Season count and series length at a glance
This Is Us, the NBC family drama created by Dan Fogelman, aired 6 seasons and concluded in 2022. Across its run, it produced 106 episodes between September 2016 and May 2022. The show follows the Pearson family across multiple timelines, focusing on themes of identity, parenthood, and legacy.
Full season and episode breakdown
The series balanced serialized storytelling with accessible, emotionally driven "event TV" episodes. Season finales often aired after sweeps periods and shaped narrative momentum. Below is the verified season-by-season summary.
| Season | Episodes | Season premiere | Season finale | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | Sept 20, 2016 | March 14, 2017 | Introduces the Pearsons; strong debut |
| 2 | 18 | Sept 26, 2017 | March 13, 2018 | Deepens timelines; emotional peaks |
| 3 | 18 | Sept 25, 2018 | March 12, 2019 | Explores new conflicts; midseason strength |
| 4 | 18 | Sept 24, 2019 | March 10, 2020 | Continues family arcs through challenges |
| 5 | 16 | Jan 27, 2021 | May 17, 2021 | First shortened season; pandemic-influenced |
| 6 | 18 | June 1, 2021 | May 24, 2022 | Final season; series conclusion |
Season-by-season overview and highlights
Season 1 (2016–2017)
Debut season establishes the Pearsons’ origin: Jack’s death, the family’s diverging lives, and the present-day timelines that anchor each episode. The season’s 18-episode order provided ample room for character development and strong viewer investment.
Season 2 (2017–2018)
Continuity strengthens as timelines interlock. The season explores marriage, parenthood, and professional challenges. Emotional storylines are designed for watercooler moments while retaining character-first drama.
Season 3 (2018–2019)
Introduces new conflicts without abandoning core relationships. Midseason momentum remains high, balancing flashbacks with present-day consequences and family reckoning.
Season 4 (209–2020)
Despite production hurdles, the season maintains narrative coherence. Episodes address evolving identities and choices, setting up future tensions while honoring earlier payoffs.
Season 5 (2021)
Shortened to 16 episodes amid pandemic constraints. Compresses storytelling but still delivers key resolutions and legacy moments, priming the series finale.
Season 6 (2021–2022)
Final season, 18 episodes, concludes the ensemble arcs. Brings timelines into sharp focus and provides closure while preserving the emotional through-line that defined the series.
Runtime and scheduling context
Episodes typically run 40–48 minutes. Primetime slots varied by season but commonly aired on Tuesday nights during peak fall-to-spring periods. Seasonal patterns show premieres in late September and finales in March–May, with Season 5 compressed to early-year scheduling due to production realities.
How this differs from related series
Unlike procedurals with open-ended formats, This Is Us had a planned narrative arc with defined seasons. Compared to ensemble dramas that stretch indefinitely, its six-season structure reflects a commitment to contained storytelling and deliberate pacing.
Quick reference facts
The summary below provides at-a-glance details for viewers deciding whether to commit to the series or revisit its arcs.
- Total seasons: 6
- Total episodes: 106
- Run dates: September 2016 – May 2022
- Average episode length: ~44 minutes
- Created by: Dan Fogelman
- Network: NBC
- Series finale date: May 24, 2022
Common questions about the series length
New viewers often ask whether the show overstays its welcome. The consensus among critics and viewers is that the six-season arc allows for meaningful growth without unnecessary bloat. Emotional throughlines and consistent writing contribute to a satisfying conclusion.
Why the season count matters for viewers
Understanding the scope helps you plan viewing time, anticipate narrative resolution, and compare the show to similar limited series. Six seasons offer a middle ground between compact stories and sprawling epics, making it approachable for binge-watching or weekly viewing.
Verifying the information
This explainer relies on publicly reported season and episode counts from NBC announcements, press releases, and industry-standard databases. The totals are consistent across authoritative sources as of 2024.
Bottom line
This Is Us concluded after 6 seasons and 106 episodes, spanning 2016 to 2022. If you’re evaluating time investment or seeking closure, knowing the season count and structure clarifies what to expect from the full series.