A chimp who blows smoke rings appears on Dick's talk show; Dick smokes along with the chimp on air. After the show, Dick realizes he is hooked on smoking again and solicits help from his wife and family, also struggling with the habit.
Dick gets invited to Hollywood for a screen test to become a star on a new TV show. Dick prepares for the test but doubts his ability to become a star.
Dick and Jenny are happy that 16 year old son Dan is bringing a girlfriend to dinner. But when Dan appears with Judy, an African American, the senior members of the family must examine their beliefs.
Dick's publisher mistakenly mails an adult book to the Preston household. Daughter Carrie finds the parcel and thinking it's a dictionary takes it to school. Dick scrambles to fix the situation.
Dick and Jenny find their dream house and make plans to buy it. But they run into trouble when they try to sell their current home which they need to do to have the money for the new place.
The Prestons end up with a house full of unexpected guests when a violent storms strands people. This includes a priest and a nun turning sleeping arrangements into a difficult situation.
When symphony conductor Paul Franz is a guest on Dick's talk show, Dick asks him on the air to come to their house for dinner, throwing Jenny into a panic and Dick into the dog house.
In the pilot for the series, Dick and Jenny Preston have been married for 18 years, they feel that their life is next to perfect, until unexpected news arrives: Jenny is pregnant.
The Prestons are adding an addition one the house but they have a misunderstanding. Jenny thinks she's getting a sewing room but Dick plans on a sauna.
This flashback episode focuses on the calamities that ensue when Jenny goes into labor. Also, Annie feels ignored because of the baby's arrival; and Lucas falls off his new bike, breaking his nose.
Dick is excited when he learns he's to receive a prestigious award. But Dick changes his attitude after learning the presentation is held at a country club that practices racial discrimination leaving him with a dilemma.