Rotten Tomatoes describes the television phenomenon, This Is Us, as, “the story of a family whose three same-aged siblings struggle in unique ways throughout their lives is chronicled in this dramedy”. But, this show is so much more than that.

Despite the fact that the show first aired in fall 2016, I have recently fallen in love with it— with the help of Hulu. Watching three seasons in less than a month, I finally understand the obsession with the show. I finally understand why the series earned the coveted 11 p.m. slot after this past Super Bowl. It perfectly imitates real life.

This Is Us has received countless accolades (Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Emmys) in the past three years to compliment its heartwarming plotlines, clever writing, and relatable characters. The show often goes back in time which allows the viewer to bond with the characters throughout their whole lives.

You would be hard-pressed to find a person who does not see a little bit of themselves in the characters featured in This Is Us. Somehow the show is able to perfectly depict the struggles of being a teenager, the frustration of parenting, the grief that comes with loss, and the love of a family in each episode.

Some critics see This Is Us as a show that is manipulates you to tears with its often touching and devastating episodes, but there is an equal amount of triumph in the series. When one of the characters has a breakthrough and feels success or joy, so does the viewer.

So, don’t completely discount This Is Us just because you think it’s a show for moms or because you’re strictly a Netflix watcher instead of Hulu. It is a series with the perfect amount of suspense, sadness, confusion, and frustration simultaneously.  The upcoming holiday break would be the perfect time to commence your binge-watching.