Sylvia Buchman[Cynthia Harris] Paul's mother, whose barbs never miss their mark, whether directed at son Paul, daughter Sharon or daughter-in-law Jamie.

Sylvia was heard only on the phone in season #1 and it was at her suggestion that Freddy Stadler presented Paul with Ringo's drums. She was also the force behind Burt's decision to retire and hand his store over to Ira.

Sylvia was 19 when she married Burt Buchman on May 12, 1951. Paul chafes under her constant reminder of his 'bad' career choice as a filmmaker rather than be a doctor; Ira and Lisa have no problem dealing with her. Sylvia always makes a point of calling Lisa "sweet".

Though initially stunned by her daughter Debbie's "outing", she adjusted remarkably well to the new realities. Jamie is often suspicious of her motives in the gifts Sylvia gives (an electric blanket, an answering machine, a gaudy flame-retardant parka), forever wishing she would move to Florida, but nevertheless admires her spirit. After a few routine tussles, they now appear to have reached an understanding. Sylvia has had similar problems in dealing with her own mother-in-law.

Burt Buchman[Louis Zorich] Paul's father, who gains his fifteen minutes of fame on the Regis Philbin show.

Burt was the owner of Buchmans Sporting Goods store Broadway, and had a mild angina attack when attempting to move a fibreglass pool-table in the store. After running the store for 43 years, complete with an annual Midnight Madness sale, he handed over the reins to Ira, but helps out from time to time. And he is still smarting about the loss of exclusive distribution rights for the Hula Hoop to Ziggy Klarik more than 40 years ago.

Burt is adored by his daughter-in-law Jamie.