C.J. Payne and his wife, Janine, are happily married with two children and live in a nice home. When their house catches on fire, they are forced to move in under the roof of C.J.'s aunt and uncle and no one is happy with the present situation. Meanwhile Janine gets acquainted with C.J.'s aunt.
C.J. and Janine's relationship starts to get worse when C.J. finds out that Janine hasn't been paying the bills for their house. Meanwhile, Curtis and Malik start bonding after the television system blows up.
Curtis has problems with Malik's new outfit and C.J.'s current living condition puts him in a bad mood.
C.J. is attracted to Malik's math teacher. Meanwhile, Ella has to tell Claretha some bad news about her involvement with the church.
C.J. is left home in the house with his kids and Claretha while Curtis and Ella go out of town for the weekend.
C.J. tries to get back in the dating scene, but his efforts are thwarted as Pops and Claretha follow him during his date with Claretha's daughter, Hugeretha. Meanwhile, Curtis tries to have his monthly poker game while babysitting the kids at the same time.
While Curtis is away, Ella gets a visit from C.J.'s ex-wife Janine who asks Ella to help her get her life together. Things get serious between C.J. and Malik and Jazmine's vice-principal.
When Ella gets sick, Curtis takes on more responsibilities. C.J. struggles to adapt to living with Janine.
While C.J. is less than inclined to meet Janine's new boyfriend, Curtis studies painting.
Curtis is bothered by the constant stream of visitors coming through his house, including his own college-age son, Calvin, and his nephew, CJ, and his nephew’s entire family. When CJ’s son, Malik, complains about going to school, the news emerges that he is afraid to go because of a bully constantly stealing his lunch money. Curtis ends up having to go to the conference with the school principal and upon arriving, learns the bully is actually a girl, Nikki. But when Curtis meets Nikki’s foster mother, Madea, he cowers to her own bullying personality. The principal suggests Malik and the bully study together as a way of forming a bond, but neither Curtis nor Madea are happy about the situation
As he does every birthday, Curtis decides to “refresh” his look, which includes teeth-bleaching, a new hair color and a return to his rookie uniform, which is way too small for him. He heads off to work while Ella and the rest of the family plan a surprise birthday party. When Janine shows up without a cake and without the money that Ella gave her, things seem a little odd. And when the surprise party finally comes around, Curtis isn’t happy at all. He realizes he’s getting older. Just then, a four-alarm fire calls Curtis, CJ and Calvin away, after which Curtis’ oldest friend, Brown, overstays his welcome. When the guys return, they deliver the news that the house that burned down belonged to CJ. After it has been decided that CJ and his family will stay with Curtis and Ella for the time being, Curtis lays down the law on how the house is going to be run.
Not having a home is weighing on CJ’s mind, and nobody has been able to cheer him up. To make matters worse, the electric company calls him and tells him the electric bill hasn’t been paid. And Janine is increasingly acting more and more strangely, blowing up at the kids and seeming agitated and nervous. She’s also getting strange calls from a guy named Blue. Calvin later tells CJ that he heard on the street that it was arson that caused CJ’s house to burn down. So CJ decides it’s time to get to the bottom of things. The last shoe drops when the insurance company calls and tells CJ his premium hasn’t been paid in months.
Calvin is trying to fix his money problems by selling knock-off purses while Janine’s money problems get increasingly worse. She manages to convince CJ to give her some money, but she then uses the money to buy drugs, returning home more hopped up than ever. Ella, Calvin, Curtis and Claretha decide it’s time to tell CJ about Janine’s crack addiction. After learning the truth, CJ decides to confront Janine, and she confesses to doing drugs and burning down the house. Then she decides to leave CJ and the kids.
Janine is still missing, and the family is starting to get worried. Meanwhile, Curtis is getting more and more frustrated over the fact that he has no quiet time in his house. His anger eventually reaches the point that a friend of his, a retired firefighter named Bill, recommends that he undergo an anger management class. The class is given by Walter, a flamboyant facilitator and Richard Simmons-wannabe. Walter decides that Curtis’ issues are so bad, he needs some one-on-one work. But in the middle of their session, news comes that Janine has been found, but her situation is not a pleasant one.
CJ is down in the dumps over finding Janine in a crack house, and it’s starting to affect his work and his relationship with his children. Curtis is especially concerned because he believes, after seeing Malik in a ballerina tutu that the boy might be turning gay. Curtis tries everything he can do to “straighten” Malik out, despite Ella and CJ telling him that Malik is not gay. Hoping to help CJ out a little and get back some peace and quiet in his household, Curtis offers to give CJ a little of their retirement money so CJ can find a new place.
Curtis offers his retirement money to CJ so he can move his family out of Curtis & Ella’s house. When CJ accepts the offer, Curtis can’t help him move out fast enough. But things come to a halt when Janine shows up and says she’s been clean for two days. CJ then uses the money to put her in rehab, but she checks herself out two days later and disappears. Calvin then tutors CJ on “the formula” for breaking the news about the non-refundable money to Curtis. Meanwhile, in a bid to woo a girl he’s interested in, Calvin tells the girl that Curtis & Ella’s house is actually his and that Ella is his maid and Curtis his accountant.
