Sick of the same old shows that you have been re-watching on Netflix for years and need a new show to binge watch? I felt the same way. I admittedly was sick of hearing the same sarcastic one-liners from Chandler Bing, couldn’t bear to watch Rufus and his waffle fetish and was even giving the Stanley stare when Michael Scott cracked one of his inappropriate jokes. I realized that it was time for a new show to obsess over, which led me to NBC’s new comedy-drama series This Is Us.
I had seen advertisements for the new show a while back and had heard rave reviews but never got around to tuning in. On a random Friday night, I decided to watch the first episode on NBC’s app. Before I knew it, it was 4 a.m., and I had just finished watching the mid season finale. 10 episodes total. I am not ashamed of binging it because I loved every damn minute of it. This show is pure perfection. And here’s why (without giving away any spoilers)…
The writing and cast are stellar
The acting is this series is flawless. The cast, with the likes of big names such as Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, has impeccable chemistry with one another. Like the #relationshipgoals between Rebecca and Jack or the sibling love that Kate and Kevin have for one another, you just feel it. Each character has their own story that is sincerely delivered and revealed, episode by episode; just when you think you have figured them out, there is something new to learn. And their stories intertwine with one another, which adds complexity to their relationships. The writers of this series do not fail at giving their characters quality lines. The script is poetic and beautifully written week after week, a captivating story for its viewers.
The plot leaves you wanting to know more
The plot is far from predictable. This aspect of the show makes it addictive to watch because there are always cliffhangers at the end that frustrate you because you have to wait another full week to find out. But it keeps viewers highly engaged, and fan theories develop that you can’t help but think twice about. The coolest aspect about the plot is that it goes from the past to the present interchangeably and explains how events/interactions between characters result in their behavior and attitudes in their present day life.
It has no shortage of relatable topics
The topics that this series incorporates into the plot can be relatable to anyone’s life in one way or another. It shows life’s everyday struggles like that of family and dating dynamics, health and mental illness, career stress, death and disease. There are so many topics that it may seem overwhelming that they are all thrown at you at once, but it is incorporated naturally into the plot and into the characters’ lives.
It is freakin’ emotional
This series, quite frankly, is nothing less than an emotional rollercoaster for viewers. In every episode, you will experience a mix of emotions of happiness, sadness, humor and anger. But, that’s when you know it’s a good show: when you can FEEL it. This Is Us touches you deep down to your core, takes advantage of your empathetic self (even if you have no idea you are one) and makes you feel what the characters feel.
“Don’t believe me, just watch” – Bruno Mars. This Is Us is on Tuesday nights 9/8c on NBC!