Archer is a former world-renowned chef who recently worked in Paris. He relocates to small-town New England after learning of his ex-girlfriend's death and the existence of their five-year-old daughter. Perfectionistic and accustomed to high-stress professional kitchens, he struggles to adapt to domestic responsibilities. He accepts a modest job as a diner cook to prove he can provide a stable environment for his child.

Iris is a local yoga and aquatic aerobics instructor in Dream Harbor facing imminent eviction. To secure free rent, she reluctantly takes a live-in nanny position for Archer's daughter despite having no childcare experience. She frequently changes jobs and avoids long-term commitments. While maintaining a facade of absolute independence, she naturally connects with young children and elderly community members.

Olive is a five-year-old girl grieving the sudden death of her mother in a car accident. She initially responds to her new living situation with silence, refusing to speak to her father while opening up to neighbors and her new nanny. She frequently sleepwalks at night, searching for familiar faces in her disrupted world.

Cate is Olive's deceased mother and Archer's former coworker from Boston. She raised Olive as a single parent without informing Archer of his paternity, though she listed him on the birth certificate. Her past choices directly affect the current circumstances of the remaining characters.

Rebecca is Iris's practical cousin and closest confidante. She provides a grounding influence for Iris, offering direct advice and raising concerns about the potential pitfalls of a live-in nanny position. She actively challenges her cousin to evaluate her personal choices.

Paula is Cate's elderly mother and Olive's grandmother. Due to her declining health, she is physically unable to care for a young child full-time. She prioritizes her granddaughter's stability by working with a lawyer to establish a temporary custody arrangement.

Gladys owns the local diner where Archer takes a job as a cook. She serves as an informal matchmaker for employment, recognizing both Archer's need for childcare and Iris's need for housing. She acts as an anchor in the community, balancing the town's resistance to change with her new chef's ambitions.

Cyrus is a line cook at Gladys's diner. He understands the preferences of the local patrons and frequently cautions his new boss about altering beloved recipes. He serves as the voice of established community traditions.

Kaori is a lawyer managing the temporary custody arrangement for Olive. She actively monitors Archer's transition into fatherhood, occasionally joining other community members to check on the child's welfare.

Noah is Archer's neighbor in Dream Harbor. His home serves as a frequent destination for Olive when she wanders off. He provides a welcoming environment for the young girl and maintains ties to her past through his romantic partner.

Hazel is Noah's partner and the owner of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore. She maintained a connection with Olive before Cate's death, offering a sense of continuity for the child in her new living situation.

Mayor Kelly serves as the political and social head of Dream Harbor. He acts as a vocal representative of the town's culinary preferences, specifically demanding the diner's traditional pancakes instead of Archer's gourmet alternatives.

Kira is a close friend of Iris who offers her a place to stay when she faces eviction. She owns dogs and a bunny hutch, which capture Olive's attention at the local farmers' market.

Jim is Archer's father. He offers parental advice from afar, sharing his own past struggles with child-rearing to reassure his son during difficult moments.

Cathi is Archer's stepmother. She expresses excitement about gaining a granddaughter and serves as an emotional sounding board for Archer as he adjusts to his new life.