This Is Us

About This Is Us

This Is Us is an American television series created by Dan Fogelman that premiered on NBC on September 20, 2016. It is a heartwarming and emotional drama that follows the lives of the Pearson family across several decades from the 1980s to the present day. Using a unique narrative structure that weaves between the past and the present, the series explores the complexities of relationships, the truths of human connection, and the nature of family.

Making / Production

Dan Fogelman serves as the show's creator, with Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger acting as co-showrunners. This Is Us is filmed in Los Angeles and primarily produced by 20th Century Fox Television, along with Rhode Island Ave. Productions, Zaftig Films, and Fox 21 Television Studios. Noted for its innovative use of timeline manipulation and flashbacks, the series has been praised for its character development and emotional depth.

Actors

• Milo Ventimiglia portrays 'Jack Pearson', a loving husband and father, delivering a deeply impactful performance.
• Mandy Moore shines as 'Rebecca Pearson', the matriarch of the Pearson family, portraying her with complex and layered emotions.
• Sterling K. Brown plays 'Randall Pearson', a character that explores topics like racial identity and mental health, winning acclaim for the depth he brings to the role.
• Chrissy Metz gives a standout performance as 'Kate Pearson', a character who grapples with issues like body image and self-esteem.
• Justin Hartley portrays 'Kevin Pearson', a television actor struggling with the pitfalls of fame and personal issues.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the show, "This Is Us", was kept a secret until the series' premiere.
• Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore, who play husband and wife on screen, share the same birthday in reality.
• The Pearson family home in the series is actually based in Eagle Rock, California.

Awards

This Is Us has received numerous accolades. Notably, it has been nominated for Best Television Series - Drama at the Golden Globe Awards and Sterling K. Brown has won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance.

Quotes

• "The world feels small when you don’t like who you are." - Randall Pearson
• "There’s no lemon so sour that you can’t make something resembling lemonade." - Dr. K
• "Sometimes in marriage, someone has to be the one to push to make the big moves." - Rebecca Pearson

Music, Soundtrack

• "Death With Dignity" by Sufjan Stevens
• "This Is Us Score Suite" by Siddhartha Khosla
• "Northern Sky" by Nick Drake
• "Time After Time" by Iron & Wine
• "Watch Me" by Labi Siffre