
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 pushes Debra over the edge when he suggests that a pill could alleviate all of her PMS moodiness.

Still reeling after his encounter with a bull, Robert loses his nerve on his first day back with the police force and decides to quit his job to begin a new career in telemarketing.

Ray hits the roof when Frank, who generously offered to paint his son's house, refuses to use the color Ray wants.

The sight of Robert's ex-wife prompts the family to reminisce about the demise of the marriage.