Pilot
Mel Burke is having trouble with her niece, Lennox. As she tries to juggle being a councilwoman and a guardian, she gets a little overwhelmed. Her assistant, Rhonda, suggests she get a nanny. Mel is hesitant to do so until she finds out Lennox wrote a poem about her principal, Miss Lunt (Vernee Watson), that wasn't so nice. Mel relents and decides to hire a nanny. Before leaving for a meeting, Joey "Joe" Longo knocks on her door. He apologizes for an outburst (seen earlier in the episode) and asks if she can get him a job. Mel realizes he was the head of her brother-in-law's company. (It is mentioned that her brother-in-law ran off leaving the company in disarray and it is implied that he ran off with the millions Joey made for him and left his wife to take the blame. The result is her being in federal prison and the reason the children have to stay with Mel.) She explains that there is a hiring freeze downtown so she can't get him a job. Joey then offers to be her new nanny. Joey takes Ryder to school so Mel won't miss her meeting. Mel comes home later to take Lennox to school so she can apologize to Miss Lunt. If she doesn't apologize, Lennox cannot go back to school. Mel finds that Ryder is still at home and Lennox is gone. After leaving, Joey sees an online posting from Lennox and realizes she's on the roof. He convinces her to go eat her "big bowl of stink" instead of letting Mel eat it for her. Mel comes back impressed until she finds out Joey paid Lennox fifty dollars to go to the school and apologize. They later decide to give him being the nanny a try.
Mel Burke is having trouble with her niece, Lennox. As she tries to juggle being a councilwoman and a guardian, she gets a little overwhelmed. Her assistant, Rhonda, suggests she get a nanny. Mel is hesitant to do so until she finds out Lennox wrote a poem about her principal, Miss Lunt (Vernee Watson), that wasn't so nice. Mel relents and decides to hire a nanny. Before leaving for a meeting, Joey "Joe" Longo knocks on her door. He apologizes for an outburst (seen earlier in the episode) and asks if she can get him a job. Mel realizes he was the head of her brother-in-law's company. (It is mentioned that her brother-in-law ran off leaving the company in disarray and it is implied that he ran off with the millions Joey made for him and left his wife to take the blame. The result is her being in federal prison and the reason the children have to stay with Mel.) She explains that there is a hiring freeze downtown so she can't get him a job. Joey then offers to be her new nanny. Joey takes Ryder to school so Mel won't miss her meeting. Mel comes home later to take Lennox to school so she can apologize to Miss Lunt. If she doesn't apologize, Lennox cannot go back to school. Mel finds that Ryder is still at home and Lennox is gone. After leaving, Joey sees an online posting from Lennox and realizes she's on the roof. He convinces her to go eat her "big bowl of stink" instead of letting Mel eat it for her. Mel comes back impressed until she finds out Joey paid Lennox fifty dollars to go to the school and apologize. They later decide to give him being the nanny a try.
Moving On
Joey moves into Mel's basement with a meager amount of his belongings, with his ex-wife having most of the good stuff. Mel then convinces him to stand up for himself and get back his widescreen TV. But the presence of television in the living room ruins Mel's date with a fellow politician (Philipp Karner). Meanwhile, Mel encourages Lennox to make friends at her new school.
Joey moves into Mel's basement with a meager amount of his belongings, with his ex-wife having most of the good stuff. Mel then convinces him to stand up for himself and get back his widescreen TV. But the presence of television in the living room ruins Mel's date with a fellow politician (Philipp Karner). Meanwhile, Mel encourages Lennox to make friends at her new school.
Nanny Love
Joe's newfound job ruins his dating life. But, when things start heating up with a sorority sister (Maïté Schwartz) of Mel's, Mel offers him some advice: lie. The truth becomes outrageously stretched, until it blows up in the dysfunctional family's face.
Joe's newfound job ruins his dating life. But, when things start heating up with a sorority sister (Maïté Schwartz) of Mel's, Mel offers him some advice: lie. The truth becomes outrageously stretched, until it blows up in the dysfunctional family's face.
Boy Toys 'R' Us
Lennox's new relationship with a bad boy is no concern for her Aunt Mel, who becomes involved with a bartender/musician (Hal Ozsan). With the girls no longer thinking clearly, Joe must talk some sense into Mel, while managing to organize her closet. Hal and Mel eventually break up, as Joe finishes cleaning her closet, while Lennox gets caught with her bad boy.
