While Netflix and Sky Atlantic are snapping up some of the biggest international TV dramas around, Channel 4 were quick to nab the rights to This Is Us.
The hit US family drama has found a UK home – and is set for similar success across here with top talent in front of and behind the camera.
Here are six things you need to know.
1) It’s from the creator of Crazy Stupid Love
This Is Us comes from executive producer Dan Fogelman, who has some great work in his back catalogue.
He wrote the screenplay for Crazy Stupid Love – one of the strongest rom-coms of recent years, starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone – as well as Disney’s Tangled.
Fogelman has also scripted the first few episodes of the season.
2) It stars Mandy Moore and Gilmore Girls’ Milo Ventimiglia
This Is Us is an ensemble drama that follows a few different story threads – a couple expecting triplets, a businessman looking to find his biological father, a woman struggling with her obesity, and an actor who’s railing against the sitcom he stars in.
There are some familiar faces involved – and the story about the expectant couple features Heroes actor Milo Ventimiglia who is currently making on a big comeback thanks to the return of Gilmore Girls. Alongside side him in that storyline is singer and actress Mandy Moore.
3) It hinges on the number 36
The plot follows these very different characters who are all connected in one way - they're approaching their 36th birthdays. While they all have an age in common, they’re facing different problems in their lives.
4) It’s a real weepie
Have some tissues nearby – This Is Us already has a reputation as a proper tearjerker, with emotional family revelations and dramatic explorations into life’s big questions.
Best TV dramas 2016
5) It has some major twists in it
It might not sound like the sort of show that can spring big surprises – but we’d recommend you stay away from Wikipedia for this one. There are some impressive turns that you probably won’t see coming, so put down your phone and wait until you’ve watched the episodes before Googling.
6) It’s a huge hit in the States
This Is Us has been a hit for regular TV in the US. The show is pulling in millions of viewers each week, with little sign of slowing down as it continues.
The Washington Post have hailed as ‘the surprise breakout hit of the season’, while its emotional plots are top watercooler fodder.
Channel 4, 9pm
