Sometimes life will surprise you. Starring Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia and Sterling K. Brown, this refreshingly honest and provocative series follows a unique ensemble. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday and so much more than anyone would expect. From the writer and directors of "Crazy, Stupid, Love" comes a smart, modern dramedy that will challenge your everyday presumptions about the people you think you know.
Kate is furiously working hard to shed her unwanted pounds as she continues to struggle with impatience and discouragement. She receives support from her new boyfriend, Toby, as he helps her let loose and enjoy herself. Beth begins to question the motives of Randall's biological father, William, and takes action in getting answers on his activities. Randall has a lot more on his mind with the new life-changing addition of having his biological father in his life. Marriage and raising three 8-year-old children is beginning to take its toll on Rebecca and Jack as they start to feel distant from one another. Kevin faces the aftermath of quitting his job as he deals with his agent, Lanie, and has to figure out how to move forward.
Rebecca makes a surprise visit to Randall's home where she encounters his biological father, William. Kevin anxiously decides to take the plunge and move to New York to pursue a Broadway job, with the expectation that his sister, Kate, will move with him. Toby is determined to get Kate out of Kevin's shadow and prepares a special day where she is in the limelight. Jack and Rebecca take home their babies from the hospital and adjust to the new life of parenthood, while coping with the loss of their other child. Rebecca struggles to connect with their adopted child and searches for answers.
Rebecca and Jack take Kevin, Kate, and Randall to the community pool on a hot day and quickly realize each child is going through their own struggles. Kevin auditions for his first Broadway play in New York and meets a determined actress who is less than impressed by him. Toby runs into his ex-wife while at a restaurant with Kate, which sends Kate into a spiral of self-doubt. William is mistakenly reported as a loiterer in Randall's predominately white neighborhood, which exposes deep-rooted issues of race.
Jack and Rebecca argue about the idea of starting a family; the story behind the family's love for the Pittsburgh Steelers is revealed; Kevin discovers that the script for his part in the play is relevant to his own life.
Kate interviews for a new job that seems just about perfect, although it comes with a catch. Randall doubts his career choice and wonders if he followed the right path. Kevin and Olivia's relationship moves in a new direction. Rebecca and Jack are conflicted on what to do when Randall tests as a gifted child.
The dynamic of Randall and Kevin's rocky relationship is explained. Beth and William spend time together, which unexpectedly brings to light a secret William has been keeping. As Rebecca gets back to work for the first time in years, both she and Jack acknowledge that there is distance between them. Toby is caught straying from his diet regimen, throwing Kate into crisis.
As Jack, Rebecca and the three kids make their way to Rebecca's parents' house for their traditional Thanksgiving holiday, an unforeseen detour occurs. Kate makes two drastic life-changing decisions. Kevin brings Olivia to Randall's house for Thanksgiving. Randall's heart is broken when he learns about a lifelong secret his mother has kept from him.
Kate, Kevin and Randall head to their family's cabin to get away after their chaotic family Thanksgiving. A very angry Randall finds comfort and explanation from his father, Jack. Olivia speaks a harsh truth to Kate, which drives a wedge between Kate and Kevin. Rebecca and Jack struggle with what to do when 9-year-old Randall tells them that he's been looking for his birth parents.
The Pearson family finds themselves at the hospital on Christmas Eve after little Kate comes down with appendicitis. When they run into Dr. K, who is alone at the hospital, they realize they need to be there for him as much as he was once there for them. Presently, Kevin celebrates Hanukkah with Sloane and her family, Kate continues to pursue her big surgery and someone from William's past reappears in his life.
Kate struggles with her feelings in the aftermath of Toby's heart attack. As William begins to spend more time with Jesse, Randall has to get used to his father's new relationship. After receiving the news they're expecting triplets, Jack and Rebecca must find a way to afford a home that can accommodate three babies. Olivia unexpectedly resurfaces, throwing both Kevin and Sloane for a loop.
As the birth date of her triplets quickly approaches, a frazzled and emotional Rebecca forgets Jack's birthday. Dr. K struggles with the loss of his wife and wonders how he'll be able to continue on with his life without her. Joe - the firefighter who delivered baby Randall to the hospital - fights to save his marriage.
Jack and Rebecca get in over their heads when they decide to throw Kate, Kevin and Randall three separate parties for their 10th birthday. Randall struggles to make time for William as things intensify at the office. Kevin makes a major decision in his romantic life. Kate's gastric bypass journey takes an unexpected turn.
Toby throws a wrench in Kate's weight loss journey. Randall struggles to accept his father's deteriorating health. Miguel and Shelly break some devastating news to Jack and Rebecca, which makes them worry about their own relationship. Rebecca receives an amazing work opportunity. Kevin examines his romantic past.
As Kevin stresses about the premiere of his play, he receives support from an unexpected source. Randall struggles under the pressure of both his work and ailing father. Rebecca and Jack's Valentine's Day doesn't go as planned.
Randall and William take a road trip to Memphis, where Randall learns about his biological father's past.
The entire Pearson family gathers at Randall's for an unusual party. Kevin and Sophie's relationship deepens on the night of his play's premiere. Kate struggles to open up to Toby about her father's death. Tensions are high between Jack and Rebecca as she leaves on tour with her band.
