Netflix's 'One Day at a Time' reboot brings teachable moments for families

When I was growing up family sitcoms were more than just laugh tracks and time for us to have time together. They were also times when I would learn something that my parents may have otherwise felt uncomfortable discussing with us. Now that I look back, the shows definitely led to some conversations that might not have otherwise come up. Also, being immigrant parents there were social and cultural moments in the shows that they may not have been exposed to. We could discuss together. 

So, what happened to family sitcoms over the years? Shows have become more niche and there aren't too many entertaining shows that families of all ages can watch together. TV Family units have changed to reflect the modern day landscape but the teachable moments can still be found. 

Netflix's latest reboot comes in the way of One Day at a Time. The original American sitcom (1975-1984) starring Bonnie Franklin as a divorced mother raising two daughters played by Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips. In the remake we find a single mom, two teens and grandma living in the same apartment. While the overall theme of hard working single mom with kids and the all the hardships are familiar, there are definitely some updates to the characters. Mom, Penelope (Justina Machado), is the sole income provider working in a health clinic who also suffers from PTSD after returning from her tour of duty. Grandma Lydia (Rita Moreno), a Cuban immigrant helps run the daily household  while trying to keep the traditions and customs of the family's heritage. Teen daughter, Elena (Isabella Gomez), has strong social conscious mind and is the reminder that the younger generation is very concerned about the present and future of the world. Younger son, Alex (Marcel Ruiz), is the one who looks for acceptance everywhere and knows how to play the cute card. Thrown into the mix is Schneider. Much like Dwayne Schneider of the original series, he's the one who feels comfortable dropping in at any time of day and is an extension of the family.

One Day at a Time producer, Norman Lear on set with Rita Moreno

The reboot of One Day at a Time was created by the legendary producer Norman Lear, who is known for shows  All in the Family, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Sandford and Son, Maude and the original One Day at a Time. Remember those? Lear was, and continues, to have a talent for bringing attention to current situations in an approachable and entertaining manner. In 1999, President Clinton betwoed the National Medal of Arts on Lear and said "Norman Lear has held up a mirror to American society and changed the way we look at it." And it remains true to this day. But why the remake now? Lear speaks about the process of reimagining the hit show here: 

My 12 year old son and I have watched this new Netflix series (premiered January 6, 2017)) which has opened up some discussions between us. While we've had a few generations already planted in Canada and US, the immigrant story is familiar for many of us. Yes, One Day at a Time centres around a Latino family but their experiences are relatable to many other cultures. But it's the themes of each episode that lend themselves to conversations with kids that are sometimes hard to explain. Episodes approaching subjects like PTSD, immigration, religion, and sexuality are topics that kids are curious about now. But there are also subjects that are really difficult for me personally to explain. As a mom of two boys, the episode on sexism and "mansplaining" is one I'm glad to see approached in this series. They certainly aren't in this mindset and hopefully they can understand why this needs attention. It is a thoughtful approach to what I've experienced personally that has set us on a few discussions. Go see for yourself. 

One Day at a Time offers a glimpse of what life looks like, in good times and bad, and how people around you make it all somehow worthwhile. 

Season 1 (13x 30 minute episodes) of One Day at a Time is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.