
Ray Barone is a successful sports writer and family man who deals with a brother and parents -- who happen to live across the street. Mom Marie loves to meddle in his life, while older brother Robert sometimes resents his success, and Dad Frank just makes comments and raids the fridge. Nevertheless, Ray manages to keep a bright outlook and a sense of humor, leaving the hard issues to his more-practical wife, Debra.

Ray and Debra parody Frank and Marie's relationship; the older couple does the same for them, with different results.

Ray is jealous when Debra shows him the mementos she saved from past relationships.

A Christmas letter from Marie and Debra causes a family tiff.

Ray asserts his rights as king of the castle after complaining that Debra makes all the household decisions.