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One Day at a Time (Netflix/Pop), 2017-present

In the age of reboots and revivals, it’s rare to come across a series that becomes more relevant the second time around. However, this is the case with One Day at a Time, based on the original Norman Lear series of the 70s that puts a new spin on the untraditional family sitcom by having it revolve around a Cuban-American family in present-day America. The show centers around a single mother, who is an Army veteran and is struggling to adjust to civilian life while living with her two teenage children and gregarious mother.

Featuring an all-star cast headed by Justina Machado and Rita Moreno, the series balances comedy with such serious topics as PTSD, immigration, racism, and substance abuse. Machado’s Penelope Alvarez is the mother of a lesbian daughter, Elena, played to perfection by Isabella Gomez. Elena struggles with her sexuality for much of the first season, but eventually comes out to her mother and family. While it is a period of adjustment for all, the family still supports and loves Elena, and even welcomes her non-binary love interest Syd with open arms. The series also shows what it is like to come out to your family and not have them support you, as Elena’s father is unfortunately not able to come to terms with his daughter’s identity.

As one of the most heartfelt and poignant comedies of the modern television era, fans and critics alike were shocked when Netflix cancelled the show after just three seasons. After a lot support on social media and from celebrities such as Lin-Manuel Miranda and Gloria Estefan, ODAAT was picked up by Pop, making it the first Netflix original program to be revived on a traditional linear network. This timely and tender family comedy gets better with each season, and we can’t wait to find out what is in store for the Alvarez family.