THIS IS US: The First Season: Pilgrim Rick
A warm Thanksgiving episode about family, love, and loyalty.
Should You Watch It?
“Pilgrim Rick” is a warm, emotionally rich episode centered on the Pearson family’s Thanksgiving traditions. Its message is simple and worthwhile: life is short, so love deeply, treasure the present, and refuse to live by fear.
The episode also takes deception seriously. Randall’s discovery of a secret brings painful consequences, while the family’s conversations about marriage, children, gratitude, and loyalty give the story its strongest foundation. The brief foul language and verbal references to adultery call for discernment, especially with younger viewers.
If you are choosing for teenagers or adults, this is a strong episode to watch and discuss together. For younger children, parents should decide whether the content is appropriate.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThe Pearsons travel to Rebecca’s parents’ house for Thanksgiving, but a blown tire forces them to abandon the family dinner and stay at a local motel. In the present day, Thanksgiving unfolds at Randall’s house, bringing together family members, partners, old traditions, and difficult decisions.
Kate reconsiders her relationship with Toby, while Beth urges Rebecca to address a long-kept family secret.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this episode is highly effective entertainment, and “Pilgrim Rick” earns that rating through its heartwarming portrayal of Pearson family traditions. The Thanksgiving setting gives the story an appealing emotional center, while its focus on love, loyalty, and making the most of the present makes the episode thoughtful as well as moving.
The episode connects its family drama to real moral consequences, particularly when deception comes to light. The source review offers limited craft detail beyond its strong emotional impact.
The Worldview
“Pilgrim Rick” presents a strong moral worldview centered on the value of family, marriage, and children. It exalts loving deeply, treasuring the present, refusing to live by fear, and making the most of the time we have. The Pearson family’s Thanksgiving traditions are portrayed as deeply meaningful, especially as family members take turns sharing what they are thankful for.
The episode also recognizes that deception damages relationships. Randall’s discovery of his adoptive mother’s secret shows how hidden truths can carry painful consequences. The discussion of adultery and dysfunctional family life acknowledges brokenness without making it the episode’s central ideal.
The episode’s emphasis on love and loyalty aligns with biblical priorities, though its message remains focused on family relationships rather than explicitly on God. Scripture reminds us that our earthly lives are brief: “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
<b>
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Strong moral worldview with an emphasis on the value of family, marriage and children, plus a family takes turns talking about things for which they’re thankful; <b>
Foul Language
</b> Two<b> </b>obscenities and three profanities; <b>
Violence
</b>No violence except for a car blowing a tire which causes it to crash through a fence; <b>
Sex
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>A woman mentions her father was unfaithful, and a woman mentions her husband is cheating on her; <b>
Nudity
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>No nudity; <b>
Alcohol Use
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Mild alcohol content with a man shown drinking wine, a man shown drinking beer, a woman mentions drinking bourbon, a woman recalls her mother would get drunk and angry; <b>
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>No smoking or drugs; <b>
Miscellaneous Immorality
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Anger and dysfunctional family life is discussed.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The episode stresses loving deeply and treasuring the present. What keeps you from making the most of the time you have with the people you love?
James 4:14 · Ephesians 5:15–16The Pearson family shares what they are thankful for. What are you thankful for, and how can gratitude change the way your family treats one another?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 · Philippians 4:6Randall faces the consequences of a secret. When is telling the truth difficult, and why does Scripture still call us to speak truthfully?
Ephesians 4:25 · Proverbs 12:22The episode explores loyalty in family and marriage. What does faithful love look like when relationships are under pressure?
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 · Colossians 3:12–14The Final Word
“Pilgrim Rick” is a heartwarming episode about family traditions, gratitude, love, and loyalty. Its brief foul language and references to adultery call for discernment, but teenagers and adults can find meaningful material here for reflection and conversation. Our answer is clear: WORTH WATCHING.
