Season Overview and Show Status
This Is Us was canceled after six seasons, with the series finale airing in May 2022. The show was renewed for season 5 and season 6 upfront, meaning a clear sixth and final season was ordered before production on season 5 wrapped. NBC later confirmed the cancellation after the final season, clarifying there was no ongoing renewal beyond season 6. Below is a concise season-by-season status and production timeline to anchor expectations about the show’s conclusion.
| Season | Episodes | Original Air Period | Renewal/Cancellation Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | 2016–2017 | Picked up for full season after midseason start |
| 2 | 18 | 2017–2018 | Renewed for season 3 |
| 3 | 18 | 2018–2019 | Renewed for season 4 |
| 4 | 18 | 2019–2020 | Renewed for season 5 |
| 5 | 16 | 2020–2021 | Renewed for season 6 |
| 6 | 18 | 2021–2022 | No renewal beyond season 6; series finale aired 2022 |
Renewal History and Production Timelines
After season 4, This Is Us was renewed for both season 5 and season 6 in one upfront cycle, which is commonly treated as a two-season renewal. Production for season 5 began in the summer of 2019, paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic, and resumed in the fall. Season 5 premiered in January 2020 (midseason), while season 6 production started in the fall of 2020 and wrapped in early 2021. The series finale was filmed in early 2021 to allow for postproduction before airing in May 2022. No active production or new seasons are planned beyond season 6.
Clarifying Cancellation Language
Was It Cancelled Mid-Season?
No. This Is Us was not canceled mid-season at any point. The show received a two-season renewal up front after season 4, which covered seasons 5 and 6. NBC officially canceled the series after season 6 wrapped, which aligns with the planned series conclusion rather than an abrupt mid-run cancellation.
Cancellation vs. Renewal Announcements
- Season 5 renewal: Announced in early 2019 as part of a two-season renewal through season 6
- Season 6: Ordered upfront; production began fall 2020 and wrapped early 2021
- Cancellation: Confirmed by NBC after the season 6 finale in May 2022
Why the Show Ended and What Comes Next
The series concluded with season 6 to allow the creative team to plan a deliberate ending across six seasons. Cast contracts and production timelines were aligned with this plan, and cast members have pursued other projects. Any suggestion of revival or continuation is speculative and not under active development by NBC or the production company. The existing six-season run forms a complete story arc from 2016 to 2022.
Key Dates and Transitions
Viewers often ask about transition periods between seasons and how production decisions aligned with airing schedules. Season 5’s premiere was delayed from its intended fall 2020 slot to January 2021 due to pandemic-related production adjustments, while season 6 moved to a fall premiere in 2021 and wrapped filming in early 2021 to meet the spring 2022 series finale target. These shifts reflect production realities rather than renewal uncertainty.
Summary of Show Lifespan
This Is Us ran for six seasons over six calendar years, from 2016 to 2022, with a planned conclusion. There is no ongoing series or new season in production. The status is best described as concluded after a deliberate, planned six-season run that ended in spring 2022. Industry reporting and studio confirmations consistently reflect this timeline and finality.