Storyline
Down on his luck and out of money, former R&B star Steve Hightower lands a music teacher gig at an inner-city Chicago school. Showing who's in charge with his unorthodox approach, Steve discovers a new groove at Washington High School.
Episodes
Season 1
No overview available for this season.
Back to School
Aug 25, 1996
A former funk star named Steve Hightower enlists as a high school music teacher away from his original career in Chicago.
Dead Dog Walking
Sep 15, 1996
Bullethead is at the end of his rope when his dog gets impounded and he doesn't have the cash to bail him out. Meanwhile, Cedric gets the boot from his mama's apartment and looks to Steve for a place to live.
Mr. Hightower's Opus
Sep 22, 1996
As he and Cedric struggle to work out their differences as roommates, Steve bets Regina he can put together a school band in fewer than five days.
The Rock
Sep 29, 1996
Rumors of an on-going affair sweep the school when Sara and Romeo are caught hiding in a closet while trying to avoid Principal Grier. Meanwhile, Cedric goes way overboard vying for Teacher of the Month honors.
Brush with Greatness
Oct 06, 1996
Romeo paints himself into a corner by falsely taking credit for the winning entry in a poster contest, for artwork that was actually done by Sophia. Meanwhile, Cedric receives a platinum card and goes on a spending spree, until he gets his bill.
Loose Lips Sink Friendships
Oct 13, 1996
The homecoming dance is approaching, and no one is happy with their dates. Romeo and Bullethead turn to Steve for help with the homecoming dance. Cedric joins a video dating service.
Papa Don't Take No Mess
Oct 27, 1996
Romeo's old-school father enrolls him in vocational-training classes, much to Romeo's dislike. Meanwhile, Steve and Cedric try to catch a mouse running loose in their apartment.
The Play's Not the Thing
Jan 19, 1997
On his way to play the piano at Regina's church, Steve gets arrested and thrown in jail with Cedric.
Big Brothers
Nov 10, 1996
Cedric volunteers to be a Big Brother to a teenage boy and tries to get Steve involved in the organization.
High Top Reunion
Nov 17, 1996
Steve reunites with his old singing group to perform on an awards show. But when a band member gets sick, Cedric is the only available substitute.
That's My Mama
Nov 24, 1996
Steve gets Regina to help trick his mother into believing they're a couple; Romeo makes two dates for the same night.
Pool Sharks Get Bit
Dec 15, 1996
Bullethead and Romeo hope to pocket some cash hustling pool, but the tables are turned on them and they wind up holding the short end of the stick.
Coming to Chicago
Jan 12, 1997
When Steve scores hard-to-get tickets to a concert, Regina agrees to go out with him.
African-American Me
Feb 02, 1997
On his way to play the piano at Regina's church, Steve gets arrested and thrown in jail with Cedric.
When the Funk Bites the Dust
Feb 09, 1997
The Hi-Tops' ex-manager gets engaged and the group gathers for a bachelor party at Steve's apartment. Angela takes a compatibility test from a magazine, and the results show that her and Steve are not compatible.
Big Daddy's Baby Girl
Feb 16, 1997
A young woman claims to be Steve's daughter; Bullethead suddenly becomes popular with a pair of Chicago Bulls tickets.
I Do, I Don't
Feb 23, 1997
Regina's parents also visit to renew their wedding vows for their fortieth anniversary. Meanwhile, Snoop Doggy Dogg and Puff Daddy visit the school to talk to Steve's class about the rumored rivalry between East and West Coast rappers.
Guess Who's Not Coming to Dinner?
Apr 27, 1997
Regina pretends to have a husband to impress an old school mate. Steve and his students are stranded in the airport.
The Roof is on Fire
May 04, 1997
Steve tries to put some sparks into Regina's dull party and proceeds to set the roof on fire.
Love with Interest
May 11, 1997
A smooth-talking bank officer shows an interest in Regina. Romeo, Sara, Bullethead and Sophia steal a rival school's mascot.
Can't Buy Me Love
May 18, 1997
Steve gets Regina a birthday gift to show her that he cares. But Regina also gets an expensive gift from another admirer and believes it is from Steve.
