A Million Little Things premieres September 26th on ABC.
By Ariba Bhuvad
Have you ever wondered if a show could be as amazing and beautiful as NBC’s This Is Us? Well, I have news for you: it can! From creator D.J. Nash comes this riveting ABC dramedy that follows a group of friends in the aftermath of their friend Jon’s (Ron Livingston) suicide. Losing their friend perpetuates awareness in their own lives to live the best lives they can, and to remember that everything happens for a reason.
Honestly, the pilot episode was so unexpectedly heartwarming, and had twists and turns in an unconventional, emotional way. What makes this series so special (even within just one episode) is that it pushes the characters to evaluate how they live their lives and if they are doing their best to enjoy all the time they have. But there is also a logical, realistic aspect to the story that presents in the pilot episode.
The group of friends doesn’t quite understand why their friend chose to end his life as his outward attitude, demeanor, and appearance didn’t raise any alarms. His death was an eye-opener to the fact their friend was dealing with something internally, and they were all unaware of it. Each character has their own struggles with the reality of losing their friend, and in the first episode we begin to see just how deeply rooted their loss feels.
Along with Dixon, the cast includes those his character leaves behind inclusive of his friends Eddie (David Giuntoli), Regina (Christina Moses), Rome (Romany Malco), Gary (James Roday) and his widow Delilah (Stephanie Szostak). A Million Little Things is hard to describe because of the way it makes you feel. There is something so poignant and touching about it, and even with just the pilot episode, I was so drawn in by every aspect of it.
One of the most commendable aspects of the pilot was the way they broached the topic of mental health in the context of Jon’s suicide. Some of the characters were alarmed at the idea of “silent suffering” while the character of Rome could relate as he was contemplating suicide moments before he got the call about Jon’s death. There is even an analogy in the episode that describes what depression feels like and it may resonate with those that understand the feeling.
I am super excited to see the first season of A Million Little Things given how wonderful the pilot was. The storytelling is top-notch, the characters are relatable, the writing tugs at your heartstrings, and the overall vibe of the show leaves you with the inspiration to live your best life because as Jon said, “Life is too short”.
I give A Million Little Things an A.
TV and City 