That Was Us

Latest Episodes:

Kevin Does The Right Thing | "The Guitar Man" with Ryan Michelle Bathe (608) Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 8: “The Guitar Man.” Sterling K. Brown and co-host Ryan Michelle Bathe are joined in studio by the episode’s co-writer, Jake Schnesel, to discuss the making of the episode. As Kevin takes his twin babies to the family cabin on his own, he struggles with his confidence as a father. Meanwhile, Cassidy experiences an unexpected trauma response, and Nicky helps Kevin understand that sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is simply be there.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* Jake Schnesel’s journey from assistant to writer, and how Dan Fogelman encouraged him to pursue his own writing career

* The differences between writing for a drama like This Is Us and a comedy-mystery like Only Murders in the Building

* The pressures and fears of working in a comedy writers’ room

* Parental guilt, grand gestures, and a fan’s special trip with her daughter to see the hosts live

* Ryan’s hilarious mispronunciations and Sterling’s stories about her language mishaps They also break down the episode, including:

* Kevin taking his twins to the cabin alone and learning to sit with the discomfort of being a new parent

* Cassidy’s PTSD-related car accident after what seemed like an otherwise good day with her son

* Nicky sharing his own experience with trauma and teaching Kevin that he doesn’t need to fix everything for Cassidy

* The Pearson siblings saying goodbye to their childhood home at the pool, as Kevin grapples with feeling like he doesn’t belong in the deep end

* Kevin discovering a new sense of purpose through building homes for veterans and connecting with his father’s legacy

* Justin Hartley’s voice memo reflecting on Kevin’s journey and his experience working with Milo Ventimiglia as director

And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Together, they dig in and dig deep, have the tough conversations, bring in very special and familiar guests, share never-before-heard behind-the-scenes moments, and feature listeners in highly anticipated fan segments.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.

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Caitlin Thompson and Us | Madison Simmons Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

This week on That Was Us, Sterling and co-host Ryan Michelle Bathe are joined in studio by Caitlin Thompson, who played Madison on This Is Us. From Madison’s evolution from comedic relief to a fully realized character, to the realities of navigating Hollywood as a woman and a mother, Caitlin reflects on her years on the show, her transition from acting to writing, and the experiences that have shaped her both personally and creatively. In this episode, Caitlin chats about:

* Her transition from acting to writing and how her feature script Ohio Girl became her calling card as a writer

* Her writing process and why she needs to feel personally invested in the stories she tells

* Madison’s evolution from comedic relief hiding behind a mask to a fully dimensional character who found her voice

* The meaning behind the saying “every baby comes with a loaf of bread” and how it connected to Caitlin booking a series regular role on This Is Us

* The challenges of filming Season 5 while navigating postpartum life, breastfeeding, and COVID protocols

* How motherhood changed her perspective

* The unrealistic expectations placed on women in Hollywood

* The extra demands women face in auditions, from wardrobe expectations to the pressure to fit a certain image

* Filming the overlapping dialogue scene between Kevin and Madison and why it became a defining moment for her as the character

* Finding creative fulfillment and community as a mother, including writing and making time for herself

* Using The Brick to limit social media and how stepping away from her phone has helped her stay focused

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday. -------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

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A Turn of Events | "Taboo" (607) Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 7: Taboo. As the Pearsons gather for Thanksgiving, Kate and Toby confront lingering tension and Rebecca makes an important decision about who will care for her as her illness progresses.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* Their competitive nature and love of board games, especially Taboo

* Their own relationships with food growing up and how those relationships have changed as parents

* The challenges of navigating food and body image within families

* The complicated dynamics of spending Thanksgiving with family

They also break down the episode, including:

* Rebecca choosing Kate to be in charge of her care if anything happens to Miguel, and Randall’s reaction

* Rebecca and Miguel’s hilarious and revealing game of Taboo

* Kate and Toby’s conflict over parenting and food

* The different Thanksgiving timelines, including Rebecca’s childhood experiences with food and body image

* Miguel telling Rebecca he needs to move to Houston and admitting that she’s his favorite person

* Rebecca realizing that her feelings for Miguel have changed

And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of *That Was Us* every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

-------------------------

Support Our Sponsors:

- Explore viral bestsellers and products of healthier hair of ALL types from Bask and Lather. Go to https://baskandlatherco.com.

-------------------------

🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

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Chat Was Us | Marriage Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

This week on That Was Us…another favorite segment of the pod, Chat Was Us! This time, we’re talking about something at the heart of so many This Is Us stories: marriage, partnership, and what it means to build a life together. And for this conversation, Mandy, Sterling, and Chris have brought along their spouses! Together, the six of them get candid about love, commitment, compromise, and all the ways a marriage evolves over time.

