Why You Should Watch 'One Day at a Time' Now That Netflix Renewed It

One Day at a Time, the Netflix show based on the 70s sitcom with the same name, has been renewed for a third season, which will come out in 2019. So here are three simple reasons why you should binge watch it right now.

Because of the Representation

The show that originally portrayed a white family now narrates the story of a Cuban family: Penelope, an army veteran single mother; Lydia, her mother, a proud Cuban immigrant; Elena, Penelope's older daughter; and Alex, the youngest Alvarez. And of course, Schneider, their Canadian landlord, who is TOTALLY part of the Alvarez family. He has a snow globe that proves it.

Every so often, sadly, Latinx characters tend to be portrayed as a one-dimensional stereotype. But thanks to shows like Jane the Virgin, or in this case, One Day at a Time, these stereotypes surrounding them have been rewritten. Through the show, the characters acknowledge these persistent stereotypes that seem to be normalized in the media and play with them. Some Latinx may have an accent, but some of them don't. They can be loud. And proud. And they come in all shapes and colors (and yes, they also deal with all of these). And it is fine! The show addresses some of these issues, as well as racism institutionalized in society or the process of immigration.

But representation doesn't stop by portraying a healthy Latino family, which, by the way, big fan; keep up with that! Elena's main arc in season 1 (spoiler alert!) revolves around her coming out. During this time, she tries to learn who she is and who she loves and comes out to her family and the sitcom shows how they deal with it. The show also explores how people deal with acceptance and growth and even has a non-binary character who you will love (Syd is too good for this world, mark my words).

Because it Portrays Mental Health Issues

Penelope is a veteran that worked as an army nurse but who now works at a medical practice for Dr. Berkowitz. Throughout the show, the audience learns that Penelope suffers from PTSD and depression, and we are able to witness her attempt to heal. Some issues include therapy, antidepressants, and how her family reacts to all of these. And she does it from a place of respect and normalizes what a lot of people go through without romanticizing it (looking at you, teen dramas, stop doing that).

On the other hand, Schneider suffers from alcohol and drug addiction, which he mentions throughout the show when he talks about his times at rehab. All these issues are treated in more detail during season two, episodes 9 and 13, and yes, prepare to cry. In fact, heads up, prepare to cry through the whole show. So much for a sitcom, to be honest.

Because of Rita Moreno

Enough said. She is a legend. I don't make the rules (although I wish I did).

But really, the show is hilarious. From over-exaggerating tropes and playing with stereotypes to shining a light on today's social issues, you will laugh, then cry, then laugh some more. But really, prepare to cry, especially during the season two finale. I'm still running low on tissues after season two. The show is a breath of fresh air while it still relies on some classic characteristics of sitcoms that the original show used, such as fixed sets, recorded in front of a studio audience or laugh tracks, for example. So go watch One Day at a Time, bawl your eyes out, laugh, and wait for season three, coming out next year on Netflix.