Gimme a Break!
Overview
Gimme a Break! is a beloved American sitcom that entertained audiences on NBC for six seasons, from October 29, 1981, to May 12, 1987. The show features Nell Carter in the role of a devoted housekeeper who navigates the challenges of managing a household for a widowed police chief and his three spirited daughters. With its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the series captured the dynamics of family life and the bonds formed through shared experiences. Carter's performance remains a highlight, making the show a memorable part of ‘80s television.
Episodes
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1
Katie the Crook
In the first episode, Samantha returns home sporting a black eye, prompting Nell to share some self-defense techniques with her. Meanwhile, Julie and ...
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2
A Good Man is Hard to Find
Nell and Angie head to a bar with hopes of meeting some new guys. Nell feels disheartened when none of the men seem to notice her. Returning home, the...
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3
The Second Time Around
A woman accidentally collides with the police chief's vehicle after a moth distracts her, causing her contact lens to pop out. When she approaches the...
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4
Mom's Birthday
A woman arrives with a birthday perfume gift for Margaret, only to discover that she has passed away. When the Chief returns home, he is distraught as...
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5
Do or Diet
Nell decides to host her PORKO'S meeting at home, but she’s frustrated when the scale reveals a two-pound weight gain. When the Chief returns, he fe...
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6
A Man in Nell's Room
After the Chief discovers a man in Nell's room, he warns her against dating anyone in the same house as his teenage daughters. Feeling frustrated, Nel...
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7
Your Prisoner is Dead
While running an errand at the local drug store, the chief unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a robbery. When the thief aims his gun at him, ...
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8
Julie's Rejection
Julie is eager to join Katie's club, so she seeks guidance from Katie and Nell on how to appear cool, including tips on sitting and dancing. However, ...
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9
Julie's First Love
Feeling discouraged after striking out on finding a date for the Junior prom, Julie heads to the arcade. There, she meets Arnold, a computer-savvy emp...
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10
Nell's Ex
Nell discovers that her former husband, Tony, is back in town and wants to catch up. During their meeting at her home, he reveals that he’s set to a...
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11
Katie the Cheat
The chief has high hopes for Katie's performance on her final exam, but she persuades Julie to take the test in her place. When the family learns abou...
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12
The Emergency
Katie arrives home doubled over in pain, prompting Nell to rush her to the emergency room. At the hospital, Nell encounters a demanding receptionist a...
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13
Nell Goes Home
As the Chief prepares to head out for a job in New York, Samantha is upset that she can't join a male friend for fishing because he won't be there to ...
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14
Samantha Steals a Squad Car
While the chief is busy crafting a speech for an awards ceremony, Nell inadvertently sits on his cap, which infuriates him. Their argument escalates j...
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15
Grandma Fools Around
The family is bustling with excitement as they prepare for Grandma and Grandpa's 55th anniversary celebration at their home. Meanwhile, in their own s...
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16
Hot Muffins
Katie's band finds great success in Glenlawn during an amateur night at a local restaurant. After their performance, a prominent producer approaches t...
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17
Sam's Affair
Samantha and her baseball buddy Scottie decide to hang out on the couch and watch TV. While getting swept up in a romantic movie, they find themselves...
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18
The Robbery
The Kaniskis arrive home after the chief's law enforcement officer of the year award ceremony, only to discover burglars in their house. Meanwhile, Ne...
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19
An Unmarried Couple
Valerie, Katie's friend, arrives at the Kanisky home heavily pregnant and on the verge of giving birth. She confides in Katie that she and her boyfrie...
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1
Nell Goes to Jail
While Nell chats with Angie, her phone unexpectedly dies, and moments later, a man from the phone company snatches it away. Frustrated, Nell heads to ...
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2
Brother Ed and the Hooker
At the bowling alley, the Chief encounters Maxine, a former escort known for exposing corrupt cops. When Ed arrives and introduces Carl to Maxine, the...
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3
Sam's Imaginary Friend
Katie and Julie head out for a double date while Samantha insists everyone make space for her imaginary friend, Debbie Jo. The Chief thinks Samantha i...
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4
Grandpa's Visit
With Grandma off to visit her ill sister before surgery, Grandpa moves in with the family for a few days. However, his arrival brings chaos as he stir...
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5
Take My Baby, Please
Valerie, Katie's friend, arrives at the Kanisky home with her newborn, David, sharing the news of her breakup with Jonathan, who left her for a woman ...
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6
Porko's
Nell organizes another PORKO meeting at her home, and the group leader arrives, only to be ridiculed by the members for regaining the weight he had lo...
