Back in 2018, I Can Only Imagine became a huge box office surprise, inspiring audiences much in the same way as the MercyMe song of the same name that the film was based on. It not only became one of the most successful faith-based films of all time, but one of the highest-grossing music biopics as well. However, that’s not where Bart Millard’s story ended, and critics are weighing in on I Can Only Imagine 2 as it hits the 2026 movie release calendar.

Much of the original cast returns for I Can Only Imagine 2, including John Michael Finley, Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid. Milo Ventimiglia joins the group as singer-songwriter Tim Timmons. The sequel sees the creation of another MercyMe hit as the band faces health issues, parenting struggles and trauma. Mike Laxton of Today’s Christian Entertainment praises the sequel for portraying the band in a “new season of influence, responsibility, and growth.” His review of I Can Only Imagine 2 reads:

Pete Hammond of Deadline says Milo Ventimiglia is “completely authentic” here, while Trace Adkins provides much-needed humor and Sammy Dell is perfectly cast as Bart’s son Sam Millard. This film is definitely marketed toward Christians, but its messages of hope and love feel welcome and necessary for everyone in these dark times, Hammond says, writing:

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis of Christianity Today says I Can Only Imagine 2 had the opportunity to explore what it’s like for musicians after writing a megahit, knowing they may never again produce anything that reaches the same level of acclaim. For Christian artists, that’s even trickier as they balance material success with their faith. Instead, this movie leans on the same tropes as other movies about religion, as well as audiences’ enduring love for the song “I Can Only Imagine.” The critic writes:

Frank Scheck of THR says the upcoming music biopic struggles to find a compelling narrative, choosing to retread the trauma Bart experienced with his father. Also, with Sam being old enough to be responsible for his own health, his diabetes crisis plot also fails to evoke much sympathy from audience members, Scheck says, continuing:

Alonso Duralde of The Film Verdict says directors Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle find themselves in the same bind as their movie’s protagonist in trying to figure out how to move forward after a big hit. In the end they fail to rekindle the heartfelt musical drama of the first movie, making the sequel feel unnecessary. Duralde writes:

If you're a fan of MercyMe or just think this sounds like a good way to spend a couple of hours, I Can Only Imagine hits theaters on Friday, February 20.

Gilmore Girls fans who are still debating who was Rory’s best boyfriend have been able to cast their votes this fall a different way — with Panera Bread’s soups. The fast casual chain enlisted the help of Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry to advertise their fall soups, but hello? What about Team Jess? Turns out Milo Ventimiglia just learned about the mini-reunion, and I’m loving his reaction.

It’s been 25 years since we were first introduced to the Gilmore Girls — single mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her teenage daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) — along with several boyfriends as we followed Rory into young adulthood. When Milo Ventimiglia was asked why he didn’t join his former co-stars in the Panera commercial, he responded to People:

While this might sound like the coldest burn since Mariah Carey said, “I don’t know her,” the This Is Us alum honestly didn’t know about the ad, and he’s got a pretty good excuse:

I’d have to agree. In the commercial, Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry passionately defend their soup choices, with Padalecki’s Fireside Chili matching traits of his character Dean — Rory’s first love — as the reliable one that “tastes like home” and is the “perfect first … bowl of soup.”

Matt Czuchry’s Autumn Squash Soup, meanwhile, is “more sophisticated,” the actor says, and “so rich” — just like Rory’s college boyfriend Logan.

Neither seem too psyched about the return of the Black Bean Soup, aka “the bad boy,” per the Supernatural star. Referencing Milo Ventimiglia’s Jess, Matt Czuchry describes it as “brooding, mysterious, hot,” which the new dad apparently found amusing, as he said:

The Panera Bread ad is certainly worth the watch for anyone who hasn’t picked a soup team yet, but I’ll spare you the trouble of having to search for it:

The “best boyfriend” debate may still be an intense one to Gilmore Girls fans, but the actors involved have never had anything but love for one another. When Milo Ventimiglia declared his love for Dean a few years ago, Jared Padalecki responded in kind with his own homemade sign professing his love for Jess.

Knowing how well all of these actors get along, hopefully Panera Bread will remember that next fall and invite Milo Ventimiglia to the reunion, so as not to disrespect the members of Team Jess.

In the meantime, fans can continue to relive Lorelai and Rory’s adventures in Stars Hollow by streaming Gilmore Girls with either a Netflix subscription or Hulu subscription. The spinoff Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is available on Netflix.

It’s officially been 25 years since we were first introduced to the fast-talking, pop culture-referencing mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory on Gilmore Girls. Even now, though, fans will take any excuse to revive the debate that’s been going on for years about Rory’s boyfriends. In discussing the coming-of-age series’ anniversary, Scott Patterson weighed in on the Team Dean, Team Jess, Team Logan of it all, and I am obsessed with his blunt take on the matter.

Over the course of seven seasons and a revival comprising four feature-length episodes, Gilmore Girls fans watched Rory (Alexis Bledel) grow from precocious teenager to Yale graduate. We’ve seen her fall in love, suffer heartbreak, have affairs and ultimately, become pregnant, and you can bet we’ve got opinions on all of it. Somebody else who watched Rory grow up? Luke Danes, the often-grumpy diner owner, who would eventually become her stepfather, and Scott Patterson has a hilarious take on picking a team, joking to People:

This is spoken like a true father figure, despite the fact that Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) is Luke’s actual nephew. It’s totally believable to me that no man would ever be good enough for Rory in his eyes. The actor continued:

I guess we’ll put Scott Patterson down as Team Wookiee then?

I’ve got to say, he makes a really good point. I’ve always been a strong member of the Team Jess contingent, but it’s really unfair to limit Rory to three guys she met so early in life. Dean (Jared Padalecki) was her first love, so nobody can be blamed for carrying that torch, but do we really wish that had been endgame?

Then there’s Logan (Matt Czuchry), and I don’t care that Kelly Bishop — Emily Gilmore herself — thinks he was Rory’s best boyfriend, I just can’t see it. Czuchry couldn’t even fully deny his character’s shortcomings when asked if Logan was a bad partner.

I could defend Jess as the one who understood Rory the most, and it seems Scott Patterson may have sympathized with his on-screen nephew at one point, too, as he admitted to toggling between Gilmore Girls characters before coming to his ultimate conclusion. Patterson said:

So wise. This is why we need Luke (that, and for the coffee, of course). I’m not sure we’ll ever get more Gilmore Girls (or find out who the father of Rory’s child is), but the fact that we’re still debating her love life a quarter-century later speaks to how beloved this series is.

You can stream all seven seasons of the original show with either a Hulu subscription or Netflix subscription, while Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is available on Netflix.

Milo Ventimiglia went from one of Rory's boyfriends on Gilmore Girls who almost got his own spinoff, to one of my favorite TV dads on This Is Us. Now, while one is a teen dramedy and the other is a heart-wrenching family drama, they both made pretty big impacts on television, and they're staples in the actor's career. So, Ventimiglia has opened up about what he was going for with Jess and Jack, and I’m melting.

Ventimiglia looked back at his time on Gilmore Girls and This Is Us, including being coined the “Internet’s boyfriend,” while speaking with InStyle Magazine. He was asked if his experience acting with Scott Patterson, who played Luke, on Gilmore Girls prepared him for his role as a father on This Is Us. Overall, he sees the two characters as very different, but he did elaborate on the fatherly role Luke played in Jess's life, explaining:

Luke may not have been Jess’ father, but he was the father figure that he needed. Even though the two of them certainly had their moments on more than one occasion, it was always clear how much Luke cared for Jess and how much Jess really needed him in his life.

But when it comes to Jack Pearson, Ventimiglia admitted that he was inspired by someone a lot closer to him, and just like with almost every episode of This Is Us, I feel like crying over this explanation:

Ventimiglia's career really took off after Gilmore Girls, and he exploded into another level of stardom thanks to Jack Pearson, who is arguably one of the best dads on television. Of course, he still learned from Jess when it came to acting, but knowing that he was inspired by his own father really makes Jack all the more special. It’s also sweet knowing how much he looks up to his dad and sees him as this “attainable superhero.” It’s something that we all yearn to have in our lives.

Even though Gilmore Girls and This Is Us are pretty different from each other, Milo Ventimiglia’s passion for both shows is pretty clear. Even though he previously shared his true Team Dean colors, Jess Mariano still means a lot to Ventimiglia. His wife even shares the last name.

That being said, the fact that Jess and Jack are so different from each other, with different backgrounds and inspirations, just shows the range that Ventimiglia has.

Whether or not there will ever be another Gilmore Girls revival like A Year in the Life is unknown, but the cast still hangs out from time to time, as do the This Is Us cast. So while Jess and Jack may not fully return in the future, mini reunions are a lot better than nothing. Plus, those with a Hulu subscription will be able to binge-watch both shows in their entirety and hang out with Jess Mariano, Jack Pearson, and all your favorite characters.

When it comes to acting, some people will pour their hearts out for a specific scene, and some will actually bare it all. Nude scenes are not uncommon, but it makes sense to think that some would use a body double. Demi Moore previously spoke about going full-frontal for The Substance, while Jennifer Lawrence opened up about not having a body double for No Hard Feelings. Now, we're throwing it back a bit, as Milo Ventimiglia opened up about what it was like filming that one This Is Us nude scene, and I can’t stop thinking about his comment involving "ass and food."

This Is Us remains unmatched and is an excellent drama to dive into, no matter how many times the show broke us. However, there were some entertaining and comedic scenes as well, including Jack’s NSFW birthday treat for Rebecca. Now, you might be wondering if the Gilmore Girls actor used a body double for that moment. Well, Ventimiglia confirmed that it was him wearing nothing but a small towel in that episode, as he recalled the situation on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert:

Considering that scene is at the beginning of This Is Us, you’d think Ventimiglia might be terrified to reveal so much on the set of a new show, especially since he was just thrown right into it. However, he committed to it, and it sounds like he was given some options, as creator Dan Fogelman knew what would work and what wouldn’t in terms of making him comfortable. The actor explained:

When it came time to film the actual scene, the Heroes actor confirmed that he only had a towel on, and he recalled what it was truly like when cameras weren’t rolling. And I can only imagine how awkward that made things. However, he handled it like a champ, and it shows how open and willing Ventimiglia is to take on scenes like this.

Continuing his story about being on set with that tiny towel, the actor said:

That being said, it wasn’t just awkward when Ventimiglia was still on set and trying to talk to the crew while covering his junk. Stephen Colbert asked him if he was able to get food in between takes, and I’m not surprised that Ventimiglia had trouble, but his comment is pretty hilarious when it comes to crafty:

Doing any kind of nude scene, no matter how much is covered or uncovered, can be hard, and not just because of the lack of clothing. There's also a whole team of people there to film said naked person, and it might be awkward to do certain things, such as talking to a crew member or getting food. However, the actor's mentality about it all is wonderful, and it's clear that both he and his colleagues handled this now iconic This Is Us moment professionally and with a good sense of humor.

Obviously, Milo Ventimiglia got through it and continues to tell the tale, and that scene is still a favorite to this day, along with the rest of the show, which fans can watch with a Hulu subscription.

Spoilers ahead for the series premiere of Countdown, available streaming now with a Prime Video subscription.

Countdown arrived on Prime Video in the 2025 TV schedule for viewers who had every reason to expect an action-packed new drama centered on fan-favorites Jensen Ackles and Eric Dane. So, the appearance of none other than This Is Us' Milo Ventimiglia undoubtedly came as a surprise, after creator Derek Haas managed to keep his role a secret. But mere minutes after Ventimiglia debuted as Homeland Security Agent Robert Darden, he was murdered, and that was that! Haas spoke with CinemaBlend about why he cast a beloved actor for such a quick and tragic role.

Of course, saying "that was that" does somewhat undersell how much Milo Ventimiglia delivered in his five minutes of screentime. With his few lines, he established Darden as a devoted and loving family man. With his action sequence, he proved that he would have made a great member of the team that has to save Los Angeles... if only the bad guys hadn't caught up with him and shot him through the heart. R.I.P. Darden!

The actor, who was so beloved for This Is Us that the Crock-Pot company had to do damage control after an unfortunate twist for his character, ultimately had a short but intense role in Countdown to set the stage for the rest of the story. When I spoke with Chicago Fire vet Derek Haas during Prime Video's Countdown press junket about Milo Ventimiglia's surprise appearance, the creator explained:

I actually was fortunate enough to speak with Ventimiglia when he was promoting This Is Us back in 2021, and I went away with the impression of a thoughtful actor who went all-in on his performances. Throw in projects like Heroes and Gilmore Girls for Ventimiglia, and Derek Haas certainly succeeded in finding a lovable actor to cast and then kill off.

In fact, for a brief moment, it seemed like Countdown could unite two former CW stars, after Jensen Ackles' Supernatural days and Milo Ventimiglia's Gilmore Girls era. Alas, Ventimiglia's Darden died before Ackles' Mark Meachum even debuted. Derek Haas elaborated on why he was so lucky to even briefly land the This Is Us vet:

On the whole, I'm guessing that the death of Darden will leave even more of an impact on fans with Prime Video releasing Countdown episodes weekly instead of dropping them all at once. Jensen Ackles and Eric Dane explained why they're fans of the weekly release format, which certainly tracks with the primetime shows that shot them to fame. Binge-watching Supernatural on The CW and Grey's Anatomy on ABC was never an option back in the day!

So, was Darden the first of many good guys to be killed off on Countdown, or should we be confident for the rest of the task force's survival? Well, if you watched all of the first three episodes that released on Prime Video on June 25, you might have a pretty good idea of how high the stakes are for the various team members. As a Chicago Fire fan watching Countdown, I did have to laugh a bit that the first major death from a Derek Haas show was named Darden.

New episodes of Countdown debut streaming on Prime Video on Wednesdays through early September. The task force comprised of agents from various law enforcement agencies are facing a ticking clock to save Los Angeles, so be sure to keep tuning it for a solid summer action series.

Gilmore Girls — the endlessly rewatchable series about the fast-talking, pop culture-referencing mother/daughter duo Lorelai and Rory — has remained so popular with fans that even after seven seasons and a four-part Netflix revival in 2016, they still want more. While Milo Ventimiglia has suggested that’s like asking for more cake after you’ve already had cake, it sounds like Lauren Graham and Amy Sherman-Palladino may feel differently, as they discussed another return to Stars Hollow.

Amy Sherman-Palladino — the brains behind the Gilmore Girls operation — and star Lauren Graham served up a piping hot cup of hope straight from Luke’s Diner (or, rather, PaleyFest 2025), as the producer answered questions about another revival (the first of which can be streamed with a Netflix subscription) by saying they never shut the door on more Gilmore Girls. Sherman-Palladino told TV Insider:

The fact that the Gilmore Girls cast and crew like each other so much is quite an important factor in whether or not they will reunite again after so many years. From Amy Sherman-Palladino’s comments, it doesn’t sound like anything is in the works, but with the first revival happening so unexpectedly, she knows better than to shut the door completely.

Lauren Graham, who also attended PaleyFest, certainly made no secret of her own feelings about reprising the role of Lorelai, as she said:

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life — four feature-length episodes that each represented a different season in Rory and Lorelai’s life — ended on what felt like a cliffhanger, with Rory telling her mom she’s pregnant. For the better part of a decade, fans have theorized over who Rory’s baby daddy is, so it makes complete sense that Lauren Graham would describe the revival as the “beginning” of something, rather than the end.

Amy Sherman-Palladino has previously said another revival would come down to the actors’ schedules (and that’s no small obstacle, given the Gilmore Girls cast member’s other projects). I kind of agree with Milo Ventimiglia that it feels a bit greedy to hope for more, but if Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel did ever come back together for more, I’d be the first one on that train to Stars Hollow.

For now, though, we’ll have to continue to make due with our rewatches. All seven seasons of Gilmore Girls can be streamed with a Hulu subscription, with the entire series and the revival available on Netflix.

Gilmore Girls was not just a hit that ran for seven seasons in the early 2000s, but a show that’s still beloved by fans to the point where a sequel miniseries was made in 2016 (which you can watch with your Netflix subscription), nine years after the original finale. It’s also one of the most rewatchable shows ever that gives fans a nostalgic experience, but if you’ve recently completed a binge of the family dramedy, then it’s good that we have a list for you of 32 movies and shows that feature the Gilmore Girls cast. Enjoy!

Supernatural (2005-2020)

Sure, this list could have started anywhere, but why not start with the portrayer of (mostly) sweet Dean, Jared Padalecki? His supporting role on Gilmore Girls couldn’t have prepared fans for his hugely successful run as the creature-of-the-night hunting Sam Winchester on Supernatural. The series ran for 15 seasons and has tons of amazing episodes, especially if you enjoy spooky stuff.

How To Get Away With Murder (2014-2020)

Overall, most of the players from GG saw a boost in their careers after the show, and likely helped make it possible for Liza Weil, who played the ever-stressed Paris Geller, to eventually make her way to a major role on the thrilling ABC hit, How to Get Away with Murder.

