That Was Us - A Family Reunion | "Pilot" (S1E1)

Episode Date: May 14, 2024

Tissue Tuesdays are back! In our premiere episode, we travel back in time to the early days of This Is Us and the making of the “Pilot”. We break it all down, from the audition process to our first impressions of each other, and we introduce you to the first of many fan segments. What did the Pearsons teach us? What does “This Is Us” mean to us? How did the reality of what these characters were going through affect the reality of our own lives and perspectives on life’s trials and challenges? Join us to find out! Follow That Was Us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to That Was Us. Today we will be discussing season one, episode one, our pilot. Rebecca goes into early labor. Randall finds his biological father. Kevin faces a personal and professional crisis, and Kate finds herself at a low point. Wendy's most important deal of the day has a fresh lineup. Pick any two breakfast items for $4.

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September 20th. September 20th. 2016. So let me say, first of all, fam, here we are. How exciting is this? Here we are. That was us. That was us, and we are here, and what a joy it is to be with you all.

Truly? Likewise. Truly. Yeah. I want to say, Chris was sort of like the dude who started this off in terms of wanting to do the podcast. So Sully, Matt, kudos to you. Yes, you spearheaded all of this.

Thank you for agreeing to come and do it together. All you have to do is say yes. If they build it, they will come. I remember sitting in the table read and us all, you know, meeting each other for the first time. I was like in a room with Mandy Moore. I'm like, oh, M.G, Y, G. Yeah, right.

This is crazy. Big crush on Mandy Moore for a long time. Now she's my mama. But we're all sitting around. and getting into that. And the vibe was just really excited. We're all at a particular age and had been in this career for a certain amount of time that there was a level of appreciation for being there and the level of writing that we knew we had in front of us. You never know if it's going to catch on with the Zygh guys or what have you. But it was like, this was a damn good pilot.

Every single person at that table when they read that episode of television, it was like, this is the best episode of television I've ever read. Yes. Yes. Yeah. Hands down. Then we read it. And I was like, oh, everybody's really good. You felt that? Table reads are always, like, a really tricky thing for me. Really? Because I think, in this particular case, everybody brought their A-game. But that's not always the case, right?

Like, haven't you been in situations where sometimes actors aren't able to be there and someone's, like, stepping in for them? And so it's like, it's a weird level of people that are trying, trying too hard, not trying enough, that, like, it's hard sometimes to game. if it works. This was my first table read. What? Like ever?

Ever. No. Oh, wow. What? So I came in way too casual because I didn't understand the gravity of the situation. Like, I didn't realize people got fired from table reads. It's not the same thing as a comedy table read. Okay, fair enough.

They get fired. Really? Yeah. Because if you're not getting laughed. If the joke's not popping, they'll be like, yeah. But everybody, every, everybody. Everybody felt so light, felt excited, felt confident. Yeah.

Yeah. The relationships just clicked right away. I sat down next to Chrissy and I was like, oh, okay. Yeah. All right. We speak the same language. You and Sue and I went to grad school together at NYU. I was a couple of years ahead of her at NYU, but we knew each other.

So we're approached the work the same way and we're just excited to get a chance to play with each other. I love that. It's kind of awesome. How many table reads had you? had you done before that? I mean, for different, like, pilots and projects and stuff like that, I mean, a decent amount enough to know, like, what are we supposed to bring to this? I mean, I figured because this was at NBC, it felt a little bit more official, and everyone

was so sort of excited. The energy felt it was palpable that I was like, okay, I think everyone's here to, like, do the work, and the script was just so extraordinary, but that's just not always the case. And, you know, quickly with our show, once it did get picked up, remember we stopped doing table reads. There just wasn't enough time in the schedule. We did five table reads. Total. You're right. After that fifth episode, then they were done. Like on lunch for us. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But after the fifth one, we're like, we are. We got it. We know we're doing. We didn't have to prove anything to anybody anymore. Yeah, it felt solid.

How was the process, but the process of getting to the table read was very different. Yeah, I want to hear each of your stories of how you got the part. All right, I'll start. I was doing OJ at the time. So I had an end with 20th Century, the studio behind This Is Us. And I had done a movie with Glenn and John, our directors of the pilot. I did a movie called Whiskey Tango, Fox Trot, starring Tina Fey. And so they knew me from that movie, and the studio knew me from People v. O.J.

And I brought this football because I went into it. a meeting with Dan. And I just brought my football with me. I used to have it with me all the time. It's kind of like Linus. It's like Linus in his blanket, right? So I'm just carrying the football around. I was telling Dan how much I love, crazy, stupid love, which I really, really do. And my wife and I would reference this movie all the time. So we had the meeting come in and say, like, I really enjoy your work, dude. This pilot is pretty awesome. And said, great, we'll have you come in a couple of weeks and read and da-da-da-da. So I had to do coming to William. Oh, wow. That was the scene, and I think I also had to do Beth and Randall at the

soccer game, right? So do those two scenes, and I felt good, because it was the first time that I got a chance to come into a room where I knew the studio was sort of a fan of mine, and the directors of the pilot was sort of a fan of mine. So, like, I felt a friendly room. A friendly room, right? Like, that thing that you search for your whole career, and you wonder, like, how does somebody get buzz, I felt like, oh, I got a little, I got a little buzz, right? So I came in, felt good about the scenes, and that's how I came to it. Who's next? Go. I read the script and was like, yes, let me audition for this. And I think I was one of the first women because the feedback was, and it was just like at the studio. It wasn't with the directors or with

Dan or anything. And it was very like, they really liked it. And, you know, we're going to read a bunch of girls in, like, New York and Chicago and we'll come back to you. And as an actor, that's usually your indication of, like, let me wash my hands and forget about it. Okay, thank you. So, like, six weeks later, I got word that I had made it to, like, the final cut. And they were going to bring a handful of women and a handful of men in to do, like, chemistry reads with Dan, with the directors. Six weeks. It was a long time.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So much so that I was like, oh, that's still happening. I want to make that clear to everybody. Like, you normally hear things a little bit quicker than that. I guess because I was at the beginning of the process. And then they had to, like, fan out and read a bunch of people. So there were three women and three men, and they were going to be, like, mixing and matching during this chemistry read.