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7
The Chief's Gay Evening
The Chief embarks on a stakeout with two officers, aiming to catch an elderly woman who has been targeting victims. One officer disguises himself as a...
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8
Katie Steals Julie's Jock
Julie asks a charming classmate to come over and study, but he ends up taking a liking to Katie instead, leading to them dating. When Katie returns ho...
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9
Sam Faces Death
While Nell is attending her cousin's funeral, Simpson bursts into the house with alarming news: the Chief has been shot but is okay. The Chief, furiou...
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10
Nell Goes Door to Door
Angie shares with Nell that she's heading to Mexico, thanks to the earnings from her vacuum sales. She encourages Nell to join a meeting where the sal...
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11
Love Thy Neighbor
Nell is jolted awake in the early morning by a neighbor's incessant barking dog. When the Chief finds her dozing at the kitchen table, she explains he...
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12
Love, Kidney
While entertaining the family by playing the accordion during dinner, Uncle Ed suddenly falls ill and collapses into the fish tank while trying to coo...
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13
Julie Smokes
The Chief discovers a cigarette tucked away in his sock and starts questioning the girls about it. After learning that Samantha and Katie don’t smok...
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14
The Centerfold (1)
When Mr. Swackhammer arrives to inform the Chief about the female officer who posed for nude photos, he rushes in and abruptly fires her. As news spre...
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15
The Centerfold (2)
A man with a bomb attached to him recognizes Simpson from somewhere, leading them to realize they’ve crossed paths at the singles bar. They bond ove...
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16
The Custody Suit
On the Chief's birthday, Aunt Blanche drops by and, after witnessing what appears to be an inappropriate scene between him and Nell in the kitchen, th...
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17
The Return of the Doo-Wop Girls
Nell reminisces about her time as a member of a doo-wop girl group. Long before she met the Kaniskys, she and her two friends tried out for a chance t...
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18
Eddie Gets Married
During dinner, Grandpa pushes Eddie to propose to Maxine, noting their six-month relationship. Maxine chimes in, saying she’d accept if he asked. Sp...
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19
Grandpa Robs a Bank
Grandpa conceals a letter from Grandma, leading her to suspect infidelity. Curiosity gets the better of her, and when she secretly reads the letter, s...
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20
Greenlawn Street Blues
As Samantha shares a portion of her essay about the Chief with Nell, Nell suggests she visit the police station to observe her father's workday. Once ...
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21
Nell and the Kid
At "Max's Delicatessen," Nell and Max witness a girl attempting to steal. In a bid to help, Nell intervenes, claiming she’ll take the girl home. As ...
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22
Nell Gets Sick
While Nell is stuck at home feeling unwell, the Chief heads to Los Angeles for a meeting and asks his mother to come over and lend a hand. She quickly...
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1
The Groupie
Julie is eager to meet Andy Gibb and sneaks out to see him, with Nell's permission, even though the chief has grounded her. Unfortunately, she ends up...
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2
The Way to a Man's Heart
Nell develops feelings for James Roland, a former member of her weight loss group who still attends the sessions. He admires Nell's commitment to her ...
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3
Katie's Commitment
Katie starts dating a much older college professor from Glenlawn Junior College, which causes concern for her family. Nell grows increasingly upset af...
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4
Joey (1)
Katie is busy rehearsing her jazz dance to "Maniac" for an upcoming show in Glenawn. As the family prepares for the performance, a boy named Joey stop...
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5
Joey (2)
Joey decides to go on a hunger strike, refusing to go to an orphanage. In an attempt to change his mind, Nell fabricates a story about a man whose win...
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6
The Mayor
The Mayor of Glenlawn becomes infatuated with Nell, who has no interest in him. He tries to win her over by promising that the chief will receive a ne...
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7
Melissa
The chief receives the honor of Man of the Year, and Nell decides to set him up with a woman named Melissa. Unbeknownst to the chief, Melissa is actua...
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8
Nell's Friend
While Nell is out having the Chief's clothes cleaned, her childhood friend Addy Wilson drops by. She introduces herself to the girls and reveals that ...
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9
Grandpa's Rebellion
Nell, along with the girls and the Chief, prepares the spare room in anticipation of Grandpa's return from his trip to Poland. When he arrives home, h...
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10
A Kanisky Christmas
Joey's first Christmas is at risk of going awry unless Nell can gather the entire family. Samantha has plans to babysit for a couple, Julie is going o...
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11
Herbie
Samantha's mysterious new companion, Herbie, plants thoughts of an impending judgment day in her mind. When an earthquake strikes, Samantha panics and...
