In the Heck family, middle-age, middle-class, middle-America mum Frankie Heck uses a sense of humour to try to steer her family through life's ups and downs while working as a car saleswoman at the town's only remaining dealership. Her husband, Mike, is a manager at the local quarry. Oldest son Axl is an obstinate teen who eats the family out of house and home; daughter Sue is an inept adolescent who cannot seem to find her niche; and youngest son Brick is an odd child whose best friend is his backpack.