The O.C. (2003-2007)

Is bringing up Fox’s early aughts mega-hit teen drama The O.C. this quickly a bit of a cheat? Sure, but we can’t deny that without the popularity of his Dave Rygalski in Season 3, we might never have gotten actor Adam Brody as the funny, loyal, Summer-obsessed Seth Cohen in one of the defining teen shows of all time.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2021)

Much like viewers were probably not prepared to watch Padalecki fight monsters after his time on Gilmore Girls, I doubt most could have expected to see star Alexis Bledel take on Dr. Emily Malek, the strong-willed and rebellious Handmaid first known as Ofglen. She won an Emmy Award for her role, so this is one drama not to miss.

Parenthood (2010-2015)

There might be no character more strong-willed, funny and quirky than Lorelei Gilmore, who was brought to life so exceptionally by Lauren Graham. If that character description sounds a lot like Sarah Braverman-Holt from NBC’s family drama, Parenthood, then you get why Graham was a perfect fit for both.

Bride & Prejudice (2004)

A small role is a role nonetheless, and if you check out the amazing Jane Austen-inspired rom-com, Bride & Prejudice, you’ll see Bledel as Georgie Darcy, Will’s younger sister.

The Good Wife (2009-2016)

Say what you will about being Team Logan, but the Huntzberger boy still has his supporters even today. This is probably because Matt Czuchry did such a good job portraying him, much like he did the charming go-getter Cary Agos on CBS’ legal drama, The Good Wife.

Fire Country (2024)

As one of the biggest dramas on CBS, Fire Country is hard to miss and even harder to dislike. That’s why it’s the perfect show to check out to see Jared Padalecki as the still-grieving firefighter Camden Casey during Season 3.

Saw IV (2007)

Honestly, were you expecting to see something as horrific as Saw IV on this list? Well, you might be even more surprised to know that Scott Patterson, who played Luke Danes, appeared in a total of three Saw films as determined FBI agent Peter Strahm.

This Is Us (2016-2022)

Can you imagine if anyone has forgotten This Is Us? NBC’s family drama was an immediate success, with the trailer for the very first season racking up a staggering number of views. Of course, you can revel in your Team Jess status by watching Milo Ventimiglia portray loving patriarch Jack Pearson.

13 Reasons Why (2017-2018)

13 Reasons Why is a teen drama that made major waves during its run on Netflix, but you might not know that Keiko Agena, who brought Lane Kim to life on GG, spent the first two seasons playing the kind and protective communications teacher, Pamela Bradley.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)

If you can be in the mood for a holiday film all year long, then 2024’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever should be added to your viewing calendar. In it, Lauren Graham brings her signature charm to the role of Beth Bradley.

Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Of all the GG actors who one might have expected to appear in a giant blockbuster franchise, few fans would likely have bet on the actor who gave us the wonderfully nice but odd Kirk Gleason, Sean Gunn. After a supporting role as Kraglin in the original Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, he’s now reprised the part in seven MCU films and TV series.

Bridesmaids (2011)

For the first time on this list, we get to Melissa McCarthy, who played beloved chef Sookie St. James. She was in several projects after Gilmore Girls ended, but the comedy hit Bridesmaids, where she played the loyal but crude and somewhat erratic Megan, launched her career into the stratosphere. She received an Oscar nomination for her work, so it’s not to be missed.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (2020-2021)

The jukebox musical dramedy series, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, was a treat, but if you missed its two seasons on NBC, know that Lauren Graham played a major role in Season 1 as Zoey’s strict boss, Joan.

The Cleaning Lady (2022-Now)

Any show about gangsters needs a good cop investigating and trying to bring them down, and Liza Weil has starred as confident and cunning FBI agent Katherine Russo on The Cleaning Lady for the thriller’s entire run so far.

The Heat (2013)

Need a wild action comedy about two mismatched officers (one a prim, by-the-book FBI agent, and the other a crass, quick-to-anger, by-any-means-necessary local cop) who have to get along enough to get a drug lord off the streets? Then you should watch Melissa McCarthy as police detective Shannon Mullins ASAP.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (2021-2022)

This follow-up to The Mighty Ducks film franchise hit Disney+ and brought GG fans more of Lauren Graham, as she starred as Alex Morrow, who forms and then coaches a new underdog hockey team after her son is cut by the Ducks.

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants (2005)

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a two-film franchise that still means a lot to those who were young women at the time it was released. There’s no better time than now to revisit (or watch for the first time) Alexis Bledel as Lena in both films.

An Unmarried Woman (1978)

Here’s a throwback for you. The 1978 romantic comedy-drama, An Unmarried Woman, features a performance from none other than Emily Gilmore herself, Kelly Bishop, as Elaine, a good friend of the title character.

The Lost Boys (1987)

Alright, this one’s technically a throwback, too, it just doesn’t go back quite as far. But, The Lost Boys is a definite teen horror classic, along with talents like Kiefer Sutherland and Corey Feldman, stars Richard Gilmore actor, Edward Hermann, in an important role.

Prodigal Son (2019-2021)

This Fox crime drama may not have lasted long, but it certainly had a dedicated fanbase, and some of that was likely because of Keiko Agena’s work as the kind, trusting, and socially awkward medical examiner, Dr. Edrisa Tanaka.

Sullivan’s Crossing (2023-2024)

The family drama, Sullivan’s Crossing, came to The CW with a treat for Gilmore Girls fans, as it brought Scott Patterson back to the network as the estranged father, Sully, of the lead character, big city neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, who returns to her small Nova Scotia town after a scandal.

Mike & Molly (2010-2016)

The long-running comedy Mike & Molly is another of Melissa McCarthy’s post-GG projects. This CBS hit saw the titular couple fall in love after a health-related meet-cute, and work on their relationship while attempting to deal with their often wacky families and friends, and life’s many ups and downs. Check it out for McCarthy’s Emmy-winning performance.

Sin City (2005)

Based on the comic book series of the same name, Sin City is a noirish, action-filled crime drama that just so happens to feature Alexis Bledel as a…well, not entirely trustworthy participant in the rampant criminal shenanigans that abound in the sinful city of the title.

The John Larroquette Show (1993-1996)

One of the very few series to take place in St. Louis, Missouri, The John Larroquette Show was a sitcom that saw the actor portray the night manager of a run-down downtown bus station, with Liz Torres, who played the bubbly and gossipy dance teacher Miss Patty on Gilmore Girls, as his secretary. Torres received two Emmy nominations for her work here, so it’s definitely worth a watch.

The Resident (2018-2023)

Considering the number of medical shows that tend to fill the airwaves, it’s a bit of a surprise that it’s taken this long to get to one, but it is a pretty fine one. The Resident stars Matt Czuchry as the conceited (but still somehow charming) Dr. Conrad Hawkins, a third-year resident who practices with unconventional techniques and a knowledge of the business of medicine who’s determined to stop younger residents from putting their chosen profession on a pedestal.

All In The Family (1971-1978)

If you haven’t yet watched the classic ‘70s sitcom, All In the Family, you’re missing out. Not only does the Norman Lear series use its humor to tackle a number of hot-button issues that are still very relevant for today’s audiences, but it also features Sally Struthers (she was Lorelei and Rory’s nosy neighbor in Stars Hollow, Babette) in her Emmy-winning role as Gloria, the somewhat childish, college-aged daughter of Archie and Edith Bunker.

Walker (2021-2024)

After his immensely successful run on Supernatural, Jared Padalecki moved right on to yet another show on The CW. This one, Walker, was a reimagining of the long-running Chuck Norris hit Walker, Texas Ranger, which saw Padalecki take on the lead role as he returned home after being undercover for two years while trying to reconnect with his teenage children and figure out how his wife really died.

True Blood (2008-2014)

Here’s one that’s easy to miss, even if you’re a die-hard Gilmore Girls fan. Among the many characters, human and supernatural, who populated the HBO vampire series True Blood for seven seasons, you see plenty of Merlotte's Bar & Grill short order cook, the kind but troubled Terry Bellefleur. But, did you know that he’s portrayed by Todd Lowe, the same guy who brought us Hep Alien’s dim, womanizing, guitar-playing, lead-singing wanna-be rock star Zack Van Gerbig? Well, now you do!

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)

Melissa MacCarthy was able to hit the Academy Awards red carpet as a nominee again when she starred in the biographical film Can You Ever Forgive Me? As writer Lee Israel. It’s based on Israel’s memoir of the same name, where she talks about her attempt to revive her writing career by forging letters from deceased celebrities and selling them. This critically acclaimed drama is one not to miss.

Spy (2015)

Last, but not least, we have another of Melissa McCarthy’s winning comedies in Spy. The movie follows CIA employee Susan Cooper, who is only allowed to assist her James Bond-esque partner via a desk job at the home office and an earpiece. But, when an operation goes wrong and leads to her partner’s death, Susan volunteers to go into the field and get to the bottom of things. Seeing as how this is a McCarthy film, you can bet that the situation gets hilariously out of hand before all is said and done, and you’ll be better for it!

As you can clearly see, while Gilmore Girls has been off the air for nearly 20 years, not only has it not been forgotten, but its stars have continued to keep us entertained in a number of other TV shows and movies, and hopefully will for many years to come!

Over the course of its six-season run on NBC, This Is Us featured an extensive cast, as the story spanned multiple generations and introduced a plethora of characters who were close to the Pearson family in one decade or another. Alyson Hannigan was not amongst its guest stars, but it turns out her house played a really big role, despite her initial apprehension to allow the tear-jerking drama to use it as a filming location.

The How I Met Your Mother star once opened up about how her home became the cabin that Kevin Pearson (Justin Hartley) designed and built for his mother — the home where Rebecca (Mandy Moore) ultimately died. In 2021, Alyson Hannigan told Sirius XM’s The Michelle Collins Show (via ET) that before they’d moved in, the house was regularly used for film shoots. Despite turning down studios who requested “at least twice a month” to film there, the actress and her husband reconsidered after learning This Is Us’ director was a neighbor of theirs. Hannigan said:

I have to agree, the drama that aired from 2016 to 2022 was pretty great, that that cabin became almost a character in itself for what it meant to Kevin and for the fact that it’s where all of the Pearsons gathered in Rebecca’s final days.

However, one can understand why the American Pie actress wouldn’t be too enthusiastic about inviting a film crew into the home she shared with husband Alexis Denisof and their children Keeva and Satyana. Alyson Hannigan even said they “know what productions do to locations,” and what a picturesque location it was! If you don’t remember what the Pearson cabin looked like, refresh your memory with this spread on Instagram:

It seems like it all turned out for the best in the end. Alyson Hannigan told the podcast that in addition to fixing any damage sustained during filming, the production went above and beyond in returning the home to mint condition. She said:

With that cabin being the setting where so many Pearson mysteries were introduced and then finally solved in This Is Us’ 2034 timeline, I don’t think I could ever think of anyone living there other than Rebecca and Miguel (Jon Huertas). It was a really emotional time, guys, don’t you remember all of those wild plot twists?

If you want to relive the Pearson saga, all six seasons are available to stream with either a Netflix subscription or Hulu subscription. Also be sure to check out our 2024 TV schedule to see what premieres are headed our way.

Amy Sherman-Palladino's Gilmore Girls might have ended its run on TV back in 2007, the show has remained a wildly popular part of the pop culture landscape. It's constantly being discovered by new audiences with a Netflix subscription, and re-watched by fans like myself. While we like to debate about Rory's boyfriends, Jess is largely the fan favorite. And a Gilmore Girls writer recently recalled failed plans to developed Milo Ventimiglia’s spinoff series.

Fans returned to Star's Hollow a few years ago with Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which solved some mysterious but also started a huge one. Rory revealed she's pregnant, with fans left wondering who the father is. While we're left wondering if it's Jess, writer Stan Zimmerman spoke to People about trying to get his spinoff off the ground back in the day. He spoke to the backdoor pilot in Season 3 titled "Here Comes the Sun", and why Venice Beach became the setting. He offered:

During this unique episode of Gilmore Girls, Jess travels to California to see his father. It's a big change in setting from Star's Hollow, and offered a storyline that never really panned out thanks to the spinoff not being green lit. And it sounds like, just like most of the show, that location came from the personal taste and POV of Amy Sherman-Palladino.

There are plenty of fans who would have tuned in for a Jess series, as we were left wondering what happened to him after he broke up with Rory and left Star's Hollow. Of course, he'd return for later seasons, as well as A Year In the Life. During the same conversation with People, Stan Zimmerman spoke more about how Venice juxtaposed the show's typical cozy Connecticut vibes. As he put it:

Well, suddenly I've got some serious FOMO. While Milo Ventimiglia would go on to star in This is Us, there are some folks out there who will always see him as Jess Mariano. And while there's no indication that another season of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is happening at Netflix, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. I need to know which of Rory's boyfriends is the father of her child! And yes, I'm #TeamJess.

Gilmore Girls and its spinoff are both streaming now on Netflix. Check the TV premiere list to plan your next binge watch.

Sorry gals and gays, Milo Ventimiglia is officially taken!! The actor whose career took off after starring in Gilmore Girls recently got married to Hawaiian model Jarah Mariano, and yes, he’s become aware of the clear connection between his wife’s name and his famed TV character Jess. 

When Ventimiglia spoke about his marriage on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which took place last year after a private ceremony the couple have kept under wraps, he reacted to the fact that his life partner’s maiden name coincidentally ties in with Gilmore Girls. As he shared: 

Not only do they share the same last name, Jarah Mariano’s name has the same initials as Milo Ventimiglia’s Gilmore Girls character Jess Mariano. The couple, who have reportedly been together since 2022, both grew up in Orange County, California as well. When asked about when he caught on the connection, here’s what the This Is Us star said: 

While it sounds like Milo Ventimiglia didn’t realize it himself right away, the other people in his life who are Gilmore Girls fans made sure to let him know. Jarah Mariano is an American model who has appeared on the likes of Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret along with ads for Abercrombie & Fitch, Armani Exchange, Old Navy, Levi’s and PacSun, among other major brands. Mariano is of Korean and Hawaiian descent. 

Milo Ventimiglia spoke about his recent life milestone while guesting on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Check out the interview on YouTube: 

In a fun segment during the appearance, Milo Ventimiglia was asked if he was aware of the internet's reaction to him being married. While he realized there might be a “few broken hearts” on the subject, he was surprised with some hilarious tweets on the subject. 

Of course, Milo Ventimiglia’s fame doesn’t only lie with the Gilmore Girls fandom. The actor also starred in NBC’s Heroes, but has admitted there was a dry spell in Hollywood for him after the series was canceled, which had him contemplating leaving the business. Ventimiglia found himself a major resurgence of popularity when he joined the cast of This Is Us, which he was part of for six seasons. The actor recently returned to network TV with The Company You Keep. 

Now, as for what Milo Ventimiglia was actually on the talk show for, he was there to promote his new movie, Land of Bad, where he stars alongside Russell Crowe as well as Liam and Luke Hemsworth. The action thriller is about a lone Air Force drone pilot who must survive amidst his Delta Force team being ambushed. 

You can check out Ventimiglia in Land of Bad, set to be released on the 2024 movie schedule this February 16, 2024. And of course, you can always binge-watch the actor in Gilmore Girls and This Is Us with a Netflix subscription. 

While we came to know and adore Justin Hartley as the lovable actor Kevin Pearson on This Is Us, his show on the 2024 TV schedule, Tracker, has him taking on a whole new role, as the "reward-seeker" Colter Shaw. However, that doesn’t mean the actor isn’t still thinking about the connections between the NBC hit and his upcoming CBS show. He even has a silly idea for a crossover, and even though he was joking about it, I’m serious, and I’d like to see this reunion happen. 

This Is Us came to an end in 2022, and Tracker will be Hartley’s first lead role on TV since the NBC drama. Of course, because the actor played Kevin Pearson for six seasons, he’s very connected to the character and the This Is Us cast. With all that in mind, ET asked him about both his new show as well as his previous one, and he came up with a fantastic crossover idea for Tracker and This Is Us, saying:

Of course, one of the major point points in This Is Us, specifically the first few seasons, was the death of Kevin, Kate and Randall’s dad Jack (played by Milo Ventimiglia). While we know he died from smoke inhalation when their house burned down, Hartely is proposing that maybe his on-screen dad didn’t die. So, in this imaginary crossover event, his Tracker character Colter would possibly work with the Pearson triplets to go on a mission to find Jack.

I think we were all grabbing for the tissues during the tragic episode of This Is Us where we learned how Jack died. So, I assume many of us would love to see a happier alternate ending for the beloved patriarch of the Pearson family. 

However, that’s simply a far-fetched dream, and This Is Us was one of many shows to end in 2022. Its finale is long gone, and the Pearson’s story has been over for a while now. Justin Hartley did say though that Kevin will always be with him, and you can feel a bit of the same charisma he brought to his Pearson triplet in his new character Colter. Speaking about prepping for Tracker, and his love for Kevin, Justin Hartley said:

While it’s challenging to leave a character behind and develop a new one, Justin Hartley seems to have done it with grace, and his This Is Us co-stars have celebrated Tracker with him. Even though a crossover is unlikely, it seems like this actor’s on-screen family can’t wait for his new CBS show, and I’m in the same boat.

Even though I think Hartley’s idea for a This Is Us and Tracker crossover is genius, and I’d love to see it, it likely won’t happen. However, it’s always possible for actors like Chrissy Metz, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia to show up as guest stars. 