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12
James Returns
After meeting James at an upscale restaurant during a girls' night out with Addy and Angie, Nell feels torn. She's still reeling from the news that he...
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13
Samantha's Protest
Samantha stands up against the demolition of a historic Spanish landmark after Nell shares her own experience protesting in Alabama for racial equalit...
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14
Flashback
When the Chief forbids Samantha from going out with a boy, Nell takes the opportunity to share her story of how she came to be a second mother to the ...
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15
Knock Three Times
Nell undergoes hypnosis to recall the location of Katie's graduation ring, but the doctor neglects to lift the hypnotic state, causing her to spill al...
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16
Valentine
As Nell shares her Valentine’s Day wisdom with the whole family, she eagerly awaits James’ return from San Francisco. Unfortunately, her advice ba...
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17
The Big Apple (1)
Nell and Addy make an appearance on Wheel of Fortune during Best Friends week, with Nell hoping to win a car after racking up $7,600. However, after a...
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18
The Big Apple (2)
Nell reaches out to the Chief for assistance, and he promises to contact a police friend who will travel to New York, but his flights face three delay...
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19
Rodeo
When Chief and Nell are unable to take Joey to the rodeo, Grandpa steps in to take him instead. Unfortunately, on that day, it rains, and Grandpa fall...
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20
Katie's College
Katie chooses to leave college behind and start a business with her friend, a move that the Chief supports. However, Nell disapproves of the plan, as ...
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21
The Center
Nell decides to take Grandpa to the senior center so he can socialize with peers. Upon arrival, the seniors learn they must share the facility with th...
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22
Class of '84
Nell assists a diligent straight-A student who struggles to juggle his studies and parenting, often appearing worn out in class. During his graduation...
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1
New Orleans (1)
Nell and Joey travel to New Orleans, where Nell unexpectedly encounters a man she hasn't seen in 15 years. The trio heads to the World's Fair, and dur...
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2
New Orleans (2)
Joey has an emotional reunion with his father, who then takes him on a fun-filled day at the World's Fair. Later, his dad asks Nell if Joey can spend ...
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3
Nell's Birthday
Nell is feeling down about turning 33, and Addy can't resist teasing her as they prepare to go on a cruise for singles aged 18 to 32, where Nell plans...
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4
Grandpa's Secret Life
An elderly Polish man tracks down Grandpa and insists that he marry his daughter. He soon learns that Grandpa was the same man who arrived on the stea...
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5
Sam's First Love
Sam has fallen for a guy who's quite the jerk. He has borrowed cash from everyone in the family, and when Nell finally tells him to get out, Sam makes...
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6
Who Dunnit?
Nell and Ray Parker, Jr. clash over whether to perform CPR on a man who collapses. After he tragically passes away, they agree to put on a show for hi...
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7
Breakdance
Katie's in a tight spot financially with her business, so Joey steps in to help by showcasing his breakdancing skills at the beach. Meanwhile, Nell di...
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8
Daddy's Little Girl
During dinner at Skipper Dwayne's, Addy discovers that her car is being towed just as Nell is approached by a creep who wants to ask her out. A man si...
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9
Carl's Delicate Moment
When a female officer seeks a raise, her request is denied by the Chief, leading her to file a sexual harassment claim. Concerned about the potential ...
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10
Julie's Lie
Nell and Addy head to a ski lodge to celebrate Julie's victory in her debate with her boyfriend, Jonathan. When Jonathan injures his foot in an accide...
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11
Baby of the Family
Samantha becomes frustrated with Nell, who is against her unchaperoned camping trip with teenage boys. Her anger escalates when she feels neglected in...
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12
TV or Not TV
After attending a night school class about how television can drive families apart, Nell decides that the family should take a break from watching TV ...
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13
The Spirit of Christmas
Nell and Addy choose to celebrate Christmas a bit early in her apartment, as Addy will be heading to Alabama for the actual holiday. As the evening un...
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14
Grandpa's Will
When the family suggests that Grandpa visit a lawyer to draft his will, he outright declines. Ultimately, Nell discovers that his reluctance stems fro...
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15
The Answering Machine
Nell is furious that her boyfriend is heading out on a business trip with another woman. In a fit of anger, she records a scathing message on his answ...
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16
The Gift
Nell is upset when Katie receives a diamond necklace from her new boyfriend, insisting she return it. However, when Nell is named "Glenlawn's Woman of...
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17
Alabamy Bound (1)
Nell, Addy, and Joey travel to Alabama for Nell's sister's wedding. Nell is frustrated to find that her mother hasn't changed and continues to belittl...
