Mandy Moore warns fans of an extremely sad This Is Us season 6. The NBC family drama premiered in 2016 and became a quick fan-favorite thanks to its realistic depiction of the highs and lows of life. It follows Jack (Ventimiglia) and Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore) and their three kids — twins, Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Kate (Chrissy Metz), as well as their adopted son, Randall (Sterling K. Brown) as they navigate their collective and individual arcs. As the show enters its final year, viewers should expect the story to become more emotional.
This Is Us' storytelling jumps through multiple timelines, but its primary narrative takes place in the present time, with all kids now adults with their respective families. From the get-go, creator Dan Fogelman revealed that the overall story for the family drama would play out in six seasons, and they are sticking to that plan. For context, This Is Us season 5 ended with another glimpse into the future of the Pearsons, with the shocking revelation that Kate will re-marry, confirming that she and Toby (Chris Sullivan) will eventually part ways. Beyond those story teases, it is unclear how the story ends, but Moore is cautioning fans to prepare for a depressing final season.
Speaking with Variety to promote This Is Us season 6's premiere, the actress asks fans to "get ready" because they're giving it everything they got in terms of pulling at people's heartstrings. She also reveals that they're currently in the middle of filming for their final 18 episodes. Read her full comment below:
“Get ready. Dan is just pulling no punches. We’re only halfway through [shooting], and it’s the hardest I think any of us have worked. It’s really beautiful and very sad.”
This isn't the first time a cast member suggested that This Is Us will end on a sad note. In October 2021, Ventimiglia said he was devastated upon learning how the show ends. Despite this, the series promises that it will deliver a satisfying ending for everyone who has been invested in the Pearsons' journey from season 1. In any case, viewers of the show should be used to the show's tendency to pull emotional plot twists to mimic the unpredictability of real life. For her part, Moore's Rebecca is set up for a difficult arc as her character's Alzheimer's starts to worsen. Until now, This Is Us has been dancing around this particular plotline, but it will be front and center in the final season.
However, just because it will be sad doesn't mean it will be bad. Based on This Is Us' previous seasons, it can present an emotionally-balanced narrative, making watching it cathartic for many. Given the trajectory of Rebecca's story, it won't be surprising if the show ends with her death and the idea of her reuniting with Jack.
Source: Variety