Season 2
No overview available for this season.
Whatever You Want
Sep 10, 1997
Cedric falls in love with Regina's new secretary Lovita Alizay Jenkins. As Steve's insensitivity upsets Regina, Romeo and Bullethead square off over a beautiful classmate.
Somebody's Sleepin' in My Bed
Sep 17, 1997
Steve and Cedric argue over Lovita making herself too much at home in the apartment, so Cedric storms out and spends the night at Regina's.
Bully Call
Sep 24, 1997
School tough Coretta Cox takes a liking to Romeo and scares off his regular honeys.
Don't Quit Your Day Job
Oct 01, 1997
Steve convinces Romeo to join the predominantly female choir and discovers that the teen can't sing a note.
Fool and the Gang
Oct 08, 1997
For a fundraiser, Steve tries to reunite the Hi-Tops, but learns they've formed a new band without him. So he decides to make some beautiful new music with Regina. Meanwhile, Bullethead decides to quit school to work full time at his new job in the mall.
Let's Talk About Sax
Oct 15, 1997
Steve's audition with Teddy Riley hits a sour note when his saxophone is pawned by Romeo, who uses the money to buy a suit.
When the Funk Hits the Rib Tips
Oct 29, 1997
Steve puts together a band and auditions at a local club, where the competition is his former group.
Steve's Gotta Have It
Nov 05, 1997
Steve blows off a banquet with the teenager he's mentoring so that he can prepare a romantic meal for Regina. Also, Romeo gets a hand from his classmates after injuring his arm in a skateboard accident.
I'm Not a Chauvinist, Piggy
Nov 12, 1997
Steve thinks his manhood is in question after Regina beats the stuffing out of a too-fresh chicken mascot at a basketball game. Also, Romeo and Bullethead enroll in a dance class.
Big Daddy Meets the Man of Steele
Nov 19, 1997
Steve has competition for Regina's affections when her college beau comes back to town.
Shut Up and Kiss Me
Dec 10, 1997
With Regina dating a new guy, Steve tries to get something cooking with a caterer who's working his party.
You're Driving Me Crazy
Jan 07, 1998
Warrington buys Regina a luxury car for their one-month anniversary and then gets upset when she doesn't drive it.
Dancing Fools
Jan 22, 1998
Regina drives her partner Cedric hard, in her quest to win the school's dance contest.
Breakfast with Tiffany
Jan 28, 1998
Steve agrees to date Regina's recently dumped, vulnerable friend. Lovita helps Ced with his taxes, and discovers receipts that show he has gone out with other women. And Romeo teaches his ""Mack-a-nomics"" class to teach the guys about how to get over on women.
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
Feb 05, 1998
Steve's father shows up with his young fiancée, and Steve thinks she's trying to kill the old man for a half-million dollar insurance policy.
Just My Imagination
Feb 11, 1998
Steve and Romeo both make a play for an attractive playwright whose latest work is being staged at the school.
Maid to Order
Feb 18, 1998
Steve and Cedric think their housekeeping prayers are answered when they hire an elderly cleaning lady from Lovita's church.
Ice Station Piggy
Feb 25, 1998
On their way to a conference, Steve and Regina get stuck in a snowstorm while traveling the back roads. Meanwhile, Lovita's country cousin puts the moves on Cedric.
White Men Can Funk
Mar 04, 1998
Steve and two of his former singing partners must find a fourth voice before their group performs at an oldies show. Meanwhile, the students get a lesson in parenting.
The He-Man, Player-Hater's Club
Apr 29, 1998
Steve and Cedric are up for membership in a men's club, where they'll be rubbing elbows with Chicago's business elite. Romeo and Bullethead use a new camera to meet girls.
That's a Bunch of Bull, Ced
May 06, 1998
Lovita is upset when Cedric wins a pair of tickets to a Chicago Bulls playoff game and decides to take Steve. Regina is upset when a shipment of cafeteria food is not delivered.
Ring Around the Piggy
May 13, 1998
Rumors of a big announcement from Warrington has everyone thinking he's going to propose to Regina. Romeo and Bullethead send a strict teacher anonymous love letters hoping to help their grades.