And I had gone in and heard that Milo was the, like, top choice. He was, like, the candidate everyone was gunning for. And so they, one woman went in before me, and I think she read with. with each different guy. And then I was called in, because I guess I'd gone to the bathroom, I was supposed to be first or something. And I-

That's a power move right there. You're supposed to be first. I'll grow, and then you're like, tiny bladder be down. You know what? I'll be back. So they had me go in and only read with Milo. And I was like, maybe this is a good thing.

We had to read the birthday scene with the cupcake, which is a little strange to do. jump into, like, meeting a stranger and having them, like, nuzzle your neck. And then I had to do a scene by myself, which Dan wrote, that ended up being in the second episode, the monologue about parenting and Rebecca asking. Wait until we get to episode two. What kind of, like, how well do you think we're doing? So I had to do that whole.

I did do that whole monologue too by myself. But, yeah, it all ended up working out, okay. That's incredible. Sully, what you got, bro? Again, I had a very little television experience, so I came at the whole thing far too casual. I was in Los Angeles filming a small part in a movie, and my agents sent me a thing that was like, they want you to put yourself on tape for this untitled Dan Fogelman project. Now, whenever it's an untitled with a name attached, I knew that was something.

Like, that's not nothing. Right, right, right. I don't research that. Okay. Because right away, I was like, I don't need to know who that is. So casual. Not because he's unimportant, but because he's too important. Understand.

Okay. And I don't need that. Right. When I'm reading these scenes. If I need it for the audition, like, to inform myself of the style or like, then I'm like, okay, a little more research. But I left myself in the dark. And I said, where are they doing these auditions?

Like, in L.A. And I'm like, well, I'm in L.A. Right now. And they said, oh, well, Ken, when are you leaving? I said, I'm going to the airport tomorrow at noon. And I said, well, do you want to go by Fox on your way to the airport? And I was like, and I was like, sure, sure. And I had two scenes, and I prepped him that night and rolled up in an Uber on my way to the airport with my luggage.

Yeah. I took my luggage to my audition. It's so cool. It's such a baller move, you know? Well, it's a Toby move. It's 100% of Toby move. Like, is this where I audition for the network hit drama? And didn't know anyone in the room, did the scenes and got some laughs and went home.

And no chemistry reads for me, no, like two weeks later, they're like, you got it. I was like, oh, cool. I was like, this network TV stuff is easy. Telling this, though, right? It wasn't for a series regular. It was complicated because at the time, a TV show that I was on called The Nick had not officially been canceled yet. Gotcha. So technically, they couldn't hire me as a series regular.

So I was only contracted to the show for one season. Got it. Instead of the six or seven that everybody else had been contracted for. Just going a little soda burg on the side. Right. Right. But also, like, we should talk to, we'll talk to Dan about this later because I need confirmation about whether. or not, Toby was actually meant to stick around for as long as he did.

He was not. He was not. That's what I heard. He was not. You just, you're too damn lovable and good, Chris. You so, okay, so before we jump in, I want to say that I've been rewatching the show in anticipation of our rewatch podcast, because that's what you're supposed to do. You all are extraordinary.

We'll get to more specific things as we move through, but like, my God, I'm not. I'm just so gobsmacked of a level of talent that we had on this dead gum show. And I, and I, sometimes when it's happening and people come up to you and like, oh, my God, I love this show. And da, da, da, da, you're like, oh, thanks. With a little bit of space and coming back to it again, I loved it then. I may love it more now. I'm a huge fan. I really may.

because there's a certain level of objectivity that is hard to have when you're in the midst, right? Then I pull it back. And I think I did a good job of just watching the show as a spectator. Like, I'm not too hard on myself. And usually my point of focus is everybody else, right? I don't like to be all up in my own grill. But you guys are killers.

You're the sweetest. And we're going to get specific. We're going to get specific. Do you remember, do you remember when we had a secret? Yes, I do. We as a cast, as a production, had a secret. We did. And it was this pilot episode.

Yes. Of like... And then it was... The reveal. Jack. Yeah. And then it was Jack. And they kept making us keep these secrets.

Yes, yes. It kept... It felt weirdly like lost or something where we had all of these weird. And I was like, that's not what this show is, but yes. Because I was watching this first episode. Yeah. And I forgot we had a secret. And that we had to try to talk about this show without revealing what it really was.

You remember how challenging that was? I forgot the reveal was coming. You did? Like, ish. Like, I was watching your story. Right. And when you give that monologue to William, I was like, oh, this is, this show is bringing. Serious, yeah.

