Last Fall, ABC premiered their new series A Million Little Things. Created by DJ Nash, the creative mind behind Truth Be Told and Growing Up Fisher, leaves the realm of comedy for a more heartfelt, sometimes saddening exploration of a group of friends dealing with the loss of one of their own. Before its premiere, the series was dubbed as ABC’s answer to NBC’s This Is Us, arguably one of the best shows on network television today. When it comes to dealing with an extremely emotional topic in a creative way, A Million Little Things definitely puts itself in the realm of This Is Us.
The series tells the story of a group of friends, played by the extremely talented likes of David Giuntoli (Grimm), Romany Malco (40 Year Old Virgin), Allison Miller (Go On), Christina Marie Moses (The Originals), Grace Park (Hawaii 5-0), James Roday (Psych), Stephanie Szostak (Iron Man 3), and Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom), who are dealing with the recent suicide of John (Ron Livingston), the rock of the entire clan. Stunned by his death, the group struggles to come to terms with it as their own personal struggles come to the forefront. As they deal with their personal issues, they discover hidden secrets that John kept from them, unraveling what seems to be some sort of plan connected to the betterment of his wife (Szostak) and family.
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As a fan of NBC’s hit drama, I wouldn’t say this series is equally as good as it, but it is definitely a thoroughly-developed drama that touches on many human factors and obstacles. The pain that rises from personal events like suicide, cancer, adultery, and broken trust are displayed respectfully by intelligent writing and honest portrayals by an experienced cast. It’s not all tears and tissues, either. The series has plenty of lighthearted fun moments with smart comedic delivery and wholesome family moments. If anything, the series delivers a well-rounded package of what life is: happy, sad, fun, tears, celebrating and mourning all presented by an interconnected, sometimes dysfunctional but always caring, group of friends.
If you are interested in any of that, then add A Million Little Things on ABC to your viewing list.