If any of the above fantasies happen, we’ll be sure to keep you posted. As for what you can do, you can check out Justin Hartley’s new show Tracker when it premieres on February 11 right after the Super Bowl on CBS or the next day with a Paramount+ subscription. Plus, you can always go back and stream all six seasons of This Is Us with a Hulu subscription. 

For the past six years, Milo Ventimiglia was a staple at NBC, where he starred in the acclaimed drama This is Us. The Emmy-winning series signed off after six seasons earlier this year, though and, since production wrapped, the stars have been lining up new projects. On that token, earlier this year, Ventimiglia landed his first big role since the show ended. The actor joined ABC’s The Company You Keep, which he was set to star in and executive produce. Now, months after that news dropped, it would seem that the star’s return to primetime has been secured less than a year after his former show ended.

The Company You Keep has officially been picked up by ABC, according to THR. The show, which will be headed up by co-showrunners Julia Cohen and Phil Klemmer, is expected to enter the 2022-23 TV slate midseason. With this, it becomes the latest addition to the alphabet network’s list of newly greenlit series, which includes the likes of The Rookie: Feds, Avalon and Will Trent. 

As the trade mentions, Milo Ventimiglia’s latest show is adapted from My Fellow Citizens, a Korean program that aired back in 2019. The series centered around a con man who found himself in a number of odd entanglements and eventually ended up running for the country’s National Assembly. The American version of the show will put Ventimiglia in the role of the swindler, who strikes up a romance with a CIA official. Joining the star on the cast list are Catherine Haena, Tim Chiou, Freda Foh Shen, James Saito, Sarah Wayne Callies, Felisha Terrell, Polly Draper and William Fitchner. 

This is a major step for Milo Ventimiglia following his stint on the NBC hit, and I’d wager that fans are excited to hear that he’ll be returning to primetime so quickly. Earlier this year, Ventimiglia spoke about his career plans post This is Us and indicated that he was ready to try some “different” things. While he said that he’s not afraid to “to play in the emotional family space” but that it’s not exactly what he’s looking for at this time. Considering that he’ll be going from playing loving father to an unsavory individual who gets into a romance built on lies, I’d say he succeeded in finding something fresh.

ABC’s fall 2022 schedule is filled with a lot of exciting programs and, while there are new ones on the way, fans are probably just as anxious for their favorite shows to return. The Conners, The Good Doctor, The Rookie and Big Sky. There’s also runaway comedy hit Abbott Elementary, which is headed up by the creative (and business savvy) Quinta Brunson. So overall, the slate is going to be packed with a number of viable viewing options when things get started this fall. 

While we’ll have to wait and see if The Company You Keep ultimately works, it’s fair to say that Milo Ventimiglia’s involvement is a major boon for both the project and ABC as a whole. The Emmy-nominated actor has plenty of talents, and they’re sure to be on full display when the upcoming series airs.

As you wait for updates on Milo Ventimiglia’s latest small-screen venture, check out the 2022 TV schedule for information on the series that will be headed your way over the next few months. Also, anyone interested in checking out Ventimiglia’s work on This is Us can stream all six seasons with a Peacock Premium subscription.

Every so often a show comes along that insists you grab a box of tissues before you start watching. Parenthood, which ran on NBC from 2010 to 2016, was one. Before that, HBO’s Six Feet Under was certainly known to destroy a few viewers. Recently, however, This Is Us has cornered the market as our weekly sobfest. The Pearsons – with their time-honored traditions and prophetic monologues – are an emotion-forward family, to be sure. But creator Dan Fogelman seems to take issue with the show being categorized as overly sentimental.

This Is Us brought its final chapter to a close, with the Big Three saying goodbye to their mother, Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and sending her to the afterlife to reunite with Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), as Kevin, Kate and Randall revealed what was next in their respective lives. Season 6 saw some pretty heavy storylines, including Rebecca’s Alzheimer’s, Kate and Toby’s divorce, and Jack’s mom dying. The plots allowed the Pearsons to do what the do best: talk about their feelings. That’s something the show’s been criticized for, and it doesn’t sit right with Dan Fogelman, who told Entertainment Weekly:

It’s an interesting observation. Why don’t more series show characters holding up their parents as examples to aspire to? Why don’t more TV spouses speak to the trauma of divorce or give big speeches about the overwhelming love for their children? Is Dan Fogelman right? Rather than This Is Us being unrealistically sentimental, do other shows shy away from showing realistic emotion? 

This Is Us was at least self-aware, whether it was Randall’s daughters rolling their eyes at an impending Randall speech or Sophie cutting Kevin off because it was her turn for a monologue. The wonder that is Beth Pearson also gave a voice to those who felt the Pearsons were overly prone to feeling their feelings, as she sometimes struggled to stay patient with her in-laws.

One thing isn’t up for debate, though: the show wouldn’t make viewers so emotional if we didn’t care about the characters. Whether we’re crying happy tears or sad tears, we came to care about the Pearsons and their feelings over the course of six dramatic seasons, and Dan Fogelman is the man to thank for that.

This Is Us may have come to an end, but be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what shows are premiering soon.

SPOILER ALERT: We're about to get into major spoilers from the series finale of This is Us. 

This Is Us’ series finale opened with Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) saying, “Hey,” to each other in a flashback scene from a lazy Saturday for the young parents. That mirroring of the husband and wife’s afterlife reunion was the first of many beautiful moments we got from This Is Us’ ending. As the Big Three honored their mother at her funeral, fans got a hint of what the future held for the Pearson family and how the seemingly insignificant moments can become the most enduring. 

The NBC drama had audiences hooked back in 2016 when it pulled its first timeline misdirect in the series premiere. As Rebecca gave birth to triplets, 36-year-old Kevin, Randall and Kate’s stories each played out simultaneously, and it wasn’t until the end of This Is Us’ pilot that we realized they were actually the children born to Rebecca and Jack in 1980, setting us up for six seasons of traveling back and forth in time to stitch together the Pearson family saga. Let’s take a look at where the series finale left the Big Three, and those wonderful little moments from the episode “Us.”

What’s Next For The Big Three?

Back at Kevin’s house following Rebecca’s funeral, the grown Pearson children revealed their plans for their next steps. Kate (Chrissy Metz) revealed that she was going to continue opening music schools for the blind, as she apparently had gone international with her passion. 

Kevin (Justin Hartley) took most of the series to grow into himself and finally reunite with Sophie, who had been The One all along. He told his brother and sister that he was going to focus on his Big Three Homes nonprofit and spend time with his wife and kids.

Randall (Sterling K. Brown) seemed to be making some big moves, as he and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) had been weighing the pros and cons of his attending the Iowa State Fair with the Democratic National Committee to “shake some hands and eat some deep-fried Oreos,” hinting that there might be a big advancement in his political career…

Randall Pearson For President?

It’s just the beginning of a hint of a possibility that Randall Pearson will run for president. If he does — and if he wins — is a secret Dan Fogelman is playing close to the vest. The creator told TVLine:

In a scene from Randall’s episode of the Big Three Trilogy, he told a police officer he might be president one day, and he also told Rebecca that if he ran for Senate, he’d win. But if Dan Fogelman insists this is a Sopranos ending, I guess we’ll leave it at that.

The Little Moments Are Everything

We’ve seen it time and again over the course of the show’s six seasons, but those little moments — especially the unplanned ones or the mundane — end up being the strongest memories that get passed down. The series finale showed Rebecca and Jack making an impulse buy of a Pin the Tail on the Donkey game because the kids on the box resembled their own family. That game continued to be played after Rebecca’s funeral, and Kate’s childhood strategy — “As long as I know where you are, I always know where I’m going.” — speaks volumes about the siblings’ relationship.

The final episode also showed the Big Three’s children playing Foursquare, just as Randall, Kate and Kevin had done on that lazy Saturday afternoon, and Jack and Rebecca’s flashback conversation about how they were doing as parents was a nod to a similar conversation in Season 1, when Jack gifted Rebecca a moon necklace — the same one she was wearing when she reunited with Jack on “The Train.”

Kate And Toby’s Love Will Endure

KaToby fans can rest easy. Even though Kate and Toby’s marriage didn’t last, Toby assured Kate at Rebecca’s funeral that he loves her. Fans are safe to assume they remain close, as a previous flash forward showed the former couple with their new partners together at one of Jack Damon’s shows. 

Kevin Gets One Last Good Moment With Uncle Nicky 

Nicky Pearson (Griffin Dunne) brought the comic relief when he was promoted to a series regular in Season 4. Curmudgeonly as ever in the final episode, he sarcastically railed on Kevin for reuniting him with his brother’s family, thus causing him the pain he felt at losing Rebecca. He said his parents would be ashamed if they knew what he did to a “sweet and sensitive old man like me.” It was fun to see Nicky end the series the way he started it — pissed at Kevin.

Beth Crushes Final ‘Worst Case Scenario’ Game

Speaking of comic relief, Susan Kelechi Watson often got the show’s best moments as Beth. The series finale featured one last round of the couple’s trademark “Worst Case Scenario” game, where Beth vocalized her concern for what would happen to Randall now that his parents were all gone: 

It’s a dark game, but it sure made a grouchy Randall smile and made fans very happy.

The Series’ Final Words, And That Beautiful Last Shot

The series’ final shot — young Randall looking at Jack as the Pearson patriarch looks on lovingly at his family — followed a similarly touching exchange between adult Randall and his own adopted child, Deja, who was carrying his first grandchild — a boy! That, as well as the final dialogue spoken, were planned years in advance, Dan Fogelman told EW:

That’s it, This Is Us fans! Dan Fogelman really considered what fans would want to see before the final chapter was closed on the Pearsons’ story. He gave us some great moments between the characters and a glimpse at what the future might hold for the Big Three. Once you’ve cleaned up all tissues, be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what premieres are coming soon.

Over six seasons, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman has sprinkled details to expand the saga of the Pearson family. All of the mysteries he’s introduced by jumping back and forth across different timelines are starting to come together to form a complete narrative, allowing the fans and the actors alike to step back and see the finished product. When Milo Ventimiglia looks back at Jack Pearson’s story, he recently revealed he has one regret, and it’s one that definitely tugs at the heartstrings.

Milo Ventimiglia plays Pearson patriarch Jack on the hit NBC drama, and because Jack died after saving his family from a house fire when the Big Three were teenagers, the character (for the most part) is only featured in flashbacks. With the end of the series upon us, more and more of the plot is occurring in the current and future timelines, giving Ventimiglia a pretty comprehensive picture of his character’s life. Speaking at PaleyFest (via Insider), the actor admitted that there’s one pretty big regret he has about Jack’s life:

Nicky Pearson’s existence was a shock to everyone — even the Pearsons — when he was revealed to be alive in Season 3. Jack had told Rebecca that Nicky died serving in the Vietnam War, but the truth was that Jack cut all ties with his brother after the death of a young Vietnamese boy. A grenade had gone off in the boat where Nicky and the boy were fishing, and Jack refused to believe the death was an accident. 

It’s a hard truth to come to terms with, now that we see how close Nicky is with the rest of the family. Kevin even named one of his twins after him. Jack’s penchant for always protecting Nicky from their abusive father also played a big role in why Jack wanted Kevin and Randall to be close. But it was important to the plot and the nonlinear storytelling that there was never any closure between the brothers, because otherwise it wouldn’t have made sense that Rebecca didn’t know Nicky was alive.

I can see how that plot would be a tough one for Milo Ventimiglia to swallow, and it was particularly awkward in the recent episode when Jack and Nicky’s mother died, but Nicky was nowhere to be seen. 

I think the end justifies the means, though, because Griffin Dunne (who plays current/future Nicky) has been a hilarious addition to the cast since being upgraded to a series regular in Season 4. It doesn’t make up for the fact that Jack is dead, or that he died not knowing the truth about Nicky, but one Pearson brother is better than no Pearson brothers, right?

This Is Us is officially on the back end of its final season, so be sure to tune in at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesdays on NBC, and also check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what new and returning shows are premiering soon.

This Is Us has spent six seasons telling the saga of the Pearson family across multiple generations, but that saga will come to an end in May. While fans will have to say goodbye to the Pearsons in less than three months, that won’t necessarily mean losing the cast from television. Milo Ventimiglia, who has been playing Jack from the very beginning despite the character’s death in Season 2, has landed his next big TV role. The news comes shortly after he weighed in on where his career could take him after This Is Us, and his new character is definitely no Jack Pearson!

Milo Ventimiglia has signed on to star in and executive produce a new project called The Company You Keep, which Deadline reports has received a pilot order from ABC. The actor would play a con man by the name of Charlie, who falls in love with Emma – who happens to be an undercover CIA agent – after a night together, despite the fact that their career paths are bound to collide in the worst way. Charlie will try to get out of the family business of running cons while Emma works to apprehend the criminal who controls Charlie’s family’s debts. The question is whether they can deal with the lies they’ve had to tell and manage to save themselves and their families from terrible repercussions.

Even though This Is Us hasn’t come to an end yet, I feel pretty comfortable saying that fans aren’t going to get a reveal that Jack and Rebecca Pearson ever had a relationship like what The Company You Keep has going on with Charlie and Emma! A con man/CIA agent dynamic isn’t what had Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore exchanging vows back in the early days of This Is Us. 

There are no details about who would play the Emma to Ventimiglia’s Charlie for The Company You Keep, but Ventimiglia would executive produce along with HBO Max’s Degrassi co-creator Julia Cohen, who is also writing the pilot. Cohen already has connections to some successful series for ABC, as she has served as a co-executive producer on Quantico and –  more recently – A Million Little Things. 

The project is based on a Korean format called My Fellow Citizens that ran for upward of 30 episodes, but is currently only in the pilot stage at ABC. There’s no guarantee that The Company You Keep will ever advance beyond the pilot order, but casting a talented actor with as much name recognition as Milo Ventimiglia fresh off of This Is Us seems like a great way to get the project off the ground. It has also been in the works for some time. Back in January, Deadline listed it as a project being “buzzed about” for the upcoming slate of network TV pilots. It’s also worth noting that ABC found a hit with another project based on a Korean series, with the often emotional The Good Doctor.

If The Company You Keep does well enough as a pilot to earn a series order at NBC, This Is Us fans might not have to miss Milo Ventimiglia’s presence in primetime for all that long. Even though Charlie the con man is certainly not somebody who will be confused with Jack Pearson, he would keep the popular actor’s TV streak going. For now, you can look forward to seeing more of Ventimiglia in new episodes of This Is Us’ final season, airing on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC in the 2022 TV schedule. If you want to revisit the earlier days of Jack Pearson, you can find all six seasons of This Is Us so far streaming with a Hulu subscription.

This Is Us is coming to an end, and while this is devastating news for fans who have invested in the Pearson family saga for six seasons, it’s likely also an exciting time for the actors, who will get to add other — and possibly far different — roles to their resumes. (As an example, Lyric Ross has already been tapped for an MCU role in Ironheart.) Milo Ventimiglia has melted our hearts time and again as Jack Pearson, and viewers are excited to see what’s next for the actor. Will he stay in the family drama milieu or perhaps opt for a different genre after six years as the Pearson patriarch?

Jack Pearson’s poignant speeches, strong morals and heartbreakingly relatable struggles have enamored him to This Is Us fans, and even to the show's characters, as his on-screen death when the Big Three were teenagers gave him a “larger than life” quality in the present-day and future timelines. Milo Ventimiglia’s character is still shown frequently in flashback scenes, but as the show begins to connect the dots that will land viewers in Kevin’s cabin at Rebecca’s deathbed in 2034, Ventimiglia and fans alike are moving on from the character of Jack. But how far will we all be moving?

Milo Ventimiglia recently spoke with press in connection with his panel at the recent SCAD TVfest, and answered a question from CinemaBlend’s Nick Venable regarding where we might see the actor once his time on the hit NBC drama comes to an end. Ventimiglia said: 

It sounds like the actor isn’t closing the door on any potential projects based specifically on genre. While he’s had success in emotional dramedies — not just on This Is Us, but also notably as Jess Mariano on Gilmore Girls — Milo Ventimiglia as also tackled sci-fi (Peter Petrelli on Heroes) and horror (Strawberry Spring podcast, adapted from the Stephen King short story), among other kinds of narratives. He says he looks more at his character,and/or the cast and crew he’d be working with, as opposed to just the project itself. That strategy certainly worked with the This Is Us ensemble.

While Milo Ventimiglia did reprise the role of Jess for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, he might be hesitant about going back to that character again, since, as he said on Scott Patterson’s podcast in 2021, fans have had their cake and eaten it too after the four-part Netflix revival. At that time, he looked forward to playing “a lot of different men” over the course of his career. 

Getting more involved behind the camera is another option, as Milo Ventimiglia has had the opportunity to direct two episodes of This Is Us, with a third yet to come in Season 6. Fans of the NBC drama will be excited to see whatever it is that comes next for the actor, but right now we’re content to soak up every bit of Jack Pearson we can get. 

There’s no new episode of This Is Us on March 1 — a pre-emption that was planned for the State of the Union — but have your tissues ready when the Pearsons return at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 8, on NBC. Be sure to also check out what other new and returning shows are premiering soon on our 2022 TV Schedule.