Season 3
No overview available for this season.
Das Bootie
Sep 18, 1998
On a sea cruise, Steve hopes to define his unconsummated relationship with Regina. While they're gone, Steve entrusts his apartment to a responsible student.
Baby You Can Drive My Car
Sep 25, 1998
Bullethead and Romeo get the OK to take driver's ed, now being taught by Steve.
Educating Piggy
Oct 01, 1998
Cedric, Steve and Regina attend a mandatory computer course being taught by Lovita.
Welcome to Bernie's
Oct 08, 1998
Steve tries to convince Regina that her former university professor is trying to hit on her.
And Injustice for All
Oct 15, 1998
When the TV Steve sold Lovita goes on the fritz, she sues him and they go before a judge he once courted.
What You Won't Cue for Love
Oct 29, 1998
Lovita and Regina take on Steve and Cedric in a pool tournament.
Everybody Loves Regina
Nov 05, 1998
Junior and Vincent return, and Junior asks Regina to go out with his brother.
Rent
Nov 12, 1998
Steve's girlfriend, who works for the IRS, learns that Cedric is committing tax fraud.
Every Boy Needs a Teacher
Nov 19, 1998
Regina agrees to date the man-boy who services the office water cooler.
Uncle Steve
Dec 03, 1998
Lovita and Regina give a makeover to Steve's wallflower of a niece, who blossoms into a looker who gets a second look from Romeo.
The Snow Job
Dec 17, 1998
A snowstorm strands Lovita at Steve's, while Cedric waits out the blizzard at Regina's.
Strapped Tease
Jan 07, 1999
Steve and Cedric get quite a shock from the strippers they hire for a bachelor party.
Lovita Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Jan 14, 1999
After a fight with her mama, Lovita moves in with Cedric. But when Regina sympathizes, Lovita moves in with her.
Working Homegirl
Jan 21, 1999
To impress her visiting great-aunt, Lovita tells a few lies. Among the lies she tells: she and Cedric are married; she's the principal; and Steve runs errands for the newlyweds.
Nightmare on Steve's Street
Feb 04, 1999
Cedric believes there's a spirit haunting the apartment, so he talks Steve into having a seance.
All That Jazz
Feb 11, 1999
Steve has trouble composing a song for a Black History Month assembly, until some unknown musical genius finishes it for him.
Big Mouth on Campus
Feb 18, 1999
Cedric lets being named Teacher of the Year go to his head, angering fellow teachers, students and his girlfriend.
Liar, Liar, Your Versace's on Fire
Feb 25, 1999
Cedric and Steve test out a lie buster, but the device backfires for Cedric when Lovita catches him in a string of white lies. Meanwhile, Lydia gets her own TV show; and Regina gets competitive with her new beau.
Almost Dirty Dancing
Apr 29, 1999
Regina helps Steve's friend with the one thing that keeps coming between him and his wife: dancing.
Steve Don't Get Nun
May 06, 1999
Steve wants to rekindle an old flame, but his former girlfriend has some news that might change his mind.
A Star Is Born
May 13, 1999
Regina becomes obsessed with defeating an old high-school rival in a choir competition.
My Left Gator
May 20, 1999
A breakup leaves Steve broken, as does an injury he received while helping Regina move furniture. Meanwhile, Cedric tries to stamp out Lovita's petty jealousies.
Season 4
No overview available for this season.
Detention Peddler
Sep 24, 1999
Steve applies for the vice-principal position at the school, much to the chagrin of Regina. Meanwhile, Cedric comes up with creative ways to propose to Lovita.
Party of Five
Oct 01, 1999
Cedric and Lovita decide to live together before they get married. Regina ignores Steve's school proposal to counsel at-risk students. Meanwhile, Bullethead and Lydia share a locker, and Romeo gets a mysterious lockermate.
He's Gotta Have It
Oct 08, 1999
Steve and Regina clash while sharing the principal's office, and Romeo and Tessa travel to St Louis to elope. Meanwhile, Cedric and Lovita see a computer composite of what their baby would look like.
