Why ‘This Is Us’ Fans Can’t Stand This One Character
This Is Us – the emotionally stirring hit show confronting internal conflict, familial relationships, and everyday hardship – is NBC’s latest pride and joy. Jumping between different points in time, the series functions as an exposé, revealing how the Pearson family comes to stand where they do in present times.
Sharing more than just a birthday, Kevin, Randall, and Kate are the “big three” siblings whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The series stars Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Justin Hartley, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, and more.
While it goes without saying that Jack Pearson (Ventimiglia) is the most lovable character, as he is virtually idolized by his family, and the screenwriters alike, not every character on the show is as equally admired.
So, who’s the one character fans absolutely cannot stand. If you browse through Reddit forums, youtube, and other digital media outlets, you will discover that three characters pop up most frequently: Rebecca Pearson, Kevin Pearson, and Kate Pearson. However, while each of these characters – according to fans of the show – bring frustrating qualities or disappointing tendencies to the table, two seem to gain the most negative attention: Kevin and Kate Pearson. So, let’s analyze both and determine the one character that’s genuinely the worst.
Why many fans just don’t like Kevin Pearson’s character on ‘This Is Us’
While Kevin Pearson is undoubtedly one handsome devil, his good looks and charm aren’t enough to excuse him of some major character flaws. One fan notes that Kevin Pearson often seems “self-absorbed,” and blames his parents for his hardships despite being too old to use his childhood as an excuse for his behavior.
Many fans agree with the above sentiment, arguing that despite the unequal treatment Kevin received from his parents, he needs to come to terms with his past to thrive in the present. Otherwise, he becomes the trite unpredictable character, taking actions often selfish in nature in an attempt to find some grander meaning. And this, episode after episode, can get a bit old.
Other fans state that – though they don’t know why, as the show has adequately fleshed out Kevin’s narrative arc – they still feel “unsympathetic” to his woes. It’s as if no explanation can make up for his flaws.
Why some ‘This Is Us’ fans aren’t in love with Kate Pearson
There are several different reasons why many fans do not like Kate; however, a few explanations seem to pop up more frequently than others. Many have a problem with the way Kate treats Toby and her mother, Rebecca. Kate often takes her frustrations out on her mother, when her mother is merely existing in her own skin, which many fans feel is unfair and unwarranted.
Other fans feel that Kate needs to stop feeling sorry for herself and that the screenwriters focus too heavily on the weight when there are many other angles to explore. One viewer argues that all of Kate’s plotlines lead back to her weight: struggles with pregnancy, failed singing career, jealousy of other women, etc. So, when it comes to Kate, the question is: do the writers need to make a few adjustments to her characterization?
Who is the #1 most-hated character on ‘This Is Us?’
When looking across different outlets, the hate for Kate seems to outweigh the hate for Kevin. However, it’s definitely not a landslide, as both characters receive their fair share of negative attention. Kate, however, seems to receive a bit more than Kevin, and much of the complaints center on her narrative’s lack of variety.