Spoiler alert! This story discusses This Is Us’ Season 6 episode “Don’t Let Me Keep You.” 

This Is Us jumped back in time in its latest episode, “Don’t Let Me Keep You,” spending time with Jack Pearson in the days following his mother’s death. Laura Niemi returned as Marilyn Pearson for the episode that mostly flipped back and forth between when the Big Three were 1 year old and when Marilyn died about five years later. We haven’t gotten to spend as much time with Jack in the past few seasons, but as the series comes to an end, Milo Ventimiglia proved he's quality over quantity, bringing the emotion full-force in a heart-shattering scene when Jack’s grief reached a tipping point.

“Don’t Let Me Keep You” saw Jack Pearson struggling in the aftermath of Marilyn’s death, as he realized how little he actually knew about his mother. The episode culminated in an emotional scene, where Jack broke down after fixing hot dogs and tomato soup for his kids, just like his mother had for him, with Jack crying to Rebecca, “I don’t have a mom anymore.” Milo Ventimiglia talked to Variety about filming that scene and how his TV kids propelled that emotion. 

The three kids — Kaz Womack as Kevin, Ca'Ron Jaden Coleman as Randall, and Isabella Rose Landau as Kate — just digging into their soup while Milo Ventimiglia was acting this overbearing moment of grief is somehow so beautifully real life, and Ventimiglia said when the actor playing little Kevin looked up at him, he found the connection between his roles as their father and Marilyn’s son. 

Tough to watch for sure, because I’m pretty sure viewers found the incredible devastation that the actors promised This Is Us’ final chapter would bring (or at least part of it, since there's surely more to come). Mandy Moore’s support of Milo Ventimiglia was so sweet, and it sounds like she was fulfilling the vows the couple exchanged before playing husband and wife, as she checked in with him and asked him what he needed for Jack’s big moment.

No mysteries were solved in “Don’t Let Me Keep You,” but instead we got a stunning performance from Milo Ventimiglia in what might be our last big Jack Pearson episode. Restock the tissues, This Is Us fans, because the Pearsons are back next Tuesday for “Heart and Soul” at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. Check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what other shows are premiering soon. 

Jack and Rebecca Pearson are the heart of This Is Us, which is interesting when you consider Milo Ventimiglia’s character died before the events of the current timeline. However it’s not hard to believe that Jack and Rebecca’s chemistry has been strong enough to hold the flashback portions of This Is Us for six seasons, especially when you consider Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore apparently exchanged vows with each other back in 2015. 

This Is Us is currently airing its sixth and final season on NBC, bringing what could only be a devastating end to the show that’s kept audiences reaching for the tissues for six years, as well as keeping us on our toes with its twists and turns. Milo Ventimiglia spoke on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon about the final season and recalled a moment he shared with on-screen wife Mandy Moore at an advertiser conference ahead of This Is Us’ premiere. 

Okay, that is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. To know that Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore vowed to look out for each other on set as if they were actually husband and wife really makes Jack and Rebecca’s on-screen relationship make so much sense. 

This Is Us has always brought the emotion and has tackled some really tough issues, so I’d imagine knowing that you had that kind of support from your scene partner must have been so creatively freeing for both actors. Milo Ventimiglia absolutely gushed about his on-screen wife and how much he has enjoyed watching Mandy Moore work and grow over the past six years. 

Okay, we're all officially in love with Milo Ventimiglia now, right? You can watch his full interview with Jimmy Fallon below. 

What a beautiful tribute to Mandy Moore – and it’s very much well-deserved. Season 6 will show the progression of Rebecca’s Alzheimer’s, leading to a flash forward scene where she’s near the end of her life. Moore was stunning in the premiere, her performance breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I can’t wait to see what more these two will show audiences as Season 6 continues.

This Is Us airs at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesdays on NBC. Be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what other shows are coming up too. 

The beginning of the end is near! In just a few short days, This Is Us’ sixth season will premiere on NBC, and fans will begin to say goodbye to the Pearson family, whom we’ve watched grow from childhood to old age (in nonlinear fashion) over the span of six years. But before we shed our final tears, showrunner Dan Fogelman has a lot of work to do, as he’s been laying down various mysteries for the previous five seasons. The time for answers has come, and answers we will get! 

The whole show seems to be leading up to a 2034 timeline, where the Big Three, their spouses and children are gathering at the huge, gorgeous house that Kevin built to fulfill his father’s dream. Pearson matriarch Rebecca appears to be dying, and while we’ve checked off a good number of the family members — Randall’s whole family is there, Kevin and his kids, Toby and Nicky — we’re still on the lookout for a few others. That’s not even mentioning the Kate bombshell that was dropped in the Season 5 finale. So let’s take a look at the biggest mysteries we're still curious about going into the Season 6 premiere.

Who Is Kevin’s Wife? 

In the 2034 flash forward, Kevin and his twins are there with Rebecca, and Kevin is wearing a wedding band, but his wife remains unknown. While we all expected Kevin to marry the twins’ mother Madison at the end of Season 5, we were shocked to find out that we'd jumped five years into the future for Kate and Phillip's wedding, and what we thought were Kevin’s vows were actually from his speech as the officiant. 

In the current timeline, Kevin and Madison did not go through with their wedding, but did they ever work things out? They clearly still had a good relationship in the future, but was it romantic in nature or just good co-parenting? Did Kevin get back together with first wife and childhood love Sophie? They did always seem pretty end game, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see her again.

How Do Kate And Phillip Get Together?

This was a big Season 5 shocker. Kate and Phillip didn’t get off to a great start teaching together, and even though that situation improved when Phillip saw how good Kate was with the students, I’d describe their early relationship as “tolerant.” Factor in that Kate and Toby are still freaking married in the current timeline and seemed to be working through their issues in the Season 5 finale — just moments before we jumped five years into the future to see Kate in a wedding dress and Phillip calling himself Kevin’s future brother-in-law. How. Did. We. Get. Here? 

Where Is Kate In 2034? 

Randall convinced Toby to gather with them at Kevin’s house in 2034 because “she would want you here.” But is “she” Rebecca or Kate? Toby (sans wedding band) said he talked to his son Jack, and “they” are on their way. This could be Jack and his sister Hailey, or Jack and his wife and child. It’s possible that Kate is with one of her kids — or with Phillip, of course — but we haven’t heard anyone ask, “When is Kate getting here?” which is concerning in a show that devastates us at every juncture.

Is Malik The Father Of Deja’s Baby?

The Pearson family tree is growing! We got a pretty solid look at Randall’s daughters in one flash-forward, where we learn that Deja is pregnant, but hasn’t shared that news with anyone except her sister Annie. Did Deja and Malik go the distance? The teenagers saw some bumps in the road in Season 5, with the mother of Malik’s child wanting to be more involved in Janelle’s life, but both Malik and Deja are mature for their age because of their life experiences, so it’s possible they’re still going strong. Any way it goes, if we’re considering a This Is Us spinoff, Randall’s daughters are where it’s at.

Where Is Miguel? 

The final season of This Is Us is going to provide fans with "one of the saddest moments" when it delves into why Rebecca and Miguel lost touch after Jack's death, and that's before they reunited and eventually married each other. So while we know Miguel will play a key role in Season 6, we’re a little concerned that he’s not the one at Rebecca’s bedside in 2034. Mandy Moore added fuel to the fire of concern with comments to EW that made it sound like something dire could happen. We wouldn’t be talking about the possibility of something happening to Miguel if nothing were going to happen, would we? There’s a long-held fan theory about why Jack’s brother Nicky is the one sitting with Rebecca in the future timeline, which leads us to our next mystery.

Who Is Nicky Married To?

Nicky is shown in the 2034 timeline wearing a wedding band, so is it possible that Miguel dies and Nicky marries Rebecca? In her declining health, does she mistake Nicky for his brother? This theory is pretty disturbing to me, so I’m hoping Nicky’s love life goes in another direction. In Season 5, we saw Nicky making an attempt to reconnect with Sally, “the one who got away” when he was younger. Maybe we'll see Sally popping up in Season 6, or maybe Nicky is married to someone we haven’t even met yet.

Why Is Randall A Rising Star?

At the end of Season 5, when Kevin is getting ready to officiate Kate and Phillip’s wedding, we see a magazine on the dresser opened to a cover story about “Rising Star” Randall Pearson. No longer just the stripping councilman, are we, Randall? So where have Randall’s political aspirations taken him? Governor? Senator? President?! Whatever the office, he’d have my vote.

Who’s In The White Car? 

It’s the most mysterious of mysteries and could be answered by pretty much any of the above questions. Randall tells Deja, “Look who’s here,” as a white car pulls up to Kevin's house in the future timeline, but its occupants are left unknown. Is it Madison or Sophie? Is it Kate and Phillip, or Jack and Hailey? Nicky’s wife, maybe? Malik and Janelle? Gosh this show loves to stress us out. For all we know, we haven’t even met the mystery driver yet. 

We’re about to get the answers to all of these questions, and probably more, as I don’t think now is when This Is Us is going to break form and stop shocking us with its twists and turns. The final season premieres at 9 p.m. ET, Tuesday, January 4, on NBC. Be sure to check out our 2022 TV Schedule to see what other shows will be debuting as the Pearsons' final season gets underway.

NBC’s heart-wrenching family drama This Is Us is getting ready to head into its sixth and final season. With emotions at an all-time high, it seems like there's a lot at stake for the final season, and to make sure the cast was all-in, it looks like there will be some extra payouts this season. In fact, it’s being reported that Milo Ventimiglia and more of the cast have received huge bonuses for the show’s final season.

Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan and Jon Huertas all earned pay raises when production on Season 6 began over the summer, according to Deadline. The raises reportedly came after the cast themselves asked for more money. 

At the start of the series, everyone earned different amounts, but that changed in Season 2, as the outlet reports the main cast worked for "pay parity," and have kept to that ideal ever since. This time around, creator Dan Fogelman reportedly backed the actors’ request for a raise, which was agreed to be a $2 million bonus for the seven original cast members. In addition, John Huertas got a $1 million bonus and reports allege the rest of the cast may have pooled some of this bonus money so everyone achieved parity, given he's been a series regular since Season 2 as well. 

The critically-acclaimed NBC drama has been making audiences cry for years and this final season shouldn't be any different. Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore, who portray Jack and Rebecca Pearson, were “incredibly devastated” when they found out how the series will come to an end and how the Pearson journey will wrap up. So, if that's not a stamp of approval, I'm not sure what is.

Fans won’t have to wait much longer to be reunited with the Pearsons, as Season 6 is premiering at the top of the New Year. Since the NBC show is premiering at midseason, it will be airing mostly uninterrupted, meaning it won’t be like last season when it seemed like there was a break every other week thanks to COVID causing production delays. 

Season 5 of This Is Us ended on some pretty shocking cliffhangers, mostly one that included a flash-forward of Chrissy Metz’s Kate marrying her fellow music teacher colleague. Meanwhile, Rebecca has been slowly losing her memory and her mental health is deteriorating. In a new teaser for the upcoming season, she said forgetting the little things is what she’s most worried about rather than the big things.

It’s nice to know that the cast was able to get a big pay raise for the final season, because they definitely deserve it. This Is Us has won Emmys, Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, SAG, and has been nominated for and won plenty more awards throughout the years--and that's all outside of its ratings success. Season 6 will definitely bring more emotions and closure, but fingers crossed it won’t be too bad! 

Truly, this show has made me cry enough and I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle any more major heartbreak. I might need to prepare myself, though, as Season 6 of This Is Us premieres Tuesday, January 4 on NBC!

Back in 2016, a show premiered that captured the hearts of viewers, and surely made them cry every single week with new episodes full of family, love, and so much more - and that show was This Is Us, a series that is going to be entering its sixth and final season in 2022, as it's not appearing on the 2021 fall TV schedule. 

However, with such a large ensemble cast full of talent, you’re sure to have seen some of these actors and actresses before, such as Mandy Moore or Milo Ventimiglia. If you’re wondering why some of these faces may look (or sound) familiar, here is where you might have seen the This Is Us cast prior to their roles on the hit NBC show. 

Milo Ventimiglia (Jack Pearson)

I’m pretty sure we all have a slight crush on the patriarch of the Pearson family, Jack, as played by the talented Milo Ventimiglia. Before his part on the show, Ventimiglia appeared in a variety of roles, from TV to film. 

In terms of TV, one of his biggest roles was Jess Mariano in the Gilmore Girls cast, a role he reprised in the Netflix special, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Milo Ventimiglia also had a major role on the NBC series, Heroes, playing Peter Petrelli from 2006-2010. His other roles in television include The Bedford Diaries, MOb City, and The Whispers. 

Ventimiglia has appeared in a number of films, including the crime-horror movie, Pathology, Rocky Balboa, Creed II, Kiss of the Damned, the comedy-drama, The Art of Racing in the Rain, and more. With Season 6 coming soon, I can’t wait to see Jack Pearson one last time. 

Mandy Moore (Rebecca Pearson)

There can’t be a patriarch without a matriarch of some sorts, and that is the lovely Rebecca Pearson, played by Mandy Moore. For a long time, Moore was in the music business, a career that she still does to this day. Her most recent album was released in 2020. But ,that doesn't mean that she still hasn’t done a lot in Hollywood. 

Moore was a part of The Princess Diaries cast, starred in the romantic drama A Walk to Remember, Chasing Liberty, Saved!, Racing Stripes, License to Wed, the horror film 47 Meters Down, the dystopian movie The Darkest Minds, the war movie Midway, and more. She also voiced Rapunzel in Disney animated film Tangled, and reprised her role in the Tangled TV series. 

Mandy Moore has also been elsewhere on TV. She’s had several guest roles on shows like Entourage, Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy, The Simpsons and more. She also had a recurring role on Red Band Society, along with voice roles on High School USA! and Tron: Uprising. With someone as multi-talented as she is, it’s not a surprise that she has rocked her role as Rebecca for this long. 

Sterling K. Brown (Randall Pearson)

My personal favorite out of all the Pearson children is Randall for so many reasons - but maybe it’s just because he’s played by the smooth-talking Sterling K. Brown. 

Brown has appeared in a few big films during his career, such as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Marshall, the Marvel film, Black Panther, and was a part of the Frozen II cast. He’s actually going to be in an upcoming film called Rise very soon. But television is where he's been seen the most. 

Sterling K. Brown’s biggest role prior to This Is Us was playing Roland Burton on the drama show, Army Wives for 107 episodes. Other work includes a recurring role on Supernatural as Gordon Walker, Starved, Third Watch, and Person of Interest, as well as several guest appearances. He also portrayed Christopher Darden on Ryan Murphy’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and has a recurring role on the Netflix animated series, Big Mouth. 

Chrissy Metz (Kate Pearson)

Kate Pearson is a fighter in This Is Us, and she is played by Chrissy Metz. Relatively speaking, Chrissy Metz hadn’t done as much work prior to her role in This Is Us, but has been in some bigger projects since she got the starring role. 

Before This Is Us, Metz appeared in minor roles in Loveless in Los Angeles and The Onion Movie. After, she had a part in the Netflix original film, Sierra Burgess is a Loser, and the Christian drama, Breakthrough. 

Metz also had success in television, appearing in a variety of guest roles from Entourage to Huge, but also had a recurring role in American Horror Story: Freak Show as Barbara/Ima Wiggles. Recently, she appeared in the Muppets Haunted Mansion cast. 

Justin Hartley (Kevin Pearson)

Kevin has grown so much over the years on This Is Us, as portrayed by Justin Hartley. The actor appeared in a variety of films, including the Christmas movie, A Bad Moms Christmas, The Exchange, and an upcoming film titled, Injustice, where he’ll play Superman. But, television is definitely a place where Justin Hartley has shown his skills. 

Prior to This Is Us, he was a series regular on Passions, a recurring/main character in the CW show, Smallville, where he played Green Arrow, had a main role on Emily Owens, M.D., recurring roles on Revenge and Mistresses, and was a series regular on the long-running soap opera, The Young and the Restless. Talk about someone with a lot of range and talent.

Susan Kelechi Watson (Beth Pearson)

You cannot sit there and tell me that there is a better relationship on TV than Beth and Randall Pearson. Beth is just too damn amazing of a woman, and she is played by Susan Kelechi Watson. 

Believe it or not, Watson has only been in one feature film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, starring Tom Hanks. However, she’s also appeared in a variety of TV shows in guest roles, such as Limitless, the Showtime series, Billions, NCIS and more. She also had recurring roles in Third Watch, Louie, The Blacklist, and The Following, Coming up, she will be providing her voice for an animated film called Rumble. 

Chris Sullivan (Toby Damon)

Oh, Toby. When we first met Toby back in Season 1 of This Is Us, I don’t think any of us could have predicted his story. Chris Sullivan has portrayed Toby since the beginning, and has appeared in a variety of movies and TV. 

With movies, he played Taserface in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, a role he reprised in the Disney+ original series, What If…?, Imperium, I Trapped the Devil, Agnes, and more. 

Sullivan has also appeared in many TV shows. He had a main role in The Knick, a recurring guest role in Season 1 of Stranger Things, a role in comedy series, Camping, and many guest roles for series like The Good Fight, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Americans. 

