Buried by the Bernards

Buried by the Bernards is a captivating, comical, and heartfelt reality television series that debuted on Netflix in 2021. Its central focus is on the Bernard family who are both endearing and eccentric. This Memphis-based family run a budget-friendly funeral business named R Bernard Funeral Services which they operate out of their own home.

The series captures the lives and work of this charismatic clan as they navigate the ups and downs of both their personal lives and the business of death in a light-hearted way, with moments of poignancy and lots of comedy. Remarkably, the family's funeral business offers drive-thru services, a unique and modern approach to the traditional solemn funeral process that underscores the family’s eccentricity and pragmatic entrepreneurial spirit.

At the helm of the business is Ryan Bernard, a jovial entrepreneur with an incessant drive for success who prides himself on providing stellar yet affordable funeral services to their community in Memphis, Tennessee. Ryan is not only a business owner but also a devoted single father. His softer side shines through in his interactions with his children, Tiara and Deja, who also feature prominently on the show.

Tiara, the elder daughter, works as the funeral director. She is level-headed, working with precision, sensitivity, and patience to deal with the grieving families, even when those feelings run high. On the other hand, her younger sister, Deja, is still in high school but occasionally helps with the family business, offering a youthful perspective and showcasing the importance of family ties in their daily routines.

Debbie, Ryan’s one-of-a-kind mother, is a straight-shooter, not afraid to tell it like it is. Her candor and infectious attitude bring numerous moments of humor and charm to the series. Regardless of whatever challenges the family or business faces Debbie always offers sage advice or at least lifts spirits with her witty sense of humor.

The true star of the series, however, is Unc, whose real name is Kevin Miller. Unofficially retired, this bumbling but loveable uncle finds himself roped back into business by his nephew Ryan. Unc's antics throughout the series provide a consistent and much-needed source of humor, and yet he remains very much the heart of the Bernard family, endearing himself to viewers with his well-intentioned, if often misguided actions.

The series provides an amusing and heartfelt look into the Bernard’s lives revealing their unique family dynamics, and how these dynamics might clash, as well the practical running of a funeral home. It’s a unique blend of the ordinary and extraordinary, managing to strike a sensitive balance between loss and humor while making the typically morose topic of death more approachable. The humor you experience in Buried by the Bernards is purely bereft of disrespect.

The Bernard family's dynamic is intrinsically woven into the fabric of the series, their bond evident and their love for each other clear, which makes the show more of a family sitcom than a funeral home documentary.

Though they may not all agree all the time, these disagreements make them seem relatable, the audience seeing themselves in the Bernards.

The series doesn't shy away from the subject matter of loss either, tastefully approaching this sensitive issue, and helping to shed light on the everyday realities of the funeral industry. The series also explores the importance of the funeral industry in the community effectually showing how it helps people handle and get through their grief.

Buried by the Bernards is not just about a family running a funeral home, it captures the beauty and complexity of a family living their lives with love, respect, and a good dose of comedy. It is ultimately a deeply respectful portrayal of a world that most of us don't get to see, and through it all, one thing is crystal clear - the Bernards truly care about their community, their business, and above all, their family.

This reality show is a look into the stiff, somber world of funerals with a fresh, vibrant, and irrepressibly life-affirming attitude. It will make you laugh, it may make you tear up, but most importantly, it will make you appreciate the beauty that can be found in the mundane – even in the business of death. The series shows that relationships, love, and family are the things that truly matter when all is said and done.

In a nutshell, Buried by the Bernards offers the compelling chance to peer into the life of a tight-knit, eccentric family as they juggle the realities of their extraordinary business within the context of their own relatable day-to-day lives. It's a heavy dose of family, a dash of humor, a sprinkle of tenderness, and a scoop of heart.