Jazmine comes home extremely upset after a graphic and intense anti-drug presentation at school. CJ tries to talk to her without revealing the truth about Janine, but in the end, he spells out the situation for Jazmine. The family then shares a prayer together for Janine’s recovery. Meanwhile, Curtis uses reward money from rescuing a poodle locked in a car to buy a new massage chair for his office. But since everyone in the firehouse contributed to the rescue, they want the money instead used on a new television.
Curtis and Ella finally get some alone time at home, but disaster strikes when Curtis is unable to “perform.” Everyone at the firehouse offers him advice, while Ella gets some advice from Claretha. Finally Curtis gets help from Walter, the anger management coach. Meanwhile, CJ is up to his eyeballs trying to get creditors off his back from all the debt Janine racked up.
Ella, Curtis, CJ and the kids head to Florida to visit relatives, leaving Calvin in charge of the house. Never one to turn down a money-making opportunity, Calvin enlists the help of his “homeboys” Pookie and Peanut to set up a house party. But Calvin is called away to a fire in the midst of the party, leaving Pookie and Peanut in charge.
Curtis tries every trick in the book to get out of jury duty, but Claretha, who has also been summoned, convinces him to go. They both wind up chosen for the jury. And to make matters worse for Curtis, Claretha is voted as forewoman. Meanwhile, Malik discovers the joys of online dating when he sets up his own Web profile with the help of his friend, Kevin. But he winds up getting in the worst possible situation.
After Jazmine “rescues” a hamster from her school, assistant principal Nicole Jamieson comes to the Payne household to investigate, sparking a schoolboy crush from Malik. When Malik finds out that Jazmine did indeed abscond with the hamster, the two kids make a pact to keep it a secret. Soon, Calvin gets involved, and mayhem becomes the order of the day.
The firehouse is overwhelmed by a nasty storm that hits Atlanta. Miscommunication about retrieving the kids from school causes a mix up that leads to sparks flying between C.J. and the assistant principal.
While Malik gets a tattoo that he shorty regrets, latent hostility intensifies between Curtis and Mr. Brown.
Following Pop Brown's funeral, Brown, Cora and Will head to the Payne household. Brown is upset over the fact that Pop Brown left him his beat-up house, which makes him think that his father hated him. Meanwhile, after a bad date, Calvin starts his own dating website, shesawhack.com, but it quickly backfires.
Curtis surprises the family with a new motorcycle, but his new bike causes more trouble than any one family could every imagine. Malik's new friend from New York convinces him to steal Uncle Curtis' motorcycle, leaving Uncle Curtis no choice but to press charges. Ella in her frustration and anger kicks Curtis out of the house.
CJ and Nicole's relationship is seriously tested when Nicole's jealousy gets out of hand, but that's the least of CJ's problems. Uncle Curtis filed charges against Malik, who faces time in prison for stealing and wrecking Uncle Curtis' motorcycle. Meanwhile, the firehouse crew must find a way to get Curtis back into the house that Ella kicked him out of before they go insane.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When C.J. finds 50,000 dollars in his truck, the family must decide what to do with the money.
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.
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.
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.
Ella and Claretha help out a church member who has a domestic abusive boyfriend.
Janine's pregnancy is revealed at a social gathering, Curtis befriends a cable man who could possibly be his son.
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.
Malik babysits Jazmine, the guys at the firehouse upset Angel.
Calvin babysits Miranda's nephew Brandon who is a total nightmare. Meanwhile, Claretha's car is stolen.
Curtis, Ella and Claretha host a mixer for their college reunion. CJ tries to baby-sit Malik and Jazmine alone with disastrous results.
Dana finally decides to settle down and date one guy; everyone is happy for her except for Kiki when she finds out that Dana is dating her younger brother.
Malik reluctantly goes on his first camping trip. Jazmine is upset she's not allowed to go, but lightens up when she finds out she'll get to have a girls night in.
Ella is spending a lot of time away from home and Curtis is beginning to wonder if she is having an affair. Meanwhile, Jazmine participates in a spelling bee.
Ella makes the family give up the use of all electronic devices; CJ learns a surprising secret; a Hollywood actor does research at the barbershop for his next movie.
It's Malik's birthday and he's being a brat about the kind of party and gifts he wants. Meanwhile, with Miranda's help, Calvin invests in the barbershop and becomes a partner.
Ella is going through menopause and the entire household is suffering with her.
Calvin plans a surprise party when he learns his friend is coming home from Iraq. Meanwhile, Malik has to write a school paper about his role model, and Curtis and CJ try to bribe him into choosing one of them.
Curtis teaches Jazmine and Malik a valuable lesson on what it means to do without the comforts of home. Meanwhile, the barbers find out that Delante has been living in the barbershop.
Malik and his bud Kevin consider skipping school with two girls. Elsewhere, Calvin's pal Peanut concocts a nutty plan to impress a woman: He professes to own the barbershop and poses as a Payne family member.
Selling plenty of cakes and cookies inspires Ella to cook up plans for a new business. Then, Malik tries to get some sax appeal, as he considers taking up the saxophone to impress a girl.
Family bonds grow when the Paynes face a health crisis. Elsewhere, Miranda's parents arrive, as a jittery Calvin scrambles to make the visit a success.
