
In the episode The Game Plan of NBC's This Is Us, Kevin paints a Jackson Pollock-style artwork, which he describes as representing the idea that life doesn't end at death or begin at birth. The painting symbolises the belief that we are all in the same painting, everywhere, all at once, and that death does not mean we are no longer part of the painting. This concept is further emphasised by Kevin's monologue, where he reflects on his father's death and the idea that even though his father is gone, he is still a part of their lives and the painting of their existence. This scene not only adds depth to Kevin's character but also serves as a thesis statement for the entire series, exploring the interconnectedness of life and death within a family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Represents | Life, death, and the afterlife |
| Painter | Kevin |
| Style | Jackson Pollock-esque |
| Meaning | "We all add our colour over the canvas, on top of each other, until eventually we’re not different colours — we’re one painting." |
| Monologue | Kevin's struggle with figuring out how to get by on his own, not being with his sister, and feeling out of place. |
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What You'll Learn

Kevin's painting is a Jackson Pollock-style artwork
In the NBC television series This Is Us, Kevin, a handsome television actor, paints a Jackson Pollock-style artwork after reading a play for the first time. The painting is introduced in episode five of season one and is first seen hanging on the wall in the bedroom of Randall's daughter, Tess.
Kevin's painting is abstract, with layered spatters of colourful paint. It represents his thoughts on life and death, which he explains through a monologue in the episode. He points to different parts of the painting, suggesting that each colour represents a different person and their life. He ponders whether we are all in the painting everywhere, even before we are born and after we die. Through this, he conveys the idea that life doesn't end at death or begin at birth, and that even when people pass away, they are still part of the painting.
The artwork and Kevin's monologue reveal a sensitive, artistic side to the actor, who is typically self-indulgent. It also acts as a thesis statement for the entire series, encapsulating the show's title and premise. Kevin's words provide a meta commentary on the show's narrative structure, which jumps throughout one family's history.
The painting is a significant moment for Kevin, as it reflects his personal struggles and his process of self-discovery. It also adds depth to his character, showing that he is more than just a self-absorbed actor.
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The painting is about life and death
In the episode "The Game Plan" of NBC's series "This Is Us", Kevin—an actor who usually comes across as self-indulgent—paints a Jackson Pollock-esque artwork after reading a play for the first time. The painting is abstract, with layered splatters of colourful paint. Kevin's monologue about the painting's meaning is a thesis statement for the entire series.
Kevin explains that the painting represents his thought that life doesn't end at death or begin at birth. He believes that everyone is in the same painting everywhere, all at once. In his view, life is like a painting where each person adds their own colour to the canvas, layering on top of one another until they become one painting. This idea is reflected in his statement: "What if we're all in the painting everywhere? What if we're in the painting before we're born? What if we're in it after we die?"
Kevin's monologue is especially poignant as he reflects on the death of his father, who is no longer alive but remains with him every day. He expresses the idea that even when someone dies, they are still in the painting: "It's kind of beautiful, right, if you think about it, the fact that just because someone dies, just because you can't see them or talk to them anymore, it doesn't mean they're not still in the painting."
The painting and Kevin's words serve as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life and death, suggesting that even after death, people continue to be a part of the larger canvas of existence. This interpretation adds depth to the show's title, "This Is Us", implying that we are all connected in the grand scheme of life, with our individual experiences contributing to a collective whole.
Overall, the painting in "This Is Us" serves as a powerful symbol of the show's exploration of life, death, and the enduring impact of loved ones who have passed away. It invites viewers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of existence, where joy and tragedy coexist, and where the boundaries between life and death may not be as clear-cut as we once thought.
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It reveals a sensitive, artistic side to Kevin
In the episode "The Game Plan" of NBC's "This Is Us", Kevin, a television actor, is seen painting a Jackson Pollock-esque artwork. This painting is a result of Kevin's interpretation of his play, which is about life. Kevin's monologue about the painting reveals a sensitive, artistic side to the typically self-indulgent actor.
Kevin's interpretation of the play is that life is full of colours, and each individual adds their own colour to the painting. He ponders the idea that perhaps we are all in the painting everywhere, even before we are born and after we die. He contemplates the concept of life and death, suggesting that even after someone passes away, they are still in the painting. This idea is further reinforced by his reference to his late father, whom he believes is still with him every day, even though he is no longer alive.
