Nell Harper is the black housekeeper of the Kanisky family which consists of Carl, the father who is also the Chief of Police, and his three daughter, Julie, Katie, and Samantha. Now Nell sometimes has to act as a surrogate mother to the daughters cause their has passed away and as a buffer between the girls and their father, cause Carl is not exactly in touch with his feminine side. Later, Carl's father, Stanley would move in with them after his wife died. And the family would also take in a boy, Joey. There were a few changes in the show's fifth season, Carl had passed away and Katie got married to Jonathan. And during the show's fifth season the show was overhauled, Nell, Joey, Samantha, and her friend, Addy moved to New York and Joey learned that he has a brother, Matthew, who moved in with him and Nell.

'Helen Hunt' auditioned for the role of Katie Kanisky.

Katie:
Dad, it's hard for Nell to stick to her diet when you're stuffing your face like that.


Chief:
I'm not stuffing.


Nell:
Right. He's eating for two in case he gets pregnant.


Chief:
See what happens? You take away their trough and they get vicious?


Nell:
It's no problem. I'm eating clean, lean, and healthy. After all, you are what you eat. Another helping of jackass, Chief?

Continuity: The front door of the set has a brass mail slot, but exterior shots are of a door with no slot.

(First theme song)
Music by Bob Christianson
Lyrics by Bob Garrett and Marley Sims
Performed by Nell Carter