Glimpses of acceptance through problem frames: An analysis of the lessons on fatness in the television series This is Us

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bias and stereotypes can be reinforced or challenged through television entertainment, and individual viewers will negotiate their interpretation of such public pedagogies through the lenses of their own knowledge and experience. The popular show This is Us presents multiple and sometimes contradicting messages about fatness and weight stigma. A close textual analysis of the first three seasons of the series revealed some of the complex and implied lessons on weight. While there are some scenes that model fat acceptance, the overall implications of the show are blaming and depict fatness as a problem to be solved.