NBC's newest drama series, "This is Us," is already getting a lot of attention from viewers. Set to premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 10 p.m., the show stars an ensemble cast that includes Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley. The latter actor recently quit his daytime gig on "The Young and the Restless" (Y&R) in favor of "This is Us," which he alluded to having the better story.
"I don't think I've ever read a better episode of television in my life," said Hartley, in an interview with Channel Guide Magazine. The actor plays Kevin in "This is Us," and the character is also a TV actor who happens to be tired of where his life is going. "He's sort of this 36-year-old guy going through a pre-midlife crisis-ish thing, and sort of finds himself with nothing except maybe a bank account," Hartley said of his character.
Early in September, Justin Hartley posted a message on his Facebook page to announce to his fans that he was quitting "The Young and the Restless" for "This is Us." The Wrap reports that his character on the daytime drama was killed off. The actor played Adam Newman on Y&R for two years.
Meanwhile, "This is Us" has been touted by critics as the next best family drama in the vein of "Parenthood" or "Transparent." Developed by Dan Fogelman, the show is about the complicated lives of people who share the same birthday. The first episode's final moments supposedly reveals a twist that should hook the viewers in for the next episodes.
Newly-announced Emmy Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series winner Sterling K. Brown is also in the "This is Us" ensemble. He plays a son in search of his biological father. "This show can go in so many directions, and I'm curious to see how it all unfolds," he said of his new show, per Essence. Learn more about "This is Us" below.
