Under the trend of mergers and acquisitions in the American funeral industry, the Fisher family still strives to stick to family-style services for a living. Although the founder's father Nathaniel is no longer in the world, his image often appears in the family's imagination, and the family business left behind is managed by the remaining four members of the family. The eldest son Nate (Peter Krause) has been trying to find a balance between the funeral business and the family role of a new father; the second son David (Michael C. Hall) and his extremely emotional homosexual live outside. In addition to being mainly responsible for the family business, he also works for the church; the youngest daughter Claire (Lauren Ambrose) is a problem youth, rich in artistic talent, and in an energetic adolescence; the mother Ruth (Frances Conroy) hopes to get closer to her children and grandchildren. They will also be touched by death and think about what is the meaning of a short life.