Ron Cephas Jones (William “Shakespeare” Hill)

Ugh, just thinking about William from This Is Us breaks my heart, but that doesn’t mean I can’t write about the brilliance of Ron Cephas Jones playing him. 

Jones has been in many movies, including Paid in Full, Across the Universe, Glass Chin, the Netflix Christmas film The Holiday Calendar, the Eddie Murphy-led Dolemite is My Name, and many others. 

In television, Jones has had many roles in several shows, including Mr. Robot as Romero, The Get Down, the Marvel show Luke Cage, as Bobby Fish, the Hulu miniseries Looking for Alaska, Truth Be Told, and Lisey’s Story. He also guest starred on series such as Law & Order, New York Undercover, NYC 22 and more. 

Jon Huertas (Miguel Rivas)

Miguel was Jack’s best friend in This Is Us, and later Rebecca’s husband, who is played by Jon Huertas. In terms of movies, Huertas has been in many, including but not limited to Borderline, Right at Your Door, The Objective, Stash House, Imprisoned, and Initiation. 

Television is where Huertas has shined the brightest. His biggest role was playing Javier Esposito as part of the Castle cast. He’s also had recurring roles in Moesha, Undressed, the fantasy series Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, The Joe Schmo Show, Generation Kill, Elementary, and more. 

Eris Baker (Tess Pearson)

We have watched Randall’s daughters grow up before our eyes on This Is Us, and Tess is one of the eldest, played by Eris Baker. Prior to her role on This Is Us, Baker didn’t appear in any films, sticking to television for her earlier years of acting.

She appeared in the Zendaya-led Disney Channel show, K.C. Undercover, had a guest role in Drunk History, and a guest spot on Alex & Katie. Hopefully son, we’ll get to see her in more projects after her awesome role on This Is Us. 

Faithe Herman (Annie Pearson)

Another little girl that we’ve been watching grow up so quickly is Annie Pearson, played by Faithe Herman. Because she’s so young, Herman hasn’t appeared in as many projects, but still has been in some big films/TV. 

She appeared in the comedy-drama, Bodied, and played Darla Dudley in Shazam! which she will reprise in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. With TV, she had a guest role on Criminal Minds, and a guest role on the HBO series, Watchmen. 

Lyric Ross (Deja Pearson)

The adopted daughter of the Pearson family, Deja has grown so much too, as played by Lyric Ross. 

Ross appeared in guest roles on Sirens and Chicago Fire before her role on This Is Us, and also appeared in the films Canal Street and Rogers Park. She will be in an upcoming film called The Class. 

Asante Blackk (Malik Hodges)

Playing Deja’s boyfriend, Malik Hodges, in This Is Us is Asante Blackk, a main character since the beginning of Season 4. 

Blackk has only appeared on television during his career, but has been incredibly successful. He starred as Kevin Richardson in When They See Us, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. He also guest starred on Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Good Times and Social Distance.

Griffin Dunne (Nicholas Pearson)

We first met Nicky in Season 3, and he’s only continued to become one of my favorite characters on This Is Us, played by Griffin Dunne. Dunne has appeared in a variety of films such as the werewolf movie, An American Werewolf in London, Cold Feet, Running on Empty, Bondage, War Machine, and the upcoming Wes Anderson film, The French Dispatch. 

In terms of television, he’s had several recurring roles on shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Trust Me, House of Lies, Damages, Manhattan, Goliath, Search Party, and more. 

Caitlin Thompson (Madison Simons)

Last but not least, we have Madison Simons, all the way from Season 1 as Kate’s best friend, played by Caitlin Thompson. 

In film, she appeared in the romantic-comedy, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Walking the Halls, Chapman, and more. With television, she’s had recurring roles in series like the college show, Greek, 90210, and Small Shots. Coming up, she will be in a TV film called Under the Bridge. 

With such a large ensemble cast, it’s not a surprise that they’ve been in so many amazing movies and shows. With Season 6 coming soon, I’m looking forward to seeing all these lovely faces one last time together on the small screen. 

Filming is underway on the final season of This Is Us, and fan expectations are high for how creator Dan Fogelman and the writers will tie up the storylines of our beloved Pearsons. A lot of characters have been introduced into the Pearsons’ circle over five seasons, and on top of witnessing satisfactory endings for everyone, fans are also going to need Season 6 to provide answers to all of the mysteries yet to be revealed. According to Milo Ventimiglia, the actors are learning more every day about the ending, and that’s got him and co-star Mandy Moore excited and worried at the same time.

While the cast has known their characters’ fates for a while — with Milo Ventimiglia's Jack Pearson meeting said fate in Season 1 — the final season's imminence means details are now being filled in to reveal the full picture of how the Pearson family will exit our screens and lives.  Ventimiglia talked to Us Weekly recently about the series’ final season, revealing that while he thought the ending was “beautiful,” he and his on-screen wife Mandy Moore were “incredibly devastated” about the way fans are going to be affected.

If there’s one thing This Is Us has proven capable of, wrecking its fans in a heartfelt way is at the top of the list. The Season 5 finale shocked viewers with the revelation that Kate and Toby will get divorced and she will remarry. And I’m honestly still not over Randall’s spiritual reconnecting with his birth mother earlier in Season 5.

But just as important as the characters’ “current” paths (not an easy thing to talk about on a show with multiple timelines) are the mysteries, and boy does This Is Us have some big ones in need of answers. From our flash-forward timeline, where the family is gathering around a dying Rebecca, we know that Kevin and Nicky are both married, but to whom? And where is Kate? Who is the father of Deja’s baby? How many more mysteries will be introduced before they start solving them, and how many of those will directly tie into the heartfelt devastation that we're all apparently going to deal with?

Thinking about all we’ve got left to learn about the characters we’ve grown to love so much makes me excited for what’s ahead in Season 6, even as I know it’s coming to an end. But there’s always hope for a spinoff, right?

This Is Us Season 6 is set to premiere in early 2022 as part of NBC’s midseason lineup. Debuting in the winter should mean that the final season will air largely uninterrupted, unlike Season 5, which often had multiple weeks between episodes due to a COVID-altered production schedule. In the meantime, start stockpiling tissues, and check out our 2021 Fall TV Schedule to be sure to catch all of the upcoming premieres.

With any hugely successful show, fans remain hopeful that the end of a series is less of a “goodbye” and more of a “see you later.” Gilmore Girls fans are certainly no different. Where you lead, we will follow, especially after the pregnancy bomb that Rory dropped in the waning seconds of “Fall,” the fourth and final installment in the series’ 2016 Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Milo Ventimiglia, who’s currently on set of the final season of This Is Us, discussed the possibility of doing more Gilmore Girls after he wraps his six-season arc as Pearson patriarch Jack on the NBC drama.

On the I Am All In podcast, Milo Ventimiglia seemed to have mixed feelings about jumping back into the character of bad boy Jess, who dated Rory for part of the show’s original run and reconnected with her as friends in the revival. Ventimiglia told podcast host Scott Patterson, who played Jess’ uncle and Lorelei love interest Luke, that he’d “be a jerk” to pass up the opportunity to do more Gilmore Girls.

Hold on one second, Gilmore fandom, maybe don’t start celebrating just yet. While Milo Ventimiglia was open to the idea, he cautioned against shows coming back without new stories to tell or character growth to show. He also said he hopes his post-This Is Us career allows him the opportunity to play different characters.

So while it sounds like Milo Ventimiglia would be on board to return for more Gilmore Girls, I’m not sure that’s the path he’d prefer to take in his career. Look at it this way: If Ventimiglia had limited himself solely to the role of Jess Mariano, the world would have been robbed of him as Jack Pearson, and I may be Team Jess, but I am also 100% Team Jack. So while I suppose it would be okay for Ventimiglia to do (sigh) different projects, we can hold tight to the fact that if the Palladinos ever do decide to write more over-caffeinated dialogue for Lorelei and Rory, Jess is on board to return.

Gilmore Girls' original seven seasons and the A Year in the Life revival are available for streaming on Netflix. This Is Us will return to NBC for its sixth and final season in 2022. Be sure to check out our 2021 Fall TV Schedule so you don’t miss the upcoming premieres of any of your favorite shows!

Here in the year 2021, Stephen King fans have been enjoying (and otherwise) adaptations of his stellar (and otherwise) works for 45 years now, with Brian De Palma's Carrie quickly setting a high bar in 1976. Since then, there have been oodles and oodles of films and TV shows and comic books bringing his words to life in other mediums. Now, constant readers are somehow getting an adaptation that hasn't been achieved before, with one of King's early short stories being turned into a podcast starring This Is Us' Milo Ventimiglia and others.

Not only will this be the first time a Stephen King story or novel will be adapted into a scripted podcast, but it's the first ever adaptation for the story itself, "Strawberry Spring," which was first published in a 1968 issue of Ubris magazine. The story reached the masses a decade later as part of King's first story collection Night Shift, which spawned a multitude of adaptations from its other stories, including "Children of the Corn," "The Mangler," "Sometimes They Come Back," "Graveyard Shift," and "The Lawnmower Man." (And let's not forget "Trucks," which later became the infamous Maximum Overdrive.)

With the podcast stretching the plotline out a bit to make it an episodic release, Strawberry Spring centers on a journalist who, upon being reminded of a serial killer active during his college years, falls into an obsessive hunt for this killer, dubbed "Springheel Jack." As it goes with a story like this, the protagonist is not going to have an easy time with this investigation, and he's not going to like everything that he discovers.

The Strawberry Spring podcast will be a co-production between acclaimed podcast studio Audio Up Media and iHeartMedia, with The Voice producer Lee Metzger and documentary producer Philip Alberstat putting things together behind the scenes. The cast is as solid as one would expect from a high-profile Stephen King adaptation, too. Beyond Milo Ventimiglia, the project will also star Mosaic's Garrett Hedlund, Stargirl's Brec Bassinger, American Gods' Herizen F. Gaurdiola, The White Lotus star Sydney Sweeney, Black Monday's Ken Marino, and Physical's Al Madrigal. Character information was not given in the initial announcement.

Stephen King stories have obviously been adapted as audiobooks for as long as it's been possible to do so, and the 1999 release Blood and Smoke featured King reading three short stories that hadn't been published in collections at the time. But this will be the first time any of King's stories will be dramatized in episodic form as an audio drama. Audio One Media is also responsible for such popular podcasts as Missed Riffs with MTV vet Matt Pinfield, Ever After with Jaleel White, and Sorry We're Stoned with Miley Cyrus' mom Trish and sister Brandi. It sounds like they'll be putting proper resources into Strawberry Spring, too, so expect for this to sound as good as a live-action iteration would.

There are plenty of other upcoming Stephen King movies and TV shows on the horizon, as well. King's first TV series that he actually developed himself, the Apple TV+ drama Lisey's Story, just wrapped up its limited-series run on July 16. Meanwhile, the Firestarter reboot is currently filming, Adrian Brody's 'Salem's Lot-adjacent Chapelwaite is set to premiere on EPIX on August 22, while the IT films' writer Gary Dauberman is working on a feature version of 'Salem's Lot. And there are literally dozens of other adaptations in the works. But none will be quite like Strawberry Spring, constant podcast listeners.

While waiting to feast your ears on the Strawberry Spring podcast, be sure to take note of all the great TV shows that are coming to the 2021 Summer TV schedule, as well as all the newly released premiere dates for everything debuting in the Fall TV schedule.

After the revival miniseries became a hit on Netflix, Gilmore Girls fans have been craving more stories about the residents of Stars Hollow while still enjoying its many stars in their current shows. While more Gilmore Girls isn’t on the horizon anytime soon, there has been much interest about casting crossovers with Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, with the two shows sharing the same creator in Amy Sherman-Palladino, whose husband Danny Palladino has written and produced for both. Now, such wishes are coming true as Gilmore Girls alum and This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia has joined the Amazon comedy.

The mini-Gilmore Girls reunion between the This is Us star and his former boss will happen as Milo Ventimiglia is signed on to join Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for a guest-star stint, according to TV Line. Those hoping to find out lots of juicy info about his character are out of luck, however, as Amazon Studios did confirm the actor’s guest spot, but kept mum about what his role will be in the upcoming season.

Even before Milo Ventimiglia’s confirmed guest appearance, Mrs. Maisel creator Amy Sherman-Palladino teasingly foreshadowed the This is Us star potentially popping up on the Emmy-winning series. In a 2018 Variety interview, the Mrs. Maisel creator said about a possible Ventimiglia appearance:

Milo Ventimiglia isn’t even the first This is Us star to appear on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. His onscreen son Sterling K. Brown appeared on the Amazon comedy for the third season, and went on to receive an Emmy nomination for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for that very performance. Hopefully, that luck will rub off on Ventimiglia when the 2022 Primetime Emmy nominations are announced.

This Gilmore Girls reconnection will surely delight fans of the original series, since we can be sure Milo Ventimiglia's role won't just be lazily crafted, even if he doesn't create as much turmoil as Jess did. Ventimiglia isn't the only alum Amy Sherman-Palladino would love to appear on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She has teased the possibility of Gilmore Girls lead Lauren Graham joining the Amazon comedy series in some capacity. Currently starring in Disney+'s The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, Graham echoed Sherman-Palladino's sentiment for a guest stint despite wondering if and how she would fit into the world. It would be fun to see Graham pop up in a season of the Amazon series.

Since the Netflix revival, Lauren Graham and other original stars have been open to returning for another season or set of standalone installments. Amy Sherman-Palladino revealed the true hurdle for another revival is the cast’s ever-growing lives and busy schedules coming together. Given the dedicated fandom, it would be nice to see the cast reunite once more at least to find out where the characters are after the events of A Year in the Life.

At this point, let's just start hoping for the entirety of the Gilmore Girls alumni to pop up on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, such as former stars Melissa McCarthy and Jared Padalecki. While Mrs. Maisel fans wait for Milo Ventimiglia’s Season 4 guest stint, check out all three seasons on Prime Video and stay current with everything hitting the 2021 Summer TV season.

The original run of Gilmore Girls may have ended almost a full 14 years ago, but there are plenty of issues which were brought up by the long-running hit which still divide the fandom. Perhaps the most pressing of these matters is a topic that shall be debated by viewers for generations to come: Which of Rory's boyfriends was better? There are many people who could write whole thesis studies on whether or not Dean or Jess was most suited for the smart, fast-talking young lady, but now Milo Ventimiglia has made his choice known, and Jared Padalecki's response is pure gold.

Look, the question of which guy Rory Gilmore should have ended up with by the end of Gilmore Girls is going to haunt the fandom forever. Throughout the show's seven-season run, there were viewers who would proclaim to be Team Dean or Team Jess (And, no, I did not forget Logan. I'm just pretending he doesn't exist.), in their hopes for a final pairing, and now Jess himself, Milo Ventimiglia, has declared his Team Dean leanings to the world by way of an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. When asked by Fallon about a hand-written sign seen on the wall of the This Is Us star's home office, Ventimiglia said:

Awww! I also really enjoy a Team Dean moment, because Jess, while super smart, was not the best person, in general, and sometimes didn't treat Rory with the most respect. Also, he was incredibly dismissive of pretty much everything about Dean, including the relationship that Rory had with him, which led to many tense times between the three teens once Jess got to town and set his book-reading sights on her.

I will never be fully convinced that Jared Padalecki's Dean was truly right for Rory long-term, but when Ventimiglia was asked if putting his handwritten sign on his Emmy nomination certificate was a way to stick it to Padalecki, he clarified by saying that "Jared and I are really good friends." Well, Ventimiglia's buddy Padalecki got wind of what went down, and had a perfect response, which he posted to Instagram:

You know what? With all this love flowing back and forth between Milo Ventimiglia and Jared Padalecki, I think instead of more Gilmore Girls proper, we might need a show where Jess and Dean somehow meet up again an actually become friends. I mean, sure, by the time we saw him in A Year in the Life in 2016, Jess didn't seem to have changed that much, while Dean had married and had kids, but both seemed to still be at least a little in love with Rory. Maybe they could actually bond and bro out over that, and finally help each other to fully move on.

You can revisit all of Gilmore Girls on Netflix, while Milo Ventimiglia can been seen on NBC's This Is Us, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST, and Jared Padalecki is currently starring on The CW's Walker, which airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST.

For more to watch, you can check out our guide to early 2021 TV premieres!

Fall TV is shaping up quite nicely. It was initially presumed that production delays for major shows would leave huge gaps in the TV schedule. However, despite the production shutdowns in March, our favorite shows are returning sooner than expected, and This is Us is no exception. The NBC drama has officially started production on its (slightly delayed) fifth season, and This is Us boss Dan Fogelman shared a fantastic first-look picture at Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia in Season 5.

Social distancing and mask-wearing requirements have sent Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia to opposite sides of the studio lot where they film This is Us. Shortly after it was announced that This is Us Season 5 was premiering two weeks in advance of its original date, showrunner Dan Fogelman took to Twitter to share an image of Moore and Ventimiglia and had a joke prepared, too. Check out the photo and caption below:

The image perfectly describes the year 2020 in my opinion. Dan Fogelman’s caption is pretty on point because we’ve seen how the nature of filming on-screen sex scenes has changed during the pandemic. The Bold and the Beautiful filmed intimate scenes using latex mannequins, though I’m not sure if This is Us will employ such tactics. In addition to getting tested for COVID-19, the cast of Riverdale is washing the inside of their mouths before having to kiss each other on screen.

