This clip features the opening credits of Netflix’s 2017 series “One Day At a Time,” highlighting a montage of old family photos alongside depictions of everyday life and work. “One Day at a Time” is a television sitcom that originally premiered in 1975 and was created by Norman Lear. It followed the life of a divorced mother, Ann Romano, and her two children as they navigated the challenges of daily life. The show was notable for its focus on a single mother, which was a relatively uncommon theme on television at the time. In 2017, a reimagined version of “One Day at a Time” was developed and released on Netflix. This modern iteration retained the sitcom format and focused on a Cuban-American family living in the United States. The show dealt with contemporary issues, including immigration, mental health, and LGBTQ+ representation. The images showcased in the theme song point to the communal spaces and places occupied by this Cuban American family in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood. Cuban singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan performs “This Is It”–an updated version of the show’s original theme song.

discussion

In the opening credits, how does the use of old family photos alongside depictions of everyday life and work present a vivid picture of family heritage, culture and community within the show?

How are places, activities, food, and music utilized in the opening credits to construct a portrayal of community, specifically within the Cuban-American family living in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood?

Do the representations of family and community feel authentic? Why? Why not?

What images and sounds would you use to present an authentic picture of your family, culture and community?