This Is Us Season 1 How Many Episodes

Okay, let's talk This Is Us. Season 1. Remember when that show was all anyone could talk about?

Tissues were mandatory. Tears flowed freely. I'm pretty sure I dehydrated myself during the Thanksgiving episode.

So, How Many Episodes Were We Subjected To?

Here's the big question. How many episodes did This Is Us Season 1 cram into our tear ducts? The answer? 18.

Eighteen episodes of feels. Eighteen episodes of Jack being perfect. Eighteen episodes of wondering what's up with Nicky.

Honestly, thinking back, that feels like a LOT.

Now, brace yourselves. I have an unpopular opinion. I think This Is Us Season 1 could have been shorter.

Gasp! I know, I know. Blasphemy! But hear me out.

Did we REALLY need all those little flashbacks? Did we really need to see Jack fix the sink for the tenth time? (Okay, maybe I liked those.)

Sometimes, less is more, right? Imagine a lean, mean, 12-episode season. Boom! Impactful. Emotional. BAM!

I’m just saying, maybe some storylines could have been consolidated. Or, dare I suggest, CUT?

Okay, let's refresh our memories. We had episodes about Kate's weight loss journey.

And Kevin's struggling acting career. Plus, Randall's search for his biological father.

And let's not forget all the Jack and Rebecca goodness. The couple that made everyone want to get married and immediately have triplets.

Each character got their time to shine (and weep). But again... 18 episodes. That’s a commitment!

I’m not saying it wasn’t a good commitment. Just a… long one.

"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." - This Is Us...probably.

But let’s be real. The length of This Is Us Season 1 fueled the water cooler conversations. Everyone had an opinion.

Who was your favorite Pearson? Did you cry during that scene? Do you think Miguel is a good guy? (Still debatable.)

Maybe the 18 episodes were a genius move after all. It gave us plenty to discuss and dissect.

Maybe I’m just a grumpy viewer who prefers shorter seasons. Maybe I have commitment issues.

Or maybe, just maybe, I think This Is Us Season 1 was slightly overstuffed with emotional baggage. Just a tad.

But hey, that's just my opinion. And you know what they say about opinions...

Regardless of the episode count, This Is Us Season 1 was a cultural phenomenon.

It made us laugh, it made us cry, and it made us examine our own family relationships.

But next time, can we aim for, like, 10 episodes? My tear ducts (and my DVR) would thank you.

So, 18 episodes. That's the magic number. Whether you think it was too many or just right, there's no denying its impact.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go rewatch the pilot. With a box of tissues, of course.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll skip a few episodes this time. Don't tell anyone.