My Wife and Kids (2001)

Popular film and television star Damon Wayans is back for a fifth season in the family-oriented comedy, My Wife and Kids. In addition to being a top-rated show, My Wife and Kids has been nominated for several NAACP Image Awards, and received the 2002 People's Choice Award for Favorite New Television Comedy Series. The show was also recognized for an episode (Grassy Knoll) that dealt with drug and substance abuse issues, garnering a 2002 Prism Award.

Wayans returns as Michael Kyle, a loving husband and modern-day patriarch who rules his household with a unique and distinct parenting style. As he teaches his three children some of life's lessons, he does so with his own brand of wisdom, discipline and humor.

Now that Jr. and his girlfriend, Vanessa, are parents of a baby boy, Michael and his loving wife, Jay, are proud but young grandparents, and are adjusting to their new roles. Not only are they trying to help their son become a responsible father, but they want to help the teenaged couple make some important decisions in their lives. They all seem to have their own opinion when it comes to answering such questions like: Should the new parents continue to live in the Kyle garage? Should they get engaged or married? Will the new baby make Jr., who is terrified in his role as a new dad, act any smarter?

While trying to turn his son into a man, Michael begins to look at where his own life has taken him and wonders if he should make some changes. Jay, who also starts to question her purpose in life, pursues her educational goals and, along the way, decides to open a restaurant. Meanwhile, oldest daughter Claire's relationship with Tony, the odd and oddly endearing bible thumper, has endured. Claire is now a high school senior and is more than ready to do all the things that come along with that special time in life.

Little Kady feels a bit threatened by the new baby's presence, and her family is there to help her get over any insecurities. She continues her friendship with the young piano virtuoso, Franklin, who often complicates Michael's life. The boy sensed an opening in the family with Jr.'s impending graduation into adulthood, and Franklin is still trying to weasel his way into becoming the "good new son."

Michael can only hope his parental advice, mixed with witty humor, will steer his children to act responsibly. Through it all, Jr., Claire and Kady know they can turn to their father when they need his guidance. Sometimes it seems as though, even without their asking, Dad knows ahead of time what they might need, and he's only too happy to provide direction -- often to their chagrin.

Damon Wayans stars as Michael Kyle, Tisha Campbell-Martin as Jay Kyle, George O. Gore II as Jr., Jennifer Freeman as Claire Kyle, Parker McKenna Posey as Kady Kyle, Noah Gray-Cabey as Franklin, Andrew McFarlane as Tony and Brooklyn Sudano as Vanessa.