It was filmed during 1988-89, but not released in the United States until 1991 due to the financial difficulties surrounding New World Pictures, its production company.

It takes a dark, satirical look at the end of the world, nuclear holocausts, alienism and terrorism.

The Applegates have moved to the suburbs after the husband, Dick, got a job at a nuclear power plant.

It is revealed that Dick is secretly working on a plan to cause a nuclear explosion that will rid the world of humans and leave the bugs in peace.

Johnny is initially a strait-laced A student but begins listening to heavy metal and becomes a pot-head.

Dick begins having an affair at work and Jane becomes addicted to shopping and credit cards.

Chaos ensues when Dick's affair with his secretary leads to them both getting fired and his lover deciding to blackmail him.

Jane panics and in an effort to pay off her debts tries to rob a local convenience store but is caught by the sheriff while fleeing the scene.

In a twist, just as they are at their lowest, a journalist and photographer enter to notify them that they have won a prize for being the most normal American family.

A deleted scene before the closing credits reveals that Aunt Bea survived and still intends to destroy the world.