The twins TV hero. the 'Purple Avenger' (played by Dom De Luise) was their Mom's old school boyfriend. He is about to visit, creating a few challenges.
Joan has used a man's pen name for a story in a 'girlie' magazine. Things become complicated when the publishers decide to visit, to interview what they assume is the male writer.
Jim is someone inclined to indoor, scholarly pursuits so he's at a loss when ordered to entertain Roland Cunningham. The guest approaches each endeavor with vigor and enthusiasm sending the family into exhaustion.
The Nash clan is to be profiled on the university's TV show "At Home with the Faculty." The attention creates chaos on the home front as Joan wants to present an artificial look at their life instead of reality.
When the boys learn their mom Joan received a nice paycheck for writing about them they think some so the money belongs to them.
Joan and neighbor, Marge, have a fallout over who won the raffle ticket prize of a pool table. To resolve the dispute, they mutually agree to sell the pool table.
A girl named Sam, gives Joel a black eye. His parents decide to confront Sam's parents, with unexpected results.
Joel's IQ test comes back with a score of 182, putting him in the genius category. However all is not what it appears.
The Nash's holiday in a new caravan trailer is a disaster, so they decide to sell it. Jim's boss, Dean Carter, wants to buy it. The Nash's try to put him off with photos and stories of their trailer escapades.
Kyle and Joel try out for various roles at the community playhouse but seem to miss out on being cast. When Joel doesn't get a part he really wanted he gets depressed and his parents try to boost his ego.
The twins believe a nearby house is haunted, but discover an older man and his dog residing within. The man in question happens to be someone from Jim's past.
Joan is named ' Woman writer of the Year', by a New York newspaper, and minimizing Jim's role as a professor and drama teacher. The inevitable jealousy ensues.
Joan accidentally drops her wedding ring, as she is washing it, into the garbage disposal unit. While trying to extract it she gets her hand stuck.
During another chaotic day in the Nash household, the twins have inadvertently glued the family's tax return to their painting, which is being auctioned at a charity event. Joan frantically bids on the painting .
Neighbors Marge and Herb's big fight, drags Joan and Jim into the fallout and they are then reluctantly forced to take sides.
An ex-con gets another chance.
Joan joins a computer dating service, hoping to get insights into the dating scene, for a upcoming article she is writing.
Drama coach Jim tries to spark Joan into finishing her third act. Jim's professional reputation hangs in the balance: he's entered Joan's play in a drama competition.
Neighbor and Lawyer, Herb, gets involved in legal cases for Jim and Joan. His involvement seems to make matters worse.
The Righteous Brothers encounter the Nash family at a PTA event. The hit group perform "Sticks and Stones" plus "Along Came Jones." Joan and Jim join them in singing "King of the Road."
A bachelor friend of Jim and Herb, convinces them to come with him on a male only camping/fishing trip. Joan and Marge however have a surprise in store for them.
Neighbor, Herb comes to stay at the Nashe's, while his house is being fumigated. He wants to help out around the house ,insisting on doing unwanted repairs on a vacuum cleaner and TV set, with disastrous results.
A new maid sweeps through.
Joan, trying to please everyone, says yes to too many organizations. The new housekeeper Martha fights a losing battle in trying to maintain order on the home front.
Early days chez Nash.
A student crush.
Hypnosis heals unhappy husband.
Jim writes a play.