 The sometimes-comic, sometimes-dramatic exploits of the Bradford family--father Tom (a columnist for a Sacramento newspaper), mother Joan and their eight children: Mary, David, Joanie, Nancy, Elizabeth, Susan, Tommy and Nicholas. After Joan s death, Tom met teacher Abby, and they were married to make the family eight again. The kids all had friends and relationships as well, turning the Bradford Bunch into a free-for-all of loved ones and family members.