Little Stevie Blunder
Oct 15, 1999
Steve pretends to be blind to impress a woman, and Bullethead enters the Miss Booker T beauty pageant in the hopes of winning a new computer. Meanwhile, Lovita wants to know what's in a locked metal box she found in Cedric's closet.
Roomies
Oct 22, 1999
Regina stays at Steve's apartment while her place is being fumigated. Meanwhile, Lydia prepares for her belated bat mitzvah, and Regina wants to accompany Steve to a celebrity fundraiser.
Boomerang
Nov 05, 1999
Regina warns Steve about getting involved with a woman who stole her university boyfriend and then dumped him. Meanwhile, an electric shock gives Bullethead the power to pick winning stocks.
My Whole Left Side
Nov 12, 1999
While Cedric is away at a coaches conference, his grandmother stays at Steve's apartment and torments Lovita. Meanwhile, Lydia, Romeo and Bullethead are bullied by a female student.
My Two Big Daddies
Nov 19, 1999
Steve pretends to be a single parent to impress an attractive member of a support group and pays Romeo to portray his son. Meanwhile, Regina conducts employee evaluations and Bullethead romances a Catholic school student.
Y2K
Dec 17, 1999
New Year's Eve plans go awry for both Steve and Regina, while Cedric frets over the new millennium hoopla. Meanwhile, Romeo is invited to a party under false pretenses.
All About Steve
Jan 07, 2000
Regina attends a symposium on education and leaves Steve in charge. He later realizes that supervising the entire school is a greater challenge than he expected. Meanwhile, Cedric and Lovita argue about their wedding plans.
Going, Going, Gone
Jan 14, 2000
Regina recruits Steve and Cedric to participate in a charity bachelor auction where another woman outbids Lovita for her fiancee. Meanwhile, Romeo and Bullethead join Lydia in reading the school's morning announcements.
Boy Trouble
Jan 21, 2000
Regina wants her new school program approved by the visiting district supervisor, who instead takes a shine to Steve's ideas. Meanwhile, Bullethead, Romeo and Lydia join the faculty talent-show committee and change the format of the event.
Guess Who's Not Coming to Counseling
Feb 04, 2000
Steve poses as Lovita's fiancé when Cedric is unable to attend premarital counseling, and a bond forms between them that Cedric finds disturbing. Meanwhile, Romeo and Bullethead's band auditions for a school dance and Regina tries to be more hip.
Black Streak
Feb 11, 2000
Regina offers to throw Lovita's bridal shower, but her plans cause friction with Lovita's friends, who envision a much livelier party. Meanwhile, Cedric and Steve begin to feel old and decide to do something wild to break out of their rut.
Wedlocked
Feb 18, 2000
Retrieving a top hat for his wedding gets Cedric locked in a storage room with Steve--just as the ceremony is about to begin.
The Honeymooners
Feb 25, 2000
Cedric and Lovita spend their honeymoon in Orlando with Steve, Regina and some of the students after the school wins a free vacation thanks to a winning entry in a district contest.
If Cooks Could Kill
Apr 14, 2000
Steve and Cedric enter a cooking contest in hopes of winning a new television, but they face tough competition from Regina and Lovita. Meanwhile, the faculty members serve as mentors to the students, with varying results.
Moonlighting
Apr 21, 2000
To earn money to pay off their wedding bills, Lovita and cedric set up a salon in Steve's apartment, which may get them all evicted. Meanwhile, Regina fawns over a novelist who has agreed to speak to her book club.
Don't Stand Too Close to Me
Apr 28, 2000
Romeo's girlfriend develops a crush on Steve after the music teacher speaks to the feminist group the teen belongs to. Meanwhile, Regina feels left out when Cedric and Lovita begin socialising with another couple.
African-American Gigolo
May 05, 2000
Regina sets Steve up with his dream date, while Steve finds a man for Regina who's not what he appears to be. Meanwhile, Coach Cedric follows a bizarre pregame ritual to keep his basketball team's winning streak alive.
I Believe I Can Lie
May 12, 2000
Steve arranges for a celebrity to speak at the school's Entrepreneur Day, and when he learns that the guest can't make it, he's reluctant to tell everyone. Elsewhere, Cedric and Lovita discover an extra $8000 in their bank account.
