Buddies Raj, Rerun and Dwayne come of age in 1970s Los Angeles. The trio have a penchant for mischief and trying to find ways of getting rich quick. Almost always the trio's schemes wind up getting them into trouble and it's up to Raj's mother Mabel to get them out of it. Also, half of the time, the guys get into trouble because of Raj's bratty sister Dee.
What's Happening!! (Season 1)
The Runaway (Episode 1) 10.0
Writer: Alan Eisenstock
Air date: 1976-08-05
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Roger has to babysit Dee and miss the big party at Betty's. But where there's a will there's a way, though there may not be a way to explain to Mama where Dee disappeared to when Raj was gone.
The Birthday Present (Episode 2)
Writer: Bernie Orenstein
Air date: 1976-08-12
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj, Dwayne and Rerun set out to get a birthday present for Mama. But it doesn't go as smoothly as they expected and they find themselves in hot water with store security.
When Daddy Comes Marching Home (Episode 3)
Writer: Marion C. Freeman
Air date: 1976-08-19
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: After years of being away, Raj and Dee's shady father Bill returns for a short visit with a scheme in mind.
My Three Tons (Episode 4)
Writer: Jim Mulligan
Air date: 1976-08-26
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Rerun becomes the new member of a popular dance group and learns the hidden truth of their intentions of him being their latest initiate.
Saturday's Hero (Episode 5) 5.5
Writer: Alan Eisenstock
Air date: 1976-11-13
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Rerun joins the floundering football team and becomes an instant hero. This leads to a swelled head and he begins to give Raj and Dwayne the cold shoulder, going so far as to give his two extra Gladys Knight tickets to two of his 'new' friends instead of Raj and Dwayne, as he'd promised.
The Burger Queen (Episode 6)
Writer: Bernie Orenstein
Air date: 1976-11-20
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Rerun has his heart set on getting the lead in a hamburger commercial. However, once down at the audition, the producers find Dee better suited despite the fact that she can't stand the taste of them. An even bigger problem arises when Mama's permission is needed, but she's in Phoenix.
Speak for Yourself, Dwayne (Episode 7)
Writer: Seaman Jacobs
Air date: 1976-11-27
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Dwayne has his eye on a new girl, Nancy, but he's too shy to talk to her, so he gets Raj too. However, that turns into a mistake as Raj falls for Nancy. Raj is left with guilt and one angry friend.
Shirley's Date (Episode 8)
Writer: Bob Illes
Air date: 1976-12-04
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj has sold a kid's story to a children's magazine and to celebrate, throws a party. However, Shirley is reluctant to come because she doesn't want to show up without a date. This leads Raj and Rerun to take steps to get her a date.
Christmas (Episode 9)
Writer: Bernie Orenstein
Air date: 1976-12-11
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: With Mama planning to work on Christmas, Raj and Dee agree to have Christmas dinner at Bill's apartment. However, Mama is able to get out of working at the last minute and soon discovers that the kids have plans and finds herself facing a lonesome Christmas.
Puppy Love (Episode 10)
Writer: Bill Richmond
Air date: 1976-12-30
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj is tutoring Patrice Williams in exchange for one of the puppies that her dog is soon to have. Confusion erupts in the Thomas household, however, when Dee overhears a conversation between Raj, Dwayne and Rerun which leads her to believe Raj has gotten a girl pregnant.
The Maid Did It (Episode 11)
Writer: Marty Farrell
Air date: 1977-01-06
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Mama is fired from her job as a maid for the Turner household after she's accused of stealing Mrs. Turner's diamond ring. Raj sets out to clear Mama and quickly discovers Mr. Turner may be a far likelier suspect.
The Incomplete Shakespeare (Episode 12)
Writer: Mort Scharfman
Air date: 1977-01-13
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj writes a story for a new TV show, Central Avenue, and can't wait to find out if the producers will buy it. However, he's in for a shock on the night the show premieres.
The Hospital Stay (Episode 13)
Writer: Alan Eisenstock
Air date: 1977-01-20
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj lands in the hospital and is afraid to face impending surgery. Meanwhile, his roommate is a grouchy ex-baseball player whom Dee befriends and learns that he has kept up a bitter feud between himself and his daughter all because she married a white man.
The Sunday Father (Episode 14)
Writer: Bob Illes
Air date: 1977-01-27
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj delights in playing practical jokes on his teacher, Miss Collins. But, when he goes overboard, he finds himself suspended and to avoid getting Mama involved, he turns to his father, who quickly discovers the joys of parenting.
The Firing Squad (Episode 15)
Writer: Rick Mittleman
Air date: 1977-02-10
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: When the bank manager arrives at Rob's Place to discuss a loan application, Shirley insults him, which causes Rob to fire her. This leads Raj, Dwayne and Rerun to help Shirley find a new job even though she has very few skills.
The Boarder (Episode 16)
Writer: Alan Eisenstock
Air date: 1977-02-17
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Needing extra money, Mama takes on a boarder who will stay in Dee's room while she reluctantly agrees to share a room with Mama. Everyone's in for a surprise when Bill asks to take the room and even more surprising, Mama agrees to let him move in!
Dwayne's Dilemma (Episode 17)
Writer: Jerry Ross
Air date: 1977-02-24
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Raj has been dying for a date with a girl but soon finds that in order to go out with her, he needs to find a date for her cousin. Dwayne agrees but soon finds himself to be a corner in a love triangle, when the cousin's pushy ex threatens his well-being if he continues to see her.
The Tickets (Episode 18)
Writer: Richard Baer
Air date: 1977-03-03
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Mama has two tickets to Stevie Wonder and she gives them to Raj. But now, Raj has one tough decision to make, to take Dwayne or Rerun.
What's Wrong wiith Raj? (Episode 19)
Writer: Gene Farmer
Air date: 1977-03-10
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: After a school lecture about hypertension, Raj begins spending more time down at the free clinic. This leads Dee to sneak a peek at his diary to see if she can find a clue to 'what's wrong with Raj?'
Nice Guys Finish Last (Episode 20)
Writer: Carol Gary
Air date: 1977-03-24
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Dee receives a call from her prison pen pal, Judy Crane, who is getting out and needs a place to stay. Dee talks Mama into allowing Judy to stay with them, unknown to all of them that Judy is really on the run.
From Here to Maternity (Episode 21)
Writer: Rick Mittleman
Air date: 1977-03-31
Runtime: 22 min
Overview: Shirley's excited when she gets a call from her sister, Norma, who's coming to visit. However, Shirley is in for a big surprise when she discovers Norma is six months pregnant and Norma is in for an even bigger surprise when she gets a phone call from her fiancee telling her it's over.
Seasons
Episodes 21
Episodes 22
Episodes 22