Current Status Overview
This Is Us is not currently producing new episodes, and the series concluded with season 6. The show aired its final episode in May 2022 on NBC. No new seasons or limited series are in active production as of the latest available public announcements. Existing seasons remain available on streaming platforms, and creator Dan Fogelman has indicated the story was designed to wrap in season 6.
Key Renewal and Cancellation Timeline
The series moved through multiple renewal cycles before its planned ending. Below is a concise overview of the most notable production and renewal milestones for This Is Us.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Series premiere | Introduced the Pearson family across timelines and launched a cultural phenomenon. |
| May 2018 | Renewed for season 3 after strong season 2 | Signaled confidence in the show’s long-term storytelling and audience retention. |
| May 2019 | Renewed for season 4 | Continued momentum as the show tackled new generational and family themes. |
| May 2020 | Renewed for season 5 | Extended the series beyond the typical four-season pattern in the broadcast model. |
| May 2021 | Renewed for season 6 (final season) | Announced the planned conclusion of the series after six seasons. |
| December 2021 | Season 6 premiere aired | Started the final arc leading toward the series finale. |
| May 2022 | Series finale aired | Concluded the core narrative of the Pearson family. |
Renewal History by Season
Understanding the renewal pattern helps clarify why the status of This Is Us can be confusing. The show was renewed for each season on an annual basis through season 5, then explicitly renewed as the final season in 2021. This cadence reflects both strong performance and deliberate planning to end the story on a creative schedule.
Seasons 1 to 3: Building Momentum
After a strong debut and solid season 2, NBC renewed This Is Us for a third season before the second season finished airing. This early commitment helped stabilize production planning and signaled to audiences that the show was a dependable centerpiece of the network’s lineup.
Seasons 4 and 5: Extending the Story
Seasons 4 and 5 kept the show in the spotlight, allowing the characters to age and explore new timelines. The decision to continue beyond the typical network renewal window suggested both creative room and audience demand.
Season 6: Planned Finale
In May 2021, NBC renewed This Is Us for a sixth and final season. This explicit final-season renewal removed long-term uncertainty and enabled the writers to craft a conclusion they had envisioned from early in the series development.
Behind the Scenes: Creators and Production Planning
The series was created by Dan Fogelman, who maintained involvement through season 5 before shifting to a more oversight role during season 6. Writers and producers structured the final season to resolve major arcs, including Kevin, Kate, Randall, and Rebecca’s long-term journeys.
Production timelines followed a predictable broadcast-season rhythm for NBC, with filming typically running from midyear to early winter for the late-fall-to-spring schedule. This planning contributed to the clean finale in May 2022.
Availability on Streaming and Home Formats
Although new episodes are not being produced, This Is Us remains accessible on multiple platforms. These outlets allow both new and returning viewers to experience the full series in curated formats.
- Streaming: The complete series is available on services that license NBC content.
- Physical Media: Seasons are sold on DVD and Blu-ray, often with special features.
- On-Demand: Past seasons remain available through network apps and partners.
Public Statements and Fan Expectations
Creators and cast members have consistently stated that season 6 was designed as the conclusion. Interviews and behind-the-scenes features emphasized intentionality in ending the show rather than extending it indefinitely. For fans, this framing supports closure while acknowledging ongoing emotional connections to the characters.
Comparison to Similar Broadcast Dramas
When compared to other family-focused serialized dramas on broadcast networks, This Is Us followed a more concise arc by completing its story in six seasons. The planned finale differs from series that renew indefinitely, which often leads to ambiguous or stretched storylines.