Buried By The Bernards Where Are They Now: The 2026 Reality Check
(Note: This article focuses exclusively on the Bernard family and their reality television series Buried by the Bernard's, detailing what the cast members are currently doing as of 2026.)
Television audiences were first introduced to the Bernard family through their unique reality television series, which chronicled the daily operations of Bernards Family Funeral Care in Memphis, Tennessee. The show captivated viewers by blending the solemn nature of the funeral industry with the humorous, chaotic, and heartwarming dynamics of a tight-knit family business. As viewers revisit the series or search for updates in 2026, the primary question remains: what happened to the Bernards, and where are they now?
Understanding the trajectory of the Bernard family requires looking beyond television screens. The funeral service industry demands rigorous operational standards, continuous community engagement, and strict adherence to state licensing and mortuary science regulations. While reality television brought national fame to their doorstep, the core of their enterprise has always been rooted in serving grieving families with dignity while adapting to modern business landscapes.
The Origins of Bernards Family Funeral Care
To understand where the family is today, it is essential to look at the foundation they built in Memphis, Tennessee. Ryan Bernard established Bernards Family Funeral Care to provide personalized, compassionate, and affordable funeral services to the local community. Located in a region with deep cultural traditions surrounding memorialization, the business quickly gained a reputation for combining traditional professionalism with modern touches.
The reality television spotlight highlighted several key members of the Bernard family:
- Ryan Bernard: The patriarch and licensed funeral director who steers the business operations.
- Debbie Bernard: The matriarch whose organizational skills and sharp observations keep both the family and the business grounded.
- Raquel Bernard: A key family member involved in the day-to-day administrative and operational elements.
- Other Extended Family and Staff: Various morticians, apprentices, and support personnel who contributed to the unique workplace atmosphere depicted on screen.
Reality TV Fame and Media Expansion
The transition from a local Memphis mortuary to a nationally recognized television brand brought unique opportunities and challenges. Reality television often amplifies personal dynamics, turning everyday workplace disagreements into dramatic viewing arcs. For the Bernards, the challenge lay in balancing the sensitive nature of death care with the entertainment demands of a major television network.
During and immediately following their broadcast run, the family leveraged their platform to increase community outreach, educate the public on end-of-life planning, and expand their local brand awareness. However, the rigorous demands of running a 24/7 funeral home while managing media appearances required strategic adjustments to ensure long-term business stability.
Watch Buried by the Bernards | Netflix Official Site
Current Status of the Bernards in 2026
As of 2026, the Bernard family remains actively engaged in the funeral and mortuary science sector, though their media footprint has evolved. Rather than pursuing continuous reality television contracts, they have strategically focused on scaling their core business operations in Memphis and exploring digital outreach initiatives.
Mortuary science has undergone significant technological and consumer shifts by 2026. Modern families increasingly prioritize green burials, digital memorial streaming, and personalized celebration-of-life ceremonies over traditional, rigid services. The Bernards have integrated these modern practices into their daily offerings, ensuring their business remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Business Evolution and Operational Focus
| Operational Focus | Pre-Television Era | Current 2026 Landscape |
|---|---|---|
| Service Offerings | Traditional burials and standard cremations | Eco-friendly options, digital streaming, bespoke celebrations |
| Marketing Strategy | Word-of-mouth and local print/radio | Omnichannel digital presence, social media engagement |
| Industry Compliance | State mortuary board standards | Advanced health protocols, digital record-keeping |
| Community Engagement | Local church and neighborhood events | Expanded regional grief support and educational workshops |
Behind the Scenes: The Realities of Mortuary Science
For viewers who wonder if the dramatic moments on the show reflect actual industry conditions, professional morticians and funeral directors note that reality television often dramatizes routine administrative hurdles. Running a licensed funeral home involves strict compliance with federal and state regulations, including:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule, which mandates clear, itemized pricing transparency.
- Strict public health guidelines regarding the handling, embalming, and transportation of human remains.
- Ongoing professional continuing education requirements for licensed funeral directors and embalmers.
The Bernards have consistently maintained their professional standing, prioritizing compliance and compassionate client care above entertainment value. This commitment to their craft is the primary reason their business has endured long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Pros and Cons of Reality Television for Family Businesses
| Aspect | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Awareness | Instant national reach and customer acquisition | Loss of privacy for family members and staff |
| Financial Impact | Additional revenue streams from media contracts | Potential distraction from core daily operations |
| Industry Perception | Humanizes a traditionally closed-off profession | Risk of trivializing a solemn, high-stakes service industry |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buried by the Bernards still airing new episodes?
No, the series is not currently in production for new seasons, but older episodes remain accessible through various streaming platforms. Fans continue to discover the show years after its initial broadcast, driving ongoing interest in the family's current whereabouts.
Where is Bernards Family Funeral Care located?
The business is physically located in Memphis, Tennessee, where it continues to serve the local community with traditional and contemporary funeral arrangements.
Are Ryan and Debbie Bernard still running the funeral home?
Yes, the core family members remain involved in the oversight and leadership of the establishment, blending generational experience with modern industry standards.
Did the family open additional locations?
While they have evaluated regional expansion opportunities, their primary focus remains on maintaining the high standard of service at their flagship Memphis facility.
How can families contact Bernards Family Funeral Care for services?
Families seeking immediate assistance, pre-planning consultations, or grief support can reach out directly via their official business telephone lines or visit their primary office location in Memphis.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The journey of the Bernard family demonstrates that building a resilient brand requires more than fleeting television fame. By anchoring their success in genuine community service, professional integrity, and adaptability, they have secured their place in the Memphis business community through 2026 and beyond. Whether viewers remember them from their television debut or encounter their services firsthand, the Bernards continue to prove that dedication to family and profession remains an enduring formula for success.
