On this episode we preview NBC’s dramedy This Is Us. It stars Mandy Moore (Red Band Society, Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes), Chrissy Metz (American Horror Story: Freak Show, Justin Hartley (Smallville), Sterling K. Brown (The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story), Susan Kelechi Watson (Louie), Ron Cephas Jones (Mr. Robot) and Chris Sullivan (The Knick).
This Is Us follows a group of characters that all share the same birthday. We watch as their paths cross and their stories intersect. NBC says, “it is a smart, modern dramedy that will challenge your everyday presumptions about the people you think you know.”
Of the 20 new shows debuting in Fall 2016 on the broadcast networks, This Is Us is bar far my favorite. As you can see above, the cast is stellar and they instantly draw you into their characters and situations. The “Pilot” is absolutely fantastic. Yet, it tells the story in such a way that can’t really be duplicated in subsequent episodes. While that is part of why this stood out so much in its first episode, given the interesting story elements presented and a group of characters that you will want to continue getting to know, I think it won’t really be a problem going forward. If you liked NBC’s Parenthood, then this is definitely one you will want to check out. It has that same style of drama where you are following a group of characters through the ups and downs of daily life. And, even though it will be pulling at the heartstrings, there is comedy that comes out of some of those situations. If you’ve been looking for another show like that, This Is Us will fill that void.
Watch the Trailer for This Is Us

Will you be checking out NBC’s This Is Us when it premieres on Tuesday, September 20 following a two-hour The Voice? It will follow a two-hour The Voice the following week as well, before settling into its regular timeslot after The Voice and before Chicago Fire on October 11th.
Listen and then let me know what you think in the comments or via Twitter @theTVaholic.