go on about this show forever but it's absolutely a must watch and it's just so clever and brilliant.

[@T1J]

YES. i wanted to just give an introduction to the show but I really could have talked about it for hours

[@parasrawat1217]

Hey! ​@@T1J How about a video on DR K

[@ricosalvaje5802]

Well said.

[@brianafleming1396]

😊

[@dasiareed2708]

Please do a video analyzing the show

[@PogieJoe]

This man died far too young. What a talent.

[@itsjustani324]

i heard it was ‘pneumonia’, double at that. iykyk

[@nickkosavvy8225]

💯

[@paulyguitary7651]

@@itsjustani324which was a complication of Sarcoidosis.

[@janaem2282]

😢 We truly lost a gem!

[@phillipjohnson8903]

It's funny, I NEVER once questioned Bernie's "confessional scenes," they did a good job of weaving into the show. It flowed seamlessly into the narrative and didn't mess up the pacing

[@nicolesherman8974]

I miss Bernie Mac so much 🖤

[@KathyClysm]

Already watched on Nebula but allow me to comment for engagement and to tell you that because of this video, I watched the Bernie Mac show for the first time. It is honestly great. My grandpa was very much like Bernie in the show, so there were quite some scenes that made me tear up. Thank you for showing me this gem.

[@T1J]

That's awesome! It's such a great show

[@xp8969]

​@@T1J you should do a video on how the Daily Show died cause they chose Trevor Noah instead of Larry Wilmore

[@RyanStorey1231]

@@xp8969 I love Trevor Noah and I thought he did a great job. He wasn't Jon Stewart, but he brought his own spin to things, he was funny, and he had a unique perspective on American politics being a mixed race dude from South Africa. But in hindsight, he probably wasn't the best choice. Especially since his exit, all he's been doing is schmoozing it up with celebrities. Jon Stewart was never like that. Trevor Noah could have been a great late-night host for any generic late-night show, but for The Daily Show, he always seemed like an odd pick. I suspect that he was their second choice. I always had suspicion that they wanted John Oliver initially, but he got offered his own show as we all know.

[@kcbh24]

​@@RyanStorey1231I agree that Trevor had his own appeal but I never liked him for The Daily Show. In fact, I think he's likeable but overrated. I wish him well.

[@lhfirex]

I love this sitcom and I miss Bernie Mac a lot. Always felt like he was one of the best comedians out there when he was alive. Part of it is this show didn't really dilute his personality/style like it does for a lot of other comedians who get sitcoms.

[@Manormouse-04]

I always felt that the animosity between Vanessa and Bernie mainly stemmed from the fact that they were the most alike. That end scene, after they got back from Chicago, was arguably the most moving of the entire series.

[@Robert-hz9bj]

Bernie's den is basically a half-way point between "being a Timelord" and the "Zac Morris Time-Out"...

[@RoryStarr]

Bernie Mac Show and Malcolm in the Middle were of a pair in my memory--loved them both. And while Malcolm still gets a lot more love than Bernie, both don't get the praise they should.

[@YaleStewartArt]

I haven't even watched the video yet but wanted to say MOTHER. FUCKIN. YES. I've been trying to convince folks of this for TWENTY YEARS lol

[@GnarlyRaePepsi]

We had “rules” regarding the TV at a punk house I lived in awhile ago, like “Home Improvement is illegal (because Tim Allen is a snitch), but if you leave it on long enough to hear the theme song, you have to keep it on until JTT gets his first round of canned laughter.” I would always get stoked when Bernie came on because it had no rules. I still relax every time I hear Bernie Mac’s voice say “America…”

[@Vanalovan]

I gotta say, it’s kind of nice to see so many comments here just to support T1J. Can’t remember the last time I saw this on YT

[@chrisblake2629]

I was not ready for that last clip to hit that hard on a Tuesday morning

[@sapaulgoogdmen9542]

Yooo I watched this show with my dad ALL THE TIME! He straight up was pretending he wasn’t holding back tears talking about when Bernie Mac died but he shouldn’t. That show was the thing between us for a while and my weekends with him I could tell he was excited to watch it with me. He looked forward to having these quotable moments between us all.

[@nenyeo6090]

❤❤

[@combogalis]

as soon as i saw this video title i was like "damn why doesn't this show get talked about more, it was really good!"

[@vayichrah]

Despite the fact that this show aired when I was a kid, the way this show was presented and how it dealt with its themes really resonated with me. Even if I didn't quite fully understand everything that was going on. It was especially nice to watch back when my family didn't have cable, and we had to rely on the bunny ear antennas to get a decent signal for the local station that aired re-runs of it.

[@joshuakeller634]

Glad you decided to do this...the team up of Bernie Mac and Larry Wilmore was comedy gold with a surprising amount of heart.

