This Is Us: 5 biggest takeaways from NBC's 2020 TCA panel

Several This Is Us stars and creator Dan Fogelman took part in a panel at NBC’s 2020 Television Critics Association event. Here are five of the biggest takeaways, including major Season 4 hints.

NBC took center stage at the Television Critics Association on Saturday. This Is Us received its own spotlight with a panel featuring Dan Fogelman, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley and Chris Sullivan. Unfortunately, Milo Ventimiglia was absent due to a prior commitment.

During the panel, the cast discussed their experiences in Season 4 thus far, while also previewing what’s to come in 2020, including a major three-part arc.

Randall involved in big storyline

Sterling K. Brown took a moment to address This Is Us returning on Tuesday to resume Season 4. While discussing what fans can expect to see from Randall, he teased a compelling storyline is about to begin that involves Randall’s mental health. Fogelman confirmed that this storyline will begin at the end of Episode 10 on Jan. 14. This “trilogy” will also involve Randall and Beth’s marriage being a focus.

Brown went on record with Us Weekly last month by saying that the ending of Tuesday’s winter premiere is “shocking.” Could it be his own character that’s involved in the jaw-dropping event? NBC’s official preview for Episode 11 on Jan. 21, noticeably titled “A Hell of a Week: Part One,” states that, “Randall grapples with anxiety.” No other information is offered other than we know Randall is going to deal with some serious stuff in the coming weeks.

Malik thinks about college

Dan Fogelman touched on Randall’s dream of attending Howard University, which was put on hold to stay near his family. Fogelman noted that we can expect to see Malik contemplating his college choices. Obviously a major factor in his decision will be his baby, as well as relationship with Deja. We can only hope that Malik and Deja find a way to stay together while also chasing their dreams.

On a related note, Susan Kelechi Watson discussed what it’s like playing an adoptive mother on television. She’s learning as she goes and the role has brought on a lot of mixed emotions. Beth Pearson “always wants to figure it out,” but doesn’t always find the answers she’s looking for.

Crossfit Toby

For those wondering how Toby’s Crossfit storyline came to fruition, Fogelman revealed that several of the show’s writers experienced first-hand how weight loss goals can affect their marriages. As a result, they wanted to explore that topic with Kate and Toby this season. Chris Sullivan stated it’s been an “interesting dynamic to explore.”

Taking risks with the season premiere

NBC isn’t afraid to take risks with a major show like This Is Us. Dan Fogelman says the network “never batted an eye” when the Season 4 premiere lacked the main cast in favor of introducing Malik, Cassidy Sharpe and adult Jack Damon. This Is Us execs take into consideration that not everyone watches the show live, and that they have to find a way not to confuse new viewers with the different time frames.

Sticking to the plan

Despite This Is Us growing in popularity, Fogelman made it clear that they are still trying to stick to the original plan for the show. This Is Us is supposed to be a very intimate story about a family, and that story has moments where fans are supposed to “sit inside themselves.” (We’ve all been there more than once.)

Mandy Moore stated that the show keeps everyone creatively satisfied and that she’s focused on filming the last five episodes of Season 4.

This Is Us Season 4: Catch up on what’s happened so far. dark. Next

Are you enjoying This Is Us Season 4 so far? What do you think is in store for Randall? Let us know in the comments section!

This Is Us returns to NBC on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 9/8 C.

TCA panel source: Diane Gordon

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This Is Us: 5 biggest takeaways from NBC’s 2020 TCA panel

By Colby Applegate | Jan 11, 2020