Diary of a Future President on Disney Plus: Why It Gets My Vote

I just finished watching the first episode of Diary of a Future President on Disney Plus.  Did I like it?  Yes.  Do I recommend it?  Yes!  I just recently heard about it and as soon as I watched a trailer for it, I knew I wanted to see it for myself.  This is a series that is primarily for preteens although I think adults will also enjoy it.  From a diverse cast to tackling emotional subject matters with sensitivity and humor, here’s why Diary of a Future President gets my vote – and why you and/or your preteen should watch it.

Tess Romero as a young Elena.

Diary of a Future President on Disney Plus:  Why It Gets My Vote

Growing up, I loved reading Judy Blume books.  Going through adolescence is difficult and I have no doubt that it’s even more difficult now, with the presence of social media.  Diary of a Future President reminded me of Judy Blume-type of books, but with its own unique personality.  The series is created by Ilana Pena and is primarily about Elena Canero-Reed, a Cuban-American, who ultimately becomes President of the United States.  The series begins with Elena as an adult (played by Gina Rodriguez) as she takes office as President of the United States.  She’s presented with a package that her mom sent her:  Elena’s diary that she started writing in middle school.  At that point, the series is shown in flashbacks, with Elena in middle school as she tries to navigate not only school but also life at home.

Diverse Cast

The cast is primarily Latina and I am here for it!  My hispanic heritage has helped contribute to the person I am today.  Terms of endearment (like mija) are well familiar to me.  However, with that being said, you don’t have to be Latina or Latino to fully appreciate the series.  Diary of a Future President tackles subjects that are relatable to those of all ethnicities.  Which brings me to the next reason why I really like this series….

It Tackles Serious Subject Matters with Sensitivity and Humor

I’ll be honest.  I had major anxiety when my son started elementary school.  And it’s going to get worse once he enters middle and high school.  I did not enjoy school – not necessarily the classes themselves but because of my classmates.  Kids are mean, especially girls.  It’s even worse now with social media.

Diary of a Future President tackles serious subject matters with sensitivity and humor, which is difficult to do.  In the first episode, periods are discussed and Elena’s mom, Gabi (played by Selenis Leyva), tries to decide if and how she should break the news to her children that she’s dating her coworker.  As Gabi tells Elena “Life is going to throw you curveballs.  It’s how you handle them that matters.” Which leads me to the next reason the series gets my vote……..

Strong Females

I hope a female becomes a President of the United States during my lifetime.  Elena is a Civil Rights Attorney who becomes President.  I can identify with her especially since I’m an attorney practicing in the same type of law.  I don’t ever write about my profession outside of blogging but it’s one that is very meaningful for me.  While I enjoy blogging, my heart will always belong to the practice of law, even though it’s not without its challenges.  However, what I like about this series particularly, is the presence of strong females.  Elena, as a middle schooler, isn’t President yet (obviously) but she’s a very confident 12 year old, which I think other preteens could benefit from.  She also has a great support system, beginning with her mom Gabi.  Like Elena, I’ve also been surrounded by strong females, beginning with my mom.  And if you don’t have a strong support system, now is your opportunity to be strong and supportive, not only for yourself, but also for those around you.

As you can see, I really enjoyed the first episode.  I can’t wait to watch the second episode once it’s released.  In the meantime, if you are looking for other family friendly movies to watch on Disney Plus, click here for my review of Lady and the Tramp and here for my review for Togo.  And to see what my friend Shaye thought about Diary of a Future President, you can click here.