Answer at a Glance
Reba aired for 6 seasons on The WB/CW, from October 5, 2001, to February 18, 2007, comprising 127 episodes in total. The series transitioned from The WB to The CW in season 5 and concluded as a top-rated scripted comedy for the network at the time. Below is a detailed, verified overview of its season-by-season run, episode counts, and broadcast timeline.
Overview and Franchise Context
Reba is an American sitcom that ran from 2001 to 2007, starring Reba McEntire as Reba Hart. It originated as a retooling after McEntire’s sitcom prior series did not proceed and was developed for network television by The WB. The show blended family comedy with Reba’s country star persona, producing a durable catalog that remains widely syndicated.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
The series ran across six distinct seasons, with episode counts and air dates varying by season. The table below summarizes each season’s verified details.
| Season | Episodes | Original Air Dates | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | October 5, 2001 – May 9, 2002 | The WB |
| 2 | 23 | September 25, 2002 – May 21, 2003 | The WB |
| 3 | 23 | September 24, 2003 – May 19, 2004 | The WB |
| 4 | 23 | September 18, 2004 – May 20, 2005 | The WB |
| 5 | 22 | September 20, 2005 – May 15, 2006 | The WB → The CW |
| 6 | 8 | November 13, 2006 – February 18, 2007 | The CW |
Season 1 (2001–2002)
Season 1 introduced Reba Hart’s journey through divorce and co-parenting, establishing the show’s tone and family-first premise. With 22 episodes, it laid groundwork for ongoing character arcs and set up future conflicts and growth.
Seasons 2–4 (2002–2005)
Seasons 2, 3, and 4 each contained 23 episodes, representing the series’ core lineup on The WB. Storylines expanded to include career developments, evolving relationships, and deeper integration of Reba’s real-life country perspective.
Season 5 (2005–2006)
Season 5 bridged The WB and The CW with 22 episodes. The show maintained strong ratings during the network transition, reflecting resilient audience loyalty and solid creative direction.
Season 6 (2006–2007)
With only 8 episodes, Season 6 served as a shortened final season on The CW, concluding the series in February 2007. Despite reduced episode count, it delivered closure to major character storylines.
Key Milestones and Ratings Context
Reba’s run included several notable benchmarks, from its WB premiere to its CW finale, consistently ranking among the top scripted comedies of its era.
| Milestone | Date/Period | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Series Premiere | October 5, 2001 | Launched on The WB to strong viewership |
| 100th Episode | Season 4, early 2005 | Reflected sustained narrative depth |
| Network Transition | Fall 2005 | Move from The WB to The CW |
| Series Finale | February 18, 2007 | Concluded with 127 total episodes |
Episode Totals and Comparisons
With 127 episodes across 6 seasons, Reba exemplifies a completed, syndication-friendly sitcom run. The following concise comparison contextualizes its output within typical network sitcom norms.
Episode Count Comparison
- Reba: 127 episodes (6 seasons)
- Standard multi-cam sitcom: ~180–200+ episodes over 6–8 seasons
- Shorter or revived runs: 90–110 episodes across 5–6 seasons
Conclusion
Reba delivered 127 episodes over 6 seasons, airing from October 2001 to February 2007. Its move from The WB to The CW, consistent top-tier ratings, and focused finale reflect a well-executed, enduring sitcom that remains a staple in syndication.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Reba have a shortened final season?
Yes. Season 6 contained only 8 episodes and served as the series’ concluding run on The CW.
Why did the episode count vary by season?
The WB and The CW scheduled episodes around broadcast calendars and seasonal planning. Season 6’s brevity reflects a shorter pickup for the final season. Yes. Reba remains popular in reruns, with broad distribution on cable and streaming platforms, owing to its completed 127-episode run.