It's fucking bringing. Yeah. And then to watch, and we'll get into it in the episodes coming, but to watch your character, quickly, like without over explaining it to the, to the audience, by making you the center of this story, it was, it was just, I was in tears. I was in tears watching the pilot. Yeah, me too. Every time that song starts, do, can we find out? Who knows the song? It's, it's, uh, because he echoes it back at the end of that episode as well.

It's beautiful. Like, it hits, first of all, it, the song starts. Milo's booty comes on, right? Like, that's the first, is that, like, what, you see the box? Oh, no, you're, oh, no, you're talking about the opening opening of the show, and that is the Sophie and Stephen's song, which is incredible. Okay, that's what I was talking about the reveal. I'm talking about the reveal at the end of the episode. Yeah, I hear you.

Because when that starts, yeah. And you start, you finally, like, start pulling back and seeing people smoke in the hospital and everybody's wearing, like, the 70s gear, et cetera. It's like, I, when I watched it again for the first time in years, you get this, like, full. blush over you of like, oh, my God. He lays it out. This guy, Fogerman, and we'll have them, we'll get a chance to talk to him in person soon. But, like, the opening shot is like the box that says 1979.

And you don't even think anything of it. And you don't think a motherfucking thing about it, right? It's just like, oh, yeah, they got some old stuff. Yeah, old boxes. Yeah, old family heirlooms, they moved. He gives you the answer right there. Right? In the first shot, you know what I'm?

Yeah. Genius. It's freaking fantastic, man. And for me, it's in the, like, it's the song, but it's also the fireman handing him the cigarettes. I was like, you're in a hospital, sir. Don't wait. Why are you smoking in this hospital?

And then he pulls back and everybody's got like butterfly collars and everything. I'm like, like the way that that hit, because we kept it for such a long time. We were tweeting, that's what it was called at the time. I don't know. It's Xing now. But, like, and when people started to see that, they were like, are you blank and kidding me? Yeah. Like, you guys did that?

Yeah. It was, it was, because the show was good. Like, the stories were good. Sure. The characters were good. But then you added that to it? That element. That connection between everybody.

Sure. I know. I was, uh, Randall's talking to William and he's saying, uh, yes, my, these are your parents. They're my adoptive parents. They're my parents, right? They raised me since I, firemen dropped me off and they said it was meant to be, et cetera. And then you cut to the fireman talking to Jack. And, like, I'm wondering, like, different people would start, probably put it together

at different moments, right? But by the time it was all over, they're like, I'll be doggone. Except for my mother, who said, wait, they're related. I was like, Mommy, you better quit folding your laundry while you watch my show. Yeah. Yeah. Mom. There were a few episodes where if you weren't paying attention, you were.

would lose the whole plot. Yeah, yeah, yeah. The show, the thing that I was so impressed with is that Dan, and obviously, I don't need to explain what an amazing writer Dan is, but like, you find out who these characters are so quickly. Yeah. Because they show you who they are. Yeah. You don't have to tell the audience anything. You don't have to talk down to the audience. You don't have to over-explain anything. Sure. They instantly show you. Sure. And it was just, it's something that I think, I talked about a lot when we were doing press for the show and is kind of the reason why an audience, I think, ends up sticking with us for so long

when the show can be really hard for them, like really emotional for them, is that Dan and the writers had so much respect and care for the audience. Immediately. Immediately. You knew that this was going to be hard, but that you were going to be okay

because the show was going to take care of you. Sure. These people were going to take care of you. Not only because the writers were very conscientious about creating this story, but because the characters within the story are taking such good care of each other. Yes.

That is very true. Yeah. That's a good point. It's really astounding because, like, we did, you've met fans that, like, had to bail after a certain amount of time. Because it was like, it's too much. Yep.

I'm not ready to go through this. You can't make me. Right. And that's totally understandable. Very. But yeah, I was just, I was so struck by all of that. Like how gentle and how, but also how fierce that first episode of TV is. I want to go with, so I'm going to talk to you guys through some of my things that I was watching for as I went.

Milo's butt was the first one. I was impressed with the squats. My man kept it high. High and tight. Posterior chain was lit, as they say. Shout out to Gerald McCraney. Oh. Joe McCraney plays Dr. Kay, and he bodies that pilot.

He really does. He is so charming and so, you know, he uses the term folksy or whatever. You call me Dr. Kay or whatnot. To be able to put a mother of triplets at ease when her normal... Doctor is unavailable. Here's something for you. Let me jump to this. You have two children.

Yeah. You didn't have any children when you shot this pilot. What's it like? Like, the actual experience versus how you thought, what the way you played it, like. It's interesting because watching it back, I'm like, okay, that feels somewhat realistic for labor. I mean, you know, this is a network television show. You're not going to show all of the, like, you know, nitty-gritty of, you know, being on all fours roaring like a tiger. Yes, man.

Or whatever happens during labor. There will be a segment on this podcast where we do that. Little ayahuasca. Let's do it. But I was, I was, I'm sure as the show, as we delve deeper, having, you know, somewhat more of a point of view of being a parent now will sort of inform I'll be able to look at some of what I've done and really shake my head about it. But so far, these first few episodes, I'm like, okay, okay. You're in the pocket. I guessed somewhat appropriately and accurately.

I did as much research as I possibly could But you're so right I think that the key to those scenes is Gerald McCraney Like he is so extraordinary And I think because he was such a special part of the show And maybe until You know, it was all on film and edited together We didn't really know that

I'm so curious to ask Dan if he really thought That this was going to be a character who was reoccurring You know because he came back several times throughout the run of the show. And in the first season alone, I think he was there two or three more times. Because he's in 102 as well. He's 102 or 103.

