Watch Party of Five

Set amidst the current political climate in the United States, Party of Five is the heart-wrenching story of the Acosta family who is separated after their parents get deported to Mexico. The show is a timely adaptation of the popular TV series of the same name that ran from 1994-2000. The Freeform reboot premiered in early 2020 and features a new cast and updated storyline.

Party of Five follows the five Acosta siblings, eldest brother Emilio (Brandon Larracuente), twins Lucia (Emily Tosta) and Beto (Niko Guardado), and youngest siblings Valentina (Elle Paris Legaspi) and Rafael (Bruno Bichir). As they struggle to navigate the challenges of growing up, they are suddenly left alone to take care of each other when their parents are deported back to Mexico.

Emilio, the family's rock, must step up and become the de facto parent for his younger siblings. He works multiple jobs to make ends meet and ensure they have food and a roof over their heads. Lucia struggles to adapt to her new role as the eldest sister and to fill the void left by their parents. Beto, a star athlete, is forced to put his dreams on hold to take care of his family. Meanwhile, Valentina and Rafael, are just kids, who are struggling to understand the gravity of the situation and the reasons behind their parent's sudden absence.

As the siblings adjust to their new reality, they face numerous obstacles that come with being unaccompanied minors. Emilio must navigate the bureaucracy of the education and child welfare systems in order to ensure his siblings' safety and wellbeing, while trying to keep their new living arrangements a secret from the authorities.

Party of Five addresses several social issues that are currently affecting the United States, such as immigration, family separation, and the mental and emotional strain that comes with being a caregiver. The show also explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the importance of family.

Throughout the first season, the show's writers create captivating storylines that showcase each sibling's individual personality and unique struggles. The show highlights the incredible resilience and strength of the Acosta family as they find ways to support each other through their hardships.

The performances of the cast are outstanding, particularly Larracuente and Tosta, who handle the majority of the series' emotional moments. Larracuente does an excellent job of portraying the overwhelmed elder brother's responsibilities and the emotional toll it takes on him. Meanwhile, Tosta shines as Lucia, who is torn between wishing for her parent's return and having to guide her siblings through their new reality.

Moreover, the series' direction is top-notch, making use of different stylistic elements to convey the characters' emotional journey. For instance, the camera uses a shaky style during scenes where Emilio is overwhelmed, and a slightly off-kilter style when Valentina is being bullied at school, making the viewer understand how the children feel.

In conclusion, Party of Five is an affecting series that showcases the struggles of immigrant families in the US, particularly in the current political context. The show's diverse cast and compelling storylines make it unmissable television. It is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of families, both nuclear and surrogate.

Party of Five is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between January 8, 2020 and on Freeform