Ella, Claretha, Jazmine and Jazmine's friend branch out: They go on a woodsy wilderness trip---and promptly get lost. Meanwhile, Calvin, deciding to pop the big question to Miranda, sets out to find the perfect engagement ring.
Calvin gets set to pop the big question to Miranda---but his self-doubts give him cold feet. Adding to the dilemma are his buds Pookie and Peanut, who enter the picture to offer a helping hand.
Calvin's unfruitful quest to propose to Miranda hits another snag when the engagement ring goes missing. In addition, things get hairy at the barbershop when a secret romance blooms there. And none other than Janine makes an unexpected appearance.
When Jazmine goes to the top of the class by acing an aptitude test, her teacher recommends she attend a school for the gifted---in North Carolina. Elsewhere, CJ fumbles and stumbles trying to deliver shocking news to Tanya.
The Paynes prep for Jazmine's big slumber party, a bash that only seems to annoy Curtis. CJ and Janine step out to buy party items, but they get into a hair-raising situation at the barbershop, where they run afoul of a robber.
Curtis' dad arrives to meet Calvin's fiancée, only to discover they share an unpleasant past. A subplot involves a man significantly impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Calvin and Miranda's nuptial preparations turn ugly when Ella helps Miranda register for wedding gifts. Ella soon transforms into a mother-in-law from hell, choosing everything from the china pattern to the crystal. Worse, Calvin takes sides with Ella. Elsewhere, CJ and Janine go on a spontaneous date, which only raises hopes in their children that they're reconciling.
With complications testing their love and their nuptials fast approaching, Calvin and Miranda decide to attend premarital counseling. But the sessions only cause Miranda to further question married life with Calvin.
Calvin's family and buddies get set to throw him a bachelor party, despite Calvin's promise to Miranda that the big bash would be canceled. Ensuing complications then jeopardize the couple's fast-approaching nuptials
Calvin and Miranda are inundated with marital advice at their wedding rehearsal and dinner, which turn problematic because of an unforeseen guest, boozy buffoonery and a fainting spell.
It's Calvin and Miranda's big wedding day, with various issues threatening to ruin the special event. One mighty complication: Miranda's father helps to deliver triplets.
Numerous predicaments continue to plague Calvin and Miranda's big wedding day.
Janine goes into labor, resulting in surprises and white-knuckle moments, as a double wedding uniting CJ and Janine, plus Calvin and Miranda, swiftly changes locations to the hospital.
While in labor, Janine worries about her baby being born out of wedlock so the double wedding is moved to the hospital.
Calvin and Miranda move into their new digs, but Miranda's shadowy past life as a con artist comes to the fore. Elsewhere, it gets snippy at the barbershop when the couple quarrel over business plans.
Claretha gets the royal treatment when she becomes engaged to an African prince. Planning a move to Africa, she sells her home to a new family. Meanwhile, Curtis blows a gasket when he receives a slew of parking tickets; Calvin and Miranda return from their honeymoon; and Jazmine journeys to a boarding school in North Carolina.
Malik's friend Kevin has an intimate relationship with a woman who has syphilis. C.J. counsel's Malik which leads to a misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Calvin is pressured by Miranda to be more thoughtful towards their marriage.
The Payne's are invited for dinner at the Hernadez home which leads to a culture clash. Dana's falsehood's come back to haunt her back at the barbershop.
Calvin and Miranda are trying to have a baby, but they run into problems when they discover that Calvin isn't "firing on all cylinders."
Ella and Rosie conspire to get themselves and their husbands to lose weight and get healthy. Meanwhile, Malik and Kevin get in over their heads when they throw a house party while house sitting for Calvin and Miranda.
CJ gets a very important job interview in another city which excites Curtis who begins to think he might finally have the house to himself again.
Malik, as a favor to Alexandra, helps Consuela prepare for her U.S. citizenship test. Curtis jumps in to help when Malik gets sick.
Curtis, Calvin and the rest of the Paynes are caught in the middle of a Hernandez family confrontation between Carlos and his son, Diego.
Kiki's brother, Darnell returns to the shop. Malik and Alex find a way around the 'no date' rule by having a date in Malik's back yard.
Malik asks Alex out on a date, but their parents insist that they be supervised; Janine's parents visit to see the new twins.
The Payne's love their annual tailgating shindig, but when Miranda finds out about Calvin and Mercedes date, she becomes ill. Meanwhile, Diego becomes agitated and starts fighting with people.
Miranda runs into her successful, good looking ex-fiance, and it drives Calvin crazy. To show that he is doing something with his life, Calvin takes a job at Mercedes company.
When Ella's demanding mother arrives, the elder exhibits a lapse of memory, causing Ella to worry that she has Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, there's a hair-raising quandary at the barbershop when Floyd's supposedly dead first wife emerges.
Ella and Rosie get jobs working at a boutique at the mall, while Curtis and Carlos enjoy their new 'man world.'
Curtis may need to be careful after Ella meets a handsome and charming man at the mall. Meanwhile, Diego asks for Calvin and Miranda's help in scrutinizing Mercedes newest man.
Malik forms a new friendship with a fellow student who is being abused in the classroom because of his HIV positive status. Elsewhere, when Rosie calls out sick, Consuela is left in charge with the boutique.