Who knows? Maybe Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia will have to do the same thing before they get intimate on camera, but I suppose we’ll find out soon enough if they’ll be kissing at all when the show premieres. I’m just happy the series is back in production because it feels like forever since we’ve seen the Pearson family.

Mandy Moore’s Rebecca and Milo Ventimiglia’s Jack have been beloved by fans since the premiere of This is Us. While there's no telling how the implementation of COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions will change their on-screen dynamic, the series will actually be tackling a pandemic storyline in the present timeline. So there's a good chance actors will actually be wearing mask when they appear in their scenes as well.

This is Us was originally scheduled to premiere on November 10 before getting moved up to an October premiere. That change means that the series is returning only a month after the typical end-of-September premieres of past seasons. That’s not so bad considering all the production delays, an ongoing pandemic, and a new set rules for cast and crew to follow.

This is Us will air its two-hour Season 5 premiere on Tuesday, October 27 at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC. There are plenty more TV shows returning this fall, so be sure to check out our updated 2020 guide for more on what to watch.

I am sure that you probably recognize Milo Ventimiglia from his Emmy-nominated work on This Is Us, or you know Melissa McCarthy from her Oscar-nominated work on Bridesmaids. Yet, unless you still stream repeats of the series on a loop, you may have forgotten what show was responsible for essentially kickstarting their careers: Gilmore Girls.

The one-hour dramedy about single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham), her teenage daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel), and the eccentric townsfolk they endure on a daily basis in Stars Hollow, Connecticut, ran for seven seasons on The WB (later The CW). For having a simple premise and an almost entirely dialogue-driven structure, its clever narratives and wonderful cast ensured it would be popular enough to garner a four-part sequel on Netflix almost a decade after it ended in 2007.

By then, much of the cast, from one-episode wonders to regulars from the beginning and behind-the scenes personalities had already gone onto bigger things. For some, much bigger. The following are just 10 stars whose resumes prove that Gilmore Girls was a fruitful breeding ground for celebrities in the making.

Alexis Bledel (Rory Gilmore)

From playing a young, but spunky, prostitute in Sin City, joining a sisterhood based on a pair of very durable jeans, and a college professor turned resistance agent on Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale (for which she won a Primetime Emmy) Alexis Bledel is one of the most versatile and charming actresses of her generation. Of course, the former teen model’s most recognizable character remains her first ever credited role in Gilmore Girls, on which she made the social, romantic, and career-based aspirations of Rory Gilmore just as important to us as our own daily struggles.

Sean Gunn (Kirk Gleason)

Earlier, when I spoke of “eccentric individuals,” I was mostly referring to Kirk Gleason: a socially inept mama’s boy who held many jobs in Stars Hollow, and was played by Sean Gunn. Kirk is widely considered the actor’s best known character, which could be because his A-lister co-stars in the Marvel Cinematic Universe often get the bigger pieces of the spotlight despite his dual roles in the MCU (Kraglin and Rocket Raccoon’s body double). He is also frequently cast by his brother, a little filmmaker you might have heard of named James Gunn.

Jared Padalecki (Dean Forester)

I must say, I find it hilariously ironic how Jared Padalecki initially rose to heartthrob prominence on Gilmore Girls as Rory’s first love, Dean Forester, and would later be cast in his defining role on Supernatural as Sam Winchester, who snuffs out paranormal activity with his brother, Dean. Now, with the fantastic fellow CW series nearing its end after 15 seasons, the 37-year-old “scream king” will star in the title role of Walker which is - you guessed it - a reboot of the Walker, Texas Ranger crime series originally headlined by Chuck Norris.

Melissa McCarthy (Sookie St. James)

Despite being a series regular for the entire run of Gilmore Girls as Independence Inn chef (and later co-owner of the Dragonfly Inn) Sookie St. James, Melissa McCarthy did not become much of a TV star until her Emmy-winning turn on CBS sitcom Mike & Molly. It was the following year, after earning her first Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in 2011’s Bridesmaids, when she became a movie star and one of the most sought after comedic actresses in Hollywood, leading to her casting as Ursula in Disney’s upcoming live action remake of The Little Mermaid.

Milo Ventimiglia (Jess Mariano)

After several years of one small movie appearance or ill-fated TV role after another, Milo Ventimiglia’s career finally got a taste of stability after he joined the cast of Gilmore Girls in Season 2 as the troubled Jess Mariano, who was the nephew to Luke (Scott Patterson) and rival to Rory’s jealous boyfriend, Dean. After leaving the show in 2006, Ventimiglia was cast as a flying paramedic on NBC’s sci-fi cult favorite Heroes and, currently stars on one of the network’s biggest modern hits, This Is Us, in the three-time Emmy-nominated role of devoted late father Jack Pearson.

Adam Brody (Dave Rygalski)

After playing Lane Kim’s (Keiko Agena) love interest Dave Rygalski, a well-natured nerd, on Gilmore Girls for nine episodes, Adam Brody left the series to play Seth Cohen, a well-natured nerd, on the Fox teen drama The O.C. Fortunately, the 40-year-old actor has since avoided being typecast too often, taking roles such as a hard-partying fantasy football participant in The League, a grief-stricken, alcoholic descendant of a murderous family in Ready or Not, and The Flash in George Miller’s ill-fated Justice League project.

Krysten Ritter (Lucy)

Despite her short stint on Gilmore Girls, Krysten Ritter played a crucial part in one of the juiciest story arcs of Rory’s college years as Lucy, a fellow Yalie and friend who unwittingly dated a past unrequited admirer of Rory's named Marty (Wayne Wilcox). The actress would go on to have another short-lived yet memorable role as a tragic lover of Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad before landing the lead on the ABC sitcom Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, followed by nabbing the title role on the gritty Netflix crime drama based on Marvel hero Jessica Jones.

Danny Pudi (Raj)

In yet another instance of short stints on Gilmore Girls, Danny Pudi starred as Raj, a fellow staffworker at the Yale Daily News, who worked alongside Rory for a total of four episodes. The actor’s more memorable college-set role would come in the form of Abed Nadir, the self-aware walking encyclopedia of sci-fi knowledge, on Dan Harmon’s much-worshipped NBC comedy Community.

Rami Malek (Andy)

One of the most acclaimed actors in the world right now is Rami Malek. The Egyptian-American is the Emmy-winning star of Mr. Robot, Oscar-winning star of Bohemian Rhapsody, and scar-faced antagonist of the latest James Bond film No Time to Die. However, this remarkable actor debuted with a brief, single episode appearance in the fourth season of Gilmore Girls as Andy, a member of Lane’s bible study group, with three lines.

Amy Sherman-Palladino (Creator)

After getting her start as part of the writing staff of various comedies and dramas, none more successful than Roseanne, Amy Sherman-Palladino made a name for herself by creating her own show that incorporated both humor and true-life drama, which turned out to be Gilmore Girls. She would later find the biggest success of her career yet in creating The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, an Amazon Prime original series that follows a Jewish woman who pursues a career in comedy in the 1960s. The series is currently in its third season has earned Sherman-Palladino five Emmys thus far.

What do you think? Are these the greatest careers to come out of Gilmore Girls or, for my next article, do you think I should lead where you follow instead? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for more information on this beloved series or updates on other television favorites here on CinemaBlend.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for This Is Us' episode "After The Fire." Read at your own risk!

This Is Us got a little speculative this week when Randall's therapist challenged him to imagine a scenario in which his father Jack survived his heart attack. The moment resulted in viewers seeing two distinctly different realities in which Randall's life was impacted both positively and negatively by his father's survival. It meant a lot of screen time for Milo Ventimiglia in the episode, and as a result, the actor got to do some things he doesn't do that often.

As one might imagine, getting killed off before the main characters reach adulthood means the amazing Milo Ventimiglia doesn't get to go through the makeup aging process that Mandy Moore does regularly. Ventimiglia shared with People:

Milo Ventimiglia has done the aged-up makeup process once before in This Is Us' history, when Kate imagined Jack at her wedding day. "After The Fire" was a bit more intense than that, as viewers got to see Jack Pearson slowly age throughout the episode much like they do Mandy Moore in Rebecca's various flashbacks. It sounds like a tedious and tiring experience to be in makeup that long, but Ventimiglia explained he didn't mind it a bit.

Getting scenes where he looked older wasn't the only thing Milo Ventimiglia got to experience that he doesn't do often. Another downside about Jack Pearson dying in the past means he doesn't get scenes with a majority of the other stars, but this episode changed that.

Milo Ventimiglia got to have some fun for an episode, but of course, This Is Us didn't change its history. Jack is still dead in the present, but who knows? Maybe This Is Us will do another "what if" episode in the future. Perhaps next time it will be a bit more uplifting?

This Is Us airs on NBC Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on what's happening in the world of television and movies.

We’re in an age where inspirational talking dog movies are a thing. A Dog’s Purpose kicked it all off a couple years ago, only to let A Dog’s Way Home and A Dog’s Journey carry the torch forward into the future for the sub-genre. The results, while varied, have usually limited material to a neighborhood that grates more than it warms the heart.

This atmosphere has led to the basic assumption that Simon Curtis' The Art of Racing in the Rain would be just as emotionally manipulative as its spiritual predecessors, as it appears as yet another movie promising life lessons from a dog’s point of view. Thankfully, and with a huge sigh of relief, however, this latest example of canine cinema is the clear front runner in the race to for best in show.

The story finds Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner), a golden retriever, reflecting on his life as a dog, from his days as a puppy up to the current day. Through his tale we learn of the man that adopted him (Milo Ventamiglia) and how their lives grow and expand through love, heartache, and in the face of every obstacle that gets in their way.

The downside to director Simon Curtis’ The Art of Racing in the Rain is the fact that the film is still very much a simple, Hallmark-ready meditation on life and all of its standard issues. It does little to nothing to reinvent the wheel - though this is something that may ultimately be appreciated by die-hards of the genre.

What The Art of Racing in the Rain manages to do to prove itself superior to its predecessors, though, is play the cards in its deck in the sweetest, most professional way possible. While the story is very similar like-minded releases, the emotional beats aren’t milked to ridiculous degrees.

A lot of that comes from the performances from Kevin Costner and Milo Ventamiglia as Enzo and Denny, respectively. Even playing the voice of a dog, Kevin Costner’s trademark charm and dry wit comes through in a fashion so effective, you feel the presence of the soul The Art of Racing in the Rain wants his character to have.

Equal credit needs to go to Milo Ventamiglia and Amanda Seyfried, as they are extremely adept at selling their romantic subplot in the film’s course of events. Not only is their romance written really well, but the consistently supportive nature of their household is a refreshing change from the melodramatics that usually fill a film like The Art of Racing in the Rain.

It’s that difference that also leads the film to makes missteps, though, as its pacing is a bit too fast and breezy in its earlier moments - making a big bit of dramatic weight dropped in the middle of the movie feel awkward. It causes The Art of Racing in the Rain to lose points for falling into some of the same old traps the genre lays for all who attempt to navigate it.

At the same time, that’s where the performances of Costner, Ventamiglia, and Seyfried really count. While The Art of Racing in the Rain’s story fails in some sections, the craft of the actors involved doesn’t. So while it’s not a consistent experience, it’s way more watchable than those other dog movies.

Cynics may go into this film dreading another version of the same old tear factory, but The Art of Racing in the Rain does just enough to turn you into a smiling, tearful mess at the end of the film. It earns its tears through actual emotional connections, rather than cheap shorthand. If you like racing, dogs, and romance, this one is an sweet slice of apple pie for your heart.

Milo Ventimiglia is one of the biggest network TV stars in the business right now. While original audience may have known him as the star of Gilmore Girls and Heroes, he's been breaking hearts for years as Jack Pearson in NBC's massively successful drama This Is Us. Ventimiglia's acting and thoroughly swoll body are on display throughout the Emmy favorite series, but the 42 year-old actor recently admitted he was told he was too old to play Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves' The Batman.

After Ben Affleck hung up his cowl and cape, director Matt Reeves was tasked with finding a new actor to play the title character in The Batman. Reeves eventually settled on Twilight actor Robert Pattinson, but not before Milo Ventimiglia made his interest known. Unfortunately, he was told he was too old for the role, despite his star power and immense physical fitness. But Ventimiglia is still excited to see the new version of Gotham's protector. As he recently revealed:

What a class act. Despite being typed out of playing Batman for the DCEU, Milo Ventimiglia is still an avid fan of the character. As such, he's excited to see what Robert Pattinson does with the role, starting with his debut in The Batman.

Milo Ventimiglia's comments to ET come shortly after the actor revealed that he didn't get the role of Batman due to his age. This was a shocking revelation to audiences, as Ventimiglia has arguably never been more famous than he is in the wake of This Is Us' massive success. It's the perfect time for the Gilmore Girls alum to take on a comic book role... but it won't end up being DC's Dark Knight.

Prior to Robert Pattinson's casting, it was long reported that Matt Reeves was looking to focus on a younger version of Bruce Wayne/Batman with his DC debut. Therefore, Milo Ventimiglia's reports about being too old do make sense, if the myriad rumors about The Batman are to be believed. While Ventimiglia is super fit at age 42, he's almost a decade Robert Pattinson's senior. By comparison, the Twilight alum is 33 at the time of writing.

Related: The Batman Just Added Some Rogue One Talent

Not much is known about The Batman, save for Robert Pattinson's role as the protagonist. Previous reports indicated that director Matt Reeves would be focusing on the character's abilities as a detective, breaking new ground for Batman's tenure on the screen. What's more, it may include a variety of the character's villains, and may even take place in Arkham Asylum.

Milo Ventimiglia might not have landed the role of Batman, but that doesn't mean he couldn't get another role in The Batman. Matt Reeves has been keeping the movie's cast of character under wraps, but perhaps Ventimiglia will be able to play a villain or supporting role. After all, he's clearly a big fan of the character.

The Batman is currently set to arrive in theaters on June 25th, 2021. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Over the years, Milo Ventimiglia has become a high-profile television star. He got his start as Jess on Gilmore Girls, before playing Peter Petrelli on Heroes, and has since gained critical acclaim for playing Jack Pearson on This is Us. Could the actor join the big leagues as one of Hollywood’s big-screen superheroes? He did voice Wolverine for a TV series, and he does have a certain gruffness about him that may have placed him in the running for the Dark Knight. Here’s what he said about Batman:

Yikes! Looks like the 42-year-old actor tried his hand at trying out for the next Batman and was shut away due to his age. He is a few years younger than the previous Batman, Ben Affleck, who is 46. Warner Bros. went with 33-year-old Robert Pattinson for the upcoming Matt Reeves helmed film.

Don’t take it personally, Milo Ventimiglia, early reports indicated the director was looking for a younger Bruce Wayne after Affleck brought a more seasoned hero in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Ventimiglia continued with Variety and iHeart’s podcast The Big Ticket:

It’s good to hear the actor has a level head about the whole thing. Especially considering he just started back up filming This is Us for its upcoming fourth season and will be in attendance for September’s Emmys for his third nomination for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, alongside his co-star Sterling K. Brown, Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington, Ozark’s Jason Bateman, Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk, and Pose’s Billy Porter.

The actor also has an upcoming summer movie coming to theaters, The Art of Racing in the Rain. The drama follows Milo Ventimiglia’s Denny with his dog Enzo (Kevin Costner) as he goes through his race car driver career and falls in love and starts a family with Eve (Amanda Seyfried).

Perhaps he saved himself a headache anyway! Just about every actor who has been cast as the Dark Knight has been largely criticized for it before even suiting up in the cape and cowl. Robert Pattinson has certainly already seen his share of backlash, as many movie fans best know him for his role as Edward Cullen in Twilight.

Matt Reeves’ The Batman does have some promise! The summer 2021 release is written/directed by an established creative eye who has done Cloverfield, Let Me In and the two most recent Planet of the Apes films. It has been described as a noir tale, featuring Bruce Wayne’s detective skills and a rogues gallery of villains. Composer and friend to Reeves, Michael Giacchino called what he’s seen of the project so far is “pretty darn awesome”!

Would you have been excited to see Milo Ventimiglia as Batman? Let us know in the comments below.

It's never too late to introduce a new member of the Pearson family -- or, in this case, the Malone family. This Is Us Season 3 is winding down, with just two episodes left as of this week. But Season 4 will mark the arrival of Rebecca Pearson's father, show creator Dan Fogelman teased, and it sounds like he'll have a lot more than just a guest role:

Dan Fogelman shared the news during a "Truth or Dare" game at PaleyFest (via EW). We've already met Rebecca's judgmental mother Janet Malone (Elizabeth Perkins), and Rebecca confronted her in Season 2, calling her a racist for ostracizing young Randall. It should be interesting to meet and get to know Rebecca's father. Hopefully he's nothing like her mother. Could he be anything like Jack Pearson?