Dressed to Chill
May 19, 2000
Booker T High School is chosen to pilot a school-uniform program, which aggravates most of the student body. Elsewhere, Cedric misplaces his wedding ring.
Season 5
No overview available for this season.
When The Funk Hits The Big 4-0
Oct 08, 2000
As Steve is about to celebrate his fortieth birthday, he makes his students list their life goals. Steve finds a similar list he prepared 20 years earlier, only to discover he has achieved little of what he wanted. Meanwhile, as Steve learns Regina is dating multi-millionaire basketball star Jordan Maddux, a pregnancy test indicates Lovita and Cedric are going to have a baby.
Player, Interrupted
Oct 15, 2000
Regina recruits Steve and Cedric to perform at a charity function to impress the snooty wives of her boyfriend's teammates, since she's having some trouble fitting in. Bullethead and Romeo join Lydia's new club, but their ideas on how to spend the organization's funds cause division among the group's members.
My Best Piggy's Wedding
Oct 22, 2000
Steve, depressed and feeling jilted over Regina's impending nuptials, kicks his effort to get her back into high gear when he hears of their accelerated plans to elope. Meanwhile, Lovita tells Cedric to flirt with the female landlord of an apartment they want. Lydia discovers that she was adopted.
Love, Death and Basketball
Oct 29, 2000
Steve takes over as principal when Regina leaves town for her wedding, but she returns early from her honeymoon with tragic news. Elsewhere, Lydia nags Romeo and Bullethead about letting her join them during senior skip day.
Touched by a Pig
Nov 05, 2000
Steve tries to be a good friend and lets Regina stay with him in her time of need. Cedric's visiting Grandma Puddin' makes some soul food out of the cherished possession Regina's husband left her in his will. Romeo, Bullethead and Lydia steal Steve's briefcase and hold it for ransom after the teacher refuses to chaperone a class trip to an amusement park.
African-American Pie
Nov 12, 2000
Steve handles the arrangements for the school's annual Teachers Appreciation Day assembly, angering Cedric, who usually plans the event. The acting principal then suffers from the stress of organizing the occasion and dating a younger woman.
A Star Is Born Again
Nov 19, 2000
Steve manages an all-girl singing group called Jail-Bait, and books a gig for them that he hopes will revive his own show-business career.
This Little Piggy Went Home
Nov 26, 2000
Regina and Steve get very chummy during a game of Pictionary that also starts a fight between Cedric and Lovita. Lydia takes offense to an assignment Steve gives his music class that requires them to report on their family histories.
Analyze Dis
Dec 17, 2000
Steve has a hard time relinquishing his duties as acting principal when Regina returns to school, creating tension between them. Cedric is in the doghouse after Lovita discovers he has a private savings account.
Tiger Hoods
Jan 07, 2001
Steve conspires with his friends and students to attend a celebrity golf tournament and appear to be in school at the same time after Regina refuses to let him take the day off.
Big Daddy Daddy
Jan 14, 2001
When Romeo's family departs for New York City, he moves in with Steve to finish the school year. A misunderstanding causes Regina to invite herself on a ski weekend that Cedric and Lovita had planned to take alone.
Me, Me and Miss Jones
Jan 21, 2001
Steve and Romeo become rivals for the affections of a twenty-five-year old swimsuit model.
No Free Samples
Feb 04, 2001
Steve and his former Hi-Tops bandmates learn that Lil' Bow Wow wants them to appear in his latest music video.
House Party
Feb 11, 2001
When their apartment is flooded, Cedric and Lovita need a new venue for their planned house party.
Mother and Child Reunion
Feb 18, 2001
Romeo's mother visits from New York City. When Regina keeps hinting about her tenth anniversary as principal, everyone prepares a surprise party.
Not the Best Man
Feb 25, 2001
With her best friend’s wedding coming up, Regina is stunned to discover she won’t be the maid of honor. Steve tells his music class to write a new version of the school song.
After the Fall
Apr 01, 2001
Steve's friend Byron, a television producer, decides to make Steve the subject of a documentary identifying a celebrity whose fifteen minutes of fame has expired.
