You’re finally allowed to watch this cult series—get your tissues ready!

You’re finally allowed to watch this cult series—get your tissues ready! If you’ve managed to avoid the irresistible pull of a show that’s left thousands weeping (in the best way) and changed the look of Thursday night TV forever, your moment has arrived. With This is Us now landing on Disney+, those who’ve yet to dive in should prepare themselves for a heartfelt, tear-stained, and deeply human experience spanning generations of one unforgettable family: the Pearsons.

The Art of Everyday Empathy

Forget cops, doctors, soldiers, or knights in shining armor. The Pearsons are ordinary people, and that is the radical beauty of This is Us. Created in 2016 by Dan Fogelman, This is Us unfolds as a dramedy chronicling the lives of this unremarkable—yet extraordinary—clan. Over several generations, the show masterfully balances laughter and seriously moving moments. No caped crusader in sight. Instead, you’ll find Kevin, Randall, Kate, Jake, and Rebecca each grappling with the joys and heartbreaks that most of us face but rarely see depicted with such honesty on screen.

And what’s the magic word here? Empathy. Fogelman’s mission from the start has been to tell a story so universal, so relatable, that anyone tuning in could glimpse a little of themselves in at least one (if not all) of the Pearsons. In a world crowded with series spotlighting people with extraordinary destinies or positions of authority, This is Us dares to put the anonymous, the everyday, at center stage—people navigating relatable problems, experiencing love, loss, and laughter, just like the rest of us.

Why You’ll Need Those Tissues

Yes, you’ll want to stock up on tissues—and not the cheap kind. As the adventures of Kevin, Randall, Kate, Jake, and Rebecca unfold, viewers become tightly woven into a tapestry of experiences that slice straight to the heart. The series doesn’t shy away from pain, but it treats difficulty with a special, gentle touch. This is Us soothes and uplifts, never lapsing into sugary naivete, but embracing the complexity (and emotional messiness) of life.

It’s the kind of show where some of the tears you shed genuinely feel good. That rare, healthy catharsis that can only come from stories that speak to something undeniably true. Breathtakingly performed and frequently devastating, This is Us walks a beautiful line—making us smile, then reaching deep enough to leave us choked up and grateful all at once.

A Series with Lasting Impact

You might wonder, has the world really been that moved by This is Us? Oh yes. Nearly ten years after its premiere, AlloCiné users have kept its reputation sky-high, offering a stratospheric average of 4.4 out of 5. Such enduring affection is no accident—it’s thanks to the show’s devotion to authenticity and universality, a trait more commonly found in Korean dramas, where main characters are typically anonymous office workers or students. Here too, This is Us brings us real, deeply felt stories about real people. That’s what pulls everyone in, and why it’s remembered so fondly.

• Launched in 2016 by Dan Fogelman
• Focuses on the multi-generational Pearson family
• Blends humor and heavy emotion
• Free of extraordinary professions or superhuman adventures
• Universally relatable and moving to viewers, even years after airing

Conclusion: Ready to Laugh, Cry…and Repeat?

With This is Us now streaming on Disney+, you finally have the chance to find out for yourself why everyone’s been talking (or sobbing) about it. Maybe you’ll see your own triumphs and heartbreaks in Randall, Kevin, Kate, Jake, or Rebecca—or perhaps you’ll just marvel at how a series about regular people living regular lives can hit so hard. Either way, consider yourself warned: the feels are coming, but these are the kind of tears you may just come to treasure.

If you’re passionate about stories, cinema, or you just want more streaming recommendations, remember: AlloCiné delivers over forty articles every day—news, interviews, streaming tips, and quirky film trivia—all crafted by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Subscribe via Google Discover to explore all the cinematic treasures their team shares, one story (and maybe one box of tissues) at a time.