Skip to main content

It doesn’t matter how long of a break This Is Us takes. Fans will use the time to come up with new theories of what’s to come for the Pearsons. The first new episode of 2020 is mere days away. However, two more theories surfaced that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about the show.

‘This Is Us’ creator Dan Fogelman has a reason for everything

'This Is Us'
Elizabeth Perkins as Janet, Mandy Moore as Rebecca, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack | Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Series creator, Dan Fogelman, wrote an alternate version of This Is Us and tucked away in a desk drawer for years before rewriting it into the hit show.

The original, titled 36, had a few of the same beats. But, the overall feeling of the show — originally a feature-length film — remains.

Anyone who watches This Is Us knows Fogelman and his talented crew make no accidents. Every detail is there because they want it to be. Such was the case with the painting Kevin (Justin Hartley) discusses with Annie (Faithe Herman) and Tess (Eris Baker).

This Is Us works for a few reasons. It’s relatable in some context to many, it’s timely with topics explored, and loose ends always connect again at a later point. Always.

That said, two theories emerged regarding that dreaded series finale.

Without knowing Rebecca’s diagnosis, here’s the latest theory about the series

A Reddit user described a very plausible scenario, regarding those scenes with an ailing Rebecca (Mandy Moore) at the end of her days. The theory suggests The Big Three gather at Kevin’s house to detail the events of their lives in hopes it will spark Rebecca’s deteriorated memories.

The user mentioned that because the title of the show is This Is Us, it could be used in the way Randall (Sterling K. Brown), Kate (Chrissy Metz), and Kevin tell Rebecca the stories to their mother.

“People have mentioned theories of the entire show being the adult kids describing events from Rebecca’s life to her. If that was the case, then I could see the final scenes being the big three holding a scrapbook saying “this is us”.

Though Rebecca’s diagnosis hasn’t happened yet (Alzheimer’s has been debunked by Moore), it doesn’t rule out dementia. Another Reddit user agreed saying:

“This could be it. In the therapy world, memory books are common for when people start going through the stages of dementia. They often contain documents, photos and other artifacts from people’s lives to help cement their memories.”

One reason this theory holds weight has to do with Fogelman’s reported ask. It’s been said writers haven’t included the words “this is us” in any of the dialogue, as it defines the premise of the series and gives away too much of that final ending.

There have been iterations close to the phrase, such as “this might be us,” and “this is us right here.” No one has muttered “this is us” the way they might in re-living stories from their lives to remind Rebecca who they are, and who she is.

Or, fans say the twist could stem from Jack Pearson

If that’s not enough to ponder, another fan theorized everything that’s happened could be all in Jack’s (Milo Ventimiglia) head.

Refinery 29 claimed that since the series is Jack-centric, it’d make sense if all that’s happened is the way Jack rewrote the events in his head. The reasons for this come from two sources: He could’ve passed out in the fire and had his life flash before his eyes.

Or, if Jack relapsed or never quit drinking in the first place, he could’ve imagined this picture-perfect life that never happened in a drunken stooper. Oy.

It’s a lot to take in. We suggest using the next few days to ruminate before dicing into a new episode where new theories will spawn.

This Is Us returns to NBC on Tuesday, January 14 at 9 p.m.

Best in Entertainment