One Day at a Time is the best kind of show. It simultaneously makes you laugh out loud and tugs at the heartstrings. It brings me so much joy to introduce people to this show, because I get to relive the love I have for it. The characters are easy to connect with, and you won’t be able to pick a favourite because you’ll likely find something you relate to in each character.
The first 3 seasons are on Netflix and I have re-watched it over 10 times – I know it word for word. The use of humour to make real issues digestible to a wider audience is something that makes me want to come back to it again and again. Here’s 5 reasons why I think you should watch One Day at a Time.
1. It covers all the issues
Literally. It includes immigration, LGBTQ+, racism, misogyny, generational romance, mental health, addiction; the list goes on.
2. It’s actually funny
It’s not as colourful and on-the-surface as a regular sitcom, but it’s absolutely hilarious. One Day at a Time has that laugh-out-loud humour. They cover serious issues in a way that is relatable but not too heavy, and sometimes they lighten the mood with a joke. Sarcasm is a big part of the show’s humour, but it’s always done in a tasteful and witty manner. It also strikes a great balance between current issues and pop culture references.
3. Rita Moreno
Look, it might be cliché for me to tell you to watch a show because of a particular actress but hear me out. Rita Morena is a Hollywood legend, and she’s in this show! She plays Lydia, who is the life of the party. She has such confidence and flair, and is unapologetically Cubana. She strikes a great balance between the loving Abuelita and the dramatic star of her own life.
4. Women empowerment
One Day at a Time gives us 3 incredible female perspectives from 3 different generations – Elena, a teenager; Penelope, a single mother; and Lydia, a grandmother. We get to see how each character navigates romance and friendships in their respective age group. It makes the show relatable to all generations!
5. Minority representation
When I said it covers all the issues, I meant it really covers them. Along with displaying the day-to-day life of Cuban Americans, it gets into the nitty gritty of immigration and deportation in modern day America. It also features a reoccurring non-binary character – Syd – and reflects the use of gender-neutral pronouns through casual conversations. The stories in the show allow the viewer to build empathy around issues they may not often come across in their daily lives. Despite the characters’ differences, they all come together at the end with so much love and respect for one another. You feel like you’re a part of the family in those 30 minutes; it’s truly special.
– Did I convince you to watch One Day at a Time? I hope so!