The firehouse is being jeopardized by city budget cuts. But holding a big fund raising talent show, along with an appearance by Gladys Knight, could still save the firehouse and the firemen's jobs. Meanwhile, Diego is still dealing with post war anger issues.
The foundation of the Payne house needs desperate repair. Curtis tries to save money by hiring a jackleg contractor, who ends up doing more damage and the Paynes have to move out of their house. Meanwhile, Ella grows closer to Paul, the man at the mall.
Curtis, Ella and Malik are moving out of the house (CJ, Janine and the babies have gone to stay at Janine's parents in Florida. Ella is devastated. They have to move into Calvin and Miranda's condo and Calvin turns the table on Curtis and treats him the way he was treated when he lived at home.
Curtis, Ella and Malik are moving out of the house (CJ, Janine and the babies have gone to stay at Janine's parents in Florida. Ella is devastated. They have to move into Calvin and Miranda's condo and Calvin turns the table on Curtis and treats him the way he was treated when he lived at home.
Curtis and Calvin move into the barbershop due to their marriage problems, which causes hair raising havoc in the process. Meanwhile, Floyd blows up when he learns of Zach and Olivia's act of love.
Calvin has gotten the $20,000 needed to repair his parent's house and surprises them with the check. Meanwhile, Janine reveals that CJ is in Chicago interviewing for a new job.
Calvin tries to fix the mess he is in with Miranda and the conflict only gets worse. Meanwhile, Janine, the twins and Malik are preparing to move.
A forced retirement for Curtis creates obstacles, but the drama spikes when Miranda goes missing. Elsewhere, Claretha returns without her said husband and moves in with Curtis and Ella.
Miranda remains missing, and her mother storms on over to the house. She blames Calvin for her disappearance and even called the police on him! She believes Calvin is a suspect in her vanishing. Meanwhile, CJ, Janine and Jazmine return, hoping to stay with Curtis and Ella. And a secret is unearthed regarding Curtis's forced retirement. Also, Jazmine has become very intelligent due to her being at a school for gifted children but it concerns the family because she is acting so weird.
Miranda finally returns and tells Calvin there is no baby. Despite his pleads, begs, and understanding Miranda refuses to let Calvin stay in the condo therefore, shocked and confused, Calvin must move back in with Curtis and Ella.Claretha decides to start a home business.
Curtis protests his retirement at City Hall and C.J. reveals to Curtis that he's taking Curtis's job at the firehouse. Meanwhile, Ella battles with an innovative new pastor who plans to shut down the help center to make way for a new multi-media outreach program.
Calvin confronts Miranda, thinking she had an abortion. Meanwhile, the school casts Malik in its production of Othello but the supposedly bigot father of the white girl cast opposite Malik won't allow Malik to kiss her in the play.
It's a revolving door at the Payne house when CJ, Janine and the children move out, and Floyd in turn moves in because of his divorce. Then there's Jazmine. The youngster, feeling ignored and jealous, makes the choice to run away.
All three of the Payne couples (Curtis and Ella, C.J.and Janine, and Calvin and Miranda) go on an eye-opening marriage retreat. At the end of the retreat, Miranda asks Calvin for a divorce. Meanwhile, Claretha and Floyd babysit for the twins while everyone is out of the house.
It's an awkward up-and-down meeting for Calvin and Miranda when they get trapped in an elevator together, their first encounter after she asked for a divorce. Meanwhile, Curtis unwittingly takes Ella's estrogen pills. At the end Miranda and Calvin finally overcome their marriage problems before they reach the dreaded "33rd Floor".
Family and friends share their different versions of the Nativity story when Jazmine fails to appreciate her gift from Ella (a wooden version of the Nativity scene).
Curtis and Ella are shocked to learn that their not legally married, so Claretha and Floyd convince them to enjoy single life.
When Ella tries to arrange a family reunion, a chagrined Jazmine opposes the idea of connecting with her extended family. As such, Curtis and Ella set out to teach her a valuable lesson about honoring her family heritage.
The issue of birth control creates divisions between CJ and Janine. Meanwhile, surprise developments transpire when Calvin and Miranda spend a day with Jazmine.
A blackout ironically sheds light on all three Payne couples when Curtis, CJ and Calvin are taken away from their televised football game and keep company with their wives.
The Paynes worry that the newly happy Janine might be returning to drugs after her erstwhile dealer arrives. And Curtis is turning Japanese---that is, he becomes captivated by Japanese culture
Janine cares for her dying former dealer, jeopardizing her relationship with C.J.; Floyd and Curtis launch a beer-brewing business. While at the help center C.J. and Janine pray that Blue will be led to Heaven while dying.
Malik decides to join the ROTC, upsetting Janine. And Curtis is fired up when he's hired by the fire department---but it's not in the capacity he expected.
Ella breaks some news, which only creates a downturn in Curtis' financial plans. Elsewhere, Calvin squares off against Miranda's critical mother.
Curtis is the man of honor at a surprise retirement party. In other developments, a case of puppy love blooms for Jazmine.
Curtis spirals into a depressive funk following successive life-altering events, but he gets support from a very unlikely source. In other developments, Calvin and Miranda compete against CJ and Janine in a bid for a weekend getaway.