And he comes back again, I believe. There's like a checkup with the kids. It's somewhere down the line. And then obviously when Jack passes away in the second season, he comes to the funeral. Spoiler alert. Jeez, Mandy. I know.

Sorry. Sorry. Bleep that out. If we're re-watching and you were watching for the first time, La, la, la, la, la. Sorry. If you're watching. How dare I?

He's wonderful. Six years after, seven years after the fact. Let me talk about Dr. Kay for a quick second. Go ahead, please. I will say this about, not Dr. Kay, but Gerald McCraney. And I realized, having started to rewatch the show, one of the very subtle things that this show does. And I don't know if it was intentional. Another question I have for Dan.

Yeah. Gerald McCraney, Alan Thick, even Milo Ventimilia, are characters in our TV history. Yeah. Interesting. And they make us... Katie Seagall? Brad Garrett.

Yeah. All of these guest stars are prominent figures in all of our collective TV history. And it makes the show feel... Familiar? Like it's always been. Like it's always been there. Interesting. Interesting.

And I just had that realization watching these first few episodes. That's a very interesting point. I mean, we know Dan loves TV. Yes. And I think we also know that Dan has a particular affection for network television in terms of trying to revitalize it and keep it relevant, et cetera. And so having the show have all these people that have been in the network TV, Maloo, throughout our time, probably adds to that.

And not just in the TV world, but per capita. rental figures in the world. Gerald McCraney, even Katie Segal, even though it's married with children. Like, that's a very specific time in our TV viewing family. Yeah. It was interesting to me.

Oh, that's good. I like that. More that was us after this short break. lenses do more than just correct your child's vision, they slow down the progression of myopia. So your child can continue to discover all the world has to offer through their own eyes. Light the path to a brighter future with stellar lenses for myopia control. Learn more at SLOR.com and ask your family eye care professional for ESLR Stellist lenses at your child's next visit.

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My dear brother, Justin Hartley, who is now got picked up for a season two of Tracker. So congratulations to you, buddy. We love you. We miss you. He's up in Vancouver doing his thing. Justin is easily underestimated because he's a very handsome Asgardian man. And people want to dismiss him as just that. Justin is like a deep well of emotion and thought and consideration.

Like he's one of the most, he's, and the show did a very good job of exposing this over time that like, you think he's surface, but he's actually very, very deep, right? And so our introduction to Kevin is sort of an embodiment of that of his sort of contemplation of the challenger. Yeah. Right? Which we circle back to later in the show. But it's, so he's dancing. He's got two beautiful women with him, scantily clad, who are looking to engage with him and something.

And he's like, I just turned 36. Yeah, he's something in existential crisis. Totally. He was really figuring out what he's supposed to be doing with his life. In the midst of sort of surrounded by all the Hollywood accoutrement, that fame and fortune is supposed to bring you, he's like, trying to figure out what else is going on. That's what, jumping off point for it just that can.

I mean, I think what's so fascinating about Justin, and you alluded to that, is like, right off the bat, I just, like, rewatching the show. I'm like, he is so fantastic. Wonderful. Like, he's spellbidening. You can't take your eyes off of him. And you're already, like, who is this character? Who is this person? Like, I want to know more about him.

Like, what an interesting take on a character that we think we would know on the surface. Yeah. And we all had similarities to our characters in certain ways, but he, like, had some eerie similarities, right? As far as, like, his personal career in, like, daytime TV and then getting into, there was, like, a superhero TV show. Yeah, it was fascinating. He was, he still makes me laugh probably more than anybody.

I find him, I find him so, trickles, subtle. Yeah. And so, like, precise. Yes. Yeah. He's incredible. He does, he's a great impressionist, too. He is.

He does an impression of Ken Olin. Oh. I can't wait for the episode of this podcast where we get to have Ken Olin. Oh, my God. It's going to be so good. I'm already anticipating. Oh, yeah. He's fantastic.

Okay, that's a little bit just on him. I have weight and Kate is what I was saying. And then we had Divine Joy Randolph in our pilot. Yes. Academy Award winner. leading the group. And then there's Kate, and then there's the other Kate,

as in Caitlin. Dan's wife playing Madison. Yes. Had the nerve to open up her mouth about her white concerns. And then Toby's just like, oh, I don't know. This is the incredible thing about this one,

literal 42 minutes of television. Yeah. Is that there are a million ways into it. Yeah. A million ways to relate. late to it, a million ways to kind of find your way in through a different character. And she is one of them. It's one of them.

You see this side character, quote unquote, at a weight loss recovery group meeting. And you think this is a perfectly written TV joke. Yeah. She's a joke. Right. And we will come to find out, not a joke. You know, seasons and seasons later. Yeah, man.

Just one of the stars of the show. He plants seeds. He plants seeds. Like, I think what it is for Dan is that, like, he doesn't necessarily know what he's doing at the moment. But I think he allows whatever it is that he's done to just germinate and be like, I can make, there's something there, right? Like, that's not frivolous or what happened. It will reveal itself later. Yeah, yeah.

He's an onion in his writing. Sure. It just keeps peeling it back and back. Like a parfei. Yeah. There you go. I like to mix my together. Me too.

I don't want to just like, fuck. Dipped down into all the layers. So Kate, we see her in her home. It's a 36th birthday. She's got all the things on the food. All the posted notes. All the post-it notes about it. Please don't do this.