The Negotiator
Apr 22, 2001
The annual faculty-student talent show brings out the worst in Steve, Regina and Cedric.
Here Comes the Judge
Apr 29, 2001
When Judge Greg Mathis comes to the school's Career Day, Steve makes the mistake of having the television judge's car towed from his personal parking space.
Addicted to Love and Whatnot
May 06, 2001
Regina agrees to go on a date with Steve's friend Clyde, but only if Steve joins them and a friend of hers.
Last Dance
May 13, 2001
Still depressed over her own disappointment years earlier, Regina delegates the planning of the Senior Prom to Cedric and Lovita.
Love is in the Air
May 20, 2001
Worried Steve and Regina will end up spending the rest of their lives alone, Lovita asks Cedric to help arrange a blind date between them.
Season 6
No overview available for this season.
Secret Lovers
Oct 14, 2001
Regina tells her staff to act professionally when they interact with their significant others at school. But her advice falls flat when Bullethead catches her hugging Steve in her office. Meanwhile, Cedric is upset by Lovita's lack of interest in him.
Do Not Duplicate
Oct 21, 2001
Lovita advises Steve to give Regina a duplicate key to his apartment to show how serious he is about their relationship. Meanwhile, Lydia downplays her intelligence to help her boyfriend, Arthur, feel better about himself.
E-Male Problems
Oct 28, 2001
Steve's parents are coming to town to visit, but to avoid the pressures of marriage he excludes Regina from their dinner plans. Cedric advises Steve to write down his feelings on paper to help him explain the reasoning behind his actions.
Knit Picking
Nov 04, 2001
Steve is confused by Regina's mixed signals when first she wants to keep their relationship casual, but then pulls out all the stops for their one-month anniversary including a romantic dinner, a hand-knitted sweater, and a bed covered in rose petals.
Principal's Pet
Nov 11, 2001
In response to staff rumors of favoritism, Regina makes Steve proctor a test during the annual faculty luncheon. Meanwhile, Cedric and Lovita try to con their way into getting their still unborn child accepted into a prestigious school for children.
Dual Intentions
Nov 18, 2001
Regina goes on a singles outing that she booked prior to dating Steve, and when she calls him, another woman answers. Meanwhile, Lovita wants Cedric to sell his car so they can buy a minivan.
Dissin' Cousins
Nov 25, 2001
Regina's newly separated cousin Chloe moves in with her, but Chloe's arrogance quickly annoys Regina’s friends. Meanwhile, Cedric and Lovita each believe they’ve accidentally discovered their baby’s gender, despite agreeing to wait until the birth.
Stuck On You
Dec 09, 2001
Steve plans an elegant dinner party with friends in celebration of his relationship with Regina. Meanwhile, Cedric is hesitant to participate in Lovita's childbirth class.
Hate Thy Neighbor
Jan 06, 2002
Steve and Lovita square off against each other in sleazy campaign tactics when they run for one open slot on the apartment building tenant board.
The Shower Planner
Jan 13, 2002
In the midst of planning Lovita's baby shower, Regina has to suddenly leave town and rely on Steve. Meanwhile, Romeo and Bullethead create a stack of fake teacher evaluations aimed at discrediting Mr. Hightower.
My Fair Homegirl
Jan 20, 2002
Regina hires a new assistant to fill in while Lovita is on maternity leave, but after Regina gives the homely girl a killer makeover, she thinks Steve may be making a play for her. Meanwhile Romeo tries to decide whether to go to college or go to work with his father driving a cab, as Lydia muses on her college dorm assignment to roommate, Laquitia Jefferson.
The Graduates
Feb 10, 2002
Steve is a little too enthusiastic in his glee over Romeo, Bullethead, and Lydia's impending graduation. Meanwhile, Steve and Regina compete with each other over who can book the coolest celebrity to speak at the commencement ceremony.
California or Bust-Up
Feb 17, 2002
Regina is offered a job at a California school, and Steve must decide whether to accompany her or stay in Chicago with his friends and his teaching career. Meanwhile, Lovita is enduring false labor pains.