One Day at a Time: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of One Day at a Time Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Back to School
Sep 30, 1979
Barbara has begun her college education and feels very independent, balancing school work with social activities. Meanwhile, Ann begins to feel undereducated as she hears Barbara'
Pressure
Oct 7, 1979
Barbara's latest boyfriend, Brad is putting the pressure on her big time to have sex. Barbara honestly does not know what to do and isn't quite sure she wants to accommodate his s
Julie's Wedding (1)
Oct 14, 1979
Julie returns from a ski trip sporting a meek fiance, an impending wedding date and an unexcited best man.
Julie's Wedding (2)
Oct 21, 1979
Best man Max insists that his amorous intentions toward Julie are honorable, even as the wedding party assembles.
Home Again, Home Again
Oct 28, 1979
Newlyweds Julie and Max return from their honeymoon to an apartment they can't afford because Max has been laid off from his job.
Between Mother and Daughter
Nov 4, 1979
A psychiatrist recommends a heart-to-heart talk to take the heat out of Ann's relationship with her mother.
Small Wonder
Nov 11, 1979
Barbara hires a genetics tutor, unaware of his obvious shortcomings.
Et tu, Ann
Nov 25, 1979
Ann pressures her assistant into working on a Saturday night at her place.
A Little Larceny
Dec 2, 1979
Barbara tries to earn some extra money by selling football betting cards. However, Schneider gets arrested when Barbara involves him in her illegal football pool activities.
Heart Attack
Dec 9, 1979
After Ann rushes out to yet another appointment, her family shouldn't be so surprised to learn she has suffered a heart attack.
Male Jealousy
Dec 16, 1979
A feud erupts between Schneider and Max for male dominance in the Romano household as well as the attention of Ann and the girls.
Happy New Year II
Dec 30, 1979
Ann and the family put on another show at the senior citizen hotel.
Schneider, the Model
Jan 6, 1980
After a man-on-the-street chat with a newscaster, Schneider is offered a job as a male model, but becomes depressed when he learns the role he is to portray.
Triple Play
Jan 27, 1980
A fast talking insurance man from Buffalo can't decide whether he would rather romance Barbara, Ann or Grandma Romano.
So Long, Mom (a.k.a.) Not Telling
Feb 3, 1980
Barbara's desire to live near campus and Max's new job in Houston have Ann pondering the thought of living alone for the first time in her life.
Old Horizons
Feb 10, 1980
Grandma Romano moves to Indianapolis, takes an apartment in Ann's building and finds a job in her office.
Retrospective (1)
Feb 24, 1980
The topsy-turvy years in Schneider's building are fondly remembered (in clips from past shows) when condominium conversion threatens to disperse the tenants.
Retrospective (2)
Feb 24, 1980
Schneider, Ann and the girls continue to reminisce about the past as the construction of condominiums seems to be a sure thing.
Girl with a Past
Mar 2, 1980
Barbara feels compelled to tell Bob about his new girlfriend's former exploits.
Perils of Plastic
Mar 9, 1980
A binge of credit-card spending leads Max and Julie to insolvency.
No Laughing Matter
Mar 16, 1980
After Schneider's rebuff during an outing to a comedy club, Ann brings home a footloose funny man.
Connor's Crisis
Mar 23, 1980
Ann's boss, Mr. Connors is going through a rough time after his wife walks out on him, citing that he has become too boring for her taste. To cheer him up, Ann invites him out to
Grecian Yearn
Mar 30, 1980
Ann's archeology professor offers her love and companisonship and asks her to live with him Greece.
Pen Pals
Apr 6, 1980
Schneider's cell mate from a gambling bust shows up and demands first class treatment or else.
The Spirit is Willing
Apr 13, 1980
While Schneider is making love to his girlfriend, she has a heart attack which ultimately leaves Schneider impotent. Schneider then goes to great lengths to remedy his problem to