‘This Is Us’ Season 5 Teases a Major Nicky and Sally Theory in Episode 15

A fan theory about Nicky Pearson and Sally Brooks’ reunion is teased in ‘This Is Us’ Season 5 Episode 15, ‘Jerry 2.0.’ Here’s a breakdown of the couple’s journey and what the team says is next.

by Connie Liou

Published on May 20, 2021

3 min read

Why fans think adult Nicky Pearson will find Sally Brooks in ‘This Is Us’

Michael Angarano as Nicky staring at Genevieve Angelson as Sally in ‘This Is Us’ Season 5 Episode 11, ‘One Small Step’

Michael Angarano as Nicky Pearson and Genevieve Angelson as Sally Brooks in ‘This Is Us’ Season 5 | NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

In This Is Us Season 5 Episode 11, “One Small Step…,” fans watched Nicky and Sally fall in love in series of flashbacks. Then one day, Sally wanted Nicky to run away to California together.

At first, Nicky agreed to leave Pennsylvania. But after overthinking the situation, he backed out. In the end, Sally went to California, and Nicky stayed behind.

The This Is Us episode also highlighted adult Nicky’s journey in the present-day timeline. The character made it to California. Kevin (Justin Hartley) named his son Nicholas, which helped Nicky take one step forward.

Meanwhile, some viewers remembered Nicky wore a wedding ring in the future flash-forward from season 4. So many This Is Us fans have been wondering whether a reunion between Nicky and Sally is on the horizon.

How ‘This Is Us’ Season 5 Episode 15 added to the Nicky and Sally fan theory

In This Is Us Season 5 Episode 15, Nicky attended Kevin’s bachelor party at the Pearson family cabin. The men watched the romantic dramedy Jerry Maguire, which put Uncle Nicky in a bad mood.

“That movie just put me in a bad mood, like all romantic comedies do,” Nicky said. “Anything where there’s romance involved, I just can’t relate to them. I had one relationship 50 years ago. Sally Brooks. And I blew it. There’s no second chances, no happy endings. I lost the girl. Roll credits.”

Meanwhile, Miguel (Jon Huertas) revealed he had doubts about his marriage to Rebecca (Mandy Moore) early on, as it didn’t seem like it was “written in the stars.” However, he acknowledged that was perfectly fine because they were writing their own story together.

“There are other love stories — they’re written together,” Miguel said. “Two people the universe had no plans for, writing their story in the stars together. That’s pretty fantastic, too.”

At the end of the This Is Us episode, Nicky quietly looked at his phone and searched “Sally Brooks.” Now, it seems Nicky is making his own destiny to reunite with his ex.

What’s next for Nicky and Sally in ‘This Is Us’ Seasons 5 and 6?

This Is Us fans must watch what happens to Nicky and Sally as the NBC drama continues. That said, viewers will have to wait until next season for the storyline to unfold. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer Isaac Aptaker confirmed Sally will not appear in the This Is Us Season 5 finale.

“We only have one episode left in the season,” Aptaker said. “There’s quite a lot to do, so we’re not going to meet Sally just yet.”

Meanwhile, Aptaker shared the importance of Nicky’s final scene in This Is Us Season 5 Episode 15. The EP also teased what’s next when the series returns for season 6. Aptaker said:

Nicky has taken this year. He is starting to become more of a normal part of the family and more of a normal part of society. … Now he’s admitting that he would love a love story of his own. And we’re seeing him take these really small steps towards what that could be. And Googling Sally for him is a gigantic emotional deal. Even though it takes two seconds and a few taps of the thumb, that is a huge, huge hurdle that he’s just cleared. And I can’t wait to tell the stories of what comes of it.