Don't do that. You know, not always like the most kindest language, but trying to do something that she considers to be effective. And then you see her on the scale. And it's such a powerful image and a vulnerable image of someone allowing themselves to be seen, to sort of figure out where they are in life and where they want to be. And I also want to highlight L.A.

And the fact that this show takes place in L.A. And we're talking about a plus-size woman living in Los Angeles. And how difficult it is to navigate this city in particular, which projects thinness as health. Yes. And that's the one thing that I was thinking about as I, and my wife and I have many conversations about this, that we as a society are obsessed with weight, more so even to the exclusion of health, because you'll see someone who is skinny and assume them to be a healthful individual. And that is not necessarily the case. Right. So I just wanted to,

if anybody wants to feed into that, that's a big thought that I thought. Yeah, it was my participation in this storyline. Yeah. You know, when I shot the pilot. If you watch episode one and episode two, you can't really tell because I am wearing a suit. I can tell. It's two very different people. Yeah. Because when I came to the pilot, I was probably close to 300 pounds. Yeah. Wow. And, but I was also still wearing a suit. Right. Like to the, to the, when I auditioned, I read the sides and I called my ages. I'm like, I know that I'm a big guy, but I'm not, you know what I mean? Like, I was reading the description. I'm like, how is this going to work? Yeah.

Yeah. And they said, don't worry about it. Just go read the scenes. Okay, great. So the things that you're talking about coming into this world, moving to L.A., being a certain size, not fitting into like one group or the other, kind of in the middle, having to wear this suit and discussing these issues, Chrissy and I talked about it right away because I was like, I can talk about this a little bit, but I can't speak to this the same way that you can. I can't speak for you, especially when people ask. ask me about it and people had a lot of questions about the suit and whether that was right to be doing, but they were unaware of the future storylines and the fact that they wanted to jump back to a time when Toby was not as heavy as he was and that he would be losing the weight quicker than Kate was going to be a storyline. So it was a really interesting and tricky thing for me to, a conversation for me to participate in. Yeah. But I also was, like you were saying, trying to find myself. Sure.

And in between the pilot and the... Second episode when we got picked up? And the second episode. Yeah. I came back, when we got picked up, I came back 40 pounds lighter. Wow. When I walked into the room, Glenn Foucara and John Ricko, the direct, I saw it in their faces.

They were like, what is it going on? You can't... Like, you can't be, your face looks so different. Right. And if you put them next to each other, they really do. Well, because I got a chance to watch them back to back. And I was like, and the first thing they say in 102, we'll get to that. It's like, why are you losing the way it fasted?

Had to become a plot ride. You know, I think this is an interesting point to sort of like interject. Just speaking broadly about the show. And I think what, I'm curious what your thoughts are, like, was it? People ask, like, what was it about this show that made it what it was? Was it the timing? Was it the fact that there is so many different ways in, as Chris alluded to, for everyone? Like, it was such a specific special moment in time, right?

This is 2016. This is before the world was changed in a political way. Like, the world did look so intrinsically different. But I also feel like it was at a time where people really were looking for. for, and I think this only grew over the course of the show, for unity, over division. They were looking for connection, for ways to come together, for ways to sort of see our commonalities with one another. And like Chris said, there is just something for everyone in this episode alone, right? We're talking about weight. We're talking about depression,

anxiety, addiction, like stillbirth. I mean, it's like endless. And I feel like every episode had that to a certain degree, it would take those issues and switch them out for other things as the show sort of evolved. And I'm just curious what you guys think

it was for the world. Like why was it our show at this moment in time that like became what it was? I'll respond and I'll say that you're able to reach the universal

through the specific. Right? And so there's these moments that, are happening, like Kate on the scale, taking off her earrings to see if that'll make a difference in terms of how much she weighs that people can relate to. I kick off my flip-flops. Sure. Just to see, I'll wave myself with the flip-flops and then take them off and be like, okay, that's cool. There's being a transracial adoptee, right? And how we're able to sort of

excavate what that journey is like for, Randall, going through. Like, it gets really granular in an incredible way. I think in this time of bifurcation of the nation of the world or whatnot, like there is the connective tissue of family. Yeah. And being like, you know what, whether you're a red state, blue state, purple state, whatever, like, I love my family. I love my mama.

Like, I want to be with my children and have a relationship that means something to me, right? Like, I think that all of those things were massive because you're right. Like, we were sort of divided in 2016, and it's become a bit more exacerbated in the eight years since. Yeah. But even when I was just over in London, because it kind of hit a little bit later in London than it did here in the States, I walked through thinking I was going to be incognito. And all of a sudden, like people, is that trademarked? No, no, but I should. Don't take it.

people would be like oh my god i love you i just had to tell you right quick and like because they saw the show and they like family is universe sure you know what i mean like to add on to please because because of where i was in my life yeah when i started this show i i i viewed it in a certain way and i and i was reminded of it when i watched the pilot the thing that's interesting about all of these characters is that they are at the point in their life when they are entering the second half of their life. Something is happening. That is they've all developed themselves.

They've developed their careers, their relationships, their egos, their whatever. And something is happening that is going to change everything, that is going to destroy the ego and rocket them into the second half of life. That's a good point. And that time in your life is very hard to navigate. Yeah. Especially if you don't have guidance, if you don't have spiritual guidance, religion, friends, family, whatever the thing is. So on top of relating to the show because of family, the show offered solutions.

