ACT Resource Spotlight TV review: THIS IS US
Resource Spotlight
brought to you by
a ministry of America World Adoption
“….a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
Looking for a binge-worthy show in the new year? Let me recommend This Is Us. It airs Tuesday nights on NBC, and picks up in the middle of season 2 on January 9. All episodes from Season 1 and the first couple of episodes of Season 2 are available on most cable subscription services and through nbc.com. The show has won numerous accolades, including Golden Globe nominations for best television series, best supporting actress, best performance by a male actor, and ten Emmy nominations. It has won awards from MTV, African-American Critics Association, the NAACP, and The People’s Choice Awards. So sit down with a bowl of popcorn and a box of tissues; it’s a great hour of television.
The show chronicles the life of the Pearson family over the span of almost four decades. The story begins with Jack and Kate as a young married couple, and flashes forward and backward as their children are born, grow up, and leave home to have lives and families of their own. The weaving of past and present is, in my opinion, masterfully done. I am especially impressed at how the show is able to take the same actors – Milo Ventimiglia as Jack and Mandy Moore as Kate – and realistically age them through the years. The characters are endearing and intriguing, showing their strengths and their flaws in a way that makes them totally relatable.
Of course what really captures my attention is the theme of adoption, particularly transracial adoption. The show is unflinching at confronting the loss inherent in adoption and the challenges faced by parents raising children of another race. But the true thread that weaves through every episode is family; these are imperfect people who love each other fiercely and who stick together through thick and thin.
So after the wrapping paper is cleaned up and the leftovers are stored in the fridge, settle in on the couch for some must-see-TV. And did I mention bring the tissues? Trust me, you’ll need them.
This article was written by Diane Hood, Clinical Supervisor with America World Adoption, and the Director of Social Services in our Georgia office. Diane has more than 20 years experience in the adoption field and she is a parent by birth and by adoption.
ACT (Adoption Coaching and Training) is a ministry of America World Adoption designed to support families through training, support groups, and individualized coaching. Explore ACT services on our website here, and reach out to us today for a free consultation to make a plan to meet your needs.