In this episode, the conversation covers:

- How each couple knew they wanted to build a life together

- Whether marriage was always something they imagined for themselves

- The memories they each hold onto from their wedding days

- What they remember most about the first year of marriage

- The ingredients they believe make for a successful marriage

- How you navigate the fact that two people can change dramatically over the course of a marriage

- The role compromise plays in a healthy partnership

- How having children can change a marriage

- The importance of continuing to choose each other through different seasons of life

- And a few fun marriage superlatives along the way!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday. -------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

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Beth Becomes a Mentor | "Our Little Island Girl: Pt 2" (606) Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 6: Our Little Island Girl, Part Two. Beth steps into her calling as a mentor, Kevin faces the consequences of his choices, and the Pearsons reckon with the people and experiences that have shaped who they’ve become.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* The TV shows and movies they’re watching right now, including Furious, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Widow’s Bay, Ted Lasso, and Good Luck, Don’t Die

* Their thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, including Samantha Morton’s standout performance

* The mentors and teachers who shaped their careers and why teachers are so important

* Redefining what success can look like and why there’s no one path to a fulfilling life They also break down the episode, including:

* Beth finding her purpose at a dance academy

* Beth mentoring Stacy and helping her get back on her feet after a difficult performance

* Beth confronting her former dance teacher and making peace with her past

* Kevin confessing his infidelity to Sophie and the fallout that follows

* Beth’s future as a mentor and Stacy’s success as a dancer

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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Support Our Sponsors:

- Once you try Magnetic Me clothing for your little ones, you’ll never want to go back to buttons or zippers! New customers can get 15% off sitewide at https://magneticme.com -------------------------

🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday. -------------------------

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lyric Ross and Us | Deja Pearson Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

This week on That Was Us, we’re joined in studio by Lyric Ross, who grew up before our eyes as Deja Pearson on This Is Us. From booking the role at just thirteen to navigating life and her career as a young adult, Lyric reflects on her years on the show, the challenges that shaped her, and the person she’s becoming beyond Deja.

In this episode, Lyric chats about:

• Moving back to Los Angeles after returning to Chicago following This Is Us and what she hopes to find in this next chapter

• Getting her start as an actor in Chicago and the childhood moment that first sparked her love of performing

• Booking This Is Us at thirteen and Sterling’s memories of knowing she was the right person to play Deja

• The work ethic her mother instilled in her and learning to trust herself as a performer

• Cutting her hair for Deja and the complicated experience of navigating beauty, identity, and self-esteem as a young Black girl

• Her journey from struggling with low self-esteem to seeing her own beauty and finding confidence through her faith

• What it means to see herself as a child of God and how her faith has shaped her identity

• Working with Joy Brunson and Asante Black and the challenges and rewards of some of Deja’s most emotional storylines

• Why watching herself on screen is still one of the hardest parts of being an actor

• The qualities she admires in Deja, including her boldness, bravery, and self-assurance

• Navigating the transition from child actor to young adult and searching for more mature, challenging roles

• Continuing to build her career beyond This Is Us, including her role in Ironheart on Disney+

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

-------------------------

Support Our Sponsors:

- Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://Quince.com/twu. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

- Explore viral bestsellers and products of healthier hair of ALL types from Bask and Lather. Go to https://baskandlatherco.com.

- Go to https://MySkylight.com/THATWASUS for $30 off your 15 inch Calendar

- Go to https://kachava.com and use code THATWASUS for 15% off your first order. -------------------------

🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deja and Malik's Big News | "Heart and Soul" with Jon Huertas (605) Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of That Was Us, we’re diving into Season 6, Episode 5: Heart and Soul. As Rebecca opens herself up to life after loss, Kate and Rebecca navigate a painful shift in their relationship, Kevin searches for the right path forward, and Randall learns how hard it is to let go of the people you love.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

- Jon and Chris' scripted sci-fi audio podcast

- Chris Sullivan’s experience directing the episode and the “scaffolding” that came with directing a show he already knew so well

- The cast members who got the chance to direct or write during the final season

-The very important question: how do you actually pronounce “asterisk”?

They also break down the episode, including:

- Rebecca’s speed-dating experiment

- Kate and Rebecca's fight and Ithe fallout that followed

- Kate confronting Rebecca about her illness and the fear of leaving her alone with the kids

- The meaning behind the episode’s title, “Heart and Soul”

- Kevin reuniting with Cassidy and the harsh truth she tells him

- The emotional final montage of Rebecca and Kate at the piano across three different stages of their lives

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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Support Our Sponsors:

- Once you try Magnetic Me clothing for your little ones, you’ll never want to go back to buttons or zippers! New customers can get 15% off sitewide at https://magneticme.com

- Right now, save up to 30% on mattresses and up to 35% on everything else when you go to https://Casper.com.

- Fatty15 is on a mission to support Healthy Aging for All, including all ages and stages of life. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/THATWASUS and using code THATWASUS at checkout.

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🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

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» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Koch and Us | Director (with Jon Huertas) Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

This week on That Was Us, we’re excited to welcome director Chris Koch, who returns to the podcast to take us behind the scenes of some of This Is Us’ most memorable episodes. Joined by guest co-host Jon Huertas, Chris shares his journey from making Super 8 films to building a long creative partnership with Dan Fogelman, and reflects on directing everything from comedy to some of the show’s most emotional moments.

