As COVID19 has taken over our lives, it seems that our television shows have completely avoided the subject. Many of these shows were filmed so much in advance that COVID19 was not even in the conversation, while others are continuing their plot as if COVID19 does not exist. That is, until This is Us premiered last week. This being one of the first shows I have watched that included the pandemic within the plot of the show. Each character was wearing a mask, talking about current events, and discussing the unknown about the pandemic. It was refreshing to see that on screen and to see a television show talk so bluntly about what is happening right now, rather than their pure plot.
It is insane to think about how much our lives have changed these past several months. All of a sudden a mask and hand sanitizer became a necessity and the thought of being in a crowded setting has become a nightmare. Although we have been living this reality for a while now, once I turn on the television it shows the characters I love living in a world that I miss deeply. That is why I loved that This Is Us incorporated little details about our everyday lives revolving around this virus.
One thing that they emphasized was “telehealth”. Telehealth is how counseling and therapy has been occurring nowadays. It is over zoom, which is a video conferencing service that has risen in popularity since the pandemic started, or other virtual platforms that allows you to still go to therapy sessions and still gives you access to resources needed to treat your mental health. I really appreciated how they emphasized that in the show and that it will encourage viewers to also seek out virtual resources since the world is still dealing with this pandemic.
Although it does not seem very significant to include key details about the pandemic and incorporate it into the plot of the show, I have seen it impact people’s lives and cause them to feel less alone. I interviewed a peer of mine, Samantha Alavarado, about this exact topic. She said that it was amazing to see COVID19 being naturally placed within the plot of the show. She went on to say that it is important that people see they are not alone in dealing with their personal struggles during quarantine and dealing with the pandemic. She appreciates that the This Is Us writers cared enough to include these storylines related to the pandemic in the show. Alvarado continued to say that it is so important for people to see how COVID19 has taken a toll on everyone and that everyone should take the time to find an outlet to distress and take time out of their day to put themselves first. Reflect on what you are feeling and understand that your emotions are valid.
I think that overall, This Is Us, including the pandemic in their plot has really resonated with viewers and added so much more authenticity to the show. It conveys to me along with other audience members that the writers care about being raw and honest with viewers, as well as, showing that life happens and when we show the reality of the situation we are able to overcome the hardships rather than just ignoring the issue and trying to lead the lives that we were leading before this pandemic occurred.
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