Whether you liked the Season 1 finale of This Is Us or not, it's a safe bet that you were reaching for the tissues. That's because it's nearly impossible to watch This Is Us without crying. Since the NBC show starring Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore is going on hiatus until next fall, this means you're going to be without your favorite show to cry to. But don't worry, there are plenty of other shows that can help you experience all the sad feels.
Like This Is Us, most of them are family-driven dramas that aren't afraid to admit that relationships are tough. Just like how no family is the same, no family drama is the same. There are those that will have you bawling your eyes out with all the drama-filled moments (hello, Party Of Five) and those that will provide one of those real therapeutic sobs (Parenthood is certainly a tearjerker with a heart). Leave it to Shonda Rhimes to have you running out for the tissues before the hour's done, but it's Olivia Pope that will teach you the proper way to cry. As it turns out, it's all in the lip quiver.
So, here are TV shows that are perfect to watch when you need a good, soothing cry — or at least to fill the void until This Is Us Season 2 premieres.
1
'Grey's Anatomy'
Rhimes knows what she's doing over at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. She's playing with our emotions with all the deaths, breakups, and medical emergencies. That's why I suggest not watching too many episodes of this one in a row, or it just may ruin you. Or at least cause strain on your poor tear ducts.
2
'Friday Night Lights'
Clear eyes, full hearts, and now you can't stop crying. Blame Coach Eric Taylor and his inspirational speeches. Seriously, who knew Texas football could be so emotional?
3
'Parenthood'
It's hard to get through an episode of Parenthood without a few tears. Sometimes they're happy ones, sometimes they're sad. More often than not, you're crying right along with Amber Holt, who just can't seem to catch a break. Seriously, let Mae Whitman live.
4
'Lost'
Getting to know the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 is an emotional rollercoaster that everyone should experience at least once. You'll be crying for all sorts of reasons, but with this show, you'll be tempted to go back again and again. Just like Jack.
5
'Party Of Five'
A family of five who lost their parents when they were young and now have to find their way through life on their own? Yeah, you bet you'll be crying.
6
'Six Feet Under'
A show that deals with death on a weekly basis is bound to be a little depressing. But Six Feet Under, which centers on a family-owned funeral home, is about coping with death. It's why the living are the ones who make you feel profoundly sad, as you make your way through all five seasons of this HBO show.
7
'Once And Again'
This ABC series, which ran from 1999 to 2002, is an oldie but goodie that touched on the emotional side of love after divorce and its effect on a family. This definitely isn't The Brady Bunch. Unfortunately, this one isn't streaming anywhere, which means you have to buy the DVDs if you want to watch. Just another reason to cry.
The Brady Bunch
8
'Transparent'
The Pfefferman family is working through some things, including adjusting to the fact that their patriarch is transitioning into Maura. This means there's a lot of emotional moments that will melt you into a puddle of feels. Like, a really big puddle.
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9
'Gilmore Girls'
While overall this isn't a sad show, it's got its fair share of moments that are guaranteed to make you cry. Just try getting through Lorelai's karaoke rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" with dry eyes. Seriously, I dare you.
10
'Orange Is The New Black'
Nothing ever seems to go right in Litchfield Penitentiary, which is why you'll have trouble keeping it together while watching this one. Don't even get started with me about the last episodes of Season 4.
11
'One Tree Hill'
This show is almost too much to handle with all its sob-worthy moments. There was that time there was a school shooter. That other time when the limo crashed after Nathan and Haley's wedding. Oh, don't forget that time Peyton was held hostage — just one of many emotional hostage storylines. I could go on and on, but it's probably best you just watch it yourself.
12
'Scandal'
The relationship between Olivia Pope and Fitz Grant is going to wreck you. But Kerry Washington's lip quiver is going to give you life.
13
'Everwood'
This show starts on a somber note: A Manhattan surgeon moves to a small Colorado town with his two kids after losing his wife. It only gets more emotional from there — with a coma, a dad who's just trying to do right by his kid, and more heartbreaks than you can even imagine. Yep, this one is a doozy.
14
'The Fosters'
You're going to feel a whole lot of things when you watch this show about a lesbian couple who have a blended family of a biological son, two adopted twins, and two foster children. Don't say I didn't warn you.
15
'Switched At Birth'
No surprise to hear that a show about two girls — who were, yes, switched at birth and are only now finding out as teenagers where they came from — is a tearjerker. But seriously, stock up on the tissues. You're going to need them.
16
'Jane The Virgin'
Saying Jane's life is complicated is an understatement. After all, she was accidentally artificially inseminated and got pregnant before ever having sex. So when you're having a hard day, take a little time to console with Jane, who is always ready for the next challenge — no matter how many tears she cries.
17
'My So-Called Life'
When you're feeling angsty, check in with Angela Chase whose high school drama will have you bawling in no time. It may also help you with your own crying. Is anyone better than Claire Danes at crying on camera?