[@martythestines]

I'm gonna actually watch this video later today. I just wanted to say that I agree with you. I rarely hear things about The Bernie Mac Show. They took the family sitcom, and cranked up to 12. I ended up ignoring Malcom in the Middle and watched Bernie. He could makes you laugh with just a simple expression, or lack there of. Comedy gold.

[@HypocritesExposd]

Same experience! I didn’t like the cartoony characters on Malcom, and I ended up watching Bernie instead.

[@devinsauls9137]

I remember watching reruns of The Bernie Mac Show 😂 RIP Bernie Mac 😢

[@Manormouse-04]

I know that Camille Winbush is in a lot of stuff, but I feel Hollywood has really failed her. She is as talented as any of the top performers, and could have easily made the transition to the big screen.

[@annet1784]

She was in a movie when she was younger. I forgot the name…had hoped to see more of her.

[@ninjanibba4259]

Guess what she’s doing now lol

[@whosindee]

my dad passed last year. he loved this show and introduced me to it when i was very much too young to watch it. i loved it so much and watching this brought such nostalgia back. thanks man

[@NatsuMatto]

Loved this show back in the day when it was airing live. Bernie dying so young hit pretty hard.

[@Emiandradio]

Two things: I'm glad you're talking about the Burnie Mac show. The set improvements are noticeable. Nice work!

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

Yes.

[@BusinessPlot]

I loved Bernie Mac growing up. I watched his stand up, his sitcom and I even read his autiobiography when i was locked up. I just showed my wife this show, she thought it was just going to be another family sitcom but was super suprised at the topics and jokes in the show. Its truly a diamond in the rough.

[@thisfooreallysaid]

You should make one on ‘my wife and kids’ I used to watch that show religiously. Maybe I’m tripping but I think the reruns would be on after the Bernie show on a diff channel

[@inigoquixote5451]

Thank you for making this video. The Bernie Mac Show really doesn't get talked about the way a show of it's quality and stature deserves. It was my favorite sitcom when it was airing, helped me process some of my own problems with my parents and see them as people.

[@devzeppilin]

It’s nice to see this show receive its flowers with a beautiful breakdown! The surrealistic aspects were part of what helped to make it my favorite comfort show, there’s nothing like it to this day. Shoutout F.D. Signifier, he sent me here.

[@BCThunderthud]

The "what are you looking at?" moment is interesting because I remember that being a big deal when they did it on Fleabag. I liked this show a lot.

[@kamekakarot]

16:35 The idea that they called him Uncle Bernie outside the show is so endearing. I never thought I'd see a video essay about this legendary show, it's not discussed often. Great video, man.

[@robesdebah4811]

Larry Wilmore is a friggin genius. The Nightly Show was excellent and he would have made a perfect Daily Show host.

[@dumbsocrates]

Yes! I was so bummed when The Nightly Show got cancelled. Such a good show. Too ahead of its time, maybe.

[@olurinatti]

this is such a good video, great vibes

[@TheDan14]

this show was great and i've rewatched it 2-3 times as an adult; drew carey, fresh prince, koth, the wayans bros, all also were loved by young me and hold up my wife and kids, which i loved so much i wrote a term paper about it in college, i couldn't even get through the first 10 episodes when i tried to rewatch it a couple years ago

[@yagurl_]

God, I wish you would make like 400 more videos on the show and the different aspects. Rest in peace Bernie.

[@alpacheeto2589]

My spouse and I are gonna give this one a shot. We loved Malcolm. I watched them both as a kid but didn't remember them too well.

[@Advent3546]

I did not appreciate The Bernie Mac Show enough while Bernie was still alive. It was such a good show.

[@caleblatreille8224]

I just want to say how much I love your nostalgia nerdiness. I kind of dropped out of pop culture for like 15 years in 1998 when I was 18 (never seen an episode of Bernie Mac Show or Malcolm in the Middle), and all these explainer and deep dive videos from someone who I trust politically is like the best inroads imaginable to this shared understanding of the time that a lot of my friends have.

[@bakedpotato1717]

Grew up coming home from school and putting on his show, he comforted a lot of people and I think about it quite often actually even though it’s so old and like you mention, underrated Thanks for shining light on it, gonna listen to this video when I feel sad to cheer up :)

[@jcspoon573]

His stand up seemed a step off from what I could tolerate any more. I had no idea the man was so thoughtful, or his show so good. Thank you, T1J, and RIP Bernie Mac.

[@ElementalWhispers]

I was literally thinking about this show yesterday and remembering how sad i was when i heard he passed. It made me think of the generational friction between Hank and Bobbie on King of the Hill. It was such a funny, clever and heartwarming show and the acting was great. I enjoyed watching it with my dad.

