Born and raised as a poor black child in Mississippi, a naive and bumbling Caucasian man named Navin Johnson grows up oblivious to the differences between himself and his family. On his birthday, his world crumbles when he discovers he is actually adopted and not biologically related to his family. Seeking his "special purpose" and a sense of belonging, Navin sets off on a haphazard journey into the wider world. His adventure begins with a menial job at a gas station, where his innocence and simple nature lead to a series of comedic misadventures, including an unexpected invention that brings him fortune.

As he navigates life's ups and downs, Navin's cluelessness serves both as his greatest liability and his most charming asset. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, including a savvy woman he falls in love with, who both complicate and enrich his life. Unprepared for the complexities of modern life and relationships, his quest for identity and meaning is peppered with both hilarity and heart. Despite gaining wealth and experiencing new social realities, Navin remains fundamentally unchanged at his core, stumbling through a world that operates on rules he barely comprehends.