That Was Us

In our premiere episode, we travel back in time to the early days of This Is Us and the making of the “Pilot”. We break it all down, from the audition process to our first impressions of each other, and we introduce you to the first of many fan segments. What did the Pearsons teach us? What does “This Is Us” mean to us? How did the reality of what these characters were going through affect the reality of our own lives and perspectives on life’s trials and challenges? Join us to find out! Follow That Was Us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X!"

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re chatting with the show's creator Dan Fogelman. Dan (This Is Us, Tangled, Cars, Fred Claus, Crazy, Stupid, Love) is a legend around here. He brought us the Pearsons, and he brought us together! Dan joins us to discuss what went into writing the show, and how he was able to surprise us with bombshell reveals and leave us hanging week after week. Mandy, Sterling, Chris, and Dan talk about the evolution of the Pearson’s stories through time, the process of filming when working with kids who grow up fast, and the importance of weaving in the historical moments that were happening in real time as filming took place.

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 1, Episode 2: “The Big Three." It’s been eight years since The Big Three were born and there’s friction in the Pearson household. We see the early signs of disconnect between Kevin and Randall, and we see that a decade’s worth of marriage and child-rearing has taken its toll on Jack and Rebecca’s marriage. Kate wrestles with weight insecurities and did Tess just call Miguel “Grandpa”?? In this episode, we explore navigating the highs and lows of marriage, sibling dynamics, body image issues, advocating for yourself in relationships and putting in the work.

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 1, Episode 3: “Kyle.” Grief. Where do you begin when you feel like you’re slipping through quicksand? Jack and Rebecca bring home three babies while grieving the loss of another. Randall just reunited with his birth father, William, but now grieves his terminal illness. All channel their grief differently. How do we go through the process of grief with care and ultimately come out on the other side of it? Who do we lean on in these moments of darkness so we don’t have to face it alone? Kate reminds us the importance of being there for each other, no matter the circumstances… time after time. Deep breaths.

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 1, Episode 4: “The Pool.” Jack, Rebecca, and The Big Three are off to the pool, which sounds fun, but in actuality feels a bit like Rebecca’s book: misery. Randall and Kevin fight with each other, Kevin fights for attention, and Kate opts not to fight her bullies. Kevin miserably auditions for his first Broadway play, Toby bumps into his ex-wife, and William is mistaken as a loiterer. There are a lot of dynamics at play - parenting, self discovery, racial injustice, weight insecurities, bullying, and forgiveness - and we get into it all.

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 1, Episode 5: “The Game Plan.” Life is full of color and we each get to add our own color to the painting of life. Even in death, we’ve still left our mark. We’re still apart of the painting. Kevin Pearson illustrates the beauty of this message, which also serves as the meaning behind what “That Is Us” is all about. As Kevin said, “There’s no you or me or them. It’s just us.” Come be apart of our painting and join us in conversation.