Top 10 BEST One Day at a Time Episodes

You’re very likely to have encountered a Scott in your life, the egotistical, self-important man who thinks he’s god’s gift. His behavior sparks a debate among the Alvarezs that proves that workplace sexism is an age old problem and after the final straw, Elena insists that it’s time to fight back. This episode also cleverly address the gender pay gap in a way that women everywhere will relate to. As such, we support Penelope completely when she not only brings Scott down several pegs, but also realizes her worth, andmakes sure that she gets exactly what she deserves.

Speaking of sexism, Penelope is furious when she discovers Alex’s sleazy Finstagram account. Alex simply doesn’t get it and it’s up to the women to educate him, although Lydia’s advice is beyond questionable. When Alex continues to dismiss their anger, Penelope and Elena share their #MeToo stories. Penelope tells the family that her predator went by unscathed because of an unjust system that silences victims. The show also makes a valid point about how rape prevention campaigns are usually targeted at potential victims rather than predators, which is something that isn’t spoken about nearly enough.

When Elena learns her dad is back in town and hanging out with Alex in secret, she and Penelope are furious. Penelope decides to confront Victor, leading them to recall 2001, when Elena was born and how one tragic day set their lives on an unexpected path. We can’t help but be in awe of Elena’s bravery when she decides it’s time to face her father. Her speech will have you wiping away the tears, but also cheering her on all the way as she reminds us how strong, intelligent and brilliant she is.

Welcome to the Alvarez family. Elena is at odds with her abuelita and mother over her Quinceanera, insisting that this traditional Latin American celebration of a girl's 15th birthday doesn’t fit in with her feminist values. She agrees to engage in a debate, but that doesn’t swing in her favor. Penelope holds the family together with a little help from her eccentric mother - but right from the beginning, the show teaches us that it’s ok to admit you need help, even if that help comes in a pill. And eventually she manages to change Elena’s mind by speaking to her as feminist to feminist.

Penelope suffers from PTSD, depression and anxiety, and she’s increasingly having anxiety attacks. When her therapy group shares their own experiences and methods for dealing with these moments, it’s almost as if they’re directly sharing advice with the audience. Penelope considers her mental illnesses to be ‘a great shame,’ but when Elena has an anxiety attack, she realizes it’s time to be honest with her kids. This episode urges everyone to join the discussion and speak about mental health openly, because you never know who you might be able to help by letting them know they’re not alone.

Lydia’s eccentricities usually make us laugh, but normally there’s a more poignant reason behind them. Penelope and Lydia spend the episode arguing over the garage and Alex gets caught up in the crossfire. Just as Penelope reaches the breaking point, Lydia reveals the real reason she doesn’t throw anything out, even if it looks like trash to everyone else. Meanwhile, Schneider teaches Elena that there’s more to being the ‘handymam’ than fixing homes. She then uses her new-found people skills to find a solution that’s both practical and stops her family from fighting.

This episode follows Elena coming out to her mom. Penelope wants Elena to remember her coming out as a positive experience ,but still can’t shake off this weird feeling. Lydia’s ultimate reaction is the stuff of dreams as she proves that there’s no room for hate or judgment in religion. Penelope is careful not to let Elena know how she feels, choosing instead to talk it out with Ramona and even a handsome stranger, who helps put her mind at ease. And the fact that she walks out with a date doesn’t hurt either.

The season three opener welcomed singer Gloria Estefan and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” actors, Melissa Fumero and Stephanie Beatriz to the family. Everyone reunites at a funeral, but Lydia and her younger sister, Mirta’s feud over a missing mantilla is still very much alive. Penelope urges them to reconcile so that she can be reunited with her cousin, Estrellita. Elsewhere, Elena is trying to out Pilar, but learns a valuable lesson about their family instead. The final showdown is dramatic and hilarious but luckily, Pilar is there to save the day - just about.

The whole season has been leading up to this moment and it’s certainly a Quinces to remember. Penelope spends the episode shouting orders at family members, while Elena decides it’s time to come out to her dad. When he reacts badly, Penelope steps in and fiercely defends their daughter. While he doesn’t bail on the Quinces, he looks visibly uncomfortable and disappears right before the father-daughter dance. It’s heartbreaking to see Elena’s reaction, but it’s when her real family come to the rescue that we’re really struggling to hold back those tears.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“To Zir, With Love”

“Drinking and Driving”

“Nip It in the Bud”

“Hello, Penelope”

“Sex Talk”

This show does so much for Latin representation, but unfortunately that includes some hard-hitting truths about being a minority in America. The family talks about racism after Alex gets in trouble for retaliating to a racist slur. They all have their own experiences to share, except Elena - not that she’s happy about that. They cleverly address the real-life American administration without mentioning any names and show how dangerous ignorance is and how it can spread. So when a man tells the family to quiet down while they’re out in public, Lydia and Penelope confront him and we’re cheering them on the whole way through.