Also, it's not clear when in time we'll meet Rebecca's father -- in a flashback from her childhood? From later years when The Big Three were teens? Much later, when The Big Three are grown and Rebecca is older? He wouldn't be around for the flash-forward timeline, would he? Seems like he would be too old for that, since Rebecca herself would be quite old (if she's even still alive). It's possible multiple actors will be cast to play Rebecca's father in different timelines. We'll have to wait and see.

Dan Fogelman also said Season 4 would show more of the early days in Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca's relationship, after their California dreamin' road trip. We'll also see Randall, Kate, and Kevin go through puberty.

What could that mean? Starting from the flash-forward perspective, perhaps?

Don't forget that the Season 3 finale is titled "Her." We finally learned that "Her" refers to Rebecca, so it would make sense if what we find out about Rebecca carries into Season 4 and the debut of her father.

This Is Us Season 3 has spent a lot of time helping us get to know other members of the extended Pearson family. We met Jack's brother Nicky in the modern timeline, with the surprise discovery that he's still alive. We also recently met Beth's family in her own Beth-focused episode. Speaking of Beth, the final two episodes of Season 3 will focus on what Beth and Randall decide to do in their marriage. "R & B" -- the Randall and Beth episode after the fallout of that awful voicemail -- airs tomorrow, March 26 on NBC.

Dan Fogelman warned fans not to miss the final minutes off the following week's Season 3 finale, since it sounds like another major cliffhanger is coming:

Oof! The This Is Us Season 3 finale, "Her," airs Tuesday, April 2 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Spoilers ahead from the most recent episode of This Is Us Season 3, "Songbird Road: Part One."

This Is Us has always been an emotional show. Season 3, however, has had some fans worked up in a different way. From Beth and Randall fighting to Toby's depression to the new revelations about Nicky and Jack, it's been a rough and occasionally frustrating road. Many of our favorites have been acting out of character. But other characters have been growing and maturing (lookin' at you, Kevin). It's a delicate thing to balance what the fans want with what's true to the overall journey the showrunners have planned, as executive producer Elizabeth Berger explained when addressing fans' Season 3 criticism.

Not everyone thinks that This Is Us is getting too dark, but multiple storylines are getting heavy, with flash-forwards hinting that the future ain't that bright. The Hollywood Reporter asked Elizabeth Berger if the producers worry that fans will be turned off if the show gets too dark. Berger emphasized that they try to find a balance, with more light still ahead:

This Is Us Season 3 hit its own rough patch in the ratings before the Season 3 fall finale hit us with the big twist that Uncle Nicky was actually alive. Good news!

But last night's "Songbird Road: Part One" was not only harrowing to watch for the death of that sweet boy in Vietnam, it showed a different side of Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) as well. Jack lied to his family about Nicky (Michael Angarano) being dead, and also never let Nicky share the full story of what happened in that boat. It was still Nicky's fault -- you don't use grenades as fishing bait, with or without a kid in the boat, and if the boat is going to blow, you save the kid FIRST. But the Jack we know would've at least heard his brother out, no?

That said, as Elizabeth Berger mentioned, it was all tied to the message of a son not making the mistakes his father made. Jack wanted to be Nicky's superhero, and not an abuser like their father. Kevin (Justin Hartley) wanted to save older Nicky (Griffin Dunne) and not leave him like Jack did. It showed real growth for Kevin as a character, and showed that our beloved Jack was a human. A wonderful human, but a regular flawed one, and not a superhero.

"Songbird Road: Part Two" is meant to pick up the story right from the Big Three walking in on Uncle Nicky with a gun on the table, apparently considering suicide. Dark enough for you yet? We also need to follow Rebecca's (Mandy Moore) take on this, since she was kicking herself for not asking Jack more about his time in Vietnam. Now she wants the truth.

The showrunners told THR that Rebecca wants to meet Nicky, so we'll see that first interaction. They would have a lot to talk about, you'd imagine. Then again, it would be incredibly awkward. Do they even know the same Jack Pearson? Maybe Miguel (Jon Huertas) would want to get in on that action, too, as Jack's best friend. After all, Nicky just found out that his brother had died back in the 1990s.

It's a shock for everyone, and maybe they'll spend some time filling in the gaps. Or maybe that will be too painful. It sounds like Kevin is taking the lead on all of this, with backup from Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Kate (Chrissy Metz), so maybe Kev can play moderator for a group discussion on Jack as Dad/Husband/Brother/Best Friend.

That said, if fans have criticism about This Is Us getting too dark -- or characters making strange decisions, or mysteries piling up too much -- emphasizing that Jack Pearson Was Flawed may not help.

Plus, Randall won his election and Kate's baby is still to come, and we're on tenterhooks for how that will connect to the flash-forwards that make it look like Randall/Beth and Kate/Toby are not in good places. Plus, with Rebecca as "Her," does that mean we're going to see how Rebecca dies? Talk about dark. But we know light is also ahead, along with an episode focused on Beth's (Susan Kelechi Watson) backstory.

This Is Us Season 3 is off next week but returns Tuesday, February 5 at 9 p.m. on NBC. Here's hoping for more breaks of light in the dark, or at least more Big 3 road trips where pregnant Kate really does get to stop to pee. It's a busy time for TV, so keep an eye on everything with our handy midseason 2019 schedule.

Awards season for television is coming once again. As some shows are looking forward to seeing if they'll win a Golden Globe in January, This Is Us is on the outside looking in. Despite the NBC show's continued popularity, it received 0 nods ahead of the 2019 award show. While some on the show may be bothered by it, Jack Pearson actor Milo Ventimiglia isn't too concerned about the lack of recognition for Season 3.

Milo Ventimiglia added that, when it comes to award shows and nominations, he's not a huge fan of the proceedings. While it may feel great to those nominated, and even better to those who win, Ventimiglia said he feels it ultimately diminishes the work people put in on shows that aren't recognized. For that reason, the actor said the whole thing doesn't really matter to him much.

Milo Ventimiglia is happy if This Is Us is recognized by larger award show organizations, but he expressed those folks are near the bottom of his list when it comes to the show. Instead, Ventimiglia said he's more worried about the crew, the bigwigs at the network, and what the audience is thinking of the program. Ventimiglia told Variety a person telling him they're a fan of his work means more to him than an award.

This Is Us missing out on the Golden Globes, despite Milo Ventimiglia's indifference, is a bit shocking. Just last year, the NBC drama scored three nominations, with one nomination specifically for Best Television Drama. The series won one of the categories, with Sterling K. Brown taking home the award for Best Actor In A Drama Television Series. Despite the lack of recognition from the Golden Globes, the show still remains one of the most popular on Tuesday night primetime.

This Is Us hasn't been snubbed by all award shows this season. The show received two Screen Actors Guild nominations recently, both in categories it won the year prior. Plus, the series ended the first half of its ambitious Season 3 with arguably one of television's most shocking twists of 2018, so perhaps next year the Golden Globes may recognize it once again. Milo Ventimiglia may be indifferent either way, but perhaps others in the cast will be thankful.

This Is Us returns to NBC for Tuesday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. For a look at what all is happening with television in the coming weeks, be sure to visit our fall and midseason premiere guides.

As one of the most popular shows on TV right now, This Is Us features an ensemble cast that even blindfolded audiences could recognize in the dark. And though a lot of emotionally devastating things happen on that show, some very happy and positive things went down behind the scenes, with the quintet of Pearson family members all getting quite noteworthy pay raises as This Is Us heads into Season 3. Chrissy Metz, for example, will be making six times what she earned when Season 1 was being produced!

With This Is Us going into what will no doubt be a big year of touching moments and clue-dangling mysteries, 20th Century Fox Television has renegotiated the contracts for the drama's five leads, including Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley and Sterling K. Brown. For their work across the 18-episode season, the group will see their paychecks bumped up to $250,000 per episode, which includes the signing bonuses added in, according to THR. However, it is not as clear if This Is Us' more prominent co-stars like Susan Kelechi and Chris Sullivan will get pay increases for their portrayals of Beth and Toby, respectively. (Here's hoping!)

This news is definitely great for all involved, and the new salaries are certainly more reflective of just how widely accepted these actors' characters have been in our homes for the past two fall seasons. Whenever This Is Us first started up, its biggest star was arguably Heroes and Gilmore Girls vet Milo Ventimiglia, who was earning $115,000 an episode. Smallville vet Justin Hartley got far less than that, at $75,000 an ep, while American Horror Story: Freak Show recurrer Chrissy Metz clearly got the shortest end of the stick, bringing in $40,000 an episode. But there's no looking back to past roles in order to figure out the cast's paydays today, since they're all equally responsible for turning This Is Us into a primetime sensation.

If anyone was worried that This Is Us might be weeding Jack out of the storylines after his death finally got revealed in Season 2, that's clearly not the case, with Milo Ventimiglia set to make millions in Season 3. His backstory in Vietnam will be explored, as will some of his other early-life tales. And 20th Century Fox TV clearly thought those scenes, and everything else creator Dan Fogelman has in store, were great enough to earn the show's leads quite a bit more money.

To be sure, This Is Us' cast may be making a lot more moolah than they did last year, but the NBC drama does not have nearly the highly paid cast on TV. One should probably look to The Big Bang Theory for that, with its lead actors earning upwards of $900,000 per episode. (Some where possibly earning more, too, but agreements were made to take pay cuts in order to allow for parity with co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch.) But then Big Bang is generally the most watched show on a year-to-year basis, with even its repeat episodes roping in audiences by the millions, so that money is presumably deserved. And considering This Is Us manages to beat out Big Bang and all of CBS' other shows in the 18-49 age demographic, that cast's pay bump is also well-deserved.

This Is Us Season 3 will make its debut on NBC on Tuesday, September 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET. To see what new and returning shows are popping up elsewhere, head to our fall TV premiere schedule.

While there are tons of great shows on TV and streaming services, there is one series known for reducing the public to tears every single episode: NBC's This Is Us. The Pearsons' multi-generational drama always has at least one or two tear jerker moments, but there are a few episodes that stand out as the most emotional. Chief among them is Season 2's gut wrenching "Super Bowl Sunday", where the cause of Jack's death was finally revealed to the emotional fans. It was an epic episode, where Milo Ventimiglia's Jack attempted to save his family and the dog from the Pearson's fiery home. Ventimiglia recently spoke to the terrifying nature of filming the episode, with real fire being used in those pulse pounding sequences.

It looks like, aside from being an otherwise acclaimed TV actor, Milo Ventimiglia's performance in "Super Bowl Sunday" did have some assistance. Namely, that there were terrifying walls of flame that he had to navigate, sometimes with his young co-star in tow. But no pressure, Milo.

Milo Ventimiglia's comments to EW reveal how much practical affects were used when filming This Is Us' most devastating episode yet. While other shows might work in some fire with CGI, NBC's top drama pulled out all the stops to give Jack's death episode the biggest effect. Enter Milo Ventimiglia, who had quite a few scenes within the flaming house, as the Pearson patriarch attempted to save his family after a crock pot caught fire overnight. The flames were real, as were Ventimiglia's reactions to the burning hallway. And that's how you get an Emmy nom.

Ultimately, This Is Us pulled a fast one on the fans, who were convinced that Jack would perish from within the house. But he actually made it out alive, only to die from complications related to smoke inhalation. This allowed the audience to feel the waves of terror, relief, and pain that Rebecca did during that harrowing day. The family has never really recovered from Jack's death, and now it's clear why.

It should be interesting to see how Milo Ventimiglia's signature This Is Us character is used when the show returns for Season 3. With Jack's death revealed and his memories all being in the past, should we expect less of him this time around? One thing is clear: This Is Us loves twists and turns, and whatever the show throws at the fans will be unexpected and emotionally devastating.

This Is Us will return for Season 3 September 25th on NBC. In the meantime, check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch. Plus our Amazon premiere list and superhero premiere list to ensure you don't miss a single episode of your favorite show.

Milo Ventimiglia may be up for an Emmy for his performance as Jack Pearson in Season 2 of This Is Us, but it sounds like it was the lessons learned about acting from his days as Jess on the set of Gilmore Girls that got him to that point. Ventimiglia recently reunited with showrunners Amy Sheridan-Palladino and Dan Palladino and, among other things, recalled the most important lesson the couple taught him when he played Jess:

Dan Palladino agreed with Milo Ventimiglia's answer and explained that "War and Peace," pace that the actor referred to just doesn't jive with the Gilmore Girls style. Palladino said the show is written at a musical pace, and an actor on the show had to be capable of moving things along while at the same time being able to give a convincing performance. Everyone joked that it's a pace that may not work on a show like Law & Order, but it did work on their show and was a useful tool for Ventimiglia to pick up early in his acting career.

The Gilmore Girls experience and guidance from its showrunners had a profound impact on Milo Ventimiglia, to the point that he told Variety he'd do just about anything for them. That includes appearing on Dan Palladino and Amy Sheridan-Palladino's Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, although all parties agreed the timing would have to be right for that to happen. Specifically, they hinted that they'd like a solid chunk of time when the actor isn't committed to This Is Us, as they want to give him a sizable role and transform his look to fit the era. In the meantime, Ventimiglia admitted he's fine sweeping the floors or making sandwiches for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel crew, as long as it means he gets to hang out with the Gilmore Girls showrunners.

Dan Palladino and Amy Sheridan-Palladino definitely share the same love for Milo Ventimiglia, to the point that Sheridan-Palladino joked she never had children because she couldn't guarantee they'd turn out like him. The couple also doted on Ventimiglia's love of being on set, and his professionalism even at a young age. The showrunners said the young actor was always mindful of everyone's job and made a point to get to know just about everyone working on the show. Ventimiglia brought up that this was a pointer he learned from Will Smith during a brief cameo on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and it's something he continues to do to this day.

Milo Ventimiglia's acting skills will be on display when This Is Us returns to NBC for Season 3 Tuesday, September 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET. Those who read this and are now down to binge the entirety of Gilmore Girls can do so on Netflix. For information regarding premieres of upcoming television shows, visit our summer and fall premiere guides.

Milo Ventimiglia and Sterling K. Brown are once again competing for Emmy gold. The two This Is Us co-stars were first pitted against each other last year, and while both men deserved the recognition, it would be Brown that stood at the podium with the award and a speech that was apparently too long. Now, the two are battling it out yet again for the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards, and while we love Brown's Randall, there's no question that it's Ventimiglia's time to shine as the 2018 winner for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series.

This Is Us Season 2 was a rollercoaster all the way throughout, and while Sterling K. Brown certainly didn't disappoint with Randall's struggles with Deja, his coping with the loss of William and the overall lack of direction in life, Milo Ventimiglia's work was, undeniably, the driving performance of the season. The cause of Jack Pearson's death was a storyline two seasons in the making and a question that captivated a nation. For Ventimiglia, there was an added challenge of making fans feel for an event they already knew was happening, and he certainly didn't disappoint.

Every episode leading up to Jack's death had a powerful performance from Milo Ventimiglia that continued to build just how devastating the night of his death would be to the family. From Jack's struggles with alcoholism and recovery, to buying Kevin the suit he would inevitably wear to Jack's funeral, each event raised the emotional stakes to the episode of the big fire. Ventimiglia kept fans emotionally invested and continued to build tension all the way up to his "exit," and in doing so caused a major corporation to have a minor PR disaster. Did Sterling K. Brown have his moments? Sure, but he didn't have to do a commercial for Crock-Pot to ease fan tensions.

This is the main difference between Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia in Season 2. Brown certainly had a powerful scene in Deja's initial goodbye, but he had the advantage of audiences actually witnessing such a dramatic moment. People get so wrapped up in the emotional thrill ride that was Jack's death, they might forget that the big moment happened completely off-camera. Ventimiglia made fans feel all sorts of sad post-Superbowl not because they saw him pass away in a dramatic fashion or because they didn't see it coming, but rather because he made us dread his eventual exit every episode he was on screen. That's powerful stuff, and certainly, something that shouldn't be overlooked by Emmy voters.

Sterling K. Brown is a phenomenal actor, and his increasingly significant roles in the past couple years only prove he's going to be around in Hollywood and at awards shows for years to come. That said, This Is Us might just be the peak performance of Milo Ventimiglia's long career in Hollywood so far, with Season 2 being a magical time where his name was on the lips of many Americans. An Emmy win for Best Actor wouldn't necessarily make a difference in fan love for Ventimiglia in the role, but it would be a great acknowledgment for every laugh, tear, and heart-warming moment the actor has given America as Jack Pearson. Plus, Brown already won Best Actor for Randall last year, so voters certainly should consider mixing things up at the very least!

This Is Us returns for Season 3 Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC. Be sure to check out the rest of NBC's fall lineup here, or head over to our summer premiere guide and check out our list of upcoming shows headed to television in the near future.

