The twists and turns in the lives of the members of the Foster household, a Black British family who reside in a flat in South London and which consists of dad Samuel, mum Pearl, and their three children.
The Fosters think they're hard up, but when they discover on New Year's Eve that an elderly neighbour has resorted to eating dog food, they resolve to do what they can to help.
Sonny is commissioned by an attractive new neighbour to paint a nude portrait of her as a gift for her husband's upcoming birthday.
With both father and son having been made redundant, Sonny makes a rash decision - he's going to enlist in the Army!
After a morning with too many jobs on her plate, Pearl goes to work in a foul mood. A pleasant meal with her boss, however, soon turns the day around.
Sonny's fallen in love with his latest girlfriend and announces their intention to marry. But when neither set of parents are supportive, the pair elope.
Pearl and Samuel's 20th wedding anniversary is just a couple of days away and he's arranged a surprise second honeymoon trip to celebrate.
The Fosters decide to put Samuel's electronic expertise to good use by starting a repair business at home - unfortunately, the council's tenancy rules prohibit it.
Samuel's looking to get a car, but with only £100 to spend it looks like a big ask. Vilma, however, has a friend who may be able to help.
Pearl is spurred on to lose weight after learning that an old flame from back home is visiting England, and realising just how thin she was when they last met.
With Samuel away watching cricket with friends in the north, the Foster household is split as all three kids - Sonny, Benjamin and Shirley - find love.
Charley, an old school friend of Samuel's, pays a visit and makes his presence keenly felt. The Fosters feel they have to warn the woman he's hoping to marry.
Sonny's struggling to keep a job, and there's a night of little sleep in the flat - particularly for poor, beleaguered Sammy!
Pearl's unwell and Samuel heads to the doctor to collect her test results, but he's soon the one feeling under the weather when he discovers she's pregnant!
Is the flat haunted? After some odd bumps in the night, Sonny certainly thinks so. Vilma arranges for their neighbour Mrs. Pugh, a medium, to talk to them...