Thinking about finally tuning into This Is Us? Great news! But FYI, you’re a little bit late to the party and the last thing we’d want you to do is jump head first into your next TV addiction without knowing what’s what.
Chances are you saw the adverts, heard your colleagues speak about it at work and despite actually being really interested in the whole premise of the show, never have you ever actually watched it. Sure, you promise yourself you’ll catch up but by the time you find those precious few minutes to sit down and get stuck in, This Is Us has suddenly become a Thing, there’s talk of a whole other season and you’re totally out of the loop.
Well, you can relax. It’s fine. We’ll catch you up. Here’s everything you need to know and don’t worry we’ve avoided any spoilers.
What Is This Is Us about?
First thing’s first. This Is Us is a TV series that started in 2016. Not to be confused with the One Direction Movie that came out in 2013. Very different story line, very different success rate.
This Is Us the TV show is a US drama by Dan Fogelman - the guy behind the film Crazy, Stupid Love (the one with Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell). It’s about a set of people whose life stories cross and intertwine for various reasons.
Each episode is about an hour long (so like 40 something minutes IRL) and people are really, really into it. For all that it’s very much first and foremost a drama, it’s become so popular because people relate to it pretty hard. Which I guess is the whole idea.
Is there a trailer for This Is Us?
Want a taste for what you’re getting yourself into? Have a watch and then re-join us…
Who’s in the cast for This Is Us?
The actors you’re most likely to recognise are Mandy Moore (did anyone else realise she played Lana in the Princess Diaries?!) and Milo Ventimiglia aka Jess from Gilmore Girls. Some of the other faces might not be quite as familiar yet, but to be honest, by the time you’re three episodes in you’ll probably feel you know the characters better than some of your own friends.
Is This Is Us based on a true story?
It’s got that vibe, hasn’t it? But unfortunately, the show is not based on real events. It’s just a very honest, relatable show. Sorry, guys.
Where was This Is Us filmed?
According to the show’s IMDb profile, it’s filmed in Los Angeles which doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. But I gather that every now and again the cast and crew will venture further afield to shoot at different locations. Probably not the UK, but apparently a few days in Memphis is on the agenda.
Will there be more seasons of _This Is U_s?
Because you already know you’re going to fall in love with the show and don’t want to be left in that post-series black hole when you don’t know what to do with yourself? I hear ya.
Good news is that This Is Us was recently renewed for a second and third season. What joy! Variety reported that NBC (the television network that shows This Is Us over in the states) announced the renewal at the Television Critics’ Association winter press tour presentation. So when you get to the end of season one, don’t panic, you’ll have two more 18 episode seasons to look forward to.
How can I watch This Is Us in the UK?
It comes out in the US before we get it on Channel 4 over here, so if you’re Googling around for answers it might feel like you’ve missed quite a bit. Don’t worry, you haven’t. And if you’re quick you can catch up on All 4 while some of the earlier episodes are still around.
Like this? You might also be interested in…
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Follow Jazmin on Twitter @JazKopotsha
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.