11-year-old Mark, a boy more mature than his 11 years, uses comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world to escape his dysfunctional family home life.
A chance encounter at a funeral parlour leads to Mark's first date with a girl. As he risks life and limb in a race across town to meet her, Fox finds herself unexpectedly jealous. Meanwhile, Mary tries to convince Dick to sell her the old radio station truck.
Mark fears being forced to play the cello will make him a social pariah. But when his cello is taken by a gang of bullies, Fox begrudgingly comes to his rescue. Meanwhile, Pop and Sister Rose take a stroll down memory lane when it's revealed they use to be an item.
When Richie invites himself over to a sleepover, Mark scrambles to hide his family's "eccentric" behaviour. Meanwhile, Mike Sr. takes a stanch pro-cucumber stance when the new vegetable buys ad time on VOCM Radio.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles visit St. John's, which puts Mark in danger of being outed as a monarchist to his family. Meanwhile, a gift from Dick Dunphy comes between Mike Sr. and Mary.
Mark and Ritchie receive police protection after thinking they witnessed a crime on Halloween night. Fox grows tired of her brother's tiresome behavior.
At the Critch house, Christmas is just another reason to argue - even more so due to an unexpected visitor that comes bearing gifts. Meanwhile Mark, Richie and Fox volunteer to make Christmas hampers for the needy.
Parents and students take the field on Sports Day. Mark decides to treat the all-day gym class as a comedy stage, much to his teammate's annoyance. Meanwhile, Fox fights for her mother's attention and attempts to break the school record for gold medals.
When Ritche bails on their plans to go to the circus, Mark and Fox find themselves going together on a maybe-date. Meanwhile, Ritche's family hosts some new Filipino-Canadians who make him feel insecure about his heritage.
Having realized his feelings for Fox, Mark is hurt to learn she's been spending time alone with Ritchie. And, with the future of VOCM in doubt, Mike Sr attempts to learn to DJ - at Mark's school-end dance.
Pop is betting on the Tyson Frazier fight. It turns out that Mike Jr. earns more than his father. Now senior has to ask for a raise. Mark's mood completely turns around after Fox dumps Millard. Except Millard now wants a fight.
Pop is addicted to the almonds being sold by Mark for the 24 hour famine relief. The reward is a bicycle for the kid who sold the most. Fox is desperate and willing to break the rules during the school's Slumber for Hunger.
Mary becomes an Avon lady. Father goes to cover the beer strike. Pop sees an opportunity. The Fox brothers goes off school for fried chicken. Mark tries to prove his manhood by joining them. Fox has some quality time with her sober father.
Mark uncovers dark family secrets when he researches the Critch family tree; a death in the family causes pop to reassess his relationship with his son.
Mark learns new things about his parents after an historic storm knocks out power to the Critch house, when his father's back goes out, Mike Jr. has to broadcast all night alone.