
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.

The women become unwelcome guests at a men's club retreat when their van breaks down.

Julia accompanies Mary Jo when she takes her mother on an overnight bus trip.

Julia's son Payne leaves his wife and plans to return home permanently.

Carlene is oblivious to the problems when she invites her colleagues to see her first apartment.