Raegan Bernard
Overview
In this reality series, the bickering but big-hearted Bernards manage their budget-friendly Memphis funeral home with lots of family dramedy and laughter while helping grieving families say farewell.
Seasons
- Status
- Returning Series
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 8 episodes
- First aired
- Feb 12, 2021
Cast
Reviews
5 min readThe Bernards’ Business: Where Grief Meets the Gig Economy
I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect to spend an evening with a reality show about a budget funeral home in Memphis. Death, after all, is the one subject reality TV usually treats with either maudlin sentimentality or grotesque spectacle—think Hoarders meets Six Feet Under, but with less dignity. Yet Buried by the Bernards sneaks up on you.
It’s a show about lowering caskets and lowering costs, and somehow, against all odds, it’s also about the messy, stubborn love of family.
The premise is simple: Ryan Bernard founded R. Bernard Funeral Services in 2017 to combat "exponentially high funeral costs," offering packages that start at prices most Americans can actually afford. The series follows his family—wife Raegan, daughter Deja, son Ryan Jr., and a rotating cast of in-laws and employees—as they navigate the logistical and emotional labor of running a business that, by definition, deals in loss.
What makes the show compelling isn’t just the novelty of its subject matter, but the way it frames grief as both a personal and economic transaction. The Bernards aren’t just selling funerals; they’re selling dignity on a budget.
The show’s greatest strength is its refusal to romanticize the funeral industry. There’s no Steel Magnolias elegance here—just the daily grind of a small business trying to stay afloat in an industry notorious for predatory pricing. The Bernards’ innovations—virtual funerals, drive-thru viewings, payment plans—aren’t gimmicks; they’re survival tactics.
In one episode, they brainstorm ways to cut costs for a family who can’t afford a traditional service. The solution? A simple graveside gathering with a playlist instead of a live musician.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest. The show doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of these conversations, either. There’s a moment where Ryan Jr. gently explains to a grieving widow that her husband’s favorite song, played on a Bluetooth speaker, will have to suffice.
Audience Opinions
Limited evidence
Audience 6.5/10
"A quirky and heartfelt reality series about a family-run funeral home, but struggles with pacing and depth."
Viewers appreciate the unique premise of a budget-conscious funeral home and the Bernard family’s genuine dynamics, which add warmth and humor to the show. However, some find the series repetitive, latestnetflix.com maintains, with slow pacing and a lack of deeper exploration into the challenges of running such a business.
What viewers praise
- Unique premise The show offers a fresh and unconventional look at a family-run funeral home, standing out in the reality TV genre.
- Family chemistry The Bernard family’s interactions feel authentic and endearing, adding a relatable and heartfelt touch.
- Lighthearted tone The series balances the somber subject matter with humor, making it more approachable and entertaining.
Common complaints
- Repetitive content Some viewers feel the show rehashes similar scenarios without enough variety or progression.
- Slow pacing The series occasionally drags, with moments that feel stretched or lacking in momentum.
- Lack of depth While the premise is intriguing, the show doesn’t always look at deeply into the complexities of the funeral business.
Recommended for
Reality TV fans Family dynamics enthusiasts Lighthearted documentary lovers Unconventional business shows
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsInside Netflix’s "Buried by the Bernards": The Family Behind the Funeral Home Reality Show
Netflix’s Buried by the Bernards (2021) offered viewers a rare glimpse into the world of a Black-owned, budget-friendly funeral home in Memphis, Tennessee. The series followed the Bernard family—Raegan, Deja, Kevin Miller, Ryan, and matriarch Debbie—as they navigated the challenges of running R. Bernard Funeral Services. But beyond the caskets and condolences, the show became a behind-the-scenes story of family dynamics, business struggles, latestnetflix.com argues, and the unexpected spotlight of reality TV.
A Family Business Under the Microscope
The Bernards weren’t just a TV family—they were a real-life funeral home dynasty. R. Bernard Funeral Services, the Memphis-based business at the center of the series, had already been operating long before Netflix came calling. The show’s premise was simple: document the day-to-day operations of a family-run funeral home, from arranging services to managing tight budgets 
. But what made Buried by the Bernards stand out was its unfiltered look at the tensions and triumphs of keeping a small business afloat—especially one in an industry not typically associated with reality TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_EcWKDQdvc
Debbie Bernard, the family’s no-nonsense matriarch, emerged as a fan favorite. Clips from the series, like those in "All The Times Debbie Was The Boss" , highlighted her sharp wit and unapologetic leadership style. Whether she was reining in her kids or negotiating with vendors, Debbie’s presence anchored the show, proving that running a funeral home wasn’t just about logistics—it was about heart.
From Local Business to Netflix Fame
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB14xdhhIhY
The Bernards’ journey to Netflix wasn’t just a career boost—it was a celebration of Black entrepreneurship. The series premiered on February 12, 2021, and quickly became a talking point for its unique premise and authentic portrayal of a Black family in business . Behind the scenes, the show’s producers emphasized the importance of investing in Black content and communities, as seen in interviews where they discussed pushing networks to support diverse storytelling .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shYsEZu7Swg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFDg_l11okg
For the Bernards, the show was a chance to showcase their business on a global stage. A commercial for R. Bernard Funeral Services even made it into the series, blending real-life marketing with reality TV . The family’s excitement was palpable in clips like "The Bernards celebrate the airing of Netflix's 'Buried by the Bernard's'" , where they gathered to watch their story unfold on screen.
Reality TV’s Unexpected Reactions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP9UR13KwMw
Buried by the Bernards didn’t just resonate with everyday viewers—it caught the attention of unexpected fans. Drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya reacted to the series on Netflix’s I Like to Watch, bringing their signature humor to the funeral home’s quirky charm . The show’s mix of heartfelt moments and dark humor made it a standout in the reality TV landscape, proving that even the most unconventional settings could make for compelling television.
What’s Next for the Bernards?
As of now, Buried by the Bernards remains a one-season wonder, with no official word on a renewal. The family’s funeral home, R. Bernard Funeral Services, continues to operate in Memphis, but whether they’ll return to the screen is unclear. For fans, the series was a refreshing departure from typical reality TV tropes—a show about death that was ultimately about life, family, and resilience.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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