It’s been two years since This Is Us wrapped up its tear-jerking finale, but Alexandra Breckenridge just gave fans a reason to relive those unforgettable moments all over again. The Virgin River star recently shared
her original audition tape for Sophie, and the emotional reaction from fans proves just how deeply her work continues to resonate. On August 3, Breckenridge stunned her followers by posting the intimate throwback on Instagram.
The clip showed her standing in front of a blank wall, delivering lines that would later appear in the Season 1 episode “I Call Marriage.” Off-camera, her husband, musician Casey Hooper,
read the opposite lines, creating a spark that would eventually secure Alexandra her place in NBC’s iconic family drama. In her caption, Alexandra kept it simple but heartfelt: “This is us. Audition tape for Sophie. 
”
Fans Flood Social Media with Love
The reaction was immediate. Within minutes, the comments section was overflowing with love from This Is Us devotees and Virgin River fans alike.
One fan wrote, “This is totally Sophie. I miss her . You’ve done an amazing job portraying her, and I get why they picked you!!”
Another added, “So good! We can feel your feelings! Thanks for sharing Alex. Such an amazing character: Sophie!! 
♥️”
And perhaps the most telling comment of all: “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why Alex is so amazing. That’s just the audition… and I can see Sophie right there! Chef’s kiss 
.”
It’s rare for actors to release raw audition tapes, which made the video feel like an unexpected gift. For longtime fans, it wasn’t just nostalgia — it was a reminder of how Breckenridge took Sophie from the page and turned her into a character audiences adored.
Sophie and Kevin: The Love Story That Defined This Is Us
Across six seasons, Sophie became one of This Is Us’s most beloved figures. Her relationship with Kevin Pearson (Justin Hartley) was one of the show’s most poignant storylines — marked by heartbreak, reconciliation, and the bittersweet journey of two people trying to find their way back to each other.
From childhood sweethearts to estranged exes, Kevin and Sophie’s dynamic embodied the messy beauty of real love. By the time the series finale arrived, fans were rewarded with the resolution they’d long hoped for: Sophie and Kevin rekindled their romance for good, raising Kevin’s children together and closing the chapter on a story that had spanned decades.
Breckenridge’s audition tape serves as a reminder that this love story might never have resonated so strongly without her authentic, heartfelt performance.
Could Sophie and Kevin Return?
The release of the audition tape has reignited one major question among fans: could Sophie and Kevin return in a spinoff?
The chemistry between Breckenridge and Hartley remains one of This Is Us’s greatest strengths. Their characters’ evolution captured the complexities of love — not as a fairytale, but as a journey filled with flaws, forgiveness, and growth.
While NBC has made no announcements about reviving the Pearson family in a new format, fans have already begun speculating about possible returns. Social media is buzzing with ideas — from flashback specials to an entirely new series centered on Kevin and Sophie’s life together.
And in true fan-fashion, some are even joking about a crossover: “Imagine Kevin Pearson showing up in Virgin River as Jack Sheridan’s cousin!” one fan wrote. The thought alone is enough to send the fandom into overdrive.
From Sophie to Mel: Alexandra’s Ongoing Legacy
Though This Is Us has ended, Alexandra Breckenridge continues to shine in another heartfelt drama: Netflix’s Virgin River. As Mel Monroe, she anchors the series with the same emotional honesty she brought to Sophie.
Virgin River thrives on the same themes that made This Is Us a success — love, community, healing, and second chances. In many ways, Mel is cut from the same cloth as Sophie: a woman carrying deep wounds, searching for connection, and proving her resilience in the face of loss.
With Season 7 of Virgin River on the horizon, Alexandra shows no signs of slowing down. Her ability to embody layered, flawed, and profoundly relatable characters is what keeps audiences coming back season after season.
Why the Audition Tape Matters
Seeing Breckenridge’s original audition isn’t just a nostalgic throwback — it’s a powerful reminder of the talent that has carried her career forward. In just a few lines, viewers could already see Sophie taking shape.
It’s a glimpse into the very beginning of a character who would go on to tug at millions of heartstrings. And for fans, it’s an emotional reminder that sometimes the magic starts in the simplest of places: an actress standing in front of a blank wall, pouring her heart into the words of a script.
The Emotional Impact on Fans
The post has sparked emotional responses not just because of Sophie, but because of what she represents. This Is Us wasn’t just a television show — it was a cultural touchstone. For six years, it gave audiences permission to cry, to heal, and to reflect on their own families.
Sophie’s role in Kevin’s life mirrored the struggles many fans face in their own relationships. Watching Alexandra bring her back to life in that audition tape felt like revisiting an old friend.
A Career Defined by Heart
Alexandra Breckenridge has carved out a unique place in television history by playing women who are real, vulnerable, and easy to root for. From This Is Us to Virgin River, her characters remind viewers that love is messy, grief is universal, and redemption is always possible.
The throwback tape is a testament to her craft — a moment that captures not just an audition, but the very spark of storytelling magic that continues to define her career.
Conclusion: Reliving the Magic
Two years after This Is Us said goodbye, Alexandra Breckenridge has reminded fans why Sophie’s story will never be forgotten. Her audition tape wasn’t just an inside look at an actor’s journey — it was a chance for fans to fall in love with Sophie all over again.
As Alexandra continues to bring Mel Monroe’s story to life in Virgin River, the legacy of Sophie Pearson lingers, proving that some performances transcend the screen.
One thing is clear: Alexandra didn’t just win the role of Sophie — she embodied her. And now, years later, that magic is alive once again.
