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. Aches and Paynes
Aired 2 January 2008 • 30 min
Calvin tries to prove his worth to Tracie, but she responds with shocking news. Meanwhile, Jazmine is plagued with a toothache, but it's like pulling teeth trying to get her to see a dentist.
2. The Big Bang Theory
Aired 9 January 2008 • 30 min
Janine's former drug dealer wants the money she owes threatens to come back and the harm the family if she doesn't pay. Curtis buys a handgun for safety against Ella's will. Meanwhile, Malik is dealing with another bully at school. When he finds Uncle Curtis' gun in the closet, he figures his problems are over.
3. Step It Up
Aired 9 January 2008 • 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.
4. No Pain, No Gain
Aired 16 January 2008 • 30 min
Jazmine is scheduled for surgery when she has an appendix attack, and she milks it for all she can. Even Malik is forced to abide by her wishes. Meanwhile, Curtis is on the hunt for a pesky rat which is roaming the firehouse.
5. Devil in a Blue Suit
Aired 16 January 2008 • 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.
6. Bad Influence
Aired 23 January 2008 • 30 min
Ella has the flu, which means Curtis is in charge of the cleaning and cooking. Soon, he's also having to nurse Malik, C.J. and Janine after they catch Ella's bug. Jazmine, meanwhile, has been chosen to play the princess in her school play, but after her parents try to help her prepare, she winds up getting demoted. But Calvin has the perfect advice for her.
7. Play on Playa
Aired 23 January 2008 • 30 min
Calvin misreads a relationship counselor's signals when she invites him to her house for dinner; Curtis does not let anything interfere with the firehouse's poker party.
8. Its Getting Hot in Here
Aired 30 January 2008 • 30 min
C.J. catches the eye of a lovely woman at a wedding, where he gets a little frisky with Janine. Meanwhile, Calvin's friends volunteer at the firehouse.
9. Don't Get It Twisted
Aired 30 January 2008 • 30 min
The family grills Janine and C.J. after they spend the night together. But Curtis has problems of his own, when a man thinks his wife is having an affair with him.
10. Wife Swap
Aired 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.
11. Stop Being All Funky
Aired 5 March 2008 • 30 min
Janine dates an ex-football star, and CJ goes out with Tanya. CJ starts to feel uncomfortable when Janine's date gives out lavish gifts to Malik and Jazmine. Meanwhile, Curtis develops a man crush on Janine's date
12. Guess Who's 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?
13. 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.
14. Can I get a Witness?
Aired 19 March 2008 • 30 min
Ella is trouble when she finds out that she may have breast cancer while Calvin has witnessed a neighborhood crime and is tracked down. After Ella is tested, Janine decides to get tested and finds out that she is pregnant.
15. Commencement Day
Aired 19 March 2008 • 30 min
Calvin finds out that he is graduating, but the school makes a mistake putting him on a signed death wish with Curtis. Ella must not tell about Janine's pregnancy, and it is harder than she thought.
16. A Shock to the System
Aired 26 March 2008 • 30 min
Malik's best friend, Kevin is injured in a hit and run accident, Calvin gets a new job, but gets fired the next day due to laziness.
17. Compromising Position
Aired 26 March 2008 • 30 min
Curtis is offered a job in Los Angeles, and Ella doesn't want to move. Meanwhile, C.J.'s girlfriend, Tanya, has a friend that is attracted to CJ.
18. Moral Dilemma
Aired 2 April 2008 • 30 min
When C.J. finds 50,000 dollars in his truck, the family must decide what to do with the money.
19. Sex, Lies and Videotapes
Aired 2 April 2008 • 30 min
C.J. finds out that Tanya was in a rap music video years ago, the F.B.I. uses the Payne home for a stakeout.
20. Time to Clean House
Aired 9 April 2008 • 30 min
The family has had it with Calvin's ungrateful 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 her house.
21. Living with Liz
Aired 9 April 2008 • 30 min
Janine's mother moves in with the Paynes, and Janine has a hard time not revealing that she's pregnant. It is then discovered that Janine's father kicked Liz out of the house.
22. Beat Down
Aired 16 April 2008 • 30 min
Ella and Claretha help out a church member who has a domestic abusive boyfriend.
23. Expectations
Aired 16 April 2008 • 30 min
Janine's pregnancy is revealed at a social gathering, Curtis befriends a cable man who could possibly be his son.
24. Cheers
Aired 23 April 2008 • 30 min
Malik has a scheme to get phone numbers from cheerleaders and ends up being a cheerleader. Janine gets ready to move in with Bryan so they can prepare to raise their child.
25. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Me
Aired 23 April 2008 • 30 min
Malik babysits Jazmine, the guys at the firehouse upset Angel.