Netflix cancels ‘One Day At A Time’ citing low ratings

Netflix has cancelled family sitcom One Day At A Time after three series.

The streaming service revealed in an uncharacteristically candid thread of Tweets on Thursday (14 March) that the critically acclaimed show, which follows a Cuban American family and has been long praised for its representation of Latino culture and family life, will not be returning for a fourth outing because “simply not enough people watched to justify another season”.

Netflix said it spent several weeks mulling a decision about the future of the show, and “trying to make another season work” despite low ratings, which are unverifiable as the business does not share viewership figures externally or with producers of programming for the platform.

“To anyone who felt seen or represented — possibly for the first time — by [One Day At A Time], please don’t take this as an indication your story is not important. The outpouring of love for this show is a firm reminder to us that we must continue finding ways to tell these stories.”

It is believed that producer Sony Pictures Television will shop the series to other players – marking a departure from a trend that has traditionally seen Netflix swoop in to pick up the cancelled shows of broadcasters such as ABC (Designated Survivor) and BBC Two (The Last Kingdom).

Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement that it has been a “great honour to work with the legendary Norman Lear”.

“I’ve personally spoken with Norman, and co-creators Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce, to express my gratitude to them, all the writers, the dedicated crew and the cast including the brilliant Justina Machado and dazzling Rita Moreno for creating a series with such humour, heart and humanity.

“This was a very difficult decision and we’re thankful to all the fans who’ve supported the series, our partners at Sony, and all the critics who embraced it. While it’s disappointing that more viewers didn’t discover One Day at a Time, I believe the series will stand the test of time.”