Ava (Lori Loughlin) is a fashion designer who has to raise her niece Nikki (Kay Panabaker) and her two nephews Bradin (Jesse Mc Cartney) and Derrick (Nick Benson) after the death of the children's parents. To take care of them, she is helped by her three friends and housemates, including her ex-boyfriend Johnny (Shawn Christian).
The series also features Zac Efron before he became popular with High School Musical. He played Nikki's boyfriend Cameron.
Tropes:
- Abusive Parents: Nikki's boyfriend Cameron is mistreated by his alcoholic father.
- Amicable Exes: Ava and her ex-boyfriend Johnny are still close friends who are willing to help each other. However, Johnny still has secret feelings for her.
- Cool Aunt: Ava tries to be a good aunt to Bradin, Nikki, and Derrick, when they are still devastated by the death of their parents.
- Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling: The troubled Bradin is Foolish, while the smart and mature Nikki is Responsible.
- Maybe Ever After: Bradin and Erika. In the last episode of season 2, they get close again and it's implied they are ready for a future relationship. Then the series was cancelled.
- Odd Friendship: Nikki eventually befriends Amber, a popular girl who used to date Cameron, the boy Nikki has a crush on.
- Parental Substitute: Ava and her friends become parental figures to Ava's nephews, while living all in the same house.
- Promotion to Opening Titles: Cameron (Zac Efron) is promoted to the opening credits in season 2, becoming a member of the main cast.
- Romantic False Lead: Ava's Temporary Love Interest Simon serves as this, since everyone knows about the Unresolved Sexual Tension between Ava and Johnny.
- Shipper on Deck: Nikki wants Ava and Johnny together, and she dislikes Ava's other boyfriend Simon.
- Surfer Dude: Jay, a laidback Australian surfer who is popular with ladies.
