"An intimate, emotionally grounding Canadian family drama that confronts terminal illness with unflinching honesty, humor, and heart."
Anchored by Torri Higginson's stunning performance, This Life captures the bittersweet realities confronting a terminally ill single mother preparing her three teenage children for a future without her. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Montreal, this CBC adaptation of Nouvelle adresse avoids melodrama. Instead, it delivers a grounded, mature examination of familial devotion, shared grief, and resilience that maintains its profound emotional weight from beginning to end.
| Watched? | # | Air Date | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Oct 02, 2016 | Stay Positive | |
| E2 | Oct 09, 2016 | Perfect Day | |
| E3 | Oct 16, 2016 | Coping Cards | |
| E4 | Oct 30, 2016 | Communion | |
| E5 | Nov 06, 2016 | Scanxiety | |
| E6 | Nov 13, 2016 | Intervention | |
| E7 | Nov 20, 2016 | Joyride | |
| E8 | Nov 27, 2016 | Destruction as Creation | |
| E9 | Dec 04, 2016 | Well Fought, My Love | |
| E10 | Dec 11, 2016 | Choose Life |
Franchise Status: Concluded
This Life (2015) remains a definitive pillar of family drama television, having concluded its influential run on CBC. The series is remembered for its unflinching exploration of mortality and the intricate bonds of the Lawson family. By focusing on a single mother navigating a terminal diagnosis, it moved beyond standard medical tropes to deliver a grounded, character-driven narrative that resonated with audiences facing similar real-world challenges. Its legacy is defined by its refusal to shy away from the messy, often painful preparations for loss, making it a landmark in Canadian dramatic storytelling.
Fans return to the series as a rewatch staple because of its profound emotional honesty and the warmth of its central ensemble. Unlike many dramas that rely on cliffhangers, this show offers a meditative pace that rewards viewers looking for a cathartic experience. It serves as a poignant time capsule of mid-2010s family dynamics, maintaining its relevance through universal themes of resilience and the enduring nature of love across generations.