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Entertainment • TV Series

This Is Us

"This Is Us" is an American drama television series created by Dan Fogelman that aired on NBC from 2016 to 2022.

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

"This Is Us" is an American drama television series created by Dan Fogelman that aired on NBC from 2016 to 2022. It follows the Pearson family across multiple time periods, using a non-linear narrative to explore family relationships, loss, and personal growth. The series was widely watched by Canadian audiences as a major North American television drama.

Premise

"This Is Us" follows Jack and Rebecca Pearson and their children, with storylines moving between the past, present, and future. The series uses this structure to explore themes such as family, identity, grief, and relationships.

Production

The series was created by Dan Fogelman and produced for NBC. It was originally titled "36" before being retitled "This Is Us" during development.

Cast and characters

The main cast features Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson, Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson, Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson, Chrissy Metz as Kate Pearson, and Justin Hartley as Kevin Pearson.

Reception

"This Is Us" received strong audience interest and positive critical attention for its emotional storytelling and performances. It also earned awards recognition during its run.

Key facts

  • "This Is Us" premiered on NBC on September 20, 2016, and ended on May 24, 2022.
  • The series centers on the Pearson family and tells its story across different timeframes.
  • Its ensemble cast includes Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, and Justin Hartley.
  • The sixth season was announced as the final season in May 2021.
  • The series was originally developed under the title "36".
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Canadian context

The series aired in Canada on broadcast and streaming platforms associated with NBC programming, and it was widely watched by Canadian audiences as a major North American television drama.

Frequently asked questions

What is "This Is Us" about?
It is a family drama about the Pearson family, told across different eras of their lives.
Who created "This Is Us"?
The series was created by Dan Fogelman.
When did "This Is Us" air?
It aired on NBC from September 20, 2016, to May 24, 2022.
How many seasons does "This Is Us" have?
The series ran for six seasons.
Who are the main characters?
The central characters are Jack, Rebecca, Randall, Kate, and Kevin Pearson.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_Us
    Supports: Series creation, premise, original network, run dates, seasons, and main cast.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/this_is_us
    Supports: Premise, character descriptions, genre, network, and release date.
  3. AARP — https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/television/this-is-us/
    Supports: Series premise, family structure, time-shifting narrative, and final season context.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5555260/
    Supports: General series overview, cast, and reception context.