During a fire routine a fireman dies under CJ's authority and he blames himself. Meanwhile, Ella studies a book at school and recommends the literary work to Miranda and Claretha.
A pregnancy scare upends Calvin and Miranda's world. Elsewhere, Curtis' sales scheme lands him in trouble with the law.
Janine's mother (Anne-Marie Johnson) arrives, to a downcast CJ's immense annoyance. Elsewhere, Curtis is a flop during his guest-star role on a morning TV show.
Ella futilely tries to fit in with college-age peers in her study group; Curtis offers his own unique spin on religion when he teaches at Jazmine's Bible school.
A different side of Calvin opens up when he cares for Calvin Jr. Elsewhere, new neighbors arrive---and they have unique notions about relationships.
Daddy issues plague CJ, who at long last meets his birth father. Elsewhere, Curtis tries not to miss a beat when he helps Jazmine choose a musical instrument.
Curtis' old pal resurfaces, only to emerge as a much different person than before. Additionally, Calvin works to awe a nursery-school recruiter in the hopes of getting his child enrolled.
The Payne men are pressured to take their wives out on the town, resulting in some poor date fate.
Calvin and Ella work on a school project. Meanwhile, Curtis anticipates his first post-retirement interview and gets pointers from Malik.
Malik and a pal are home alone, and they exploit that freedom. Meanwhile, Curtis and Ella have dinner at a top-notch restaurant, but the evening lacks flavor when Curtis tangles with a snobby waiter.
CJ meets his new boss. Meanwhile, Floyd's ex-wife reappears, pulling Ella and Curtis into the dramas of a messy love triangle.
When the help center must close due to a flood, Ella is forced to work at home, resulting in a chagrined Curtis and a flow of dramas. Elsewhere, a serious accident affects the Paynes.
CJ tries to create a trap for his new boss and enlists Curtis to help him. Elsewhere, Calvin and Miranda's financial condition worsens.
Malik tries to win over an upperclassman by dueling with a bully. Meanwhile, Calvin puts into motion a plan to solve his financial problems.
The mother of Calvin's child reappears and breaks stunning news. Meanwhile, the family must hire a nanny due to Janine's new work schedule.
Malik cooks up a scheme to impress his girlfriend, lying to her that he's a gourmet chef. Desperate, he then turns to Curtis to help him prepare a tasty dish. Meanwhile, Calvin's second job keeps him away from Miranda.
Floyd hopes to win Claretha's heart. Cut to Curtis and Ella, who are enlisted to help him. In addition, CJ's boss bombards him with more lusty advances.
Calvin falls into a perilous circumstance when he takes on two jobs. Meanwhile, Janine's home life suffers when she scores a promotion.
Big Jesse reappears and inches closer to Ella, triggering jealousy in Curtis. Elsewhere, Malik faces the consequences of hanging out with some bad folks.
CJ protests when Malik's crime partner makes an appearance. Meanwhile, Curtis starts a barbershop in the backyard.
Tracie's unexpected visits to the house come under scrutiny. Elsewhere, Curtis is enlisted as CJ and Janine's babysitter.
Ella provides assistance to a domestic-abuse victim named Monica. Monica turns out to be a friend of Janine's and moves in with her and C.J as their new nanny. In other events, Jazmine and CJ anticipate a father-daughter dance.
Ella and Miranda's mother complicates Miranda's baby shower. As for the men, Curtis throws Calvin a "man shower". Tracie makes moves at Calvin when she shows up to the party but when he pushes, she takes Calvin Jr. away from him and Miranda.
Janine's friend, Monica, has moved in and transformed herself and the house. Meanwhile, Miranda confronts Tracie and she puts up drastic measures at suing Calvin for child support.
While Janine is taking an overnight trip with her boss, Monica keeps the house warm and cozy with C.J. Meanwhile, Calvin tries to help Miranda prepare for labor pains, but this preparation doesn't go as planned.
Curtis and Ella think it is time to move. They soon realize that their house is the gem that holds their family together.
Calvin is graduating from school. Miranda is about to go into labor with their child, but Calvin is then arrested for back child support. Meanwhile, Janine shares an intimate moment with her boss, Roland. In the ending moments of the episode, CJ intentionally kisses Janine's friend Monica. Feeling guilty, Monica tries to leave but unfortunately, Janine is at the door, resulting in a cliffhanger.
CJ and Janine deal with marriage issues after CJ kisses her friend, Monica. Meanwhile, Calvin gets out of jail and Miranda has the baby. Janine asks for a divorce after CJ starts to go out of control on barking at Malik after he confronts CJ about kissing Monica, Jazmine told Malik when she overheard and saw CJ and Janine arguing
Jazmine starts wearing make-up and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Curtis and Ella have a weight loss competition. CJ and Janine reconcile when they see how their kids need them and how much they love each other.
Malik gets ready for college. The men offer him advice and buy him condoms.
Claretha reveals she has leukemia. Miranda's cousin Vanessa hooks up with Calvin's friend.
After the death of a young firefighter, Ella decides it's time for Curtis and Ella to do a will. Meanwhile, Miranda's mom pays a visit.
