While celebrating the success of a reboot of “Full House,” Netflix plans to introduce another remake this week with “One Day at a Time.” The latter was a long-running hit on CBS, enjoying nine years of success, from 1975 to 1984. Unlike “Full House,” the new “One Day at a Time” will feature a different cast and story line.
New family, new cast
The new version of the series will center on a Cuban-American family led by the mom, Penelope, a separated former military mom raising a teen-aged daughter with radical views and a son who is described as as a socially adept tween.
Helping out around the house is Penelope’s mother.
The role of Penelope is played by Justina Machado, who shared the 2004 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for “Six Feet Under.” She also won the 2009 FilmOut Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress for per portrayal of Mily in “Pedro.” Her mother is portrayed by Rita Moreno, who earned the 1962 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Anita in “West Side Story.” Elena is portrayed by Isabella Gomez, who previously portrayed Cristina Sandoval in the TV series “Matador.” Marcel Ruiz, a relative newcomer to acting, will portray Alex. The old theme song will be back.
The original was performed by Polly Cutter. For the new series, the theme song is performed by Gloria Estefan.
The return of Norman Lear
The old series was developed by Norman Lear, who helped define 1970s television with such additional hits as “All in the Family,” “Maude,” “The Jeffersons,” Sanford and Son,” and “Good Times.” He serves as executive producer of the reboot.
Bonnie Franklin, who played the lead role in the original series, passed away from cancer in 2013. Her daughters were played by Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli. Phillips, who left the series in 1983, is rumored to have a cameo in one of the new episodes. Bertinelli, most recently, was a star in the TV Land series “Hot in Cleveland.”
A binge-watcher’s dream
The new series debuts on Netflix on Jan. 6. As is the streaming company’s practice, the 13 episodes will all be released the same day so that people who enjoy binge-watching may enjoy the series as a whole.