Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama One Day at a Time, which completely redefined what family sitcoms can achieve in today’s streaming landscape.
One Day at a Time premiered on Netflix on January 6, 2017, delivering 46 episodes across four seasons before concluding in 2020. Each episode runs approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for binge-watching sessions. This Netflix original reimagines the classic 1975 sitcom, following a Cuban-American family living in Echo Park, Los Angeles, centered around single mother and Army veteran Penélope Alvarez.
The series masterfully balances laugh-out-loud comedy with deeply meaningful social commentary. Unlike typical family sitcoms that shy away from controversial topics, One Day at a Time tackles everything from immigration and mental health to LGBTQ+ identity and veteran affairs. The show’s strength lies in its ability to address these heavy subjects without losing its comedic heart, creating moments that will make you laugh and cry within the same episode.
What sets this series apart is its authentic portrayal of Latino culture mixed with universal family dynamics. The writing feels genuine rather than stereotypical, presenting characters who happen to be Cuban-American rather than characters defined solely by their ethnicity. This approach allows viewers from all backgrounds to connect with the Alvarez family’s struggles and triumphs.
The Alvarez Family Dynasty: Three Generations Under One Roof
The story revolves around three generations of the same Cuban-American family living together: newly divorced former military mother Penélope, her teenage daughter, and tween son. Penélope works as a nurse while navigating single motherhood, dating after divorce, and dealing with PTSD from her military service. Her journey from a woman trying to hold everything together to someone who learns to accept help and vulnerability creates the emotional backbone of the series.
The multi-generational household dynamic drives most of the show’s conflict and comedy. Penélope constantly battles between wanting independence and needing support, whether it’s financial help with rent or emotional guidance in raising her children. Her character development throughout One Day at a Time shows a woman learning that strength doesn’t mean doing everything alone, but rather knowing when to lean on family and community.
Elena Alvarez: The Activist Daughter Finding Her Voice
Elena, played by Isabella Gomez, represents the show’s commitment to authentic teenage representation. As a passionate feminist and social justice warrior, she often clashes with her traditional grandmother while seeking her mother’s understanding. Her coming-out storyline in particular showcases the show’s sensitive handling of LGBTQ+ themes within Latino families, where traditional values often conflict with progressive ideals.
The chemistry between Elena and her family members, especially during heated political discussions at the dinner table, provides some of One Day at a Time‘s most memorable moments. Her relationship with her girlfriend Syd and the family’s journey toward acceptance feels realistic rather than preachy, showing both the struggles and the love that can coexist in these situations.
Lydia: The Scene-Stealing Grandmother with Hidden Depths
Rita Moreno’s Lydia steals every scene she’s in, but her character goes far beyond comic relief. As the traditional Cuban matriarch, she often serves as the show’s cultural anchor, sharing stories of pre-revolution Cuba while adapting to modern American life. Her dramatic flair and old-school values create constant comedy, but the series also explores her loneliness, her fears about aging, and her deep love for her family.
The dynamic between Lydia and Elena particularly highlights the generational divide within immigrant families. Their arguments about feminism, religion, and politics reveal how the same family can hold vastly different worldviews while still maintaining unbreakable bonds. Lydia’s growth throughout the series, as she learns to accept Elena’s sexuality and Penélope’s independence, demonstrates that change is possible at any age.
When Crisis Hits: The Show’s Most Powerful Moments
The series reaches its emotional peak during several crisis episodes that showcase its dramatic range. Penélope’s panic attacks and depression storyline, Alex’s struggles with masculinity and cultural identity, and Elena’s coming-out journey all receive the attention they deserve. These moments elevate One Day at a Time beyond typical sitcom territory into something more profound and impactful.
Rather than resolving these issues with simple solutions, the show acknowledges that mental health, identity, and family acceptance are ongoing processes. The therapy sessions, family meetings, and honest conversations feel authentic because they don’t promise easy fixes, just the commitment to keep working together as a family.
Success on Netflix
One Day at a Time found significant success on Netflix before the streaming giant canceled it in March 2019, leading to a fan campaign that resulted in Pop TV reviving the series for a fourth season in 2020. The show became a critical darling, earning praise for its progressive storytelling, stellar performances, and cultural authenticity. Each 30-minute episode packs an impressive amount of character development and social commentary while maintaining the multi-camera sitcom format that feels both nostalgic and fresh. One Day at a Time proved that modern audiences hunger for family comedies that aren’t afraid to tackle real issues with both humor and heart.
Why This Family Will Win Your Heart
If you love stories about family dynamics, cultural identity, and social justice wrapped in genuine comedy, One Day at a Time is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show succeeds because it never talks down to its audience or oversimplifies complex issues, instead trusting viewers to appreciate both the laughs and the tears that come with real family life.
Why You Need This Show in Your Life
One Day at a Time proves that sitcoms can be both hilarious and meaningful, offering a masterclass in how to blend entertainment with social consciousness. The Alvarez family will feel like your own relatives after just a few episodes, and their journey toward understanding and acceptance will leave you both laughing and crying, sometimes in the same scene.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 46 episodes (completed series)
Platform: Netflix (Seasons 1-3), Pop TV (Season 4)
Release/End Year: 2017-2020
Current IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Comedy, Family, Drama
Status: Completed series
Main Characters: Justina Machado (Penélope), Isabella Gomez (Elena), Marcel Ruiz (Alex), Rita Moreno (Lydia), Todd Grinnell (Schneider)
Supporting Characters: Stephen Tobolowsky (Dr. Berkowitz), multiple recurring characters