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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Film

This Is 40

This Is 40 is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Judd Apatow.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

This Is 40 is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Judd Apatow. It stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann as a married couple coping with family, work, and the pressures of turning 40. The film is often described as a sort-of sequel or spin-off to Apatow’s 2007 film Knocked Up.

Premise

The film centres on Pete and Debbie, a married couple whose relationship is strained by career problems, parenting responsibilities, and the transition into middle age.

Production

This Is 40 was written and directed by Judd Apatow, marking another collaboration with Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann. It develops characters associated with Knocked Up.

Release

The film premiered in U.S. theatres on December 21, 2012. It runs 134 minutes and is rated R.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with coverage often focusing on its comic treatment of marriage, family life, and midlife anxiety.

Key facts

  • Written and directed by Judd Apatow.
  • Stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann as Pete and Debbie.
  • Follows a married couple dealing with marriage, parenting, finances, and midlife stress as they approach age 40.
  • Connected to Knocked Up; described as a sort-of sequel or spin-off.
  • Released theatrically in the United States on December 21, 2012.
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Canadian context

The film had international audience reach, including Canadian viewers through theatrical release and home-video circulation, but it is primarily an American production with no specific Canada-focused subject matter.

Frequently asked questions

What is This Is 40?
This Is 40 is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Judd Apatow.
Who stars in This Is 40?
The film stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann.
Is This Is 40 a sequel?
It is commonly described as a sort-of sequel or spin-off to Knocked Up.
When was This Is 40 released?
It was released in the United States on December 21, 2012.
What is the film about?
It follows a married couple as they deal with family, work, and relationship problems while turning 40.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_40
    Supports: Title, year, genre, director, stars, plot premise, and release date.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1758830/
    Supports: Release date and basic film identification.
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/movies/this-is-40/2030019129/
    Supports: Runtime, genre, rating, and plot synopsis.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/this_is_40
    Supports: Genre, rating, and release timing.
  5. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m8180/this-is-40
    Supports: Release date and cast details.