B. J. and the Bear (1979)
The classic NBC comedy-drama following a free-spirited trucker and his chimpanzee companion across the open American road.
B. J. and the Bear - Series Information
- Original Title: B. J. and the Bear
- First Air Year: 1979
- Last Air Year: 1981
- Created by: Glen A. Larson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 46
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Glen A. Larson Productions
B. J. and the Bear - Plot
B.J. and the Bear is an American comedy series which aired on NBC from 1979 to 1981. Created by Christopher Crowe and Glen A. Larson, the series stars Greg Evigan and Claude Akins.
Where to Watch B. J. and the Bear
Looking for where to watch B. J. and the Bear?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
B. J. and the Bear - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Glen A. Larson
Main Cast
- Greg Evigan as B.J. McKay
- Murray Hamilton as Rutherford T. Grant
- Candi Brough as Teri Garrison
- Randi Brough as Geri Garrison
- Sheila Wills as Angie Cartwright
- Amanda Horan Kennedy as Samantha
- Judy Landers as Stacks
- Linda McCullough as Callie
- Sherilyn Wolter as Cindy Grant
- Charles Napier
Writers
- Frank Lupo
- Glen A. Larson
- Robert McCullough
B. J. and the Bear - FAQs
Who is Bear in B. J. and the Bear?
Bear is B.J. McKay's chimpanzee companion and co-star throughout the series. Far more than a gimmick, the chimp became the show's breakout personality, sharing every highway adventure with Greg Evigan's trucker character and winning over audiences with an undeniable on-screen charm that helped define the series.
Is B. J. and the Bear worth watching today?
For fans of late-1970s American television, it's a genuine time capsule. The show blends lighthearted comedy with open-road adventure in a way that feels breezy and unpretentious. Greg Evigan's charismatic lead performance and the novelty of his chimpanzee co-star give it a nostalgic warmth that still entertains.
Who created B. J. and the Bear?
The series was created by Christopher Crowe and Glen A. Larson. Larson, a prolific television producer behind hits like Battlestar Galactica and Knight Rider, served as executive creative force on the show, lending it the polished, crowd-pleasing sensibility that became his trademark throughout the era.
Where can you stream B. J. and the Bear?
Streaming availability for B. J. and the Bear varies by region and changes over time. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your area, including any subscription streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How many seasons does B. J. and the Bear have?
The series ran for three seasons on NBC, plus a specials episode, totalling 46 episodes. Season 1 featured 10 episodes, Season 2 expanded to 21, and Season 3 wrapped the run with 15 episodes before the show concluded in 1981 after a solid three-year highway run.
What is B. J. and the Bear actually about?
The show follows B.J. McKay, a good-natured independent trucker who roams America's highways with his pet chimpanzee Bear. Each episode finds the duo tangling with corrupt sheriffs, con artists, and colorful characters, mixing slapstick comedy with light action in the freewheeling spirit of the era's road-trip television.
What similar shows did fans of B. J. and the Bear enjoy?
Viewers drawn to the show's trucker-on-the-road charm often gravitated toward Movin' On (1974) and Carga Pesada (2003), which share similar highway themes. For the buddy-comedy dynamic, Me and the Chimp (1972) is a natural companion piece, while Planet of the Apes (1974) appeals to fans of primate co-stars.
Who were the main writers on B. J. and the Bear?
The series' writing team included Frank Lupo, Glen A. Larson, and Robert McCullough. Frank Lupo would later go on to co-create The A-Team, while Larson's dual role as creator and writer gave the show a consistent comedic voice across its three-season run on NBC.
More About B. J. and the Bear
Explore further details about B. J. and the Bear on these authoritative resources.