The popular sitcom developed by Gloria Kalderon Kellet and Mike Royce is a reimagining of the original series, this time with a Hispanic family. One Day At A Time premiered on Netflix, where it ran for three seasons. It has since found a new home on Pop TV. The show revolves around the Alvarez family - Lydia, Penelope, Elena, and Alex. They are played by Rita Moreno, Justina Machado, Isabella Gomez, and Marcel Ruiz respectively.
Schneider, their landlord, played by Todd Grinnell, could also be called a member of this family, even though he's not related to the Alvarez's. There are several other recurring characters, as well. One Day At A Time could be said to be the best family sitcom that is currently airing and here are some reasons why.
The Show Revolves Around A Middle-Class Family
The Alvarez family is not rich. The only breadwinner in the family is Penelope, who is a single mother working as a Nurse Practioner. The first few seasons especially, delve into their financial instability. The Alvarez children are taught about the value of money, as well.
They are a middle-class family with money issues and bigger ambitions, like many middle-class families. Penelope and Lydia follow the middle-class ethos of being fiscally thrifty, even if they have spending power.
It Shows A Real And Modern Family
One Day At A Time has a family consisting of real people, living in the modern world. They are not stuck in the past and the series showcases a family who is willing to change with the times and adapt to the many changes in the modern world.
One Day At A Time shows its viewers a family that is still firm in their familial values and bonds, and yet is willing to be more permissive of change.
They Allow Non-Related People To Be A Part Of Their Family
Schneider and Dr. Berkowitz are two examples of people who are not really related to the Alvarez family in any manner, yet are warmly welcomed into the family. This ability of the family to include people who are not related by blood, allows the show to expand the viewers' definition of what it means to be a family.
It's a wonderful thing that this show does really well. There is a difficult yet beautifully done thread in season 3 of the show where Schneider finds refuge not in his own father, but in this family who is there for him.
Every Episode Has An Important Message
Most shows do a "special" episode once or twice in a season, where they delve into topical or important issues. One Day At A Time takes this philosophy forward by incorporating some important message into every single episode of the show. In this way, they make every single episode special.
This takes great writing, and great actors to pull off. To be able to incorporate important messages into every episode, without making it too preachy is something not many shows can do. One Day At A Time pulls it off in every single episode.
Tackles Real-World Issues
One Day At A Time revolves around a Hispanic family and each character has their own challenges and problems. The show doesn't shy away from tackling these issues. There are episodes dedicated to anxiety, mental health, coming out, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and more. These are issues that are relevant to the times we live in.
Viewers will be able to closely relate to the happenings on this show, which effectively uses its humor and style to drive social change.
Representation Of Diverse Thoughts And Ideas
From Rita Moreno's Lydia, who is a very religious woman who likes to put up pictures of the Pope everywhere, to her grand-daughter Elena, who is a lesbian teenager and social justice warrior, the show gives a platform to showcase a variety of thoughts and ideas. One wonderful example of this is the different ways in which each family member reacts to Elena's coming out.
The audience saw these differences in the ease with which the younger brother accepts it, the struggle that Penelope has with herself to come to terms with it, the way Lydia processes this information, and more.
Well Written Characters
Usually, in family sitcoms, you get very stereotypical representations of family members. One Day At A Time subverts many of these stereotypes. The example of Rita Moreno's Lydia is one of the best examples. She's shown as a caring and loving grandmother, who is also quite independent. She runs the house and is not afraid to express her sexuality, at all.
All of the characters on the show have really well-written character arcs and hence One Day At A Time is able to show three-dimensional characters.
It's Hilarious
Even when dealing with social issues and very difficult topics, the writers and actors of One Day At A Time are able to make a show that leaves viewers laughing uncontrollably. The characters themselves are incredibly spunky and funny. The show is able to make simple, mundane, daily situations into laugh fests, as well.
This brand of humor is never cruel or harsh, instead it is driven by mindfulness and sensitivity. In doing so, the show is able to give viewers a taste of comedy that doesn't necessarily need to be hurtful to anyone or any community.
Super Heartwarming
Watching a family that is loving and kind will leave viewers feeling incredibly warm inside and that is exactly what One Day At A Time does. Episodes like "Quinces," and "Not Yet" need to be mentioned specifically because these are some of the episodes that made fans laugh and cry, and sometimes both at once.
The Alvarez family is a wonderful family to spend time with and One Day At A Time gives viewers much-needed comfort while reaffirming why families are so important.
There Is Something For Everyone
One Day At A Time is a show about a family, for the entire family. There is something in the show for every kind of viewer.
A grandmother will be delighted by Rita Moreno's portrayal of Lydia, a mother will see herself in the struggles of Penelope, an awkward teenager will see herself in Elena, everyone will want to be as cool as Alex, and everyone will see their best friend in Schneider. One Day At A Time is truly one of the best family sitcoms because of its ability to reach out to everyone.