This Is Us would have to be one of the most hotly anticipated US dramas of the year but does it live up to the hype?
The series starts with a simple hook- four people are celebrating their thirty-sixth birthday. Viewers are first introduced to Jack (Milo Ventimiglia, Gilmore Girls, Heroes) who is receiving a birthday tradition from his very pregnant wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore, A Walk to Remember, Entourage) when her waters breaks.
Along the way we are introduced to Randall (Sterling K. Brown, The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Army Wives) who has just discovered his biological father. Kevin (Justin Hartley Revenge, Smallville) is a struggling actor who struggling with artistic integrity on a lame sitcom. His sister Kate (Chrissy Metz, American Horror Story: Freak Show) is battling her own demon, feeling overweight and determined to fix it she heads to a support group where she meets Toby (Chris Sullivan, The Knick).
Throughout the pilot all five main characters are given their chance to shine through equal screen time and the show is all the better for it. Whether it be Kate’s struggles with her weight or the joy of having children, its quite easy to fall in love with the characters which is exactly what creator Dan Fogelman (Crazy, Stupid Love) does so well so much so that you won’t be able to get through this without tearing up.
There isn’t a weak link in the cast with excellent performances given by all the major players. Special shout out must be given to Gerald McRaney, who plays Jack and Rebecca’s doctor for a monologue he delivers which will have you reaching for the tissues.
By episode end there will be more than a few surprises revealed which will have you hooked I know I am. This series will no doubt be one of the best of 2017, so don’t miss it and bring your Kleenex you will need them.
Worth every second of your time 5/5 STARS
This Is Us. Premieres Wednesday, 8 February At 8.30pm on Ten
