I have to admit, I was a latecomer to the phenomenon that is This Is Us. Just like I’ve been tardy to other trends—like online yoga classes and the latest fashion fads—my timing was off with this show too. With two children to wrangle, I find myself lagging behind on everything.
My TV habits are pretty minimal, mostly consisting of morning talk shows to make the treadmill bearable, the occasional Netflix binge, and the endless cycle of children’s programming. So, when my social media feeds started buzzing with excitement over This Is Us and how it delivers “ALL THE EMOTIONS,” I paid little attention to the fervor. That is until mid-December, when curiosity got the better of me and I finally clicked on the first episode during a late-night viewing.
Fast forward three days and a severe case of sleep deprivation later, I had devoured all ten episodes. I found myself in tears more times than I could count, seeing bits of my own life reflected in the characters, and daydreaming about joining their family for dinner. Post the “Last Christmas” episode, I was in a daze, constantly pondering the fates of Toby, Kate, Randall, and Kevin—yes, even his six-pack abs. I even found myself asking random people if they thought Toby would pull through.
Clearly, I’m a bit obsessed—and I’m not alone. We’re all in this together. If you haven’t joined the ranks of the obsessed yet, trust me, you will.
This show resonates with so many of us because, at its core, it reflects the essence of our lives. The details may vary, but we can all relate to the struggles, victories, and emotional roller coasters faced by the Pearson family. This narrative isn’t just about them; it’s about all of us.
For weeks, I’ve been stuck in limbo, wondering about Toby’s fate, the dynamics between Randall and his mother, and what surprises lie ahead for Kevin. Ordinary tasks like work, grocery shopping, or even homework have taken a backseat—who has the bandwidth for mundane responsibilities when the lives of fictional characters feel so pressing? How are we meant to tackle questions like “What’s for lunch?” or “Where are my gloves?” when we’re still grappling with unresolved issues like loss and reconciliation on-screen?
Of course, there are skeptics who dismiss the emotional investment in a television show, questioning why we become so engrossed in a fictional family. To that, we collectively respond, “But have you watched it?” One episode is all it takes to understand the magic.
The Pearsons not only capture our attention but also motivate us to strive for better in our own lives. They offer a momentary escape from our challenges, allowing us to connect deeply with the human experience. Unlike the typical portrayals of upper-middle-class families with predictable tropes, This Is Us delves into real issues—body image struggles, the impact of systemic racism, and the trials of parenthood. It’s a stark reminder that parenting is no walk in the park.
Let’s be real, for many of us, 2016 felt like an endless cycle of challenges, punctuated by troubling news and personal struggles. While the world seems chaotic, for just one hour each week, we immerse ourselves in the beautiful mess of the Pearson family’s lives, allowing ourselves to feel, even if it leaves us in tears. Their love story convinces us that hope and resilience exist.
So, allow me to gather my Kleenex and rearrange my schedule because This Is Us has returned, and I can hardly contain my excitement!
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In summary
The return of This Is Us is a collective sigh of relief for fans who have been emotionally invested in the lives of the Pearson family. The show resonates with viewers by reflecting real-life struggles and triumphs, creating a powerful connection to our own experiences.