Popular NBC television series This is Us had its season 5 premiere on Oct. 27, after being delayed from their usual September comeback due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Last season left viewers with many questions about a variety of cliffhangers. For starters, Rebecca’s early stages of Alzhiemer’s are more noticeable than ever, so how badly will her condition become on the show? Kevin is dealing with the shocking news that Kate’s best friend, Madison, is pregnant with his twins, just after having the biggest fight of his life with his brother, Randall, so who is he supposed to turn to during his own confusing time? To add, Kate’s husband, Toby, wants another baby, so will there be another little member of the Pearson clan?

Besides continuing the plot of the show as usual, the writers of This is Us are able to reflect our country and world’s difficulties with navigating the pandemic. The first scene displays Kevin visiting Kate’s family outside their house, while wearing a mask and social distancing. To ignore the new “rules” of society would be a major disservice to the population since everyone has had to change their lives this year. The writers, knowing this fact, included a multitude of lines in the script about quarantining and getting tested for the Coronavirus. 

In addition, the show shares information about prominent social justice issues currently happening in our society. As the adopted African-American brother, Randall has struggled with his identity and black roots throughout his whole life. He feels the need for the Black Lives Matter movement very deeply, and takes it quite personally, which is demonstrated by his moving conversation with his sister in the first episode. Kate, a middle-aged white mom, explains that she doesn’t fully understand the feelings that her brother has felt, and her guilt for being less than knowledgeable about the topic is evident by the tears she sheds. 

Overall, the premiere was successful in pulling their viewers in once again, and it can be anticipated that this season will be full of touching moments and empowering change.