Ranking the 6 Seasons of This Is Us from Worst to Best

Article Overview

"This Is Us" had a strong start with a well-received pilot episode and complex, well-defined characters.

Season 5 featured unrealistic storylines and inconsistencies in character behavior, particularly with its forced emphasis on the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Season 6, the show attempted to maintain its emotional tone but unfortunately hindered character development, notably in Kate's sudden disengagement from her relationship with Toby.

While This Is Us is famous for its heart-wrenching moments, exploring profound themes of marriage, parenting, and grief, not all seasons maintain the same level of excellence. Undoubtedly, the series consistently delivered exceptional drama over its six-season span, commencing with a remarkably compelling pilot that garnered exceptional ratings. This Is Us skillfully navigates between the past, present, and future, interweaving intricate storylines, timelines, and well-defined characters. Nevertheless, certain aspects of the show seemed to lose their direction, emphasizing the accumulation of sorrowful moments as its defining feature.

In 2016, NBC unveiled This Is Us, a brainchild of Dan Fogelman (known for The Neighbors and Like Family), which concluded its captivating run in 2022 after six seasons. The narrative revolves around the Pearson family: Jack (portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (embodied by Mandy Moore), and their three children, Kate (embodied by Chrissy Metz), Kevin (played by Justin Hartley), and Randall (brought to life by Sterling K. Brown), as well as their respective families. This Is Us boasts an ensemble cast of dynamic, flawed, and endearing characters, perfectly complemented by the remarkable chemistry shared among the actors. This remarkable blend was undoubtedly the recipe for success, crafting unforgettable moments on the character-driven series.

6. Season 5

2020

Season 5 witnessed some improbable storylines, and Kevin's involvement with Madison exemplified this issue. While they became parents to twins, Frances and Nicolas, their overall relationship was unsatisfying. Despite getting engaged, Kevin's heart was not fully committed, leading to the eventual cancellation of their wedding. In the meantime, Kate and Toby were headed for divorce, and Randall embarked on yet another journey of self-discovery. The season also introduced the unexpected revelation that Randall's mother did not die during childbirth, introducing a plot that felt out of place. Moreover, season 5's focus on the COVID-19 pandemic seemed forced into the narrative, contributing to the inconsistency of the characters.

5. Season 6

2022

Season 6 was intended to conclude the series while still capturing the essence of the show. This Is Us has always been known for its profound emotions and powerful monologues, and the creators aimed to maintain that spirit in the finale, even though not every moment called for it. However, this approach hindered certain character developments, particularly for Kate, who had already overcome significant obstacles. Unfortunately, in the final season, she neglected investing effort into her relationship with Toby, who had put in great effort to better himself. Surprisingly, Kate decided to marry her co-worker Phillip, although their romance lacked adequate development on the show's part. Arguably, the highlight of the season was the second-to-last episode, "The Train," which brilliantly concluded Rebecca's journey as she metaphorically reached the pinnacle of the series.

4. Season 3

2018

Content was filled with twists and turns in Season 3, potentially pushing This Is Us towards excessive melodrama. Randall's search for his identity took unexpected turns that felt out of character. Additionally, he and Beth faced numerous arguments; fortunately, their relationship managed to endure. Season 3 dedicated considerable time to exploring Jack's past in Vietnam, ultimately introducing his long-lost brother Nicky who was still alive. While this storyline was intriguing and shed light on unexplored aspects of Jack's life, it could have been condensed into a single episode.

Season 3 of This Is Us effectively elicited intense emotions, particularly through its supporting characters. Beth received her own episode, delving into her backstory and elucidating her pursuit of a dance career. An emotional moment occurred when Tess, Randall and Beth's daughter, came out, providing her character with an impactful future trajectory. Additionally, Deja tracked down her father, experiencing closure in a brief but unforgettable scene.

3. Season 4

2019

2. Season 2

In season 4, Kevin's growth throughout the series was evident as he supported Madison when she became pregnant after their one-night stand. The birth of their son, Jack, brought Kate and Toby together, marking an emotional and tense journey. The couple also made the decision to expand their family through adoption, showcasing the strength of their relationship. A notable change in season 4 was the shift in focus from Jack to Rebecca, which provided a refreshing change of pace. While Jack remained an important part of the show, season 4 emphasized celebrating the mother rather than the impact of the father's death on the family.

2017

1. Season 1

This Is Us season 2 stands out as one of the finest seasons in the entire series, boasting a plethora of popular episodes, particularly "Super Bowl Sunday." After an extensive wait of a season and a half, fans were finally enlightened about the fate of Jack, whose demise left an indelible impact on the Pearson family dynamics in This is Us. This revelation proved to be a pivotal turning point filled with immense storytelling potential. Throughout the entire season, the emotional narrative seamlessly weaves together pre-death stories of Jack with present-day events such as Kate's wedding and miscarriage, Kevin's battle with addiction, and Randall's determination to foster Deja. The impeccable writing skillfully merges these storylines, enhanced further by the remarkable on-screen chemistry among the ensemble cast.

2016

Season 1 of This Is Us surpasses the show's subsequent seasons, establishing itself as a powerhouse right from the start. The pilot episode stands out as one of the series' finest, skillfully introducing all the characters and intricately weaving their connections. This initial season sets the stage for the show's signature present-day and flashback structure. Furthermore, it delves into the core themes that define the entire series, encompassing poignant subjects such as family dynamics, grief, anxiety, resilience, and personal growth, while also exploring the profound aspects of love, joy, and redemption. Thus, season 1 solidifies This Is Us as a true success. With its lasting emotional impact throughout its six-season run, it is undeniable that the first season deserves recognition for establishing the show's distinctive formula and crafting the beloved and nuanced ensemble of characters that captivated audiences from the very beginning.

This Is Us is a heartwarming series that follows the Pearson family throughout different eras. We witness the journey of Jack and Rebecca as young parents in the 1980s, as well as the experiences of their three grown-up children: Kevin, Kate, and Randall. These siblings, now in their thirties, navigate the complexities of finding love and fulfillment in the present day. This captivating dramedy delves into how even the most insignificant moments shape our identities and highlights the enduring power of connections, which can defy time, distance, and even mortality.

Release Date: September 20, 2016

Cast: Susan Kelechi Watson, Lonnie Chavis, Justin Hartley, Melanie Liburd, Hannah Zeile, Mandy Moore, Eris Baker, Sterling K. Brown, Milo Ventimiglia, Logan Shroyer, Faithe Herman, Niles Fitch, Parker Bates, Chris Sullivan, Chrissy Metz, Alexandra Breckenridge, Jon Huertas, Lyric Ross, Asante Blackk, Griffin Dunne, Caitlin Thompson, Chris Geere, Ron Cephas Jones, Mackenzie Hancsicsak

Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 6

Network: NBC

Streaming Service: Hulu

Showrunner: Dan Fogelman

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of the show, I have mixed feelings about the ranking of the seasons. On the one hand, I agree with the assessment that the first season was the strongest, as it introduced the characters and their complex relationships in a compelling way. I also agree that the fifth season was the weakest, as it featured some unrealistic storylines and inconsistencies in character behavior.

On the other hand, I disagree with the assessment that the sixth season was the second-worst season. While it is true that the season had some flaws, such as the sudden disengagement of Kate from her relationship with Toby, I believe that it also had some strong moments, such as the second-to-last episode, "The Train," which brilliantly concluded Rebecca's journey. Overall, I believe that the sixth season was a fitting conclusion to the series, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have watched it.