Gordita Chronicles

“Gordita Chronicles” stands out in its willingness to apply the same tone to disparate family members’ stories. It doesn’t lose its balance — throughout, it tells its story with an un-jaded, charmingly direct approach, aided by the excellent work of the child performers.

“Gordita Chronicles” is as charming as it is often obvious; indeed, one might say its obviousness is part of its charm. This is family comedy of a classic sort — with a few significant differences — funny and appealing and sometimes moving.

The show still has a bit of work to do when it comes to carving out its own distinctive voice; despite Cucu’s talk of forging her own path, freed from the expectations of both American and Dominican culture, the series has yet to play any notes that sound truly new. But like its heroine, Gordita Chronicles shows the potential to grow into something special — and also like its heroine, it’s sweet enough to earn our patience while finding its way there.