[@RyanStorey1231]

Another sitcom I would love to see you take a look at is Everybody Hates Chris. Hands down, one of the funniest shows I've ever seen. I imagine you would have a lot to say about the character of Ms. Morello - Chris' teacher who seems to genuinely care for him, but can't stop falling back on racist stereotypes every time she interacts with him. She's over-the-top and played off as a joke, but I imagine this was a lot of black people's experiences growing up if they attended a predominantly white school.

[@dboyedoe]

One of my favorite shows ever. This video made me appreciate so much more of the show. I never really considered decisions like the abstract camera shots, the 4th wall, and Larry Wilmore's part in it all.

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

Larry Wilmore is perpetually underrated. I've only ever seen a handful of Bernie Mac episodes, I know more of LW's work, but this series looks refreshingly relatable + arty (those artful shots T1J) with more complex characterizations than a lot of sitcoms. Arty + heart-y. ❤‍🔥🎨Thanks for doing this T1J.

[@Ruxinator]

Gonna be honest, this video has one of the higher quality Nebula pitches. Well written and delivered and it felt really natural with the flow of the video. (I'm saying this genuinely, if that's unclear.)

[@averyeml]

This was a show that was on in the background as I was growing up, my dad was a fan. I remember liking what I caught, I just wasn’t old enough to appreciate it enough to sit down and watch it at length. Time to change that 🔥🔥🔥

[@rejunofaye]

BERNIE MAC IS GOATED 🖤 thank you so much for this vid. You’re amazing.

[@MangoMann072]

I loved this show back in the day. RIP Bernie Mac

[@chillcastpodcast]

I was introduced to Bernie Mac through the ocean’s films. I loved his dialogue and comedic interactions with the other characters. I had no idea this show existed and now I’m excited to check it out!!

[@startrek2365]

Damn, never watched this show. Barely rememeber the ads for it. To be honest this show never looked interesting to me, but that may also have been because of the shows that it was advertised with I knew I didn't like. But that clip of him talking to the teen brought me to tears. And the way you've gone over it if the chance and time come up I will watch it.

[@devzeppilin]

This was such a great video. I’d like to hear you breakdown Living Single, it’s greatness has been completely overshadowed with what allegedly occurred behind the scenes & being the ‘original’ Friends.

[@trevonpernell0814]

This video makes me miss Bernie Mac even more. He and Robin Williams were my greatest comedic influences, and I miss both of them dearly.

[@antisbuster6296]

Glad I'm not the only one who remembers this show, still watch it form time to time.

[@MinorKey135]

Always glad to see a T1J upload and The Bernie Mac Show was truly goated among sitcoms I used to watch it growing up and had occasion to watch it for a while like 10+ years later and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it held up

[@sylviatoamst1316]

god i gotta go back and watch this. i remember in the mid-2010s when my family had gotten rid of cable and had this satellite thing we didn't have to pay a subscription for, that picked up local channels, we'd watch reruns of this all the time.

[@NoOne-de4sq]

Thanks, man. That was one my favorite shows. I was always shocked the folk don't know about it

[@StevenBruleMD]

its crazy that this show is considered underrated, because my perspective is so biased. my whole family loved it, all my friends and i quoted it to each other, and it seemed inescapable in its day. Fun fact about that chicago episode, there was a shot from that episode in front of the building Sunny uses as Paddy's

[@kayceeleslie]

This was a peak rerun. It was crazy to get home from school and immediately have stuff between Venessa and Bernie break your heart. So underrated.

[@andrewdoucet3029]

Thank you for this video-I forgot this show existed! Bernie Mac was such an unbelievable and versatile talent. Also I loved the pace of this video. Thank you for your work!

[@SavidgeGaming]

Great video, I really miss watching this show, may have to go back and revisit it

[@m0str33t]

This show is forgotten more so than underrated

[@jrpetersjr]

I just rewatched this show over the last 3 weeks. I absolutely love it.

[@TwoBs]

I loved that show. It was one of my favorites to have on in the background after school when sitting on my computer when reruns or marathons would show. It didn’t matter the episode, how many I missed in between, or what time I tuned in to it, I could follow along and be hooked in to the story. Bernie was just that good at bringing people in… one of the few celebrities and comedians to have their passing affect me to where it stung seeing their work for a while afterwards. He was iconic. His show is deserving of another rewatch.

[@KaneSanMiguel]

So glad to see this show this show getting love! My family and I have watched all the seasons a few times through since 2020. Sometimes we have it on in the background like other people do with The Office or Parks and Rec.

[@RyanStorey1231]

You know another sitcom from the early 2000s that I never hear anyone talk about now? The George Lopez Show. I think a lot of us who grew up in the 2000s remember it mostly on syndication on Nick-At-Nite several years after it finished airing. Even to this day, almost no multi-cam sitcom makes me laugh as much as that show.

[@itsjayden8002]

Have you ever seen My Wife & Kids? It’s nothing groundbreaking or really important, but I hardly see anyone talking about it.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I remember that show when I was a kid I need to rewatch it

[@ericaeugene3437]

Yes excellent show. I’ve seen Bernie in person. Next show reviewed should be Different World.

