Unseen episodes of ‘One Day at a Time’ to be unveiled in charity table read
A special reunion for a beloved series
Fans of the heartfelt sitcom One Day at a Time are in for a treat. Three previously unaired episodes from the show’s fourth season, including what would have been the series finale, will finally be brought to life. This unique event will take place on Saturday, October 5, at the TV Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood. The cast and executive producers will reunite for a charity table read, with proceeds benefiting the People For the American Way foundation, an organization co-founded by the legendary Norman Lear.
A cause close to the heart
The event is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a celebration of Norman Lear’s enduring legacy and his commitment to democracy and freedom. The scripts, which were written but never produced, will be read by the original cast, under the guidance of executive producers Gloria Calderón Kellett, Mike Royce, and Brent Miller, along with producer Sandi Hochman.
“Reuniting our One Day at a Time cast to bring these unaired, unshot episodes to life – including what would have been our series finale – is a powerful reminder of the magic of Norman Lear and his work,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce. “It was an honor to bring this Latine family to the screen, and this reading is not just a celebration, but a chance to connect with our incredible fans once more and support a cause close to our hearts, People For The American Way Foundation, another of Norman’s brainchildren. Together, we honor Norman’s legacy, our beloved show, and a community that has always supported us.”
The cast returns
The entire original cast will participate in this special event. This includes Justina Machado as “Penelope,” Rita Moreno as “Lydia,” Stephen Tobolowsky as “Dr. Berkowitz,” Todd Grinnell as “Schneider,” Isabella Gomez as “Elena,” Marcel Ruiz as “Alex,” India de Beaufort as “Avery,” Sheridan Pierce as “Syd,” and Ed Quinn as “Max.” Co-showrunner and executive producer Gloria Calderón Kellett will read the stage directions.
The episodes to be read are “Church and Statement,” written by Sebastian Jones; “Best Birthday,” written by Vincent Brown & Dan Signer; and the series finale “Dreams,” written by Sebastian Jones & Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz.
A tribute to diverse storytelling
“Norman Lear was brilliant at portraying loving families of all kinds, and he was adamant that all kinds of families, all kinds of Americans, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and share in the blessings of liberty,” said People For the American Way Foundation president Svante Myrick. “We are grateful to the producers and cast of One Day at a Time for helping People For the American Way Foundation carry on Norman’s work of defending our democracy and ensuring that ‘We, the People’ includes all the people.”
The journey of ‘One Day at a Time’
One Day at a Time, produced by Sony Pictures TV, earned widespread acclaim for its fresh take on Norman Lear’s classic 1975 series. The show, featuring a predominantly Latine cast, follows three generations of a Cuban-American family. The story centers on a newly-single mom and military veteran, played by Justina Machado, as she navigates the challenges of raising two strong-willed children, portrayed by Isabella Gomez and Marcel Ruiz. The family dynamic is further enriched by the presence of her old-school mother, played by Rita Moreno, and their building manager-turned-confidante, played by Todd Grinnell.
The series initially ran for three seasons on Netflix before being canceled. It was then revived for a fourth season on Pop TV in 2019, only to be abruptly canceled again in 2020 when Pop TV exited the original scripted series business. Despite its turbulent journey, the show has left an indelible mark on its audience, who continue to stream the first three seasons on Netflix.
A chance to relive the magic
For fans who have missed the warmth and humor of One Day at a Time, this table read offers a rare opportunity to experience the magic of the show once more. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Norman Lear’s work and the powerful storytelling that has resonated with audiences across generations.
To watch the trailer and learn more about One Day at a Time, visit One Day at a Time.
This event is not just a celebration of a beloved series but also a meaningful way to support a cause that champions democracy and freedom. It’s a reminder of the power of television to bring people together and make a difference in the world.