Ella is overwhelmed and falls behind in her studies due to church duties, household duties, taking care of Curtis and the rest of the family. Ella fails a test she needed to graduate and she snaps on the family. Meanwhile, Calvin realize it's the day of their anniversary, and he pretend he didn't forget.
Jazmine prays to pass a test and no longer wants to apply herself. Meanwhile, Calvin grows jealous of the baby.
CJ and Janine go to marriage counseling. Then try the therapists way. But in the end they yell and scream at each other and they feel better. CJ sexes up the reunion between him and Janine. Meanwhile, Ella misses her graduation because she has to take Claretha to the hospital.
The family befriends a sex offender who moves into the neighborhood and all hell breaks loose when they find out his secret. Meanwhile, CJ and Janine decide to heed the advice of the marriage counselor. They go on a journey to find a hobby the two of them can share.
A music producer wants to sign Jazmine. Meanwhile, Calvin is embarrassed about his new job as a grocery store manager.
Curtis and Ella decide to intervene when they see Janine and Roland at dinner until C.J. shows up with a woman. Meanwhile, Miranda goes on a grooming strike.
Miranda gets cooking advice after she makes a horrible dinner for Ella's club. Meanwhile, Curtis gets his tonsils pulled and can't talk.
C.J. is offered a promotion making him Janine and Roland's boss. Meanwhile, while packing the house Curtis finds a bag of weed in an old box of his and Floyd smokes the weed. Calvin asks Curtis to babysit and Curtis ends up babysitting Christian and Floyd.
Jayden may have autism. Janine blames herself. Meanwhile, Curtis lives by the rules of the bible.
Ella brings home a troubled youth from the Help Center. Meanwhile, Janine and Miranda compete to get in a competitive day care.
As Claretha secretly deals with the possibilty of losing her home, the family participates in a talent show. Calvin and Miranda combine their unique talents for the show.
Janine is on the brink of a breakdown. Deshawn gets a lesson in the negro baseball league.
Deshawn's mother shows up at the Paynes'; C.J. upgrades Janine's wedding ring.
Malik goes off to college; Miranda is overwhelmed when Calvin Jr. visits.
The aftershocks of a fire impact Miranda and Calvin; Tracie and her new boyfriend show up at the hospital causing a huge argument. In the ending moments, the baby seems to be fine.
Ella's mother and sister Evie visit, and Ella experiences the effects of their mother's disease; Janine texts C.J. a sexy picture of herself.
Calvin finds out that Tracie checked Calvin Jr. out of the hospital. Calvin and Miranda try to find a place to stay.
Curtis, Ella, and Floyd try to bring DeShawn a reality check when he wants to join a gang. C.J. and Calvin tussle over their living arrangements.
DeShawn is placed in a gifted-students program to avoid being expelled from school; Calvin and Miranda hire a contractor to repair their condo.
DeShawn bullies a classmate and gets into trouble; Miranda and Janine fight over petty things.
C.J. forgets Janine's 3-years-sober anniversary; Ella gets DeShawn an ugly outfit for school-picture day.
After budget cuts force C.J. to lay off firefighters, Roland must use his PR skills to avoid altercations; Calvin and Miranda want to move upstairs.
Calvin and Miranda plan Calvin Jr.'s birthday party; Curtis and Ella have trouble with the Homeowners Association.
C.J. hires Calvin, whose performance is disappointing; bored with retirement, Curtis takes up painting.
Curtis wakes up as a Jefferson.
Miranda frets over her unemployment; C.J. looks into firefighter response times.
Calvin is allowed supervised visits; Ella's friend Felicia visits.
Janine sponsors a young girl; Curtis and Ella become DeShawn's foster parents.
C.J. and Janine are not comfortable with Malik's roommate; Claretha tries alternative cancer-fighting treatments
Malik gets hazed.
Ella becomes director of the center; Malik mulls dropping out.
Curtis becomes a contestant on Paynefully Fit, while Deshawn get advice about girls.
Miranda's new client hits on her while the family honors Curtis.
Miranda takes over renovating the condo while Calvin and Deshawn bond.
The Paynes say goodbye while praising God in church.
The family gets ready to have one last Sunday dinner at Curtis and Ella's
Calvin battles for his life at the hospital. Ella's unwavering faith won't let the family get down
The Payne family waits for Calvin to wake up, but the fight isn't over. Curtis decides not to move.
Calvin might get discharged from the hospital after he finally awakened. Curtis attempts to mortgage his house for money to pay Calvin's medical bills.
Calvin has nightmares about being shot and is uncomfortable at home with Miranda who is overwhelmed with caring for an ailing husband, two kids, a career and home. Ella and Curtis are worried that Calvin isn't receiving proper care and wants him to move in with them. Curtis prepares the house for Calvin.
A depressed Calvin admits to Ella that he think he would have been better off dead. The family is very concerned and Curtis has a heart to heart with Calvin. Deshawn's mother visits and wants Deshawn back. Deshawn decides to go live with her.
Calvin plans to get revenge on Travis Harris for shooting him. Curtis makes plans with Ella then pretends to be sick when he gets tickets to a baseball game. When footage of Curtis at the game is aired, Curtis does everything he can to keep Ella from finding out.
C.J. is left to look after the twins during the big game. Ella gets in the way of Calvin's transition back home.
