This Is Us (2016)

About This Is Us

The popular American TV series, This Is Us, premiered on September 20, 2016. Created by Dan Fogelman, the show presented on NBC is a poignant, heartwarming drama that captures the lives of the Pearson family in an unprecedented way. It traverses different timelines, revealing the unique, complex relationships between siblings Kate, Kevin, and Randall, and their parents Jack and Rebecca Pearson. The series skillfully delves into themes such as body image, addiction, loss, and love.

Making / Production

The creator of the show, Dan Fogelman, assembled a team of co-showrunners and writers to bring a level of authenticity and depth to each character and their storyline. Some of the most important episodes were shot on location in significant places around Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Vietnam, lending an air of realism to the series.

Actors

• Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson: Offers a compelling portrayal of the charismatic, caring patriarch, battling personal demons.
• Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson: Brilliantly plays the role of the supportive mother and loving wife.
• Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson: Superbly embodies the character of the adopted son, dealing with racial and identity issues.
• Chrissy Metz as Kate Pearson: Depicts a woman struggling with obesity and loss, in a heartbreakingly authentic manner.
• Justin Hartley as Kevin Pearson: Plays the part of the good-looking actor dealing with the emptiness of fame and personal insecurities.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series' cast was awarded the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
• Creator Dan Fogelman originally planned the show to be a movie.
• The show uses different actors to portray the characters in various stages of their lives.
• The timeline of the show keeps shifting between the past, present, and future.

Awards

The exceptional storyline and performances have led to numerous awards for This Is Us. It has bagged several Primetime Emmy Awards, with Sterling K. Brown winning for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Moreover, the series also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Quotes

• "The moment I saw you, I knew you were my boy." – Jack Pearson
• "There's no lemon so sour that you can't make something resembling lemonade." – Dr. Nathan Katowski
• "I just keep failing. Over and over and over again." – Kate Pearson
• "Life feels like Pac-Man sometimes, I guess. It's the same game all over again. Same board. Same ghosts. Sometimes, you get a bunch of cherries but eventually and inevitably, those ghosts catch up with you." – Randall Pearson

Music, Soundtrack

• "Death With Dignity" by Sufjan Stevens
• "Watch Me" by Labi Siffre
• "Blues Run The Game" by Jackson C. Frank
• "If Only" by Maria Taylor (feat. Conor Oberst)
• "Northern Sky" by Nick Drake