Introduction and Answer Summary
The American television sitcom Reba aired for six seasons on The WB and later The CW, with a definitive run from October 5, 2001, to February 18, 2007. This amounts to approximately 127 half-hour episodes and just over five broadcast years. The show followed the ongoing lives of Reba Hart, her ex-husband Brock, and their children after their divorce, blending family comedy with serialized character growth. Its consistent scheduling, strong affiliate performance, and durable cable repeats have cemented Reba as a long-running staple in syndication, despite never appearing in the Nielsen top 20 during its original broadcast.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Reba’s production and network journey progressed as follows, moving from The WB to The CW and adjusting episode counts to fit network priorities.
Seasons 1–2 on The WB (2001–2004)
The first two seasons aired weekly on Sundays, establishing the premise and core relationships. Season 1 produced 22 episodes, while Season 2 trimmed to 21 episodes, reflecting tighter narrative planning and stronger continuity.
Seasons 3–6 on The CW (2004–2007)
After The WB’s closure, Reba moved to The CW. Here the series reduced its episode output to 18–20 per season, balancing production budgets and creative pacing. Seasons 3 through 6 delivered the remaining 63 episodes before the series concluded.
Season Guide Snapshot
| Season | Network | Episodes | First Air Date | Last Air Date | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The WB | 22 | October 5, 2001 | May 10, 2002 | Divorce finalized; new household dynamics established |
| 2 | The WB | 21 | September 20, 2002 | May 11, 2003 | Cheyenne’s pregnancy and marriage; Brock’s engagement |
| 3 | The CW | 20 | September 15, 2003 | May 10, 2004 | Van’s injury; Barbra Jean’s storyline evolves |
| 4 | The CW | 19 | September 20, 2004 | May 24, 2005 | Kyra’s introduction; family crises peak |
| 5 | The CW | 20 | September 19, 2005 | May 15, 2006 | Reba and Brock navigate new relationships; college arcs |
| 6 | The CW | 26 | October 18, 2006 | February 18, 207 | Series finale; reconciliations and forward-looking endings |
Network Transition and Production Context
Reba was produced by Farnham Street Productions and aired under distribution arrangements that bridged two corporate networks. Its move from The WB to The CW reflected broader industry consolidation in 2006. The show retained its time slot whenever possible and maintained consistent tone across the transition, aided by strong showrunner oversight and stable cast commitments.
Episode Count and Running Time
With 127 episodes across six seasons, Reba averaged about 21 episodes per season, slightly below the sitcom norm of 22–24 but aligned with The CW’s tighter scheduling. At roughly 21–23 minutes per episode without commercials, the series offered compact, digestible storytelling that supported reruns and syndication flexibility.
Ratings, Reception, and Cultural Legacy
While Reba seldom broke the top 50 in household ratings during its original run, it consistently delivered solid performance in key demographics, especially among adults 18–49 for The WB and The CW. Its humor, grounded in family conflict and emotional resilience, attracted a devoted fanbase. In syndication and streaming, the show has remained popular, often airing in afternoon blocks and on digital platforms, demonstrating strong evergreen appeal.
Comparison with Peers and Syndication Presence
Compared with other early‑2000s family comedies, Reba’s six-season run was above average for scripted fare on The WB and The CW, outperforming several short‑lived network premieres. Its longevity in reruns and on streaming services underscores durable audience interest and a well‑paced, character‑forward format that translates well to non‑linear viewing.
Conclusion
To directly answer how long Reba ran: six seasons, approximately 127 episodes, and about five years from October 2001 to February 2007. Its move from The WB to The CW, steady production schedule, and lasting syndication presence highlight a successful, mid‑length sitcom run that continues to resonate with viewers today.