Hello, everyone! Hope all is well! Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama A Million Little Things, which delves into how a profound loss impacts a close-knit group of friends and how such a tragedy can inspire genuine living.
A Million Little Things debuted on September 26, 2018, running across 5 seasons with 87 episodes, each about 43 minutes long. Initially broadcasted on ABC, it’s now accessible on several streaming services like Hulu. Created by DJ Nash, it follows friends motivated to embrace fuller lives following a friend’s unforeseen passing.
This poignant drama skillfully intertwines heavy themes of grief, depression, and suicide with moments of optimism, laughter, and recovery. It focuses on a Boston-based friends’ circle bonded through unusual circumstances, where some have found success while others face career and personal struggles, yet all feel stagnant in life. A tragedy strikes, prompting each to reassess life’s true priorities.
The Core Storyline: Loss as a Catalyst for Life
The narrative starts with a shocking suicide that deeply affects a group of friends. Jon, who appeared successful and content, unexpectedly takes his life, leaving friends like Gary, Rome, Maggie, and Eddie to deal with guilt, confusion, and unanswered questions. This sorrowful event drives each character to transition from merely existing to truly living. The show examines how grief can either freeze us or push us forward, illustrating that sometimes losing it all helps us realize what we actually possess.
Gary Mendez: The Loyal Friend Battling Inner Demons
David Giuntoli plays Gary, a breast cancer survivor who uses wit as both defense and offense against life’s challenges. Gary’s journey is particularly engaging as he deals with survivor’s guilt on several levels—surviving cancer when others didn’t and surviving his best friend Jon’s passing. His character’s growth through the series illustrates a man learning vulnerability, love, and finding purpose beyond simply surviving. His bond with Maggie, another cancer survivor, becomes pivotal in their mutual healing process.
Rome Howard: Challenging Mental Health Stereotypes
Romany Malco adds depth to Rome, a thriving commercial director quietly battling depression. Rome’s storyline is groundbreaking in its candid depiction of mental health issues, especially within the Black community where they’re often stigmatized. His transition from suicidal thoughts to seeking aid and advocating for mental wellness offers some of the series’ most impactful scenes. Rome’s marriage to Regina and their fertility struggles add further complexity to his character’s journey.
Unveiling Jon’s Hidden Truths
The show hits its emotional zenith when friends uncover the true reason behind Jon’s suicide—a network of financial deceit and personal shame he felt trapped by. This revelation compels each character to face their own secrets, leading to a potent climax where truth is both destructive and liberating. Discovering that Jon was protecting them all along, even in death, provides a bittersweet closure honoring both his memory and their friendship.
A Rich Tapestry of Human Experiences
The ensemble cast, including Grace Park, Christina Moses, Allison Miller, James Roday Rodriguez, Stéphanie Szostak, Tristan Byon, and Lizzy Greene, offers diverse perspectives to the narrative. Delilah, Jon’s widow, juggles single motherhood while managing her own secrets. Eddie battles addiction and infidelity while attempting to mend his marriage to Katherine. Maggie, the group’s therapist, learns self-healing while helping others. Each supporting character enriches the show’s depiction of contemporary friendship and familial dynamics.
Success in the Streaming World
A Million Little Things gained traction through word-of-mouth and streaming platforms, with audiences attracted to its authentic portrayal of grief and companionship. The series’ interconnected plots and flashbacks keep viewers engaged, slowly unraveling the intricate web of relationships and secrets. Its bold approach to topics like suicide, mental health, addiction, and infertility resonated with viewers seeking more profound content. The series concluded on its own terms in 2023, offering a fulfilling resolution for all characters.
If you’re drawn to deeply emotional dramas that explore the intricacies of friendship, loss, and second chances, A Million Little Things is the ideal series to binge-watch on streaming platforms. The show demonstrates that life’s most significant lessons often arrive during our darkest times. It transforms tragedy into hope, illustrating that true friendship isn’t about grand gestures but countless small moments that unite us and give life meaning.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 87 episodes across 5 seasons
Platform: Originally ABC, now available on Hulu and other streaming services
Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: Drama, Emotional/Family Drama
Main Protagonists: David Giuntoli (Gary), Romany Malco (Rome), Allison Miller (Maggie), Christina Moses (Regina)
Central Conflict: Dealing with friend’s suicide and its aftermath while confronting personal struggles