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18
Alabamy Bound (2)
When Nell learns that her sister Loretta wants Mama Maybelle to relocate to California and live with her in Glenlawn after the wedding, she isn't thri...
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19
The Earthquake
Nell's day takes a turn for the worse when Sal Bonaducci raises the repair cost on her car, and the library mistakenly charges Joey for a late book. W...
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20
The Lookalike
Nell arranges for Sammy Davis Jr. to perform in Glenlawn, but when she checks in with him, he reveals that she mistakenly booked him for next month. F...
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21
Cat Story
On a stormy night in Glenlawn, Officer Simpson and the chief head out to inspect a bridge that has been washed away. Once the chief returns home, he s...
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22
Police Mamas
After the entire police station falls ill from food poisoning, Addy and Nell step up to assist. Simpson appoints them as official deputies, and they s...
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23
Monkey See, Monkey Do
The Chief becomes frustrated with Katie when her friend, who landed a role in a play, offers her apartment to her. He also expresses his anger towards...
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24
Friendship
Nell is frustrated that Addy hasn’t reached out in over a week and seems to be spending time with other family members instead of her. When Julie me...
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25
Julie's Birthday
On Julie's 18th birthday, Nell hatches a scheme to reunite her with Jonathan after their breakup. She orders multiple pizzas, and each time Jonathan a...
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1
Joey's Train
Nell is feeling down and wishes no one would bring up the Chief since his passing. Joey finds a piece of a toy train the Chief had given him and decid...
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2
Ship of Fools (1)
Nell chooses to accept her ex-husband's invitation to perform on his ship. Once aboard, she discovers that Tony has divorced his second wife, who is s...
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3
Ship of Fools (2)
As Nell continues to entertain on Tony's vessel, she realizes that Tony has unexpectedly fallen for a woman whom Joey has struck up a friendship with ...
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4
The Man From Zoron
Joey is rescued from an oncoming bus by a mysterious man who claims to be from another planet. While the rest of Joey's family is captivated by his st...
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5
Addy's Goodbye
Nell discovers that Addy has landed a teaching position as a Dean at Columbia University, thanks to a professor she can't stand and views as manipulat...
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6
So Long, Jonathan
Jonathan embarks on his archaeological dig in Mexico, leaving everything behind. Meanwhile, at the Kanisky home, Julie discovers she’s pregnant with...
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7
Mama
Mama Maybelle comes to Glenlawn to see Nell and shares the news that she needs an eye surgery, expressing her worry about the possibility of losing he...
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8
Sam's Little Girl
Sam steps into the role of a big sister to Pam, a girl from a single-parent family. However, when the new neighbor Chip arrives asking for help with h...
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9
The Elevator
Nell discovers that Addy is engaged to her dentist, who has been married before and has kids from each of his previous relationships. Choosing to supp...
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10
Nell's New Car
Nell discovers that Addy is selling her car and is eager to be the first to buy it. However, Angie's sister has already claimed it. Determined, Nell p...
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11
Nell's Gifted Child
Nel discovers that Joey is exceptionally talented and suggests he take a test to determine the right grade for him. However, Joey insists that he’s ...
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12
Katie's Apartment
Nell discovers that Katie is in a relationship with a married author renowned for his best-selling book. Concerned, she urges Katie to end the affair,...
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13
Snippets
As Nell and the group adorn the Christmas tree, Joey feigns illness, eager to lend a hand without revealing his true intentions. During the festive ce...
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14
Second Chance (1)
Nell makes the bold decision to leave college behind and chase her dream of a singing career. She takes on the role of manager for an ex-con who penne...
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15
Second Chance (2)
The former inmate feels disheartened after learning that Gary disliked his song, leading him to conclude that a career in music isn’t right for him....
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16
Bienvenido, Jonathan
Jonathan comes home but seems to ignore Julie, making her feel like he no longer cares for her. Later, he confides in Nell, admitting that he’s real...
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17
The Gun
While rummaging through Nell’s dresser, Joey accidentally discharges the chief's gun, injuring her foot. The entire family rallies around Nell, incl...
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18
A Lesson for Nell
Nell discovers that her Grandpa is seeing Sally Parsons, who used to be in a relationship with Officer Simpson. When Simpson learns about this, he rea...
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19
Pride and Prejudice
Nel faces rejection for a receptionist position, mistakenly believing her race was the reason behind it. When Addy opts to apply for the same role, sh...
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20
Family Reunion
Loretta, Nell's sister, arrives in town after deciding to leave Howard. Seeking guidance, she turns to Nell, who feels uncertain about how to assist h...
