6.8 / 10 (based on 1301 reviews)
Ashley Garcia, the world’s only 15-and-a-half-year-old robotics engineer and rocket scientist, gets the chance to work for NASA. She moves across the country to live with her Uncle Victor, a pro football player turned high school coach.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Paulina Chávez, Conor Husting, Bella Podaras, Reed Horstmann
Creators: Seth Kurland, Mario Lopez
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 15 episodes
Shows Most Like The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia (2020)
Alexa & Katie (2018)
7.5 / 10 (based on 5482 reviews)
Lifelong best friends Alexa Mendoza and Katie Cooper are anticipating the start of their freshman year of high school. They confront a crisis that leaves them feeling like outsiders at a time when fitting in is what seems to matter most.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Paris Berelc, Isabel May, Jolie Jenkins, Emery Kelly
Creators: Heather Wordham
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 40 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Greenhouse Academy (2017)
6.6 / 10 (based on 6482 reviews)
Almost a year after their astronaut mother’s tragic death, brother and sister Alex and Hayley Woods start to attend an elite boarding school for future leaders, but they soon realize that that everything is not as it seems.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Ariel Mortman, Finn Roberts, Chris O’Neal, Dallas Hart
Creators: Giora Chamizer
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 40 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
The Big Show Show (2020)
6.3 / 10 (based on 2572 reviews)
When Big Show’s teenage daughter comes to live with him and his wife and two other daughters, he quickly becomes outnumbered and outsmarted. Despite being 7 feet tall and weighing 400 pounds, he is no longer the center of attention.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Paul Wight, Allison Munn, Reylynn Caster, Lily Brooks O’Briant
Creators: Jason Berger, Josh Bycel
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes
Family Reunion (2019)
6.6 / 10 (based on 3200 reviews)
When the McKellan family moves from Seattle to Georgia to be closer to extended family, the transition is like being a catfish out of water.
Genre: Comedy, Family
Main Cast: Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Anthony Alabi, Talia Jackson, Isaiah Russell-Bailey
Creators: Meg DeLoatch
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 45 episodes, 28.0-minute runtime
Go! Vive a Tu Manera (2019)
6.8 / 10 (based on 725 reviews)
Fiercely talented Mia receives a scholarship to a prestigious dance academy, where she soon clashes with the owner’s fashionable and popular daughter.
Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance
Main Cast: Pilar Pascual, José Giménez-Zapiola, Renata Toscano Bruzón, Axel Muñiz
Creators: Sebastián Mellino
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 30 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
All About The Washingtons (2018)
4.7 / 10 (based on 750 reviews)
The wife of a legendary rapper launches her own career, which puts his life into a tailspin.
Genre: Comedy, Music
Main Cast: Joseph Simmons, Justine Simmons, Kiana Ledé, Nathan Anderson
Creators: Jeremy Bronson
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Team Kaylie (2019)
4.6 / 10 (based on 379 reviews)
A wealthy teenager tries to prove herself after she’s forced outside of her comfort zone.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Alison Fernandez, Bryana Salaz, Symera Jackson, Elie Samouhi
Creators: Tracy Bitterolf, Pamela Eells
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 20 episodes
Mr. Iglesias (2019)
7.1 / 10 (based on 7395 reviews)
A good-natured high school teacher working at his alma mater works with gifted but misfit and disinterested students.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Gabriel Iglesias, Sherri Shepherd, Jacob Vargas, Maggie Geha
Creators: Kevin Hench
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 22 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Marlon (2017)
7 / 10 (based on 4435 reviews)
A loving but immature father with a larger-than-life personality is committed to co-parenting his two kids with his very-together ex-wife. For Marlon, family always comes first–even if he’s the biggest kid of all.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Bresha Webb, Diallo Riddle
Creators: Christopher Moynihan, Marlon Wayans
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 20 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
One Day at a Time (2017)
8.2 / 10 (based on 17155 reviews)
Follows three generations of the same Cuban-American family living in the same house: a newly divorced former military mother, her teenage daughter and tween son, and her old-school mother.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz
Creators: Gloria Calderón Kellett, Mike Royce
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 46 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Backstage (2016)
6.8 / 10 (based on 975 reviews)
Talented high school students at a fine arts school hone their crafts while dealing with the drama that comes from tough teachers, competitive friends, and their own self worth.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Devyn Nekoda, Alyssa Trask, Josh Bogert, Aviva Mongillo
Creators: Lara Azzopardi, Jennifer Pertsch
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 60 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The world of television has always been ripe with shows that attempt to blend humor, heart, and a bit of educational value. Among these, “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” stands out for its unique premise and ambitious goals. This show, which premiered on Netflix in 2020, dives into the life of a prodigious 15-year-old girl named Ashley Garcia. Ashley is not your typical teenager; she’s the youngest person ever to earn a Ph.D. and decides to move across the country to work for NASA.