Lennox's new relationship with a bad boy is no concern for her Aunt Mel, who becomes involved with a bartender/musician (Hal Ozsan). With the girls no longer thinking clearly, Joe must talk some sense into Mel, while managing to organize her closet. Hal and Mel eventually break up, as Joe finishes cleaning her closet, while Lennox gets caught with her bad boy.
The Perfect Storm
Mel's father Russell Burke (Christopher Rich) comes over and undermines Mel's authority concerning Lennox's studying and bribes Joe with a Rolex.
Mel's father Russell Burke (Christopher Rich) comes over and undermines Mel's authority concerning Lennox's studying and bribes Joe with a Rolex.
Spies & Lies
Joe's suspicious behavior prompts Mel to assume that he is in a relationship, when in reality he has teamed up with a former co-worker in hopes of finding Mel's brother-in-law, Lewis. Meanwhile, Mel and Lennox team up to conquer what they think is Ryder's bully, after they discover him missing his new shoes and backpack. It turns out that Ryder himself gave his possessions to a friend, in hopes of repaying him since his family was impacted by Ryder's parents' dishonest investment.
Joe's suspicious behavior prompts Mel to assume that he is in a relationship, when in reality he has teamed up with a former co-worker in hopes of finding Mel's brother-in-law, Lewis. Meanwhile, Mel and Lennox team up to conquer what they think is Ryder's bully, after they discover him missing his new shoes and backpack. It turns out that Ryder himself gave his possessions to a friend, in hopes of repaying him since his family was impacted by Ryder's parents' dishonest investment.
Up Close & Personal
Celeste Vega (Valery Ortiz), a TV reporter doing a story on Mel's life is more intrigued with Joe's duties as a nanny and is out to make Mel look like an incompetent councilwoman.
Celeste Vega (Valery Ortiz), a TV reporter doing a story on Mel's life is more intrigued with Joe's duties as a nanny and is out to make Mel look like an incompetent councilwoman.
Dancing With the Stars of Toledo
Mel agrees to appear at a Dancing with the Stars type charity event with Joe helping her to get ready for it. Mark Ballas and Finola Hughes guest star.
Mel agrees to appear at a Dancing with the Stars type charity event with Joe helping her to get ready for it. Mark Ballas and Finola Hughes guest star.
Seoul Man
A crackdown on illegal domestic workers working for city council members begins and Mel pleads with Joe to get his birth certificate so he can continue working for her. But what Joe hasn't told Mel is that he wasn't actually born in America, he was born in an American army hospital in Korea and that finding his legal papers is a daunting task because of him moving around as a kid. Meanwhile, Lennox and her best friend Phoebe agree to go to the school dance together as friends but rumors soon escalate that they are going as a lesbian couple.
A crackdown on illegal domestic workers working for city council members begins and Mel pleads with Joe to get his birth certificate so he can continue working for her. But what Joe hasn't told Mel is that he wasn't actually born in America, he was born in an American army hospital in Korea and that finding his legal papers is a daunting task because of him moving around as a kid. Meanwhile, Lennox and her best friend Phoebe agree to go to the school dance together as friends but rumors soon escalate that they are going as a lesbian couple.
In Lennox We Trust
Mel is pleased when she learns Lennox is dating the mayor's son. However, she learns that the boy's good nature is just a façade. Guest stars include Ted McGinley as the mayor and Katherine Helmond (who co-starred for eight years in the structurally similar series, Who's the Boss?) as the family's deceptively senile neighbor.
Mel is pleased when she learns Lennox is dating the mayor's son. However, she learns that the boy's good nature is just a façade. Guest stars include Ted McGinley as the mayor and Katherine Helmond (who co-starred for eight years in the structurally similar series, Who's the Boss?) as the family's deceptively senile neighbor.
A Fright in the Attic
On Halloween, Joe hears noises in the attic and goes up there to check. He finds out that Mel's brother-in-law, Lewis (John Ross Bowie), who is still hiding from the law. Lennox and Ryder have been bringing him food and want to spend some time with him before he turns himself in. They end up fooling Mel and Joe, who follow Lewis and the children to a Halloween party. In the end Lewis is taken away by who they believe is a police officer when he was actually hired by Lewis, who escapes the law once again. Julia Duffy guest stars as Mirna Sherwood, Mel and Joe's neighbor.
Allusion to Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: Upon spotting a teenage witch at the party, Mel says to Joe, "Been there. Done that," referring to the titular character she played from 1996 to 2003.
