One Day at a Time: Season 3
Season 3 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 2.
- 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 3 Progress Shield
The Funeral
Feb 8, 2019
At a relative's funeral, Penelope urges Lydia to end a petty feud with her sister, and Elena wonders if her cousin Pilar is gay.
Outside
Feb 8, 2019
When Penelope discovers Alex's secret Instagram account, his crass posts spark an intense family discussion about consent and harassment.
Benefit with Friends
Feb 8, 2019
Elena hides her grandmother's high heels. Penelope starts to see a male friend in a new way. Schneider meets a kindred spirit at the school auction.
Hermanos
Feb 8, 2019
Sibling rivalry rears its ugly head when Penelope's brother, who can do no wrong in their mother's eyes, shows up during a family getaway to San Diego.
Nip It in the Bud
Feb 8, 2019
Penelope catches Alex smoking pot at a concert. When Lydia develops a cough at the opera, she tries Dr. B's special lozenges.
One Valentine's Day at a Time
Feb 8, 2019
Rain ruins Valentine's Day plans, causing more than one couple to have their first fight. Schneider tries to hide his wealthy background from Avery.
The First Time
Feb 8, 2019
Penelope finds out Elena and Syd secretly got a hotel room. A grounded Alex enlists Lydia to stand in line to buy him the latest designer sneakers.
She Drives Me Crazy
Feb 8, 2019
Penelope feels hurt after seeing an item on her mom's "bouquet list" that's about her. Dr. B finds the key to teaching a struggling Elena how to drive.
Anxiety
Feb 8, 2019
When Penelope has anxiety attacks, her support group helps her figure out what's triggering her, how to cope and why she's not telling her kids.
The Man
Feb 8, 2019
Schneider makes a big decision in order to please his visiting father -- at the expense of Penelope's family. Lydia finds Alex's confiscated pot.
A Penny and a Nicole
Feb 8, 2019
When her ex-husband introduces the family to his new girlfriend, Penelope feels unexpectedly resentful and comes to a realization about Mateo.
Drinking and Driving
Feb 8, 2019
After putting Alex in a difficult position, Schneider gets tough love from Penelope. Dr. B consults Lydia's bouquet list for "non-iversary" gift ideas.
Ghosts
Feb 8, 2019
At her ex's wedding, Penelope experiences a surreal conversation. Elena finds she has more she needs to say to her father. Dr. B gives Lydia her gift.