This Sitcom Is Groundbreaking
It’s been described as “TV’s realest comedy,” “necessary viewing for the entire family,” “wildly funny and warm and bright,” “the most important show in Netflix history,” and simply “the most important show on TV.” Have you seen it?
Now in its third season, ”One Day at a Time,” a reboot of the original that aired in the 1970s and ’80s, follows the life of Penelope (Justina Machado), a newly single Army veteran, and her Cuban-American family, as they navigate the ups and downs of life. Now a nurse, Penelope is raising two strong-willed children, Elena (Isabella Gomez) and Alex (Marcel Ruiz). When faced with challenges, Penelope turns to her “old-school” mother, Lydia (Rita Moreno) and her building manager, Schneider (Todd Grinnell), who has become an invaluable confidant.
“One Day at a Time” has earned accolades for its balance of comedic lightheartedness and dramatic substance, as well as its diverse representation. “The show’s much-watch status was hard-earned; it’s rare that a sitcom-style show manages to make viewers laugh and cry by approaching heavy topics like mental health, citizenship, and coming out with both authenticity and levity—not to mention that ‘One Day at a Time’ stars a nearly all Latino cast and writer’s room,” writes Ariana Davis at Oprahmag.com.
In season three, the series continues to showcase Elena’s journey as a young Latina lesbian. Viewers see Elena embracing her LGBTQ+ identity alongside her family, including her relationship with a non-binary character, Syd (Sheridan Pierce). Additionally, “One Day at a Time” doesn’t shy away from showing Penelope’s struggles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
ProSocial is engaging organizations across many of the issue areas the series touches on—Latinx, LGBTQ+, mental health, addiction, and veterans—to help ensure that people who will resonate with the representation on the show are learning about it, watching it, and sharing it with their communities. For example, we recently worked with The Matthew Shepard Foundation to have one of their Youth Ambassadors interview Isabella Gomez, the actress who plays Elena, about queer representation in media.
The third season of “One Day at a Time” premiered on February 8—we hope you’ll watch and share with friends and family. Let us know what you think and share your stories.
