Alan Walters and his single mother, Vicky, live next door to widower George Thomas and his daughters, J.J. and Delia.

The kids are best friends, united by their dislike for Vicky's boyfriend Bob Blanford and nosy neighbor Eve Scrimmer, but their parents hate each other.

Ernie Barrett, the CEO of the company, shows up at the Walters' house to announce them as a finalist family.

The kids are thrilled until Ernie reveals that he and Marco, a documentary cameraman, have come to live with them for a week, to find out if they really are the perfect family.

They insist that it is the 'patriotic duty' of the family to continue the ruse, in order to gain Ernie's trust and obtain samples of the new soda flavor.

Alan's Grandma Matilda arrives to take the families to the beach for a day of fun, and attempts to play matchmaker with George and Vicky, much to their chagrin.

George realizes he has forgotten a date with his editor, Amanda Holt, who only agrees to edit his books if he goes out with her.

The whole family attends an open mike night at a local pub, because Ernie believes that George plays there every week.

Ms. Scrimmer arrives to expose the families' deception to Ernie, and Bob shows up to confront Vicky.

Marco the cameraman appears with a gun and a badge, revealing himself as a real undercover agent with the FBI.