One on One

One on One is an American sitcom that aired on UPN from 2001 until 2006. The series follows the life of Flex Washington, a former professional basketball player turned sports broadcaster, as he navigates the challenges and adventures of single parenthood. This is set into motion when his ex-wife decides to accept a job out of the country and sends their teenage daughter, Breanna, to live with him.

Set in Baltimore, Maryland, the show cleverly brings to light the often humorous and sometimes touching life situations that occur when an extravagant bachelor suddenly becomes a full-time father to a maturing adolescent girl. Each episode explores the complex dynamic between father and daughter as they adjust to their new living arrangements. Flex, who was used to living a luxurious and carefree lifestyle, has to learn how to be responsible and protective while Breanna tries to figure out her place in her father’s world.

Flex Washington, played by Flex Alexander, is quite successful in his broadcasting career and enjoys the lavish bachelor lifestyle with lots of money, luxurious apartments, fancy cars, and numerous dates. A few episodes into the series, life throws him a curveball when his ex-wife sends their 14-year-old daughter, Breanna, played by Kyla Pratt, to live with him. His plush apartment becomes a chaotic battlefield, revealing the trials of raising a teenage daughter.

Breanna is a young teenager just starting high school at the beginning of the series, and her character development throughout the show is one of the key highlights. She learns to balance her adolescence with the sudden change in family dynamics. Although initially, she seems to enjoy the freedom and benefit of her father's wealth, she eventually yearns for something more. Together these two main characters paint a portrait of single parenting that presents an unconventional family filled with love, laughter, life lessons, and heartfelt moments.

One on One is also praised for its strong and vibrant supporting cast who play critical roles throughout the series. Kelly Perine portrays Duane Odell Knox, Flex's awkward yet well-meaning best friend, who provides comic relief and occasionally stipulates practical life advice. Sicily Johnson plays Spirit Jones, Breanna's best friend, who often helps her navigate high school life. Robert Ri'chard rounds out the cast as Arnaz Ballard, Breanna's lifelong friend, and eventual love interest.

Throughout its five-season run, the series had several guest appearances from famous faces such as Solange Knowles, Eve, Chris Brown, Lil' Kim, and many others adding interesting scenarios and fueling the narrative. Moreover, One on One manages to include social issues such as drug use, teenage pregnancy, and racial profiling into the story, giving a deeper context to the comedic sitcom.

The episodes are filled with humorous yet realistic storylines that showcase the joys and pitfalls of single parenthood. The thoughtful blend of humor, drama, and emotion makes the series relatable to a broad audience. Consistently, the show highlights how, no matter the circumstance, family remains a core and integral part of one's life.

One on One stands out thanks to its light-hearted approach to a storyline set in a single-parent home. It wasn't afraid to deal with more serious issues, and brilliantly combined funny and sentimental moments together in each episode. The clever writing and compelling performances spin a complex web of relationships that keeps audiences engaged and yearning for more.

The sitcom's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of the bond between a father-daughter duo against a changing cultural landscape and the comedic situations they find themselves in. Not only did the show serve as an entertaining sitcom, but it also highlighted the highs and lows of a single-parent family, presenting them as not just as a deviation from the norm, but as a different type of normal, loving family unit.