The wholesomeness we needed in our lives

In a time when most popular shows are either dark or stranger than most things, comes a show that can easily brighten your day. The critically acclaimed family drama series "This Is Us" takes its viewers on a feel-good trip down the memory lane. In a generation of depressed millennials, the show injects us with the wholesomeness that we did not realise we needed in our lives.

The Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series revolves around the Pearsons, a simple family from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show follows the lives of siblings Kate (Chrissy Metz), Kevin (Justin Hartley), and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) Pearson and their parents Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore). It manages to beautifully portray how intertwined all their lives are by hopping through different timelines. The episodes of the first 2 seasons weave through the stories of the past and present of the characters, giving the viewers a better understanding of how the past shapes the future of the characters.

"This Is Us" successfully manages to reflect the various dimensions of life through its seamless storytelling. The show addresses the issues and insecurities that people go through on a regular basis and it does an extremely good job at making all of it feel relatable. The show touches on strong issues through the characters' lives. For instance, Kate is constantly trying to fight, both physically and mentally, to free herself from obesity and the struggle of feeling inferior hence. Kevin is a famous yet discontented tv star who embarks on a journey to discover his true self while their adopted brother Randall tries to understand his roots by finding out his actual father and struggles to fit his newfound identity in his otherwise perfect life.

The ensemble throughout all of the four timeframes is spectacular. The deliveries are both strong and memorable even from the younger cast members. The script is beautifully written and the simplicity yet truthfulness of the dialogues helps the viewers immerse in the series. The screenplay and direction feel grounded on reality which adds to the simplistic charm. The show is aptly tailored for both young and adult viewers which makes the show one to watch with the entire family.

"This is Us" magnificently portrays the emotional roller-coaster that our life goes through and presents the viewers with unique takeaways from every event. Be it the bond between Jack and Rebecca during the flashbacks of their initial days as a newly married couple, the birth of the kids, their subsequent journey of growing up, or their struggles with adulthood – all of it feel so real, like it truly is us going through this long ride. The show makes you laugh with it, cry with it. It encourages its viewers to fight through the mishaps of life and never forget who we are deep inside.

So, even if you are not a fan of drama, "This is Us" is definitely worth a shot. The show is sure to leave a mark on you.

Nafis Imtiaz Onish believes grinning is the answer to everything and avidly loves art, astronomy & all things nerdy. Send him Carl Sagan fan art at nafisimtiaz17@gmail.com