In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* Jon Huertas’ latest adventures, including farm life, directing, and his dreams of eventually owning a boat

* Chris Koch’s first experiences making films and how a love of Super 8 led him toward directing

* His unexpected path through advertising and branding at MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central

* His longtime creative partnership with Dan Fogelman and how it has evolved across multiple shows

* The differences between directing comedy and drama…and why the best lessons can come from both

* Some of Koch’s favorite and most challenging This Is Us episodes, including the family therapy and Vietnam sequences

* Memorable performances, on-set stories, and the importance of treating every member of a crew with kindness

* What he learned from working with the cast and crew of This Is Us and the advice he would give to someone hoping to build a long career in television

Plus, Jon and Chris join in for a lightning round, revisit some favorite This Is Us moments, and take a few unexpected detours in this exciting conversation. And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1

» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marilyn's Funeral | "Don't Let Me Keep You" (604) Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

This week on That Was Us, we’re breaking down This Is Us Season 6, Episode 4: “Don’t Let Me Keep You.” As Jack says goodbye to his mother, Marilyn, he begins to discover the life she built after leaving his father and confronts how much of her story he never knew. In this episode, the hosts chat about:

* Whether children can ever love their parents as much as parents love their children

* Sterling’s memories of staying up late with his mom and the importance of simply being present with the people we love

* How losing a parent can change the way we see them—not just as our parents, but as people with lives and stories of their own

* The complicated feelings that can come with grief, including regret over the time we didn’t have

* Why being fully present may be one of the greatest gifts we can give someone

They also break down the episode, including:

* Jack arriving at Marilyn’s home and realizing how much he didn’t know about her life

* Meeting Mike, Marilyn’s boyfriend, and discovering the life she built after leaving Stanley

* Marilyn and Jack’s Sunday phone calls

* Jack finding the ice skates Marilyn bought for Kevin, Kate, and Randall

* Jack’s emotional eulogy and his realization that his mother had finally built a home of her own

* The meaning behind the episode’s title, “Don’t Let Me Keep You”

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.

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🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

Join your favorite family back in the living room to examine our past, cherish our present, and look to the future with new episodes of That Was Us every Tuesday.

Executive Producers: Natalie Holysz and Rob Holysz

Creative Producer: Sam Skelton

Production Coordinator: Andrew Rowley

Video Editor: Todd Hughlett

Mix & Master: Jason Richards

About Headgum:

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Chat Was Us | Caregiving Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

This week on That Was Us…we’re back with another Chat Was Us! This time, inspired by the many caregiving stories throughout This Is Us, we’re tackling a topic that touches millions of families: what does it really mean to care for someone? Joined by caregiving advocate and storyteller Lydia Storie, hosts Mandy, Sterling, and Chris explore the realities of caregiving, why seeing these experiences represented on screen matters, and how storytelling can help people feel less alone.In this episode, the conversation covers:

* Why caregiving is so often invisible—and why representation can change that

* The research behind This Is Us’s caregiving storylines and how they impacted viewers

* How seeing characters like Rebecca, Randall, Miguel, and Kate navigate care can open up conversations in our own lives

* Rebecca taking agency over her end-of-life planning

* Randall and Miguel’s honest conversation about needing a break from caregiving

* Kate’s experience as both a parent and a caregiver

* The importance of cultural authenticity in Miguel’s family story

* Why storytelling can sometimes be more powerful than education or traditional PSA campaigns

* The idea that there are more than 130 million people in the U.S. living in the thick of care

* How seeing your own experience reflected on screen can create a powerful sense of “I’m not alone”

* The parasocial connection audiences develop with characters—and why that can make conversations about care feel more personal

* How we can change the way we value aging, disability, caregiving, eldercare, paid leave, and care in our culture

Resources mentioned in this episode: just changed it to this: https://careconversations.com/#join-the-conversation

Survey link for people to tell us about their experiences and inform a more supportive system for care the U.S. https://wearehfc.org/thisisus

The stars of This Is Us discuss the significance of putting Alzheimer’s and caregiving into the spotlight.

https://learcenter.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/caregiving_thisisus_lear_cag.pdf

Audience impact research from Norman Lear Center -- which analyzed how This Is Us S6 affected viewers' opinions and attitudes about care And a friendly reminder, you can catch new episodes of That Was Us every Monday, a day early, exclusively on Hulu. Available on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts on Tuesdays like usual!

That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith.
-------------------------

Support Our Sponsors:

- Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://Quince.com/twu. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

- Right now save up to 30% on mattresses and up to 35% on everything else when you go to https://Casper.com.

- Explore viral bestsellers and products of healthier hair of ALL types from Bask and Lather. Go to https://baskandlatherco.com.

-------------------------

🍋 About the Show:

The stars of This Is Us, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan, dive back into the world of the Pearsons, reliving each episode and all the life lessons that came with it.

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