In the season finale, Jack heads to Cleveland to make things right with Rebecca on the night of her first big gig with the band. Randall, Kate and Kevin make big decisions about their futures.
In the second season premiere, it's the 'Big 3's' 37th birthday and Randall and Beth debate a big life-change. Kate takes the first steps in pursuing her new passion and Kevin balances his career and relationship.
The entire Pearson family visits Kevin on set in Los Angeles for a "Manny" taping. Jack confronts his demons in the wake of his fight with Rebecca.
Kate visits Kevin on the set of his movie. Randall and Beth get exciting news. Rebecca tries to reconnect with Jack.
Randall and Beth adjust to a new family dynamic. Kate books her first big gig. Kevin suffers a setback on his movie. Jack and Rebecca are visited by an unwelcome guest.
Kate surprises Toby at work. Kevin and Randall attend a charity fundraiser for Sophie's hospital. Jack takes the boys on a camping trip, leaving Rebecca to deal with some unexpected news.
Trick-or-treating with the 10-year-olds goes awry for Jack and Rebecca. Randall, Kevin, and Kate have life-changing Halloweens.
Randall adjusts to the foster system. Kate and Toby take the next step in their relationship. Kevin visits Sophie in New York. Jack and Rebecca finalize Randall's adoption.
Kevin goes back to his high school to accept an award. Jack and Rebecca get excited about their kids' futures.
Kate and Toby's lives take an unexpected turn. Rebecca encourages Kate's singing aspirations.
Randall and Beth are faced with a hard choice. Jack takes Randall on a college tour.
The Pearsons come together under unexpected circumstances. Jack surprises the family with a summer vacation.
Kate goes wedding dress shopping. Kevin embraces a new lifestyle. Randall explores William's past. Jack and Rebecca take the kids to the mall.
Kevin helps Randall and Beth with a project. Kate contemplates a big gift for Toby. Jack and Rebecca talk about their future.
Randall hosts a Super Bowl party while Kevin and Kate reconnect with the past.
The history of the Pearsons as told through the life of the family car. Rebecca finds solace with an old friend as the Pearsons struggle to cope with tragedy. Jack teaches Kevin and Randall to drive.
Kate and Toby go to Las Vegas for their bachelor/bachelorette parties. Jack and Rebecca celebrate their anniversary.
Deja's life with her mom, Shauna, and grandmother Joyce unfolds from the very beginning. Randall and Beth welcome visitors to their home.
The Pearsons come together to celebrate Kate and Toby's wedding. Wedding planners Kevin and Randall struggle to pull off the big day. Kate is flooded with memories of Jack. Deja struggles to adjust to her new living situation.
Randall, Kate and Kevin find themselves on new paths as they celebrate their 38th birthdays.
The Pearsons gather to support Kevin at his movie premiere. The teenage Big Three make college decisions.
The Pearsons rally around Kate as she undergoes a medical procedure.
A young Jack makes a decision that will impact the course of his life.
Kate and Toby try to keep busy while waiting for big news. Randall embarks on a new journey. Kevin meets someone from his father's past.
Kate struggles with Toby's depression. Randall makes time for Kevin, who obsesses about Jack's past.
Kevin and Zoe land in Vietnam. In the past, Jack and Rebecca take a road trip to Los Angeles. Jack's war story continues to be revealed.
The Pearsons have an unconventional Thanksgiving dinner. In the past, Jack, Rebecca and the big three spend Thanksgiving with Miguel.
Kevin arrives at the Ville his father served in. Kate pursues a new opportunity. Randall debates Councilman Solomon Brown. In the past, Jack struggles to get through to his brother.
Randall's campaign comes to a close. Kevin meets someone from Zoe's past. Kate and Toby get ready for the baby.
Rebecca and the Big Three reckon with secrets Jack kept from them. Jack's Vietnam story continues to be revealed.
Kevin attempts to help Nicky. Randall and Kate reflect on differing memories of their childhood.
Kevin keeps a secret from Zoe. Randall gets unexpected news about Deja. In the past, the Big Three graduate from High School.
Tensions run high as the Pearsons await news about Kate's pregnancy.
Beth's trip home to care for her mother sparks an unexpected realization.
Beth and Randall adjust to their new normal. Kate and Toby spend time with baby Jack. Zoe and Kevin work on their relationship.
A history of Beth and Randall through the ages.
Jack meets Rebecca’s parents. New characters are introduced.
Beth and Randall adjust to life in Philadelphia. Jack and Rebecca take the Big Three to the pool.
Randall is confronted with a tough choice. Kate and Toby adjust to their new home. Miguel and Jack’s friendship solidifies.
Kevin reflects on his past. Rebecca visits Randall at college. Beth’s mom comes to visit. Kate and Toby share new experiences with baby Jack.
Rebecca hosts a dinner party. Kevin tries to support those around him. Randall faces concerns about how his family is adjusting to their new home.
Kate and Toby try to make time for their marriage. Jack attempts to prove himself to Rebecca’s father. Randall struggles to find his place with the other councilmen.
Deja pushes the boundaries of Randall and Beth’s trust. Jack and Rebecca invite Randall’s new teacher over for dinner.
Rebecca visits Randall in Philadelphia. Beth is troubled by a request from Deja. Kevin has doubts about himself.
The Pearson family gathers for their first Thanksgiving at Randall's Philadelphia townhouse.