This monologue not only provides insight into Kevin's character but also acts as a thesis statement for the entire series. It captures the essence of the show's title, "This Is Us", by emphasising the interconnectedness of life and death. Kevin's realisation that we are all part of the same painting, regardless of our differences, adds depth to his character and showcases his ability to feel and express emotions.
The painting scene is significant as it highlights Kevin's emotional side, which contrasts with his public image as a self-indulgent actor. This scene also serves as a turning point for Kevin, as it is the first time he becomes aware of how others perceive him, leading to self-doubt and a struggle to understand his place in the world. Through his conversation with William, who offers fatherly advice, Kevin begins to gain confidence and accept himself.
Overall, the painting scene and Kevin's subsequent monologue reveal a sensitive, artistic, and thoughtful side to Kevin, adding complexity and depth to his character in "This Is Us".
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The painting is a metaphor for the show's title
In the NBC television series 'This Is Us', Kevin, a television actor, paints a Jackson Pollock-esque artwork after reading a play for the first time. This painting is a metaphor for the show's title, 'This Is Us', as it represents the idea that life is like a painting that goes on forever, with each person adding their own unique colour to the canvas.
In the show, Kevin explains to his nieces, Tess and Annie, that the painting represents the idea that we are all part of the same painting, everywhere and all at once. This includes those who have passed away, as "just because someone dies, just because you can't see them or talk to them anymore, it doesn't mean they're not still in the painting". The painting symbolises the belief that life does not end at death or begin at birth, but rather, we are all interconnected and part of a larger whole.
This concept is further emphasised in Kevin's monologue, where he ponders the idea that we might be in the painting even before we are born and after we die. He reflects on the layers of colours in the painting, suggesting that they represent different people and their contributions to the canvas of life. As these colours blend and come together, they create a unified painting, just as our individual lives and experiences come together to form a collective whole.
The painting, therefore, serves as a visual representation of the show's theme of interconnectedness and the belief that life transcends the boundaries of birth and death. It captures the essence of the show's title, 'This Is Us', by portraying the idea that we are all interconnected pieces of a larger, ongoing painting, constantly adding our unique colours and experiences to the canvas of life.
Through this metaphor, the show explores the beauty of human existence and the ways in which our lives intersect and influence one another, creating a unified and meaningful whole, despite the joys and tragedies we experience.
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It is a reminder that the show is about more than Jack's death
The painting in "This is Us" is a reminder that the show explores more profound themes than Jack's death. While Jack's demise is a pivotal moment in the series, the painting, created and explained by Kevin, adds depth to the narrative by delving into the nature of life, death, and the interconnectedness of existence.
In the show, Kevin, a television actor, paints a Jackson Pollock-esque artwork after reading a play for the first time. The painting, with its layered spatters of colourful paint, becomes a vehicle for Kevin to express his thoughts on life and death. He ponders the idea that life is like a painting where each person adds their unique colour to the canvas. Over time, these colours blend, and we become one unified painting, interconnected and eternal.
This monologue by Kevin, where he reflects on the nature of existence, serves as a thesis statement for the entire series. It reveals a sensitive, artistic side to his character, contrasting his self-indulgent actor persona. More importantly, it underscores the show's exploration of life's complexities. Kevin's words suggest that death is not the end but a continuation of our presence in the "painting" of life. This interpretation adds a layer of hope and comfort to the narrative, reminding viewers that even in the face of loss, their loved ones remain a part of their lives.
Moreover, the painting scene is significant because it showcases Kevin's emotional vulnerability and his struggle to find his place in the world. Through his art and subsequent explanation, Kevin expresses his feelings of self-doubt and his search for meaning. This moment of introspection provides insight into his character and adds depth to the show's exploration of family dynamics and personal growth.
The painting in "This is Us" serves as a powerful reminder that the show delves into universal themes of life, death, family, and personal struggles. While Jack's death is a pivotal plot point, the painting invites viewers to consider the broader tapestry of human existence and the enduring connections that transcend life and death.
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Frequently asked questions
The painting is a Jackson Pollock-style artwork created by Kevin, one of the show's main characters. It is significant because it represents the show's premise and acts as a thesis statement for the entire series.
The painting represents Kevin's thought that life doesn't end at death or begin at birth. We're all in the same painting, everywhere, all at once.
The colours in the painting represent the different people in Kevin's life, with each person adding their own unique colour to the canvas.
The painting first appears in episode five of season one. It is seen hanging on the wall in the bedroom of Randall's daughter, Tess.










































