This Is Us Season 1 Finale Overview
The This Is Us season 1 finale aired on March 14, 2018, on NBC, concluding the first season of the family drama created by Dan Fogelman. The episode, titled "Memphis," centered on the Pearson family's interconnected storylines and delivered major emotional reveals about Jack Pearson's past and the family's future. The finale drew approximately 8.75 million viewers in the United States, according to NBC and Nielsen data, making it one of the highest-rated episodes of the season. The episode received critical praise for its storytelling, performances, and emotional payoff, particularly for the storyline involving Jack's decision to move the family from Pittsburgh to Nashville.
The finale set up key narrative threads for the subsequent seasons, including the long-term health implications for Jack and Rebecca Pearson and the children's individual journeys. The episode's structure, which interwove past and present timelines, reinforced the show's signature nonlinear storytelling. The This Is Us season 1 finale was also notable for its use of the song "Millionaire" by S. Carey, which became closely associated with the series' emotional core. The episode's broadcast on NBC was followed by extensive discussion on social media platforms and entertainment news outlets, with many viewers highlighting the performances of the ensemble cast.
Cast and Character Developments
The This Is Us season 1 finale featured significant developments for the main cast, including Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson, Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson, and Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson. The episode revealed that Jack had previously lived in Memphis, Tennessee, and had a relationship with a woman named Lucy, a storyline that added complexity to his character and his relationship with Rebecca. Sterling K. Brown's portrayal of Randall, who was adopted by the Pearson family, continued to receive acclaim, and the finale explored his search for his biological father, William Hill, played by Ron Cephas Jones. The episode also advanced the storyline for Kate Pearson, played by Chrissy Metz, and Kevin Pearson, played by Justin Hartley, as they navigated their own personal challenges.
The performances in the This Is Us season 1 finale contributed to the show's growing reputation for strong ensemble acting. The finale's script, written by Dan Fogelman and directed by Ken Olin, balanced multiple timelines and character arcs without feeling rushed. The episode's emotional beats were grounded in the actors' nuanced portrayals, particularly in scenes involving Jack and Rebecca's relationship and Randall's confrontation with his past. The cast's work on the finale was widely discussed in reviews and industry analyses, with several outlets noting the show's ability to sustain emotional intensity across its ensemble. The character developments set in the finale had lasting implications for the series, influencing storylines in subsequent seasons.
Production, Reception, and Industry Context
The This Is Us season 1 finale was produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Rhode Island Ave. Productions, with Dan Fogelman, Isaac Aptaker, and Elizabeth Berger serving as executive producers. The episode was filmed in Los Angeles and featured production design that recreated Memphis and other key locations from the script. The show's music, composed by Joe Harnell, played a central role in the finale's emotional impact, with the score supporting the narrative's thematic focus on family, loss, and resilience. The production team's attention to detail in the finale's visual and auditory elements was noted in industry coverage of the episode.
The This Is Us season 1 finale received strong ratings and positive reviews, contributing to the show's renewal for subsequent seasons. The episode's narrative structure and emotional storytelling were frequently cited as examples of the series' strengths, with critics highlighting its ability to balance multiple timelines and character perspectives. The show's success was also reflected in its award recognition, including Emmy nominations for its cast and crew. The finale's impact on the series' trajectory is documented in industry reports and network announcements, which