This is Us: Season 1 (DVD)

Best series of the decade! I wish it didn't have to end. Loved all of the characters and storyline and the way it time changed through the years. Just wonderful!

If, as Raymond Chandler noted, "All cynics are sentimentalists at heart," then the often-heart tugging "This Is Us," one of the few broadcast series from 2016-2017 with any buzz, should certainly appeal even to them. With its fractured time lines, its blend of social satire and family drama, and its well-drawn characters it deserves all the hype.The entire 18 episodes are now available for streaming on Amazon, and it's well worth a binge. It begins with three people celebrating their birthdays in the present, and then flashes back into the past only to return to the present, although it takes some time to make this connection; and when it does (toward the end of the first episode), it comes at you fast.And that format sets the stage for most of the episodes, as we learn more and more about the characters we're following. The billed stars, Milo Ventimiglia (who nails his part) and Mandy Moore (ditto), anchor the past as Jack and Rebecca Pearson, parents of triplets, while Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown, Justin Hartley, Ron Cephus Jones, and Susan Kelechi Watson hold up the present. Metz, who is majorly overweight (or is made up to appear so), steals every scene she's in (especially when she plays with--or against--her boyfriend, a superb Chris Sullivan). And Jones is a joy to watch But there's no show without Moore--a storm of beautiful intensity.The transitions back and forth in time are nearly seamless, and the supporting cast is superb. Props especially to Gerald McRaney, playing an ob/gyn MD, who is given several cameos in different episodes, and always delivers a gemlike performance. Milana Vayntrub, who plays a playwright with owlish glasses, has a few bits here and there. You just know sooner or later those glasses will come off, and then maybe you'll think "isn't that _____?"Yes.I am avoiding describing any of the scenes, because every one advances the overall plot. So have the Kleenex ready. It's ok to cry even if--or should I say especially if--you're not a cynic.Fair warning: Since this is a broadcast drama the obligatory Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes do appear. But they are gems. Don't skip over them thinking "I know what's going to happen here." No, you don't. And, of course, from time to time comes the usual network TV setup--somebody has a problem, another character delivers a brief lecture, the first character sees the light, and on we go as acoustic guitar music wells up on the soundtrack. Maybe you'll think "if only this was an Amazon original . . ." when scenes like that happen. But it isn't. And when something this good comes along, take what they give you and enjoy it.NOTES AND ASIDES: This review is for the entire 18-episode series, each of which I have seen. I have tried to pitch my review to all, but I hope it is especially helpful for the people, who apparently exist, who needed some guidance from the New York Times, which ran an article explaining how "cord cutters" could watch the Oscars, which aren't streamed.

The writing for this new TV series is superb and the acting is first rate. This is an emotional drama which at times will leave you in tears, while at other times will have you laughing out loud.For those who enjoyed watching 'Parenthood', you'll no doubt find this series just as satisfying. It's a bit more serious, but it's also a very believable show that will pull on your heartstrings and emotions. The show features several plots and subplots and revolves around several different time periods. Somehow, the writers manage to tie all of the different scenes into a universal theme that makes this show stand apart from others. With all of the mediocre TV shows available for viewing, this compelling new drama/comedy leaves the others in the dust.The bottom line is that this is one of the finest TV series currently on the air. It will undoubtedly be a show that continues to evolve. The plots are intelligently written and the performance by all of the cast are first rate. This is a show with staying power, and one of the few that is worthy of your time.Addendum: 11/03/2016 ~ After watching the latest episode, I now believe that this series is the best show of its type that I've EVER watched. It just gets better and better each week. There are no words that I could write that would adequately convey how truly wonderful this show is. It's a blockbuster, not to be missed, incredibly well written and acted, one for the ages, unique and truly moving series that will impact the way you feel about life. This is as good as it gets!Addendum: 11/30/2016 ~ After watching the latest episode, 'The Trip,' I'm truly at a loss for words. I'll just say that, 'This is Us' is a PROFOUNDLY moving series. Dan Fogelman, the creator, deserves credit for developing, what in my opinion, is a show like no other. It's better than anything I've ever seen. This series is so groundbreaking, that I honestly feel that after all is said and done; it will be remembered as the finest show to ever air on network TV. Every aspect of the series, takes things to a whole new level. There are no accolades that could be high enough to do it justice. Everyone involved in this unprecedented, incredible show, deserves credit for setting the bar extremely high, and exceeding all expectations by a mile. This is television at its absolute, very best, bar none.Addendum: 01/17/2017 ~ I had to come back just one last time to say that the latest episode, 'The Big Day,' was the finest single episode of any TV series, of any genre that I've seen in my entire life. PROFOUNDLY MOVING would be an understatement.