About this season
A multigenerational, working-class family experience life's struggles with faith, love and, most importantly, humor. Curtis, aka 'Pops', the uncle and head of the household, has house and home turned upside down when an unexpected event forces his nephew, CJ, and CJ’s kids to move in, putting three generations under one roof. This chaotic living situation takes its toll on cranky Pops, who is reluctant to have his routine disturbed. In addition to CJ’s family, Pops and Ella’s son, Calvin, a wise-cracking, broke college student, hangs out at home, making it impossible for any peace and quiet. It soon becomes evident just how wide the gap is, as the family tries to find a way to coexist through all of life’s hilarious ups and downs.
Episodes (25)
1. Wife Swap
10.0Aired 5 March 2008 • 30 min
Curtis and Ella's relationship hits a bump when Ella claims that Curtis takes her for granted. Curtis learns his lesson when the always sassy Madea materializes in one of his dreams as his wife. Elsewhere, Malik takes up football in order to woo a cheerleader.
2. Stop Being All Funky
Aired 5 March 2008 • 30 min
C.J. meets Janine's new boyfriend, Bryan and becomes jealous when Bryan spoils the kids with expensive gifts.
3. Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner
Aired 12 March 2008 • 30 min
As Malik invites his new girlfriend to a Payne family dinner, Calvin again woos Miranda, who ripped him off during a previous romance but now insists she's changed her ways. Miranda's acceptance back into the Payne house is slow at first, but eventually she charms her way back. Meanwhile, Malik's new girlfriend has a surprise that beats Miranda's return. Will the Paynes ever have a normal day?
4. Game Over
Aired 12 March 2008 • 30 min
The men and women prepare for game night at the Payne house. Meanwhile, Ella's old college friend comes to visit, and she brings with her an old secret about her and Curtis that upsets Ella. The secret also sparks an argument among all the younger couples. The Payne house has never been so heated.
5. Crazy in Love
Aired 12 December 2007 • 30 min
Curtis' womanizing friend Jimmy, who sponges off women, charms Claretha. Meanwhile C.J. has to deal with an all too grateful woman after saving her life - much to the amusement of his fellow firefighters.
6. Time to Clean House
Aired 19 September 2007 • 30 min
The family has had it with Calvin's shenanigans, so they lay down some house rules. Calvin decides to move in with his girlfriend, who finds out just how dependent he is. Meanwhile, Malik and Jazmine help Claretha clean house.
7. Living with Liz
Aired 19 September 2007 • 30 min
Janine's mother, Liz, comes for a surprise visit, but she brings with her an attitude that needs readjusting. Fortunately, the Paynes are all about readjusting attitudes, especially Curtis. The Paynes discover that Janine's father threw Liz out of the house, so they attempt to bring the two back together. Meanwhile, Janine's having a hard time hiding that she's pregnant.
8. Aches and Paynes
Aired 19 September 2007 • 30 min
Jazmine reveals her fear of visiting the dentist when she develops a painful toothache. Meanwhile, Calvin is devastated once he receives the news that Tracie wants to see other people and end their relationship.
9. It's a Boy
Aired 19 September 2007 • 30 min
While the crew responds to an emergency call, Curtis finds himself all alone at the firehouse with a very pregnant woman. Meanwhile, Calvin and Tracie's relationship begins to wilt when Tracie questions if Calvin's ready for a mature relationship.
10. The Big Bang Theory
Aired 26 September 2007 • 30 min
Blue, Janine's former drug dealer, demands that he receives the money that she owes him or he will threaten to harm the family. Meanwhile, another bully at Malik's school starts to harass him. But he finds Curtis' gun in the closet and soon believes that he's found the answer to his problem.
11. Step It Up
Aired 26 September 2007 • 30 min
Curtis and Ella's niece comes to town for a scholarship interview, but her appearance and attitude hurt her chances of getting it. Aunt Ella and Janine help her work the judges, but it's them that end up learning a lesson. Meanwhile, Bart's obnoxious nephew hangs out at the firehouse and challenges Malik to a firefighter battle.
12. Expectations
Aired 26 September 2007 • 30 min
Janine, CJ and their respective dates attend a party, but revelations about Janine's pregnancy cause complications. Elsewhere, when the TV fades out, Curtis connects with the cable guy.
13. Cheers
Aired 5 December 2007 • 30 min
Malik tries out for cheer leading to obtain the girls' phone numbers but things backfire when he becomes the only male cheerleader. A pregnant Janine packs to move in with Bryan.
14. Can I Get a Witness?
Aired 30 January 2008 • 30 min
Ella heads to the hospital after a lump is found in her breast. She confides in Janine but hides it from the rest of the family. Meanwhile, another crisis develops when Calvin witnesses a neighborhood crime, and is urged to go under witness protection.
15. Commencement Day
Aired 19 December 2007 • 30 min
Janine asks Ella to keep her new-found pregnancy a secret. Meanwhile Calvin is going to graduate, but finds out he won't and delays telling Curtis about it.
16. A Shock to the System
Aired 26 December 2007 • 30 min
Malik's best friend, Kevin gets into an accident while staying at the Payne's house. Malik fears losing his best friend. Meanwhile, Calvin gets a new job, but gets fired after insulting his boss, and starts working at the barbershop.
17. Moral Dilemma
Aired 2 January 2008 • 30 min
When $50,000 is found in CJ's truck, a moral dilemma about what to do with the cash begins tearing the Paynes apart. Of course, Curtis wants it as payment for housing CJ's family, but the Paynes can always rely on Ella to lead them to do the right thing.
18. Sex, Lies and Videotapes
Aired 5 December 2007 • 30 min
CJ corners Tanya when he sees a too revealing video of her.
19. The Beat Down
Aired 5 December 2007 • 30 min
Ella and Claretha help a fellow churchgoer who has an abusive boyfriend. Meanwhile, Delante has 2 girlfriends and bites off more than he can chew.
20. Respect Me
Aired 5 December 2007 • 30 min
Angel is fed up with the boorish behavior of her fellow firefighters and complains. But when they no longer treat her as one of the guys she feels excluded. Ella and Malik put a stop to Jasmine's prank.
21. Trial By Fire Pt. 2
Aired 12 December 2007 • 30 min
Curtis and his team continue to strategize the best way in order to rescue C.J., who remains trapped in the burning house unconscious. Meanwhile, Malik continues to win over his new crush, Taylor.
22. Trial By Fire Pt. 3
Aired 12 December 2007 • 30 min
The search progresses for CJ, who's trapped in a fire-ravaged structure. And love is blind for young Malik, whose crush on Taylor continues.
23. Crazy in Love
Aired 12 December 2007 • 30 min
Curtis' old friend sets his sights on Claretha, and Ella doesn't it like it one bit. Curtis must choose between pleasing his wife, or staying cool with his friend. Meanwhile, C.J. is stalked by a woman he rescued.
24. Reality Check
Aired 19 December 2007 • 30 min
The firehouse becomes the subject of a reality show titled “Sparks,” but the firefighters get burned when the host manipulates their interviews. Elsewhere, Ella takes the children to visit Janine---without CJ's consent.
25. Piece of Mind
Aired 19 December 2007 • 30 min
The Payne gang decides to see a family therapist against Curtis' will. After each family member spends time with the therapist, it's the doctor who needs psychiatric help.