The Alvarez family is saying goodbye for the last time after the showrunners of “One Day at a Time” declared the beloved series “officially over” after four seasons.
Shortly after the news broke Tuesday, cast members Justina Machado, Marcel Ruiz and Isabella Gomez all penned heartfelt messages on social media reflecting on their experiences making the groundbreaking Cuban American sitcom inspired by Norman Lear’s 1975 original of the same name.
“Thank you,” Machado, who portrayed Army veteran and devoted mother Penelope Alvarez, wrote on Instagram. “You changed my life . So much love so many laughs and tears . There are no words to describe what this cast these show runners the crew the writers the execs mean to me.
“But I’ll say it again this show and my beautiful cast changed my LIFE . Goodnight my loves what an incredible ride it was.”
Gomez, who made strides for queer representation as Machado’s outspoken on-screen daughter, Elena Alvarez, also expressed her love for her costars in a lengthy Instagram caption that spilled over into the comment section.
“Okay you guys, it’s officially over,” Gomez began her post. “I know a lot of you are probably exhausted from the roller coaster this has been and I totally get if you’re over reading sappy ODAAT posts, but for those of you who aren’t, this ones for us. … Not sorry.”
After running for three seasons on Netflix, “One Day at a Time” was controversially canceled by the streaming giant in 2019 and was later picked up by Pop TV amid mounting outrage from its loyal fans.
The fourth and final season of the show also debuted on CBS in October but was never completed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We thought we’d be back,” Gomez continued in the comments. “And then 1 week turned to 2 and 2 turned to 3 and eventually I had a sinking feeling. … My hands are clammy writing this. My hearts racing, my throat’s tight and the sheet beneath me is dotted with tears.
“I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Elena when Netflix cancelled us. I wasn’t ready when I cleaned up my dressing room in June and I’m not ready now. So I won’t. I’ll carry her tenacity, her bravery, her passion and her heart with me forever. Goodnight, my sweet Elena.”
Ruiz, who grew up on camera as Elena’s spunky little brother, shared a sweet still of his character, Alex, and his grandmother, Lydia (Rita Moreno), along with his thoughts on the legacy of “One Day at a Time.”
“Grateful for this life changing journey and the impact ODAAT will keep having on future generations,” he tweeted.
“The fact that we were able to come back for another season is amazing! I know this show will be remembered for the love it received over [46] episodes full of powerful stories.”
Read more love letters to “One Day at a Time,” including statements from showrunners Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce, below.
Grateful for this life changing journey and the impact ODAAT will keep having on future generations. The fact that we were able to come back for another season is amazing! I know this show will be remembered for the love it received over 47 episodes full of powerful stories 📺 pic.twitter.com/Uv1xMJUlT0
— Marcel®️ (@themarcelruiz) December 9, 2020
It’s officially over. There will be no new @OneDayAtATime episodes. But there will always be 46 episodes that we got to make that live FOREVER. Thank you to this beautiful cast. Our dedicated crew. And to you, our loyal fans. We loved making this for you. Thank you for watching. pic.twitter.com/sTMorHSu1w
— Gloria Calderón Kellett (@everythingloria) December 8, 2020
I learned a hard lesson a few years ago in New York: There is always a closing night. For the good shows, it transforms into a smile. For the bad shows – it becomes comedy. For One Day at a Time – it will be pride and amazement that something wonderful happened in its time.
— Stephen Tobolowsky (@Tobolowsky) December 8, 2020
I’m this era of peak TV @OneDayAtATime has been one of the best. Thank you @everythingloria for being a true trailblazer, who has inspired me to make bold choices, to be fearless, and to tell stories authentically. I can’t wait to see what stories you tell next!! ❤️ https://t.co/PC4cQjcjEx
— Steven Canals (@StevenCanals) December 9, 2020
Sending love to the #ODAAT crew. Everyone who got their first writing credit from that show. Everyone who got their first big acting role from that show. Everyone who watched it and discussed it with their families. It helped feed so many people and impacted many lives ♥️
— Dani Fernandez (@msdanifernandez) December 9, 2020
It is insane to me that a show as good and funny and silly heartfelt as #ODAAT couldn’t find a permanent home, but we’re on season 47 of Grey’s Anatomy. American TV is so weird. https://t.co/vfQzeLG4TW
— DOCTORRRR BITCHCRAAAAFT! (@OPEitsDGR) December 8, 2020
i love you very much, isa. this series will always be part of me, I will miss you a lot. thank you for all these years having been the Alvarez family, I will never forget you and everything you taught me!
thank you, isa. thank you all. familia para siempre ❤️ #ODAAT— iza ☂︎ (@percyego) December 9, 2020
Thank you for giving us the Alvarez family. I truly loved this show for the lessons, the representation, & the humor. Few shows have been able to cover the issues #ODAAT covered while still being hilarious and relatable. (@netflix should get S4 so I can watch it again) https://t.co/hzwx0uyKUZ
— Katie 🏳️🌈 (@KikiKiwi27498) December 9, 2020
Thank you #ODAAT @OneDayAtATime for an emotionally mature, politically and culturally relevant show. Thank you for showing vets and their PTSD, the fear and acceptance LGBTQ+ people can feel and the love of a strong family #OneDayAtATime thank you so so much for a wonderful ride pic.twitter.com/3sIxdzHyBQ
— run me down with a fourteen wheeler (@meaganrosewrite) December 9, 2020
They really cancelled #ODAAT…. the one show with a latinx filled cast… my heart is broken beyond belief. The one time I could’ve related with a Latina lesbian 😞😞😞 I’ll always remember you Alvarez Familia ❤️ gracias por todo pic.twitter.com/elAa37VRQE
— katia 🎅🏽 (@ItsJustKatia) December 8, 2020
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