In September, my social media feeds exploded with friends raving about a new NBC show.
“OMG, it’s AMAZING!”
“I can’t wait for next week! Let’s discuss NOW. Who watched tonight?”
“I am completely wrecked. Wrecked! Thank you, This Is Us! *shakes fist at the sky*”
These were actual posts from my friends — sorry, not sorry, you know who you are!
Initially, I rolled my eyes and kept scrolling. I enjoy a captivating TV series like anyone else, but I’ve never felt compelled to flood Facebook with dramatic exclamations about my favorite shows. Yet, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely seen someone light up on social media at the mention of This Is Us or the character Toby.
Last week, I finally had a free evening and decided to check it out. Could it possibly be as great as everyone claimed? OMG, YOU GUYS, “THIS IS US” IS INCREDIBLE. So incredible that I canceled real life until I could binge all the episodes. I even texted everyone I know, urging them to drop everything and join me on the This Is Us journey. I had to announce on Facebook, in ALL CAPS, that I was officially part of the This Is Us obsession. My mother-in-law even stayed up until 2 a.m. binge-watching because I raved about it like a lunatic online!
The allure of This Is Us is both complex and relatable. It intertwines nostalgic flashbacks with flawed characters, reflecting the messy realities of family life. We laugh, we cry, and we always find ourselves wanting more. So what is it about This Is Us that has captured our hearts? Here are a few reasons:
1. We Relate to Kate
At some point, many of us have grappled with our body image. Kate’s candid struggles with her weight resonate deeply, and we find ourselves rooting for her, hoping to conquer our own battles.
2. Toby is the Ideal Boyfriend
Honestly, Toby is the kind of partner we’ve all fantasized about. He’s charming, humorous, and when he asked Kate if she wanted to be “fat friends” with him, it melted our hearts. He may not be perfect, but who wouldn’t swoon over his romantic gestures?
3. Nostalgia for the ’80s
The flashbacks featuring Jack and Rebecca take us back to the ’80s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. From Rebecca’s jean skirts to the décor in Randall and Kevin’s rooms, the show is a delightful trip down memory lane.
4. A Collective Emotional Release
Let’s be honest: the past year has been tough. With real-life family drama and political unrest, we’ve all experienced grief and heartache. This Is Us provides a safe space to explore those emotions and cry it out. If you can keep a straight face during the scene where Dr. Katowsky shares his experience of losing a child with Jack, you might need to reevaluate your emotional range.
5. The Adorable “Big Three” Chant
Admit it — you shout “Big Three!” at your screen. Don’t lie; we all do!
6. Embracing Family Flaws
In a world where social media often portrays “perfect” lives, This Is Us reminds us that every family has its struggles. The Pearsons openly share their imperfections, prompting us to reflect on our own experiences and remind us that parenting is challenging, with no guarantees that our kids won’t need a bit of therapy later on.
If you haven’t yet, start watching This Is Us immediately. You’ll finally understand all the buzz on your social media feeds. Trust me, it’s that good.
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In summary, This Is Us captivates audiences with its relatable characters, emotional depth, and nostalgic references, making it a must-watch series.