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21
Getting to Know You
Officer Simpson entrusts Nell with his cousin's adopted children for babysitting. While she’s busy with them, her date, who is also at the house, re...
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22
Katie's Korner
Katie has been feeling down ever since her ex-boyfriend got engaged, and financial troubles have led her to consider shutting down Katie's Korner. Nel...
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23
Found Money
After Nell's grandmother dies, she inherits a considerable sum of money. Wanting to share her good fortune, she chooses to divide it with her family, ...
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24
The Purse Snatcher
While enjoying a meal at a Greek restaurant with her friends, Nell experiences a theft when her purse goes missing, leaving everyone distressed. Meanw...
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1
Sam Goes to College (1)
Samantha is thrilled to learn she’s been accepted to Littlefield College in New Jersey, but her excitement quickly turns to disappointment when she ...
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2
Sam Goes to College (2)
Nell persists in convincing Samantha not to relocate to San Francisco with Katie. During their conversation, she remembers that Samantha is still only...
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3
Below Sea Level
Nell and Joey travel to New Jersey to help Samantha settle into her new college apartment at Littlefield College. Since they’re so close to New York...
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4
Joey Meets Matthew
Joey finally meets his little brother, Matthew, and is upset about having to share his life with him. Tim mentions he has some things to handle and wi...
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5
Nell Goes Back to New York
Nell receives a letter from Joey in New York, assuring her that he's okay, but she senses that Tim isn't caring for them properly. Determined, she hea...
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6
The Apartment
Nell sets her sights on landing a position at a renowned publishing house in New York. After her efforts, she chooses to lease an apartment in Greenwi...
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7
I Love New York
Nell is growing increasingly frustrated with her new apartment in New York and confides in Addy about her desire to return to Glenlawn for a breath of...
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9
Harry the Hamster
Nell is infuriated when she hears a strange squeaking noise coming from Joey and Matthew's room. Upon investigating, she discovers they are caring for...
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10
Joey the Gambler
Joey starts selling illegal gambling tickets to the staff at El Gatspacio, leaving Nell shocked when she discovers he got arrested for it. After bring...
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11
The Scam
While Nell and her mother are at the bank to deposit items into Mama Maybelle's safe deposit box, a con artist approaches Nell, claiming to be a detec...
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12
Christmas in New York
Nell and Addy both decide to purchase a Christmas tree, fully aware of the steep prices in New York. As the group prepares to celebrate the holiday in...
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13
Nell's Secret Admirer
Nell receives a call from her high school secret admirer, a guy from Alabama she never really knew. Curious, she agrees to meet him at El Gatspacio si...
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14
The Loan
Nell lends Addy some cash to purchase a new dress for an upcoming gala, confident that she’ll quickly repay her. However, as time goes on, residents...
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15
The Window (1)
Nell has landed a new role as a book editor, but it means spending less time with the boys. When Joey mentions he’s participating in a Walk-A-Thon f...
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16
The Window (2)
Nell makes the decision to leave her job so she can spend more time with her boys. However, she ultimately opts to search for a new position instead. ...
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17
Joey's First Crush
Joey starts to develop feelings for Maggie, and during her husband’s birthday celebration, Nell discovers that he’s considering leaving New York a...
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18
Joey's Teacher
Joey is feeling down because his teacher, Mr. Gronomeir, seems to have it out for him. When Nell invites him over to discuss his situation, he acciden...
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19
Joey's Hero
When Joey's beloved TV star, Captain Jerk, ends up in the hospital after accidentally swallowing a whistle, Nell steps in to help, as they share the s...
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20
Joey the Gigolo
Nell realizes her boss is laying off several employees, and when she discovers he has a daughter named Molly who is the same age as Joey, she decides ...
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21
Parents' Week (1)
Nell discovers that it’s Parents Week at Littlefield College in New Jersey and feels hurt that Samantha didn’t invite her. Undeterred, she decides...
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22
Parents' Week (2)
Nell makes a compelling case for Samantha to continue her college journey, ultimately managing to persuade her to stay. Additionally, she assists one ...
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23
Save the Church
Nell gets ready for the visit of Mary-Ellen Baldwin, her pretentious rival from Alabama. Upon arriving in New York, Mary-Ellen informs Mama Maybelle a...
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24
Someday, My Prince . . .
Nell finds herself charmed by an African man who claims to have created chocolate chip cookies in his homeland. He gifts her a beautiful necklace and ...
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25
Mama's Date
While staying at Grandpa’s apartment due to Addy being unwell, he informs Nell that her mother has a date. Confused, Nell questions why that would b...
