Comcast NBCUniversal: 'This Is Us' Was Just What We Needed

Comcast NBCUniversal is No. 19 on the DivesityInc Top 50 Companies list

NBC’s “This Is Us” captured the hearts of viewers to become the no. 1 new show of the 2016-17 season. The show was also the most talked-about new series of the season in all of television with nearly 7 million total social interactions^[1].

Created by Dan Fogelman, the refreshingly honest and provocative series follows the intertwining life stories of a family as they grow up, and grow together. Credited for embracing diversity, “This Is Us”
features a white family with an adopted African American son, an overweight woman dealing with weight struggles, and an older LGBTQ African American man who is coming to terms with decisions from his past.

The touching storylines that resonated with viewers across the country were crafted by an ethnically and gender diverse group of writers. Kay Oyegun, a Nigerian-American TV writer, is one of the many voices behind the successful first season of “This Is Us.”

Everyone in the writers’ room approaches the show from a place of genuine love and desire to authentically develop our characters and their stories,” said Kay.

We knew that we had something special, so we hoped that the show would connect with people who were patient and excited to watch a character-driven narrative on TV. We all hoped for success, and have been blown away by the overwhelming response of our viewers. It has exceeded all of our expectations.”

The first season of “This Is Us” averaged a 4.6 rating in adults 18-49 and 14.6 million viewers overall in live plus seven day” results from Nielsen Media Research, making it the #1 new show of the season in 18-49 and television’s #4 entertainment series in that key demographic.