[1] The series is centered on two families, the Hatfords, who have four sons, Jake, Josh, Wally, and Peter, and the Malloys, who have three daughters,[2] Eddie, Beth, and Caroline.
The names Hatford and Malloy are probably a reference to the Hatfields and McCoys, actual West Virginia families who famously feuded for many years.
[3][2] The Hatford boys resent the girls for taking their place, and the children of both families begin playing pranks on each other, without letting their parents know.
Subplots in the series include the children trying to capture a loose cougar that has been frightening people in the town, Caroline's overdramatic behavior and aspirations to become an actress, Josh and Beth's brief love affair, and Jake and Eddie's rivalry.
[4] The Hartford boys call the Malloys "The Whomper, the Weirdo, and the Crazy" due to Eddie's abilities in baseball, Beth's odd love of horror books, and Caroline's willingness to do any stunt.