Sure. The show offered answers on, because everyone looked at the Pearson's and was like, this is a perfect family. And I was like, what are you talking about? Yeah, yeah, yeah. There's addiction. There's anxiety. There's weight issues. There's food.

There's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, there's, this is on paper the most imperfect family that ever was. Yeah. But you relate to it. Yeah. Because something in it reminds you of your family. And yes, your family is also imperfect. Yeah.

But that's fine. But that's okay. So it's not even like a solution necessarily, but it's like, oh, they're kind of like us. I'm not jacked up. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Is the response the audience has. Yeah.

When they watch the show. Yes. They turn and they go, this is us. This is us. This is us. This is us. But something as specific as, when I say solutions, you snap at Beth and instantly repair it. Yep.

And I'm like, oh, that's how you do that. That's one way. Seriously. When I'm like, oh, so if I, because I snap sometimes and I know I shouldn't, and instead of not fixing it, Oh, that's how you fix it with a little bit of love and humor and compassion and touch. And I'm like, I was literally learning relationship from the show. Oh, my goodness. From you talking to my, like from the kid, like from everything.

Yeah. So there was solution in the show. Yeah. On how, man, my brother's a problem too. And I have no idea how to deal with them. Well, I'll watch these two and see how they figure it out. I'll tell you something. But also just to feel better about it.

Yeah. Oh, I'm not an anomaly. Yes. Other people feel this way. Other people have these same experiences. But there are times in which Randall and Kevin have helped me and my brother. This is what I'm saying.

This is what I'm saying. Randall and Beth. Sterling's notes. And William. Yes, they're Sterling's notes. Watching my kids play on the soccer field. That was our sort of introduction to our family. Susan Kletchi Watson.

I love you to the moon and back. So much. Randall gets a lot of shine. Beth is the rock. She is. Like she's the rock that he can sort of like, I'm falling and she's like, oh, baby, come on over here. You're like, oh, sweet, Jesus.

Just come on. I got you. You know what I'm saying? And it was such a joy because I knew I could fall and that Sue was just going to be there to catch me wherever I'm away. The chemistry between the two of you guys again so immediately was just, there was something so familiar about it. Like, oh, yeah.

These two people love each other. These two people are together. Like, it's extraordinary. You could feel that. History. Yes. We have history, and we also just have both people of deep abiding faith. And sort of like, people will ask, I don't know if you guys get asked this question. Like, how did you guys get the chemistry so fast?

Da-da-da-da. Well, I ask questions and sort of leave them open-ended for people to share themselves with me. and I in turn try to be as generous and sharing myself with people. So I feel like it's hard, not impossible, hard to replicate something in front of the camera that doesn't exist in some shape, form of fashion, off camera. So even if the time is short, trying to just talk to somebody and get a chance with like, yo, wasn't that crazy? Like, did you see this?

And having some touchstone so that when you get in front of the camera, it doesn't feel fabricated. Sure. Right? Like, how did you guys? I heard that this morning, I was listening to an interview with Brune Brown, and she was talking about conversation and about listening. I love me some Bibi, yeah. And she was talking to Esther Perel. I love you some EP too.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's all about relationships. They were talking about relationship and conversations, right? And she was saying that the listener informs the speaker, the way that you listen, the space that you hold, the questions that you ask, literally. form the speaker before your eyes. So it's interesting not only the way that you develop intimacy with your acting partners,

but that's also what Beth is, what Susan is so good at on the show. The way she listens to you and gives you the space. Forms this man right before your eyes. Yeah.

I think there's a lot of questions to be asked in terms of like trying to mine for chemistry with someone. Yes. But it comes down to really trusting them, being open, and I felt that immediately with Milo. And we were, I mean, in the chemistry read, he asked me right off the bat, like, is it okay? Like, do I have permission to get close to you?

And I was like, yes, of course. That's what the job requires. But that sort of- It's always nice to be asked. It is nice to be asked, and I do think that that should be required. We should both. I wish I was asked more. Yeah. I think that that is like that opened the door for everything.

And it opens the door for further discussions of like, okay, is it all right if I get, you know, closer to you in bed when we're laying next to each other? Is it okay to kiss in this moment? Because we're predating intimacy coordinators. Correct. We did not have an intimacy coordinator on the show. And I'm not sure if like our show in particular required that. I mean, maybe it would for. Technically it was me.

technically it was me, but I was real loosey-goosey. You let things fly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. Comsa, come so. They seem happy. They seem fine. There you go. But I mean, I think the confines of network television, like, there wasn't a ton

that, like, would maybe necessitate that. I feel you. But sure. And every situation is different. But, yeah, I felt that immediate, like, comfort and safety with Milo. And I think that kind of laid the groundwork for the rest of our job. I'll say this in terms of observing the chemistry. And Milo as a man, Milo is a caretaker.

Yes, he is. He likes to take care of people. Our hat here. Milo loves the gifts to the crew, and he's wonderful at coordinating them and making sure that everyone is taken care of. Yeah. We had to go do upfronts in New York, me, Mandy, and Milo Ventimile. This is before the show. This is right after it got picked up.

After a pilot, but yeah, right before it got picked up. Sure. So we knew we were doing like 13 episodes. Sure, sure, sure. Okay, so, wait. So Mandy, Mandy is happily married right now, but she had had a former relationship wasn't the best. Yes.

