Funeral Boss

Funeral Boss is a riveting reality television show that aired in 2013 on the Discovery Fit & Health channel. Set in Saint Louis, Missouri, the show provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate and compelling world of the funeral industry.

The series is centered around the Harris family and their family-owned funeral home, Harris Funeral Home. Led by Bernard 'Bill' Harris, the head and titular 'Funeral Boss', the family navigates the multifaceted and emotionally charged business of helping families bid farewell to their loved ones. Bill Harris, with his larger-than-life personality, dictates the operations of the business.

Some spectacles in this reality show serve as a testament to the fact that funeral planning can go beyond the conventional, bearing a reflection of the remarkable diversity of the human spirit and the various ways people choose to commemorate and celebrate their beloved departed ones. From customized caskets and themed memorial services to more traditional, solemn tributes, 'Funeral Boss' uncovers a world that most people only experience in times of personal loss.

The show also delves into the dynamics of working in a family business. Bill Harris and his team - which includes his sons and daughter - often have conflicting ideas about how to run the business, and these arguments and disagreements offer viewers a glimpse into the challenges and frustrations of balancing family dynamics with professional responsibilities.

Each episode follows the Harris family as they deal with various aspects of their job, from the initial consultation with mourning families, to the embalming and beautification of deceased bodies, and the planning, coordination, and actual undertaking of the memorial services. Often, these tasks require acute sensitivity and tact as they must navigate cultural traditions, family politics, and personal preferences while maintaining the utmost respect for the deceased.

In some parts, Funeral Boss can be intense, not just in its exploration of death and loss but also in the way it deals with interpersonal family conflicts. From the stoic but caring patriarch Bill, who is trying to uphold his father's legacy, to his children, who each have their own vision for the future of the business, the drama of the Harris family often matches or surpasses that found within the funerals they conduct. The tight-knit but tempestuous Harris family, with their fiery arguments, heartfelt reconciliations, and shared achievements, compels viewers to invest in their journey.

Despite being about a subject often associated with sadness and grief, Funeral Boss also manages to showcase moments of levity. The show captures candid instances of humor and light-hearted camaraderie between the Harris family members, reminding viewers that even in the face of death, there’s room for laughter and love.

Simultaneously, 'Funeral Boss' educates the viewers on the many technical and legal requirements of the funeral process. It sheds light on the rarely seen but absolutely essential backstage of a memorial service- the embalming, the preparation of the body, the meticulous planning of the ceremony, and the legal paperwork; tasks all conducted with incredible amounts of care, respect, and professionalism.

Throughout its course, 'Funeral Boss' continually emphasizes the value of the work the Harris family is doing. Despite the disputes every now and then, all members agree on the importance of their roles in helping people grieve and find closure. Often, their commitment sees them going above and beyond their official duties, providing emotional and psychological support to the families they serve.

With a blend of high personal drama, laughs, tears, and earnest lessons about life and loss, Funeral Boss offers a unique, respectful, and insightful view into the often unknown world of funeral management. This unflinching exploration of the inner workings and delicately balanced emotions inherent in this profession makes for compelling and heartfelt viewing.