10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to This Is Us (2016)

Description: This beloved series shares with 'This Is Us' its focus on family bonds, particularly the complex mother-daughter relationship. Both shows feature witty, fast-paced dialogue and create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The small-town setting and emphasis on family traditions are additional points of similarity.

Fact: The dialogue was so fast that scripts had to be printed in a special format. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel had instant chemistry at their first audition. The show's creator based Stars Hollow on her hometown of Washington, Connecticut.

Description: This heartfelt drama shares with 'This Is Us' its exploration of grief, family healing, and small-town life. Both shows feature medical professionals as central characters and deal with themes of loss and redemption. The emotional depth and focus on character development are strong points of similarity.

Fact: The show was Greg Berlanti's first creation as a showrunner. Chris Pratt had one of his first major roles on the show. The town scenes were filmed in Utah, though set in Colorado.

Description: While more teen-focused, 'One Tree Hill' shares with 'This Is Us' its emotional storytelling and exploration of family dynamics, particularly complicated father-son relationships. Both shows use music effectively to enhance emotional moments and feature time jumps that allow exploration of characters at different life stages.

Fact: Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush married and divorced during the show's run. The basketball scenes were challenging for some actors who weren't athletic. The show continued filming in Wilmington, NC, even after other productions left due to tax incentives ending.

Description: This series shares with 'This Is Us' a focus on a large, close-knit family dealing with personal and collective crises. Both shows delve into themes of love, loss, and reconciliation, often using flashbacks to reveal family history and deepen character development. The emotional depth and strong family bonds are central to both narratives.

Fact: Sally Field won an Emmy for her role as Nora Walker. The show was originally conceived as a political drama about a senator's family. Rob Lowe joined the cast in season 2, significantly boosting ratings.

Description: While primarily a sports drama, 'Friday Night Lights' shares with 'This Is Us' its authentic portrayal of relationships and small-town life. Both shows excel at creating deeply emotional moments and feature strong marital relationships (the Taylors in FNL, the Pearsons in TIU) at their core. The realistic, documentary-style cinematography also creates a similar intimate feel.

Fact: The famous 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts' chant was improvised. Many scenes were shot with improvised dialogue. The show was filmed in Austin, Texas, though set in fictional Dillon.

Description: Like 'This Is Us', 'Parenthood' is a family drama that explores the complexities of familial relationships across multiple generations. Both shows use a mix of humor and heartbreak to depict the joys and struggles of parenting, sibling rivalry, and personal growth. The ensemble cast and interwoven storylines create a rich tapestry of emotional storytelling.

Fact: The show is based on the 1989 film of the same name. Lauren Graham and Mae Whitman, who play mother and daughter in the show, are only 12 years apart in real life. The Braverman family home is the same house used in 'The Wonder Years'.

Description: While primarily a comedy, 'Modern Family' shares with 'This Is Us' its exploration of diverse family dynamics and intergenerational relationships. Both shows use documentary-style storytelling (though MF is mockumentary) and feature multiple interconnected family units. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments creates a similar emotional range.

Fact: The show won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series five years in a row. The actors who play Haley and Alex Dunphy are sisters in real life. The famous 'closet scene' between Phil and Luke was improvised.

Description: Like 'This Is Us', 'The Fosters' is a family drama that tackles complex emotional issues with sensitivity. Both shows feature diverse family structures and explore themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of parenting. The focus on both the parents' and children's perspectives creates a similarly balanced narrative approach.

Fact: The show was created by Peter Paige and Bradley Bredeweg, who wanted to portray a modern family. It spawned a spin-off, 'Good Trouble'. The series was praised for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues.

Description: This drama shares with 'This Is Us' its exploration of how a single tragic event impacts multiple interconnected lives. Both shows use non-linear storytelling to reveal character backstories and explore themes of friendship, family, and overcoming adversity. The emotional weight and focus on mental health issues are common to both series.

Fact: The title comes from a saying: 'Friendship isn't one big thing, it's a million little things.' James Roday Rodriguez directed several episodes. The show was initially pitched as 'This Is Us' meets 'The Big Chill'.

Description: This underrated drama shares with 'This Is Us' its focus on unconventional family structures and the complexities of parental relationships. Both shows explore themes of identity, belonging, and the idea that family is what you make it. The emotional storytelling and focus on character growth are similar strengths.

Fact: The show was originally titled 'Light Years'. It was canceled after two seasons despite critical acclaim. The creator had planned a five-season arc for the characters.