Katie, a frustrated cable news producer, is horrified when her mom, Carol, gets an internship at "The Breakdown." Despite Katie's best efforts, Carol is instantly beloved by the entire office, including blowhard veteran anchor Chuck. But when Katie hits a roadblock while producing a big story, she realizes that maybe having a mom at work isn't such a bad thing.

Katie tries to set workplace boundaries with Carol, but when a big story about an escaped bear lands in her lap, her mom can't help but meddle. Meanwhile, Greg tries to get Chuck and Portia to do a little friendly banter at the end of the show.

Chuck is having cataract surgery and, for the first time ever, must miss a day of work. Carol, eager to shirk her overwhelming intern duties, offers to take care of him. Meanwhile, Katie is excited for a peaceful day but with Chuck gone, Greg is reluctant to be the bad guy. As a result, "The Breakdown" descends into chaos as Greg is forced to say yes to Portia, Justin and everyone else's "great ideas for the show."

Katie's secret war reporter boyfriend, Trip, is back in town and working at the MMN offices. Despite Katie's best efforts, Carol quickly uncovers the covert relationship using a plan she stole from "Days of Our Lives". Meanwhile, Chuck, feeling threatened by Trip, is determined to return to the field. Greg and Justin support the idea until they find footage of Chuck's time as a war reporter in the '90s.

A huge snowstorm traps everyone in the building overnight. Meanwhile, Portia convinces Katie that Chuck's romantically interested in her; and Carol saves the day when she breaks into the offices of their competitor and steals all the morning show's wine.