It's getting hard to see Milo Ventimiglia as anything other than Jack Pearson. The actor officially became America's primetime dad after the inaugural season of This Is Us, so imagining other stars in the role feels a little weird. Ventimiglia revealed in the past he was not the first option for the Pearson patriarch, and now, the actor who was initially favored for the role has made himself known: Splitting Up Together's Oliver Hudson. Here's his explanation for how a fishing trip ended up changing his life (and Jack Pearson's death):

Oliver Hudson made it sound as though the role of Jack Pearson was his for the taking. All he had to do was show up for a quick chemistry read with Mandy Moore, and his future would've been filled with hiding spoilers from fans, and making apologies on behalf of Crock-Pot. Hudson seemed to admit having some regrets about walking away from the role, and during his interview with the Ladygang podcast, he recalled seeing the ratings after the premiere and having the eloquent reaction of, "Shit." That said, Hudson has no ill-will for fellow primetime papa Milo Ventimiglia, and said he was happy for him getting the role.

Oliver Hudson's story sounds like he wasn't all that worried about missing out on This Is Us, but this tale is truly a testament to how much he loves fishing trips. Hudson assured the hosts that he actually loved the script he read for the NBC drama, which he says is rare for him, but just couldn't let that 10-day fishing trip go by. Hudson's Instagram is proof his love of fishing is "reel", and some of those pictures will really make one wonder if he perhaps had another calling in life:

Of course, missing out on This Is Us didn't turn out too bad for Oliver Hudson. The actor currently co-stars with Office vet Jenna Fischer on the ABC sitcom Splitting Up Together, which was just renewed for Season 2 not that long ago. Hudson still gets to play a dad there, and while his character might not have the ideal life right now, at least he's still alive!

Fans of Oliver Hudson can still catch him on ABC's Splitting Up Together on Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET. This Is Us is set to return to NBC for Season 3 Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET. For a list of other upcoming shows coming to television in the near future head on over to our summer premiere guide.

Some time has passed since This Is Us finally revealed the circumstances of Jack Pearson's death, but some fans aren't any less emotional about it and are reacting to it in strange ways. Actor Milo Ventimiglia shared that several fans are so touched by the story that they're approaching him out in public for a specific reason:

Unless Milo Ventimiglia is hiding behind things and whispering "Bec" as people pass by on the street, the whole checking to make sure he's physically here thing is just a bit strange. Of course, the excuse could just be a non-creepy way for fans to justify physical contact with Ventimiglia, who's been a Hollywood heartthrob since his days as Jess on Gilmore Girls. Ventimiglia seems fine with the hugs in either case, as it's probably much better than fans breaking down and crying like many viewers tend to do during every episode of This Is Us.

It'd be hard not to hug Milo Ventimiglia upon meeting him. Megyn Kelly Today really made a point to ensure its audience he's every bit the great guy This Is Us has portrayed Jack Pearson to be. In addition to Ventimiglia being the type of guy who knows the name of every crew member on set, the story of Jack is one that a lot of fans of This Is Us can relate to in various ways. For example, Jack's passing by the way of a "widowmaker" heart-attack is not at all an uncommon way to die and an event anyone from Kevin Smith to Megyn Kelly (who lost her father from a heart attack when she was 15) can relate to. Ventimiglia talked about the various hugs and interactions he's had with people who experienced stories similar to Jack, and while he said he can't wholly understand their experience in a short exchange, he gets the impact he's had in their life:

Who can hate Milo Ventimiglia after reading a response like that? Better yet, who could resist from giving the This Is Us actor a hug after having an exchange with a guy that empathetic and understanding? Ventimiglia is the television dad America needs, which makes it great that his stories on This Is Us will continue even though his death has happened.

This Is Us' Season 2 finale airs on NBC Tuesday, March 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET. For a look at other television to check out once the season is over, head on over to our midseason premiere guide!

While there is a ton of fantastic content being produced for the small screen, there are few shows that pack as emotional a punch as NBC's This Is Us. The show is largely synonymous with the crying fits it often springs on its audience. While the most recent episode focused on the Deja's journey throughout Season 2, next week's finale will finally bring us to Kate and Toby's wedding day. Fans are eager to see the happy couple finally tie the knot, but the trailer for the episode also provided a major shocker: an older and grey Jack Pearson with his wife. You can check out the trailer below.

Does anybody else have chills? This Is Us showed us a glimpse of what Jack would look like as an older man, and it looks like the finale is not going to be skimpy when it comes to tear jerking moments.

With Jack's horrifying death finally revealed, many fans and critics were left to wonder how he'd fit into the narrative of This Is Us moving forward. Because he died in the middle timeline of the series, Jack is fairly limited in regards to how he could factor into stories happening in the present. While we'll still no doubt see plenty of Jack's romantic gestures and fantastic parenting, where could the character possibly go?

The trailer for next Tuesday's season finale potentially opens up some new doors, as we see Jack and Rebecca speaking and even touching at Kate's wedding. While it's entirely possible that old Jack will only appear in this single episode, This is Us is a show that likes to take risks and play with its various timelines. As such, maybe the finale will open up a plot line revolving old Jack. The question is how.

One possibility is that old man Jack could appear only to Rebecca, and that they may continue communicating throughout Season 3. Despite the years and distance, Rebecca continues to honor Jack and look for signs that he's around. This could bring Jack to the contemporary timeline, rather than keeping him limited in the past.

But it's most likely that Jack will simply appear to his family during Kate's big day. The trailer features Jack speaking with young Kate about her wedding, and he'd no doubt want to be there. Smart money says there will be an especially moment where he sees her/walks her down the isle, and we'll all weep. I hope everyone has stocked up on tissues.

This Is Us airs Tuesdays on NBC. In the meantime, check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch. Plus our Amazon premiere list and superhero premiere list to make sure you don't miss a single episode.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the This Is Us episode "Super Bowl Sunday." Read at your own risk!

This Is Us is known for its emotional storylines, and "Super Bowl Sunday" was This Is Us' most heartbreaking episode to date. Many fans shed a tear for Jack Pearson the night of the Super Bowl despite knowing since Season 1 that his death was coming. As for the cast of This Is Us, Mandy Moore said she and the others' reaction to the episode were largely the same as fans. She recalled a special viewing that took place at creator Dan Fogelman's house prior to the episode's live airing:

Turns out This Is Us can force tears out of even the folks who already know what's going to happen! In addition to feelings of sadness, Mandy Moore also said many of the cast felt relieved after the episode's airing, as the weight of being one of the few people who knew how Jack died was lifted from their shoulders. Moore and co-star Milo Ventimiglia especially felt that weight lift. She revealed they've known the gist of how Jack died since the show's beginning.

The cast viewing of the episode at Dan Fogelman's house wasn't just therapeutic; it was also necessary. While the world watched the Super Bowl wrap up from home and then went on to watch This Is Us, a bulk of the cast were hanging out at U.S. Bank Stadium taking in all the Super Bowl action. This left out the opportunity for a lot of live tweeting from those involved with the show, although Milo Ventimiglia managed to post a few set pics from the episode just after its airing:

Mandy Moore had some more news during her appearance on Today beyond how the cast reacted to the episode, and it might not be something This Is Us fans want to hear. Moore shared that while "Super Bowl Sunday" was a sad episode, the following episode, called "The Car," is actually sadder, in her opinion. The episode will show the history of the Pearson family from the car's perspective. We have no idea what moments will be shown, but we have to speculate one sequence will show Rebecca driving the kids to Jack's funeral. If that's the case, yeah, there's going to be more tears from fans than angry letters Crock-Pot received ever since they were blamed for the big fire starting.

This Is Us airs on NBC Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET. For a look at some other upcoming programming in 2018 be it new shows or old shows with new seasons, head on over to our midseason premiere guide.

Warning! The following contains spoilers for the This Is Us episode "Super Bowl Sunday." Read at your own risk!

This Is Us fans finally learned how Jack Pearson died, and man, it was a powerful moment. The episode gave a full breakdown of what exactly caused Jack's death, how Rebecca, Miguel, and the Pearson children found out and gave fans just about everything they could want short of a clear shot of Jack dead in his hospital bed. Ventimiglia shared the great reason why the show opted out of showing Jack's body and made it sound as though it ultimately was an act of mercy to fans:

This Is Us spared fans any images of doctors failing to revive Jack and opted instead to focus on the oblivious Rebecca, who had stepped away just briefly to call Miguel and get snacks from the vending machine. It was a change of pace from the usual traumatic ER death scene television shows typically show, and after watching Mandy Moore's realistic response, it isn't hard to see why Milo Ventimiglia and the writers preferred this option over doctors shocking Jack with a crash cart. Had fans not already known Jack was gonna die, they might've been just as confused as Rebecca was when she initially heard the news, which prompted her to take a bite out of a candy bar.

Of course, once Rebecca saw the body, there was no denying that Jack was gone. This Is Us did stray away from the "gore and darkness," that Milo Ventimiglia told Esquire wasn't necessary for the scene, and instead opted to show Jack's body in a somewhat unique way. For those that missed it, a reflective and out of focus shot of Jack lying shirtless on his bed lingered over Rebecca's shoulder as she came to grips with her husband's death.

This Is Us may have shown the episode in which Jack died, but Milo Ventimiglia assured fans that he's still alive and well in other episodes. While there will undoubtedly be some more flashback scenes that are Jack-less, Ventimiglia said the series will continue to jump to the time before Jack's death and even go into the time he served in Vietnam. Ventimiglia wasn't too forthcoming about when the next Jack appearance will happen on the series, but did hint that the story behind Jack's brother, whom fans learned about in Season 2, will be addressed "relatively quickly," and further explored in Season 3.

This Is Us airs on NBC Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET. For a look at what else television has to offer in 2018 head on over to our midseason premiere guide.

Before he was Jack Pearson on This Is Us, Peter Petrelli on Heroes, or Jess Mariano on Gilmore Girls, Milo Ventimiglia was "Party Guest #1" on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Ventimiglia's character is far from the most memorable part of the episode, and while the world may have forgotten his first taste of stardom, the actor still remembers a valuable lesson he learned that day on set. That lesson came from none other than Will Smith, whose kindness left such an impact on Ventimiglia that he was inspired to act the same way in his future projects:

This is one of those "butterfly effect" stories that prove one can never know just how their actions will affect others down the road. When Will Smith saw Milo Ventimiglia on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back in 1995, he had no way of knowing just how prolific this extra in his show would become. In fact, he didn't know what anyone on the show would do following their filming of "Bourgie Sings The Blues," but that didn't seem to matter much as Ventimiglia recalled Smith treating everyone as kindly as possible. In showing such kindness, Smith imparted some unintentional wisdom to Ventimiglia, who told ET he went on to pay it forward by acting the same towards others on the set of his future shows.

What makes this story even better is that Will Smith had no reason to interact with Milo Ventimiglia in the first place! Neither of their characters are near each other during Ventimiglia's shining moment on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, in which he played an obnoxious party guest. In the episode, Ventimiglia's character is first seen bounding down the stairs with a girl in hand. When confronted by Ashley, Ventimiglia's character then heavily implied he made out with the girl in someone's bedroom, probably Carlton's. The line is as cheesy now as it was then, but it's seriously fun to to watch now knowing the guy who played that douchey party guest would eventually become one of television's favorite dads:

Milo Ventimiglia is currently starring on This Is Us, which is all-new on NBC this Tuesday, January 23 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Those wishing to binge The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air won't have much luck finding the series on streaming, but re-runs of the series frequently run on VH1, BET, and Nickelodeon, so those with a cable subscription shouldn't have much trouble getting their Fresh Prince fix. For a look at some new or returning shows that will be coming to television in 2018, visit our midseason premiere guide.

The Golden Globes were this past Sunday night, and it looks like one for the record books. The ceremony was one of the most political in its history, with male and female attendees wearing all black to send the message that sexual assault and harassment in the workplace is unacceptable. And while the speeches and dress code were inherently serious, the Golden Globes are typically just a big party. Stars of both TV and film assemble and drink their faces off, and there's usually one or two embarrassing moments that makes national news. And for This is Us star Milo Ventimiglia, this came in the form of falling into a pool at the after party.

Milo Ventimiglia's aquatic tumble first made waves via social media. One TV critic who was at the Golden Globes after party caught the moment itself, although he wasn't able to snap a photo or video of the Gilmore Girls alum accidentally getting in the pool. Instead, he posted the after effects via his Twitter. Check it out.

It looks like Milo Ventimiglia made a pretty excusable mistake, especially after a drink or two was consumed. The after party for the Golden Globes was apparently set over a pool, which was covered for the occasion. Just a few feet of pool were left exposed, which is apparently how Ventimiglia managed to fall in. He was likely just walking backwards or didn't realize the stage would cut off, and therefore dove in with his black tuxedo.

Milo Ventimiglia actually ended up confirming the incident himself, via his personal Instagram. Following the Golden Globes (and his swim in the pool), Ventimiglia did an Instagram live video with his 856K followers. It's here where, after congratulating his co-star Sterling K. Brown on winning Best Actor In A TV Series, he briefly mentioned falling into the pool at the after party. He said, (via EW):

One thing you can say about Jack Pearson: he's honest. While some actors may have pretended that they didn't publicly embarrassed themselves in a room full of their peers, Milo Ventimiglia got in front of the story (kind of). He admitted that he did indeed fall into the pool, and then returned home to study lines for This is Us Season 2.

What's perhaps the most puzzling about this story is hot Milo Ventimiglia managed to fit into the small opening of said pool. The former Heroes actor has become an absolute behemoth in the past few years, and is always looking extremely swoll during This is Us. So the idea that he somehow fit his body into the small opening of the pool makes it doubly hilarious. What are the odds?

You can catch Milo Ventimiglia in new episodes of This is Us Tuesdays on NBC. Or at your local swimming pool.

One of the most viral pop culture moments of last year was Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. The revival series brought back nearly every character and setting from Amy Sherman-Palladino's WB comedy, and showed us where the titular Gilmore Girls are in their lives since the show's 2007 cancellation. And while the four 90 minute episodes were delightful for the show's hardcore fandom, the finale left the audience with a major cliffhanger: Rory is pregnant. And with three different men in her life, it's anybodies guess to the father is- including Milo Ventimiglia's Jess Mariano.

Milo Ventimiglia has been very busy these days, with his starring role in This is Us, in addition to playing Jess in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. And Jess has become one of the most likely choices for Rory's baby daddy, especially after his knowing look toward Rory in his final scene. Now Ventimiglia has addressed these rumors with EW, saying:

So it looks like Jess himself is doubting any parental role in Rory's child's life. But somehow I doubt that will quell any fan theories about the subject. Sorry, Milo.

Upon finishing Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Jess certainly did seem like a possible choice as the father of Rory's baby. While they weren't shown engaging in any romantic scenes with each other, the connection between Jess and Rory has always been one of the most electric in the show's history. And Jess' final look toward Rory certainly put a thread of doubt in audience's minds. Perhaps they did share an intimate moment or two during the events of A Year in the Life, but the audience wasn't privy to it. Rory has been known to make an irrational sexual decision or two in her life, so it's not out of the question.

And while Milo Ventimiglia doesn't seem to be aware of any plans for his character, it's possible that Amy Sherman-Palladino was keeping her cards close to the chest. The final four words of Gilmore Girls had been a mystery surrounding the series for years, so it's safe to say that most of the cast likely didn't know Rory was pregnant. This may make up for Ventimiglia's lack of knowledge for his character, thus keeping Jess as a viable option for the father.

We'll just have to wait and see if Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life will return for more episodes. In the meantime, check our summer premiere list and plan your next binge watch.

In a year when just about every established TV series saw a downward slide in average viewership, it was a hell of a season for new shows, and NBC's This Is Us was definitely among the most successful. A lot of fans' interest was invested in the between-the-timelines fate of patriarch Jack Pearson, as portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia, and the subject of Jack's death took over conversations and social media posts. Of course, This Is Us is about a lot more than that, and Ventimiglia has some pretty blunt thoughts for anyone pissed Season 1 ended without revealing it.

I would love to see the look on someone's face as Milo Ventimiglia is responding to just such an inquiry or complaint about Jack's death still being a mystery. "I'm disappointed you didn't focus on his life," is a bone-piercer of a sentence, and it hits up there with when one's parents express disappointment in a child. Hell, it almost feels like Jack Pearson himself is raining judgment down, and that is not necessarily something our emotional core can take right now.

But yeah, it's clear that Milo Ventimiglia has some layered frustrations that were built up over the course of Season 1, as the coverage and reactions for This Is Us went from "this show is a tearjerker" to "this show is a high-rated tearjerker" to "this show has provided me with 4 bulletin boards' worth of index cards theorizing and mapping out possibilities for Jack's death, ranked by plausibility." Of course, This Is Us organically changed the conversation a few times over the season, with big episodes surrounding Randall's father William and more, but the focus eventually swiveled right back to Jack.

As Milo Ventimiglia put it in his interview with the NY Post, he signed on to This Is Us with the knowledge that Jack was going to die, and he knows both the when and the how elements. So, in the same way that it's easy for a wealthy person to rail on a poor person for their financial planning, it's pretty effortless for Ventimiglia to judge fans for being extremely curious about something when he already has all the essential knowledge. That said, it's always annoying to hear the same question over and over again, so his frustration is warranted however it goes.

Unfortunately for all involved, This Is Us won't be giving fans any information, about Jack's death or anything else, until Season 2 arrives on NBC's schedule at some point this fall. (It was originally going to flip to Thursday nights, but NBC later decided against that weird switch.) Until then, head to our summer premiere schedule to see what you'll be able to obsess about in the coming months.