
Series creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason uses the fictional Atlanta design firm of Sugarbaker and Associates as a witty bully pulpit for caustic social and political humor. The founder of the company is Julia Sugarbaker, a sharp-tongued but elegant and surprisingly compassionate woman. Her younger sister, Suzanne, is a former beauty queen who is long on charm but a bit slow on the uptake. Their associates are Mary Jo Shively, a recent divorcee, and officer manager Charlene Frazier, whose sweetness is matched only by her naivete. Their deliverman is Anthony Bouvier, a well-spoken ex-convict, and cheerfully dotty senior citizen Bernice Clifton often drops by for a visit as well.

A handsome client (Collin Bernsen) breaks Mary Jo's heart; Bernice gets her own late night television show.

Mary Jo switches her fake pearls for Suzanne's real ones as a joke, but then loses them.

Anthony tests his manhood by confronting a neighborhood bully.

Anthony and the ladies spy on Julia when she begins acting mysteriously.