This Is Us Season 7: Will It Happen?
Emma Horne The Pearsons wrap up its six-year run on NBC with an emotionally satisfying finale, but what are the chances that they return for This Is Us season 7?
The Pearsons' story is finally finished, but there might be a chance for them to return if This Is Us season 7 happens. The NBC family drama wraps up its six-year run with an emotionally-satisfying finale that bookends Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca's (Mandy Moore) love story. That being said, considering how popular the show continues to be, discussions about a potential This Is Us season 7 have unsurprisingly started going around.
The family drama was an immediate hit for NBC when it debuted in 2016. This Is Us is known for its grounded storytelling and followed the life of Jack and Rebecca, alongside their three kids — Kevin (Justin Hartley), Kate (Chrissy Metz), and Randall (Sterling K. Brown). For six years, the Pearsons' individual and collective arcs played out, showing their lives from different perspectives and points in history. This Is Us seasons 1-3 primarily focused on Jack's history, as his life and tragic death impacted the lives of his wife and kids. During the latter half of the series' run, the spotlight shifted onto Rebecca as she dealt with Alzheimer's during her twilight years.
In the end, both Jack and Rebecca are already dead in This Is Us, but their three kids continue to live their lives with their respective families. There is already interest in what the future holds for the Big Three (aka the Pearson siblings), and given its non-linear form of storytelling, the show can certainly continue with This Is Us season 7 should NBC desire to keep the story going.
Why This Is Us Season 7 Isn't Happening
Unfortunately, there are no plans for This Is Us season 7 currently. Show creator Dan Fogelman was set on wrapping up the show after six years as he initially planned. Despite the ability to stretch out its storytelling, he knew he had a complete narrative when they first started on the series and wanted to wrap the Pearsons' arc in This Is Us season 6.
Can This Is Us Season 7 Happen In The Future?
If there is enough interest for This Is Us season 7 from fans, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that NBC would consider a continuation at some point. The main problem with this would be re-assembling the show's ensemble cast, as most of them have already booked their next projects. More than a new season, perhaps a This Is Us film is more plausible, although production on a feature film comes with its own set of challenges. That said, Fogelman already previously revealed that he has pitched the idea to NBC executives and they were all for it. It's worth noting, however, that the project isn't officially in development, but it's a good sign for those who are still holding out hope that the Pearsons' story will continue.
Where This Is Us Season 7's Story Could Go
In terms of the story for the proposed This Is Us movie, Fogelman revealed that it will be about an alternate timeline where Jack survived the fire, imagining what the Pearsons' lives would have been if the patriarch was around. Otherwise, This Is Us season 7 could focus on the Big Three as they move forward with their lives after the death of Rebecca. Since the show heavily features flashbacks and dream sequences, Jack and Rebecca can still be a part of the narrative, albeit in a smaller capacity.