Why Watch
"An intimate, emotionally grounding Canadian family drama that confronts terminal illness with unflinching honesty, humor, and heart."
Tone: Poignant, Earnest, Family Drama
AI Critic Analysis
Series Deep Dive:
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.
Analysis Refined:March 2026
Scheduled next refinement: in 445 days
Season: 2
| 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 |
Series Legacy & Historical Archive
Franchise Status: Concluded Historical Archive
This Life (2015) remains a definitive pillar of television, having concluded its influential run on CBC Television. Adapted from Radio-Canada's acclaimed series Nouvelle adresse, this poignant Montreal-set drama captured hearts with its raw, emotional vulnerability. Torri Higginson led a phenomenal ensemble, portraying a terminally ill single mother preparing her three teenagers for the inevitable. The narrative resonated deeply across its two seasons, balancing familial heartbreak with enduring warmth. Its intimate storytelling and nuanced grief cement its status as a timeless gem in Canadian television history.
Oracle Insights Refined:March 2026
Scheduled next refinement: in 418 days
If you liked This Life (2015):
Technical Details
- Network: CBC Television
- Seasons: 2
- Years: 2015 - 2016
- Genre: Drama, Family
Frequently Asked Questions
This Life ran for a total of two seasons on CBC before concluding its broadcast run. The series consisted of twenty episodes in total, which aired between 2015 and 2016.
CBC officially canceled the series in early 2017 due to a combination of declining viewership and the natural progression of the central storyline. Since the show followed a terminal illness narrative, the creators felt the story reached its intended emotional conclusion. This decision allowed the show to maintain its dramatic integrity without overextending the plot.
Currently, there are no credible rumors or official announcements regarding a reboot or revival of the series. The cast and crew have moved on to other projects, and the network has not expressed interest in returning to the Lawson family story.
There are no direct spin-offs for the 2015 Canadian version of This Life. However, the show itself is an English-language adaptation of the successful French-Canadian series titled Nouvelle adresse, which features a similar premise.
The series is not based on a book or a specific true story, but rather on the Quebec television drama Nouvelle adresse. It was adapted for English-speaking audiences to explore the universal themes of family and mortality through the Lawson family's perspective.
The final episode focused on the Lawson family coming to terms with Natalie's condition and preparing for the future without her. It provided a definitive sense of closure for the characters, which is a primary reason why a continuation is unlikely.
FAQ Refined:March 2026
Scheduled next refinement: in 141 days