
Florida and James Evans struggle to raise their kids - irrepressible artist JJ, voice-of-reason Thelma, and politically active Michael - in a Chicago housing project. They have help from wisecracking neighbors, buffoonish building superintendents and friends.

Penny painfully discovers that smoking is dangerous to more than one's health.

J.J., Thelma and Michael discover that their new boarder is the only surviving witness in a trial against a dangerous criminal.

Social Security could stand in the way when Grandpa Evans decides that it's time to get married.

J.J. succumbs to the stress of dating a married woman when he develops an ulcer.