And Milo was like, like, you know, do you need me to do something? Like, what have you? And Mandy's like, thank you. That's really sweet. No, it's going to be totally fine. God, I forgot about this. And then somebody had a string loose on... My shoe, remember?

Something on Mandy's shoe. And you're like, I got to cut something off of his shoe. And Milo pulled out like this John Rambo knife. Yeah. McGivered my shoe somehow. You know what I'm saying? It was like, why are you carrying this around? Because it's New York City.

It's in your pocket. You never know. But the dude was so ready to help and to be of service that I could see that that actually led to a certain level of trust as well. Correct. I felt taken care of from... And you always knew he was armed. You always knew, no matter where you want. We were really protected, if need be.

I was like, this dude is off the chain. Yeah, you're not wrong. More that was us after these words from our sponsors. I am always trying to do right by my body. So when it comes to my hair and scalp health, finding a product that actually works and is made with clean ingredients always seems like a bit of a trade-off. But with Vagamore, I get products that are made with clean ingredients

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That's V-E-G-A-M-O-U-R dot com slash T-W-E-W-E. Code T-W-U to save 20% on your first order. V-E-G-A-M-O-U-R.com slash T-W-U, code T-W-U. I haven't really gotten a chance to talk about you, Tobias, which, by the way. Finally. This is what we've been waiting for. I will say this. This is, side note, this was not in the script.

I just started calling you Tobias. That's right. Because I have a thing in life about people adding wise to the ends of names that shouldn't be there, what have you. So, like, you know, people will call me Sterly. Like, this one friend of mine goes, oh, Sterly. I'm like, that's not my name. You're not friends anymore. We're still friends or whatnot.

But I think also. But just on Facebook. I think that Randall, in terms of names, like calling people. by like their proper name or something, I felt like was just something I was going to adopt. And so I just started calling you Tobias. And I, didn't I try it in an episode to call you Randy? You did, you did try.

Did it make it into the cut? It did make it into the cut. I was like, hey, Randy, and you're like, don't do that. I was like, okay. Noted. But you, you are such an imp in those first few scenes, right? Like, you were just like a delightful, like, I'm gonna poke a hole and everything that you're,

everything that's happening around us because, like, his perspective is, like, this is ridiculous, right? Like, we're here trying to conform ourselves to some, and again, I want to highlight because I don't think he's ever saying something about not being healthy, but, like, in terms of my size, like, there's a certain comfort that Toby had with his size, right? Sure. Yeah. But, like, the thing that happens is, like, so you go and you talk to Kate, and you start

this flirtation and you're just so charming. You don't get a chance to see the charming big dude that often. Right. Like, truly. Like, you're usually like, there's the butt of the joke to do anything to be like the dude who actually gets it. You're the first person to come with the grand romantic gesture. Like, you are this incredibly warm.

Charismatic leading man. You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Riz. Total riz. Total riz. That's what the kids say. Yeah.

You guys. You have the line, then she says, like, I can't fall for a big guy right now. Funny fat guy, right? A fat guy right now? He goes, then he goes, Guess I'll lose the weight. Guess I'll lose the motherfuckin' weight.

And just dropped that bar and, like, walked up. And I was like, oh, my jaws just got a little wet. Yeah, the earnestness. For real, for me. Immediately, it's like, that told you so much about the character right then and there. Yeah. In the pilot. All on the page.

All right there on the page. It was all, again. Again, the delivery. Other than having to wear the suit, it was all far too casual through the whole process. I felt the character was written that way, and he was, he was, he was horny. Like, at one point, they're watching a video of a dolphin trying to have sex with a man. It's like, what kind of date is this? Like, when you look back, he's like making, he's making handy jokes.

He did. This guy's a full-blown. He, you got away with some things that because you're you, I think it played. Listen. It did play. I tried to bring as much heart to it as possible. I'm also curious if you guys knew, and maybe this is a little too inside baseball, but did you know during the pilot where the story was going and where your character was going? Because for someone, in your case, because you were already on another show, so you were in second position on our show, did they give you any indication?

or maybe even like once the show got picked up, like this is where things are going. So once the show got picked up, I'm not sure what I knew at the pilot. But once the show got picked up, like Dan told all this, he would say like, do you guys want to know where everything is going

or would you just want to do it like one episode at a time? I was like, I like to know the whole thing, right? So we knew about Jack. I knew about William. And that was really like the hardest one. because like people were responding, and we should talk a little bit about that relationship

as we go into real quick, but like people were responding to that relationship and what it meant to them and I know Randall's going to find something to work things out and it's going to be okay or whatnot. So I knew about those things.

And I'm trying to think about the future. I think I knew it was just those things. Sure. What did you know? I remember when I read this, the pilot, the idea was like this character's not really, really in the pilot, but, like, trust us.

Like, she's going to be a bigger part of, like, the thread of the show. And I was like, I don't care. I will, like, be the caterer on set. Like, I just want to be a part of this energy. Like, this is such extraordinary writing. And I was like, yes, I trust where this is going. I obviously had no real idea. It wasn't until the show got picked up.

And it was like, well, we're jumping eight years ahead in the second episode. and, you know, you will be playing this character in the present day. Like, none of that was obviously apparent in the pilot. Yeah, I guess, again, I wasn't, I didn't, I didn't understand the television landscape. I didn't understand how many questions I could ask. I didn't even know, I didn't even know the titles of everyone on set. It took me like a season and a half to figure out what everyone's job was, you know? And you did.