On Halloween, Joe hears noises in the attic and goes up there to check. He finds out that Mel's brother-in-law, Lewis (John Ross Bowie), who is still hiding from the law. Lennox and Ryder have been bringing him food and want to spend some time with him before he turns himself in. They end up fooling Mel and Joe, who follow Lewis and the children to a Halloween party. In the end Lewis is taken away by who they believe is a police officer when he was actually hired by Lewis, who escapes the law once again. Julia Duffy guest stars as Mirna Sherwood, Mel and Joe's neighbor.
Allusion to Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: Upon spotting a teenage witch at the party, Mel says to Joe, "Been there. Done that," referring to the titular character she played from 1996 to 2003.
Joe Knows
Joe and Mel create web episodes, titled "Joe Knows", to promote his financial advice. He quickly gains popularity, not by his initial premise, but rather Mel's branding. Lennox starts to develop a crush on her chemistry tutor, who turns her down.
Joe and Mel create web episodes, titled "Joe Knows", to promote his financial advice. He quickly gains popularity, not by his initial premise, but rather Mel's branding. Lennox starts to develop a crush on her chemistry tutor, who turns her down.
Part 2
Enemies with Benefits
Joe's ex-wife Tiffany (Megan Hilty) seeks a renewal of their relationship when she has a pregnancy scare; Lennox struggles with popularity issues.
Joe's ex-wife Tiffany (Megan Hilty) seeks a renewal of their relationship when she has a pregnancy scare; Lennox struggles with popularity issues.
Don't Train on My Parade
When Joe starts dating Mel's personal trainer, the two find it difficult to balance Joe's new romance and Mel's workout needs. Meanwhile, Lennox tries to maintain a friendship with Beckett, despite her feelings toward him.
When Joe starts dating Mel's personal trainer, the two find it difficult to balance Joe's new romance and Mel's workout needs. Meanwhile, Lennox tries to maintain a friendship with Beckett, despite her feelings toward him.
Lost in Translation
Mel enlists Joe's translating services when a Japanese client comes to town, only to regret her decision after Joe interferes with a possibility of romance. Meanwhile, Ryder plays the role of mediator for Lennox and her ex-best friend, who must work on a project together.
Mel enlists Joe's translating services when a Japanese client comes to town, only to regret her decision after Joe interferes with a possibility of romance. Meanwhile, Ryder plays the role of mediator for Lennox and her ex-best friend, who must work on a project together.
Joe Versus the Reunion
Mel, sympathizing for Joe's unfortunate year, pretends to be Joe's girlfriend at his college reunion. Meanwhile, Lennox and Ryder, left home alone, dream of throwing a wild party, only for it to be quite mild.
Allusion to My Fake Fiancé: Joe accuses Mel of barging into his reunion and pretending to be his "fake fiancée," a nod to the 2009 ABC Family movie in which Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence both starred in.
Mel, sympathizing for Joe's unfortunate year, pretends to be Joe's girlfriend at his college reunion. Meanwhile, Lennox and Ryder, left home alone, dream of throwing a wild party, only for it to be quite mild.
Allusion to My Fake Fiancé: Joe accuses Mel of barging into his reunion and pretending to be his "fake fiancée," a nod to the 2009 ABC Family movie in which Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence both starred in.
Toledo's Next Top Model
An encounter with a scout (Vivica A. Fox) leaves Lennox wanting to become a model, but her decision isn't final until she obtains Mel's permission. Meanwhile, Joe helps Ryder ask a girl named Holly (Rachel G. Fox) out, but she ends up controlling his life.
An encounter with a scout (Vivica A. Fox) leaves Lennox wanting to become a model, but her decision isn't final until she obtains Mel's permission. Meanwhile, Joe helps Ryder ask a girl named Holly (Rachel G. Fox) out, but she ends up controlling his life.
The Mel Word
Mel plans her cousin's (Leslie Grossman) lesbian wedding, and is put in an awkward position when her soon to be cousin-in-law hits on both her and Joe. Lennox and Ryder attempt to create a documentary exposing the prejudice of the nuptials.
Mel plans her cousin's (Leslie Grossman) lesbian wedding, and is put in an awkward position when her soon to be cousin-in-law hits on both her and Joe. Lennox and Ryder attempt to create a documentary exposing the prejudice of the nuptials.
Auction Hero
Melissa auctions off Joey Longo in an auction for his cleaning services, but wonders about ulterior motives of the highest bidder. Lennox Scanlon has ten days to write a novel to prove her writing ability to her teacher.
Melissa auctions off Joey Longo in an auction for his cleaning services, but wonders about ulterior motives of the highest bidder. Lennox Scanlon has ten days to write a novel to prove her writing ability to her teacher.