Calvin is invited back to work, then decides he isn't ready and doesn't show. Floyd has a new girlfriend who looks awfully familiar to Curtis. Curtis realizes he knew the girlfriend, when she was a man.
Ella runs a gun buy back program at the Help Center that is threatened by rival gang members. Curtis, bored, wants to volunteer at the Help Center and causes mischief.
Curtis runs for neighborhood watch president. C.J. helps until he realizes he disagrees with some of Curtis's policies. When Curtis challenges C.J., C.J. decides to run himself. Meanwhile, Malik runs up his parent's credit card.
The family meets Malik's new free-spirited girlfriend, Summer.
Calvin and Miranda's condo gets foreclosed on and they are forced out.
Ella is preparing to open a battered women's home in the church's unused classrooms, but it is shutdown.
Malik and Summer volunteer at a crisis hotline. Curtis goes overboard with the neighborhood watch as he tries to catch a criminal.
C.J. is offered perks as a city official. Miranda and Curtis bond.
C.J. and Janine have a fight which carries over into the office. Malik takes a class on evolution and doesn't know if he believes in God.
Malik tutors an athlete who can barely read. Curtis is overly canind with the newspapers and causes a PR scandal for C.J. and Janine.
Malik and his father bumps heads when Malik leads a protest against a man being put to death. C.J. lead the arson investigation that put the man away.
Miranda is hurt when she overhears Curtis and Ella talking bad about her. C.J.'s department enjoys the softball team until a horrible Janine wants to join.
Malik marries Summer. Calvin and Miranda have a hard time adjusting to living with Curtis and Ella.
C.J. and Janine have a party and don't invite Curtis and Ella. Malik and Summer argue over an obscure anniversary.
Curtis does community service at the Help Center. Miranda doesn't invite Janine to a concert.
Malik finds out his friend is gay. Curtis loans Ella money.
Malik and Summer have their marriage annulled. Miranda temps at the office when Janine needs an assistant.
Malik takes caffeine pills irresponsibly and Curtis subs for Ella at a Help Center training program.
Janine and Miranda co-chair a Help Center event and all they do is fight. Malik doesn't want to stop wearing his wedding ring.
Curtis and Ella keep popping in unannounced to C.J. and Janine's house. Jazmine is accused of cheating on an exam; she's covering for a friend.
C.J. takes action when technology takes over the family.
C.J. coaches Jazmine's soccer team.
Calvin's behavior at work gets him suspended. Meanwhile, Jazmine wants Ella to teach her how to bake.
Jazmine stands up to a cyber bully. Meanwhile, Miranda and Calvin have a pregnancy scare.
Calvin takes Miranda's money and goes to a strip club. C.J. give Janine a bad evaluation.
Floyd decides to host a night of fun and gambling at the Help Center, and Curtis gets quickly sucked in by the casino-like atmosphere and games. Jazmine lands herself in some serious trouble for talking during class time.
Calvin and Miranda anticipates the prospects of having their own place. Jazmine jobshadows the PR office with CJ and Janine.
Ella receives news of the death of her mother Eunice.
Jazmine ask CJ to go to the school dance with a boy.
Floyd's new invention causes friction between him and Curtis. Calvin questions Miranda about an unusual amount in her bank account.
Calvin and Miranda try to save their marriage before it becomes too late.
Calvin faces his attacker Travis Harris in court when the shooter's trial finally arrives.
Curtis must deal with resentment after he is called back to work. Floyd learns important details of his heritage.
Calvin and CJ plan an anniversary celebration for Miranda and Janine. Miranda has to make a tough decision whether she stays with Calvin or not.
Malik is hesitant to give the news to his family about Lisa's pregnancy.
Malik confesses to Curtis that he thinks Lisa is pregnant. Lisa tells Ella and Curtis that she doesn't believe in marriage. Malik comes clean to the family about Lisa's occupation.
C.J. and Janine decide to stand by Malik's side after finding out his girlfriend Lisa is pregnant that leaves Curtis and Ella shocked to see them so moderate.
Jazmine believes that Janine may be expecting again; Jazmine learns that Malik is having a baby; Kaleb wants to have sex with Jazmine for the first time.
Jazmine is pressured to have sex before she is ready.
Miranda confides in Janine about her own frustrations with the court proceedings.
Miranda is having second thoughts about her and Calvin's divorce which leads to them running into each other.
Miranda takes Calvin to court for more child support. CJ has had it with Lisa. Calvin and Miranda have mixed feelings about their divorce.
After his divorce, Calvin decides to date again.
Miranda has an uncomfortable encounter with Laura.
Curtis upsets Ella and must change his tune.
Curtis revisits old habits while Laura and Calvin explore their new romance.
Miranda thinks it's time to move on from Calvin.
Ella decides to make her own plans for her birthday.
CJ and Janine get to know Jazmine's new boyfriend.
Both Curtis and Ella experience hallucinations while experimenting with a vape pen.
Ella helps Curtis keep it together when his nephew, CJ, and the kids invade his place for an extended stay, and his money-challenged son also keeps showing up.
Ella claims she didn't smoke although her lipstick was found on the vape pen.
Kaleb puts extreme pressure on Jazmine but Calvin comes in and rains on their parade.
