Buried By The Bernards Where Are They Now: The 2026 Update On The Reality TV Family
(Note: This article focuses exclusively on the Bernard family and their reality television series "Buried by the Bernards," which aired on Netflix, examining their current business operations, media presence, and life status as of 2026.)
The reality television landscape is littered with one-season wonders that captured momentary public fascination before fading into obscurity. Netflix's 2021 docuseries Buried by the Bernards was a unique entry into this space, blending the morbid solemnity of the funeral industry with the chaotic, unfiltered comedy of a tight-knit family. Set in Memphis, Tennessee, the show followed Ryan Bernard and his eccentric relatives as they ran Bernard’s Family Funeral Care. Years after the initial broadcast, viewers frequently search for updates on the family, wondering how the business has evolved and where the key personalities stand today in 2026.
The Origins and Unique Appeal of Bernard’s Family Funeral Care
To understand where the Bernards are today, it is essential to revisit why they captured national attention. Traditional portrayals of the funeral industry in media lean heavily toward somber, quiet, and deeply institutional environments, as seen in dramas like Six Feet Under. Conversely, the Bernards injected vibrant personality, sharp humor, and familial friction directly into the arrangement room.
Ryan Bernard founded the business with a philosophy centered on affordable, dignified services wrapped in a comforting, personalized atmosphere. However, the day-to-day operations relied heavily on a dynamic supporting cast:
- Debbie Bernard: The matriarch whose sharp tongue and no-nonsense attitude kept both her family and the business anchored.
- Ryan Bernard: The funeral director and owner navigating the delicate balance of running a growing mortuary while managing strong-willed family members.
- Kevin and Raeshia: Key family members who added distinct comedic and operational layers to the daily workflow, challenging the traditional solemnity of death care.
This fusion of genuine grief support with unscripted family comedy made the show a breakout hit on streaming platforms, prompting widespread curiosity regarding the real people behind the television personas.
Business Evolution and Current Status in Memphis
As of 2026, Bernard’s Family Funeral Care remains an active, community-integrated mortuary service provider in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite the transient nature of streaming television fame, the family chose to double down on their core brick-and-mortar operations rather than pivot exclusively into full-time media celebrity.
The mortuary industry demands rigorous adherence to state licensing, sanitary codes, and compassionate client communication. The business has successfully maintained its local reputation, navigating economic shifts and post-pandemic industry changes by modernizing its service offerings.
| Operational Area | Initial Series Phase (2021) | Current Operational Phase (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Location | Memphis, Tennessee | Expanded community reach in the greater Shelby County area |
| Service Focus | Traditional burial and standard cremation packages | Advanced eco-friendly cremation options and bespoke celebration-of-life packages |
| Media Presence | Active promotion via Netflix streaming debut | Independent digital footprint, local community engagement, and social media updates |
| Family Involvement | Core cast members actively managing daily arrangements | Split focus between mortuary administration, public appearances, and private ventures |
The operational survival of a family-owned funeral home depends heavily on local trust rather than global television ratings. By prioritizing transparent pricing and culturally competent service delivery tailored to the Memphis community, the Bernards insulated themselves against the volatility of the entertainment industry.
Buried by the Bernards Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes
Where Are the Key Cast Members Now?
Audience curiosity naturally centers on the individual lives of the family members who brought the series to life. While some cast members embraced social media influencing and public speaking opportunities, others maintained a deliberate focus on the operational backbone of the mortuary.
Ryan Bernard
Ryan remains the face of the establishment. In the years following the show's release, he has utilized his platform to advocate for transparent pricing in the death care sector—a growing trend among independent funeral directors nationwide. He continues to oversee daily embalming, funeral directing, and client consultations, ensuring that the television exposure did not compromise the foundational quality of the family business.
Debbie Bernard
Debbie remains an influential matriarch within both the family and the business structure. While stepping back from the most grueling hours of physical arrangement coordination, her presence in customer relations and quality assurance ensures the firm retains its signature relational warmth.
The Extended Cast and Staff
Other family members featured prominently in the series have balanced personal milestones with behind-the-scenes administrative duties. Several junior staff members introduced during the series have earned formal mortuary science certifications, transforming early television exposure into legitimate, licensed career trajectories within the Tennessee death care sector.
The Reality TV Phenomenon: Pros and Cons for Small Businesses
Transitioning a local, multigenerational family business onto a global streaming platform presents a distinct set of operational advantages and severe risks. Analyzing the trajectory of Buried by the Bernards provides a clear case study in modern media integration for niche service providers.
Strategic Advantages of Reality Television Exposure Immediate Brand Awareness: A Netflix series instantly catapults a localized Memphis business into millions of households worldwide, generating name recognition that traditional billboard or radio advertising cannot replicate. Talent Attraction: High-visibility platforms attract ambitious professionals looking to train under recognized industry figures, strengthening the pipeline of licensed funeral directors and support staff.
Operational Risks and Disadvantages Client Privacy Challenges: An influx of curious tourists or non-serious inquiries can disrupt grieving families who require absolute privacy and emotional tranquility during vulnerable moments. Typecasting and Professional Skepticism: Traditional mortuary networks and conservative industry associations occasionally view reality television integration with skepticism, requiring business owners to work doubly hard to prove their technical competence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bernard’s Family Funeral Care still open in Memphis?
Yes, Bernard’s Family Funeral Care is fully operational in Memphis, Tennessee, continuing to serve local families with traditional funeral and cremation services. The business successfully transitioned its post-television momentum into long-term community stability.
Will there be a second season of Buried by the Bernards?
Netflix has not announced plans for a second season of the series. The family has largely transitioned away from active network television production to focus on expanding their local mortuary operations and independent digital content creation.
Are Ryan Bernard and Debbie Bernard still involved in the business?
Yes, both Ryan and Debbie remain actively tied to the establishment, providing leadership, oversight, and community outreach while grooming the next generation of family operators.
How did the show impact the family's business volume?
The initial broadcast led to a significant surge in brand recognition, increasing national inquiries and solidifying their local market share in the competitive Shelby County death care landscape.
Can out-of-state clients use Bernard’s services?
While they primarily serve the greater Memphis and Shelby County region, they coordinate interstate mortuary shipping and repatriation services for families wishing to return loved ones to Tennessee for final arrangements.
Securing Professional Funeral Services in Memphis
Navigating the loss of a loved one requires partnering with established professionals who combine technical expertise with genuine empathy. Whether inspired by a television program or seeking reliable local guidance, families should verify state licenses, review transparent General Price Lists (GPL), and ensure the chosen provider aligns with their specific cultural and financial requirements. Bernard's Family Funeral Care stands as an enduring example of how traditional service values can adapt to modern media platforms without losing sight of community commitment.