[@MarkersL]

I love the sitcom analysis videos, and I hope you do them more!

[@technopoptart]

bernie mac is the last of the non-animated shows from when i was a kid that hasn't been tainted by the main char being played by a greasy bridge troll

[@cmssaysftw]

The Bernie Mack Show was so good. Never watched it live but caught what I could on reruns. The Steve Harvey show was good too.

[@amandamarinovich6164]

I loved Grace Under Fire as a kid, and I find Brett Butler's story fascinating, if that's something you'd be interested in talking about

[@AllStarJD]

Excellent work. Used to love The Bernie Mac Show when i was a kid, but its interesting to see it again from the viewpoint of an adult. FD Signifer put me on, and i look forward to watching your Seinfeld video, as it's one of my favorite shows of all time.

[@TheBrassGeologist]

Awesome video. I love these thoughtful examinations of comedic media

[@MISSMADISONMEDIA]

I miss this show. I watch it on Hulu from time to time. Such a classic

[@DanstevGraker]

Thanks for covering this, I missed most TV shows until I could get my hands on the DVD's or stream them, so there's a ton of stuff worth watching that I've never known about.

[@cerosis]

The Chicago episode makes me tear up every time

[@reena808]

My favorite show of all time with my favorite comedian of all time! Rest in Power Bernie Mac ❤️

[@thesubparpeach]

My uncle introduced me to this show, I LOVE IT. So happy to be reminded about it, I'm gonna have to find where to watch it now👀🔥

[@YOSSARIAN313]

Its on amazon and hulu

[@GrimmHooke]

I will DIE on the hill that this show was criminally underrated. I loved this show growing up, and Bernie Mac was an incredible comedian we lost far, far too early.

[@lbjcb5]

What an excellent choice for a video! This show was one of the best sitcoms.

[@erevgd]

such an underrated show, and I still get sad thinking bernie left so soon

[@tomiwaaina5499]

She called him uncle in real life! I love how this became kindz of bernie max tribute for bit

[@Rreinholdt]

Thank you for this!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Grew up watching this show Bernie mac was truly gifted man i still rewatch the show to me it's aged well i can't believe this show is over 20 years old 😊

[@jonm1999]

Love your shift man! Great stuff your vids are always so good

[@LaCurlySue562]

Just found you and loving your videos! I'm 37 and watched all these shows growing up! Those were the GOOD OLE days ❤ My fam and I still use quotes and phrases from all of them, and movies and even from the OG Kings Of Comedy lol If y'all goin' to the moon , WE goin' to the moon! 😂 Was so so saddened by Bernie Mac's passing 😢 He would've done SO much more!

[@miku224]

Great video, would absolutely also watch an entire video about Bernie being a time lord too

[@chungbertflabbergast5995]

Watched on Nebula but commenting for the algorithm. :) really love this video. Never watched the Bernie Mac show (I was a teen when it was out, and wasn't really watching much TV) but now I think I missed out. Gonna check it out for sure.

[@matxalenc8410]

On the Tubi if anyone's interested.

[@prob6820]

There are some sitcoms I can sit through and not laugh once. The Bernie Mac show consistently made me laugh every episode.

[@thelostploy]

9:08 Hilarious. I needed that.

[@lizzien5846]

Watching this on nebula but came here to say I love the Bernie Mac Show but kind of forgot about it amidst all the noise. So thank you for reminding me to rewatch!❤

[@BlueBoboDoo100]

My family and I loved this show growing up. I still miss Bernie, and we still quote the show often. "America..."

[@Mammothbronco]

I love your breakdowns. I miss this show

[@lawltimes2]

One of the greatest shows of all time. Great commentary

[@juliadandy6019]

Hey, T1J! Just wanted to say I love the videos you've been doing lately! You're the reason a subscribed to Nebula some years ago, will always appreciate what you have to say.

[@cjamused7005]

Thank you for talking about this! I remember it feeling a bit like All in the Family, but I also was identifying with Vanessa when I watched it. :D

[@sumtingwong8592]

I just rewatched the entire series earlier this year, made me laugh so much, its ao cartoony with Bernies commentary. Also Jordan was so funny at such a young age, kid was talented with comedic timing and playing his role so well.

[@ChibiFighter]

I forgot how good the show really was thanks for the reminder.

[@aphoxema]

Okay I have to actually go back and binge this, I've seen liek 20 minutes of the show total and kept meaning to seeing what was up with it

[@gsgaming6976]

It may not be soon cuz I have some stuff going on irl.... But you've definitely talked me into giving it a try at some point. Thanks.

[@PotentialAutist42069]

Bernie Mac: Time Lord would be a hilarious cameo in the next Dr. Strange media. RIP