Step by Step is an American television sitcom that starred Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers as two single parents, who spontaneously get married after meeting one another during a vacation, resulting in them becoming the heads of a large blended family. The series aired for seven seasons, originally running on ABC as part of their TGIF lineup on Friday nights from September 20, 1991 to August 15, 1997, and was canceled by the network after six seasons, reportedly due to declining ratings. The series was picked up on CBS and aired on that network from September 19, 1997 to June 26, 1998 for its seventh and final season.

The Newton family live in their comfortable home, but there seems to something missing. This “hole” is filled by a small puppy, who walks into their home and their lives. Beethoven, as he is named, grows into a giant of a dog… a St Bernard. Doctor Varnick, the local vet has a secret and horrible sideline, which requires lots of dogs for experiments. Beethoven is on the bad doctor’s list.

Beethoven is back — and this time, he has a whole brood with him now that he’s met his canine match, Missy, and fathered a family. The only problem is that Missy’s owner, Regina, wants to sell the puppies and tear the clan apart. It’s up to Beethoven and the Newton kids to save the day and keep everyone together.