Watch One Day at a Time

One Day at a Time was a sitcom that aired on CBS from 1975 to 1984. The show was created by Norman Lear and starred Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips, Richard Masur, Valerie Bertinelli, Pat Harrington Jr., Mary Louise Wilson, Michael Lembeck, Ron Rifkin, Glenn Scarpelli, Shelley Fabares, Boyd Gaines, Howard Hesseman, and Nanette Fabray.

The show followed the life of a newly divorced mother, Ann Romano (played by Bonnie Franklin), and her two teenage daughters, Julie (played by Mackenzie Phillips) and Barbara (played by Valerie Bertinelli). The family lived in an apartment building in Indianapolis, Indiana, and faced various challenges together as they navigated life as a single-parent family.

As the show progressed, the characters developed and faced new obstacles, including Ann's love life, Julie's struggles with drug addiction, Barbara's coming of age, and Schneider (played by Pat Harrington Jr.) the building's quirky superintendent, and the family's friend and ally.

One Day at a Time was not just a sitcom. It dealt with real-life issues such as divorce, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and mental illness, portraying them in a sensitive and genuine way. Throughout the series, there were many heartwarming moments of family support and love, as well as moments filled with humor and wit.

The show also touched on social issues such as feminism and equal rights, with several episodes featuring Ann's involvement in causes aimed at helping women and minorities. The show revolutionized the portrayal of women in sitcoms, with Ann Romano becoming a beloved feminist icon.

The show tackled mature themes that were often controversial for the time period in which it aired. One example would be the episode "AIDS," which brought attention to the AIDS epidemic and challenged stereotypes surrounding the disease. The show was praised for its handling of the topic, as it aired early on in the disease's history, and few other shows were discussing it openly.

One Day at a Time was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. The show was nominated for numerous awards, and it won several Primetime Emmy awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Bonnie Franklin in 1982.

In conclusion, One Day at a Time was a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled real-life issues with sensitivity and sincerity. Its portrayal of a single mother raising two daughters was ahead of its time, and the show's commitment to social justice left a lasting impact on viewers for years to come. Today, the show's legacy is still celebrated, with a reboot airing on Netflix that pays homage to its predecessor while also forging a new path forward.

One Day at a Time is a series that is currently running and has 9 seasons (209 episodes). The series first aired on December 16, 1975.