Kaleb tries to convince Jazmine that if she loved him she would have sex with him; Jazmine tells Kaleb that she isn't ready; Ella and Curtis return back from their vacation early.
Malik and Lisa have different must-watch television shows airing at the same time, but only one television; CJ and Malik suspect that Miranda is going on a date only to make Calvin jealous.
Miranda visits Ella with the secret hope of running into Calvin. Lisa goes to Curtis and Ella after her argument with Malik seeking advice. Curtis cuts down Ella's flower bed by accident.
Calvin demands that the family not have contact with Miranda. Janine and C.J. question their happiness. Lisa and Malik disagree about relationship roles. C.J. teaches them a lesson and to Malik's surprise he gets him a job by babysitting the twins and Calvin and Miranda's kids.
Ella finds that Malik and Lisa have deep-rooted issues. Ella reaches a new threshold with Curtis.
CJ is forced to put his Aunt Ella in her place regarding how he runs his household.
The Payne family becomes concerned while searching for C.J. after learning he ran into a burning building.
Calvin goes out of his way to show Laura how wonderful their marriage will be despite what went wrong in his previous marriage with Miranda.
During a routine mammogram, a lump is found in Ella's breast. Malik may lose his scholarship while helping take care of the family.
C.J.'s recurring back problem forces him to face an even bigger issue.
C.J. tries to talk Floyd out of selling the family barbecue sauce recipe, and Calvin grows concerned when he learns Miranda wants to buy a gun for protection.
Curtis offers to cook for Ella's event after his harsh review prompts her caterer to cancel, and Malik alarms his family members with philosophical questions about life and religion.
Calvin and Laura put their engagement to the test, joining pre-marital counseling.
Calvin's life is turned upside down when a white woman posts false theft accusations against him on social media, and C.J. is disappointed to learn that Malik doesn't vote.
Ella plans a family game night, but things get awkward when Miranda shows up to the party, and Clarence suspects Floyd is trolling him online.
After a police shooting at a music festival, Malik joins a protest to demand the release of bodycam footage, and Ella tries to be supportive of Lisa's jewelry-making ambitions.
Calvin wants his son in his wedding, but Miranda might not be on board.
Things get ugly between Curtis and C.J. as they face off against each other in a contentious local election, and Ella tries her hand as a life coach to Lisa.
Ella's house is turned upside down thanks to a termite problem, and Malik tries to take control when his living situation with Lisa gets increasingly frustrating.
Floyd arranges genetic testing for the family to prove he has superior African DNA, and Calvin prepares Malik for his upcoming road trip across the country with Lisa.
Ella's online shopping gets her in trouble; Lisa challenges Malik to stay off his phone.
Calvin and Miranda are in uncharted waters as they begin navigating co-parenting; Ella and a reluctant Curtis work on their intimacy.
Lisa helps Miranda set up her online dating profile.
Miranda demands answers when Calvin leaves their son alone with Laura for the first time, and things don't go very well.
Following Curtis' medical checkup, Ella wants Curtis to improve his diet, prompting the Payne family to learn an important lesson in compromising.
As Ella is spun into Laura's web of wedding plans, Calvin realizes he may not be as ready to get married as he thought.
While Calvin and Laura make wedding plans, Miranda has made plans of her own.
As the family prepares for Janine's return, everyone and everything goes awry.
Calvin teams up with his ex-wife Miranda to get to the bottom of why Laura broke off their engagement, while also working with Ella to repair his relationship with Calvin Jr. Meanwhile, Curtis and Floyd attempt to get publicity for their BBQ sauce brand.
When Ella sponsors the membership of the new wife of a longtime dea-con into her social club, Incomparable Crowns, she begins to suspect something may be going on behind closed doors in the new marriage.
Malik is thrilled when he lands an interview with a councilman he idolizes, but he finds out that getting the job is only half the battle; Curtis fails a health inspection, forcing him to modify his barbecue recipe to disastrous results.
Calvin, worried about his son Calvin Jr.'s math struggles, recruits his eccentric friends Pookie and Peanut to help.
Curtis searches for reasonably priced eggs in the middle of a city-wide egg shortage; Lisa attempts to gain professional work experience by going to work with the Paynes.
Calvin Jr.'s mom can't take him to the mother-son dance; Miranda and Laura compete to be her replacement.
Ella organizes the women to plan a special Father's Day for the men in their lives; Floyd and Glo have their first argument as a couple.
Calvin wants Calvin Jr. to play football, but Ella thinks football is too dangerous and pushes him to play tennis instead.
Jazmine gets caught up in a cheating scandal at school; Curtis enlists the help of a vlogger to promote his food truck.
Curtis calls on his family to help work the food truck. Malik is charged with creating a smear campaign and has a big decision to make.
When Miranda helps Calvin take care of a sick Christian, Calvin has a big realization.
Miranda steps in as Calvin and Junior deal with fallout from their big fight, and C.J. and Janine employ techniques they learned in couples counseling to tackle a home improvement project.
Calvin and Laura try to teach the boys to clean up after themselves. Ella meets with the head deacon to discuss a tense situation, but she does not get the response she expected when she brings up some serious concerns.
After finishing her stay in rehab, C.J.'s ex-wife asks Ella if she could move back in.