Waiting for Mr. Right
Melissa's last single friend gets engaged, so she feels pressured to find a husband, which leads to her continuing in a dull relationship, which Joe advises against.
Melissa's last single friend gets engaged, so she feels pressured to find a husband, which leads to her continuing in a dull relationship, which Joe advises against.
Young Love
Mel starts dating a much younger man and lies about her age while Lennox deal with competition for the post of editor of the school's blog.
Mel starts dating a much younger man and lies about her age while Lennox deal with competition for the post of editor of the school's blog.
Mel & Joe's Anniversary
George has a party to introduce Mel to all of his friends. Meanwhile, Joe gets upset at his ex-wife, Tiffany, for disrespecting their anniversary.
George has a party to introduce Mel to all of his friends. Meanwhile, Joe gets upset at his ex-wife, Tiffany, for disrespecting their anniversary.
Going the Distance?
Mel reexamines her romance with George. Elsewhere, Holly introduces her parents (Sean O'Bryan and Wendy Makkena) to Ryder.
Mel reexamines her romance with George. Elsewhere, Holly introduces her parents (Sean O'Bryan and Wendy Makkena) to Ryder.
All Politics is Local
Mel's dad comes back to town to support a bill Mel opposes. Meanwhile, Lennox's poetry proves popular with a classmate who's an aspiring singer.
Mel's dad comes back to town to support a bill Mel opposes. Meanwhile, Lennox's poetry proves popular with a classmate who's an aspiring singer.
The Other Longo
Joe's younger brother (Matthew Lawrence) arrives in town and is attracted to Mel. Meanwhile, Lennox dodges a sick Ryder in order to ensure that she is able to attend a highly anticipated party.
Joe's younger brother (Matthew Lawrence) arrives in town and is attracted to Mel. Meanwhile, Lennox dodges a sick Ryder in order to ensure that she is able to attend a highly anticipated party.
Play Ball
Mel recruits Joe to play on her office softball team, as she is determined to beat her rival's team (Tom Wilson). Meanwhile, Ryder wants Lennox to feature Holly's short story in the school blog.
Mel recruits Joe to play on her office softball team, as she is determined to beat her rival's team (Tom Wilson). Meanwhile, Ryder wants Lennox to feature Holly's short story in the school blog.
A House Divided
Mel and Joe get into a property dispute with their neighbor (John Ratzenberger); Ryder films a public service announcement starring Lennox and a school jock (Blake Jenner).
Mel and Joe get into a property dispute with their neighbor (John Ratzenberger); Ryder films a public service announcement starring Lennox and a school jock (Blake Jenner).
Do As I Say, Not As I Did
Fearing that she will give into peer pressure, Mel and Joe follow Lennox to her all night after-party. Meanwhile, while studying with another girl, Ryder seizes the opportunity to stand up to Holly.
Fearing that she will give into peer pressure, Mel and Joe follow Lennox to her all night after-party. Meanwhile, while studying with another girl, Ryder seizes the opportunity to stand up to Holly.
The Settlement
Joe considers newfound possibilities, when he comes into a large sum of money. Meanwhile, a water leak is found on the living room ceiling. When Joe comes into nearly $167,000 dollars, he decides to resign from being a nanny and moves. Mel visits him in his new apartment, and their feelings for each other are evident. After a hasty kiss and the awkward feeling, Mel and Joe don't talk about it. When Joe goes to collect his money, he doesn't receive it only because of his address which is the same as the Scanlon heirs. Despite this he doesn't tell them but moves back in and once again becomes their nanny.
Allusion to Blossom: In a moment of shock, Joe utters "Whoa!" and notes "I haven't said that in a long time," referencing his famous catchphrase from the 1990s series in which he co-starred alongside Mayim Bialik.
Joe considers newfound possibilities, when he comes into a large sum of money. Meanwhile, a water leak is found on the living room ceiling. When Joe comes into nearly $167,000 dollars, he decides to resign from being a nanny and moves. Mel visits him in his new apartment, and their feelings for each other are evident. After a hasty kiss and the awkward feeling, Mel and Joe don't talk about it. When Joe goes to collect his money, he doesn't receive it only because of his address which is the same as the Scanlon heirs. Despite this he doesn't tell them but moves back in and once again becomes their nanny.
Allusion to Blossom: In a moment of shock, Joe utters "Whoa!" and notes "I haven't said that in a long time," referencing his famous catchphrase from the 1990s series in which he co-starred alongside Mayim Bialik.