Nate Horowitz is a nerdy, socially awkward and unlucky Jewish American father living in the city of Hillwood. His wife is not Jewish and their 9-year old son Eugene is raised without religion. Eugene is equally unlucky and has had a very difficult life, being an outcast for being a "jinx" but is extremely optimistic and is often singing show tunes. Nate tries to be a good father but his bad luck and social difficulties often get the best of him. He is also bullied by his boss, Big Bob Pataki