Did you like the series premiere of This Is Us? So did a lot of other people. And so did NBC. The show’s stay on the network has been extended.
This series had been getting plenty of buzz before it debuted on September 20. Not only did it have a killer cast, but the trailers made it look at once heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Earlier reviewers also hinted at a surprise ending, and audiences weren’t disappointed when they also got to see the conclusion to episode 1.
In fact, the show claimed the spot of #1 series premiere so far this Fall, with a total of 14.3 million people tuning in within a five day period of the premiere.
Considering television numbers are down in general thanks to other services and illegal downloads, this is still a hefty number.
Bumping the order for This Is Us up to a full season (a total of 18 episodes) after only the first episode debuted is uncommon, but shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. It’s certainly a show of faith on NBC’s part. They know this show can work.
The synopsis for This Is Us reads:
Sometimes life will surprise you. Starring Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember), Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Gilmore Girls) and Sterling K. Brown (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story), this refreshingly honest and provocative series follows a unique ensemble. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday and so much more than anyone would expect. From the writer and directors of Crazy, Stupid, Love comes a smart, modern dramedy that will challenge your everyday presumptions about the people you think you know.
Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Chris Sullivan, Susan Kelechi Watson and Ron Cephas Jones also star.