Jason Katims’ drama series “Dear Edward” for Apple TV+ illustrates what shared pain looks like. Twelve-year-old Edward Adler is the only person from his entire family to survive the plane accident. When two people are involved in the same accident, they band together to provide a safe environment for all parties. When Edward becomes the focal point of their collective affection and support, they join together, get to know one another, and build a support structure to get through the catastrophe. The following list is for you if you like the endearing yet emotional “Dear Edward” and want to look into additional shows with a same theme. The majority of these shows, including “Dear Edward,” are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu!
A Million Little Things (2018-2023)
Family drama series “A Million Little Things” was developed by DJ Nash. It concentrates on a close-knit group of Boston-based pals. When one of their own unexpectedly commits suicide, they are in complete disbelief. The group experiences shock at their friend’s abrupt departure, which compels them to reevaluate their way of life. They come to the profound insight that the true value of friendship lies not in great gestures but in a million tiny things that make life worthwhile as they face the painful reality of loss. As the survivors in “Dear Edward” navigate the turbulent rivers of loss and healing, this realisation serves as a compass for the friends.
After Life (2019–2022)
Ricky Gervais is the creator of the British black comedy series “After Life,” in which he also stars and perfectly captures the essence of a damaged man. Tony moves from being a kind man with a great life to someone considering suicide after the passing of his devoted wife Lisa. Now with a new objective, he intends to live longer than he otherwise would.
Tony sees it as a superpower that cares little for himself or others and aims to avenge Lisa’s death by speaking his mind and acting on his instincts without concern for the repercussions. But rather of criticising his actions, his friends and family instead express the same compassion for him as they do for the 12-year-old protagonist of “Dear Edward.”
Containment (2016)
In the movie “Containment,” an epidemic decimates Atlanta, and authorities establish a quarantine. In order to survive, those who are locked within must engage in a hazardous struggle as authorities work to find a solution. Lex Carnahan, a police officer, keeps things in order despite the mayhem, but he is put to the test when he learns that his girlfriend Jana and his best buddy Jake are trapped inside a building.
Katie Frank, an elementary school teacher, is locked down with her entire class, and 17-year-old Teresa, who is significantly pregnant and separated from her partner, are also among the sick. The drama series created by Julie Plec explores a different group dynamic than the one in “Dear Edward,” but deals with the same underlying themes of abandonment and bereavement. It shows how people communicate and bond through life-threatening situations.
Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
The comedy-drama series “Six Feet Under” follows Nathaniel Fisher, his wife Ruth, and their kids David and Claire as they run a modest funeral home in their community that is recognised for its unmatched care. Nate Jr., the wayward son, returns home for Christmas, but tragedy strikes when Nathaniel is fatally struck by a bus, forcing Nate Jr. to confront the situation.
Nate Jr. and David are given the responsibility of managing the family funeral home jointly under the terms of the will, and they must overcome their individual obstacles in order to uphold the heritage. Even though the sorrow in this story is very different from that in “Dear Edward,” the family sticks together in difficult situations to encourage one another through life’s ups and downs.
The Fosters (2013–2018)
The compelling family drama series “The Fosters” centres on the complicated relationships between police officer Stef Foster and her partner Lena Adams, a vice principal of a school. Their family is a lovely fusion of various racial and cultural backgrounds. This family includes twins Jesus and Mariana who were adopted as well as Brandon, Stef’s biological son.
In addition, Callie and Jude, who later find their permanent home with the family, are fostered by Stef and Lena. They exhibit the same sense of oneness as the characters in “Dear Edward” as they negotiate the challenges of a blended family and deal with the presence of Mike Foster, Stef’s ex-husband and Brandon’s biological father.
The Leftovers (2014–2017)
A global catastrophe causes 140 million people to vanish without a trace. Residents of Mapleton, New York, struggle to acclimatise to a life in which “normal” no longer exists. Grief causes families to disintegrate, and faith is replaced by scepticism, paranoia, and lunacy. Some of them decide to join the cult-like Guilty Remnant. Kevin Garvey, the embattled police chief, struggles to keep the peace between his town’s residents and the cult while also worrying about his kids.
Garvey’s daughter vacillates between complacency and disobedience, while his son develops a relationship with a charismatic prophet. Tom Perrotta, together with Damon Lindelof, co-created the intense drama series “The Leftovers,” which is based on his best-selling novel of the same name. Similar to “Dear Edward,” it investigates the extremes mankind would go to in order to survive after a catastrophe. Yet as the show progresses, it loses any sense of humanity and descends into madness.
The Red Line (2019)
In the wake of a white police officer’s mistakenly shooting an African-American doctor, three different Chicago families’ stories of suffering and tragedy meet in the suspenseful drama series “The Red Line,” which Caitlin Parrish and Erica Weiss created. A strong message of hope arises as the journeys of the Calder, Young, and Evans families entwine and cross, just like it does in “Dear Edward.” It is possible to emerge from tragedy with renewed vitality, and it is essential to work with others in order to not only survive but also thrive.
This is Us (2016-2022)
The siblings Kevin, Kate, and Randall Pearson’s parents, Rebecca and Jack Pearson, go through a challenging pregnancy. The parents’ life revolve around their young marriage, the birth of their kids, and the struggles they go through as youngsters. The family drama series “This is Us” explores the many experiences of Rebecca and Jack’s children as adults and shows how their choices effect their lives as adults. Dan Fogelman, the show’s creator, shows how sharing a past can bring people together, as it did in “Dear Edward,” and how, with the right communication and understanding, it can transform everyone involved.