The Premise
At its core, the show explores the trials and tribulations of a young genius trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and first loves, all while working in a highly sophisticated job that would be challenging even for adults. The premise itself is intriguing because it flips the script on the traditional teen sitcom. Instead of focusing on the usual high school drama, “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” elevates the conversation to include themes of ambition, science, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Characters and Relationships
Ashley Garcia
Ashley, portrayed by Paulina Chávez, is a character that breaks the mold. She’s incredibly intelligent, but her genius doesn’t exempt her from the awkwardness and emotional turbulence of being a teenager. This duality makes her relatable to viewers, who might see parts of their own struggles in her journey.
Uncle Victor
Then there’s Uncle Victor, played by Jencarlos Canela, who provides the home that Ashley moves into. A high school football coach with a loveable, laid-back demeanor, Victor’s relationship with Ashley adds a familial warmth to the show. Their dynamic brings a lot of humor and heartwarming moments, showcasing the importance of family support in achieving one’s dreams.
Friends and Colleagues
Ashley’s circle of friends and colleagues, including Stick, Brooke, and Tad, add depth to the story. Each character brings their own quirks and challenges, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that further Ashley’s development. Their relationships are a testament to the show’s emphasis on the value of friendship, mentorship, and collaboration.
Themes and Messages
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” is its commitment to positive messaging. The show doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of being a young woman in a STEM field, addressing both the challenges and the triumphs that come with it. It’s refreshing to see a show that not only encourages young viewers to pursue their interests in science and technology but also addresses the obstacles they might face.
Moreover, the series touches on the importance of perseverance, the value of curiosity, and the idea that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Through Ashley’s experiences, viewers learn that making mistakes is a natural part of growing up and pursuing one’s dreams.
Humor and Heart
What sets “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” apart from other shows is its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments. The comedy is clever and situational, often stemming from Ashley’s attempts to fit into a world that seems foreign to her genius mind. Yet, the show knows when to slow down and focus on the emotional connections between characters, making for a well-rounded viewing experience.
Representation Matters
It’s impossible to talk about the show without mentioning its representation. Having a Latina lead in a STEM-focused show is a significant step forward in television. It provides young viewers, especially young girls of Latina heritage, with a role model who reflects their experiences and aspirations. The show subtly addresses cultural identity and the importance of family and tradition, adding layers to Ashley’s character that resonate with a diverse audience.
The Educational Element
While “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” is primarily a comedy, it doesn’t miss the opportunity to weave educational content into its episodes. From discussions about space exploration to the application of scientific principles, the show makes learning fun and accessible. It’s a testament to the writers’ skill that these moments feel organic to the story, never detracting from the entertainment value.
Why It Matters
In an era where television can be a powerful tool for shaping minds and inspiring futures, “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” serves as a beacon of hope. It challenges stereotypes, champions intelligence and hard work, and above all, it tells a compelling story about growing up. The show proves that it’s possible to create content that is both entertaining and meaningful.
Conclusion
“The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” is more than just a TV show; it’s a celebration of youth, ambition, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. It skillfully blends humor with life lessons, creating a viewing experience that is both enjoyable and inspiring. For anyone looking for a show that breaks the mold and offers a fresh perspective on the teenage experience, this is one to watch. Its legacy, though the show has ended, continues to expand, inspiring a new generation to reach for the stars, both literally and metaphorically.