
This sitcom chronicles the misadventures of teenager Chris as he grows up in 1980s Brooklyn. Chris is surrounded by eccentric family members, including frugal father Julius, intimidating mother Rochelle, spoiled sister Tonya and younger brother Drew, who is more popular than Chris. The show is based on the life of comedian Chris Rock, who serves as the narrator for the show and is also an executive producer.

Trying to keep his younger brother out of trouble, Chris reluctantly skips school to accompany Drew on a mission to find his idol, hockey player Wayne Gretzky.

Chris is so desperate to raise the funds to go to a concert that he jumps at the chance to participate in Mr. Omar's scholarship fund; Rochelle's injured arm gives her a way to avoid taking care of Julius and the family.

Chris decides to help Malvo, a career criminal recently released from prison, turn his life around and go back to high school; Julius, a die-hard Dodgers fan, feels betrayed when Drew decides he is a fan of the Mets.

When Chris needs to come up with a school project for Earth Day, he decides to collect cans, believing it will be easy; Rochelle must go to the school to discuss Tonya's inappropriate behavior.