And I learned from watching you, because you were in. in the writer's room. Yeah. You were in Dan's office. You were asking questions. You're not only asking questions. You were providing ideas, providing storylines, providing backstory on yourself and certain plotline.

And I was like, oh, I didn't know you could, I didn't know you could do that. And it was, it was a huge learning experience for me. But I, I, so I didn't even, I just knew what they told us. And I wasn't asking a lot of questions. And I, in between takes, I was sitting in that suit just like, melting. Let me say, Sully was not happy with the suit. Yeah, that's a bad, uncomfortable. It was a lot for the first season.

It was toasty. It was a lot for the first season. And so I didn't quite know, and I also get, I guess I didn't know how much they knew. Like, I knew they had broad strokes and I knew they had an end goal in mind. If you go into the writer's room, they had like a chronology of the Pearson family up on the wall, around the side. You know what I'm saying? you could say like, okay, because we're jumping through time, we as adults have to know what transpired in these kids' youth

so that we know what we're playing in present time, right? Which is kind of brilliant. I want to talk about the great Ron Cephas Jones and, you know, the experience of him in this pilot. And because I know that Dan always had intentions for this character, obviously, for his storyline to progress the way that it did. Yeah. which was bittersweet for all of us because Ron was a favorite and it was hard to know

what the future had in store for his character because it just meant that he wasn't going to be on set with us but that's jumping ahead too far let's talk about like did you have any previous like relationship with Ron was did you meet him for the first time working on the pilot we met in New York um we were doing a reading of something for Terrell Alvin McCraney, who's the Oscar-winning screenwriter for the film Moonlight. He was writing a play based on the Book of Job

and is called Head of Passes that ultimately wound up going to New York and starring Felicia Rashad. And so me and Ron got together to read excerpts of the book of Job for Terrell. Wow. And like his scripts, so Ron has like, he highlights everything in his script.

He has different highlighters. different pin marks or something like you look it's like it looks like hieroglyphics when you're going through script and he's like yeah man just so I can get different colors in there you know what I'm saying it's just like jazz man like sometimes I can say it like this and then I flip it and you don't do that I'm like no man I don't do it I love that but he's so beautiful and he's there's no place that Ron would rather be than be on set or on stage to be at work And he was sick when we started our show. His lungs were failing him.

And sometimes you have to sit down and take a breath or whatnot and just relax for a little bit. And so I think for him to be playing a character who had stage four stomach cancer hit very close to home because I think he was very much considering his own mortality and what the future had in store for him. He's such a just beautiful human being, right? Like, he's just got a big smile and a big laugh and just joy in every fiber of his being. So it's so interesting.

When you're playing Randall, who is so bitter towards William, but because Ron is who he is when he says, do you want to come in? You're like, yeah, man, I want to come in. You know what I'm saying? You instantly become a little boy. I want to be mad at you, but like, okay, fine. And then he's, you know, like, I want to say all this other stuff to you.

You're like, you want to meet your grandchildren. Because you're just so, why am I doing the thing? Because it's Ron, right? It's Ron playing William. It could have been somebody else, and they'll be like, oh, I don't know if I can make this work. But I was like, I want to be around. this dude I just want him to be around these people because when that synthesis of character

and actor sort of just make it easy where you don't have to act yeah right the script is just so good it's like no you can't play you can't play william if you haven't figured a lot of this stuff out in your own life yeah like watching him you're like oh this man has lived a life has figured a lot of these things out yes that he's bringing to this absolutely yeah and that I mean we'll get did this in 102, but like his conversation with Beth, I just want to just real quick, it's just beautiful. He's beautiful, he is missed. Just for the people who don't know, he ultimately did pass away.

He had a double lung transplant. And it took. And he was gaining weight because you touch Ron in season one with the feather. You'd be afraid that you were going to knock him over. And I remember he came back later. He's like, yes, Sterl, I got cheeks, man. I got cheeks. And he's feeling full and he got a chance to go to Broadway.

And he got nominated for a Tony. And he's not with us anymore. But like he made the most out of his life. Yes, he did. As I think did William Hill, through his delineation, make the most of the remaining time that he had with his life. And his character, I think, is a wonderful lesson that permeates throughout the show, right? It's the things that you love the most that you miss. So it must have been worth something.

And it's, you know, you can be sad, but you can also celebrate that as well. The three of us got to be in New York together at his memorial with Susan and John. Yeah. And you spoke. And so did all some very important people in his life, his daughter, and a lot of his creative collaborators throughout his life. And by, I had never met anybody who knew Ron as long as these people had known Ron. And one of the things that I learned from listening to people talk about him. was one, what an incredible father he was.

Yes. And again, solution, because I am also a new father. I'm like, how do you raise children? How do you raise children effectively to become loving, open, creative human beings? And I learned a lot about how to do that by listening to his daughter speak, but also listening to you and listening to his creative collaborators. I realized that he may have been the most self-sophobic. realized person I've ever met. Yeah.

Because the person I met is the same person that all of these people are talking about from back to when he was 21, 22. Isn't that interesting? I took that away from the memorial as well. Just an incredible human being. He is beautiful. He is beautiful. May he rest in peace.

I want to take it back to the show, not in a callous way, but I think somewhat organically because one of the moments that people really responded to on the show is the conversation between Dr. Kay and Jack when he has to tell him that one of the triplets didn't make it. And shout out to Milo Ventimilia and what was going on in his soul and in his face because as I was rewatching it, you're just watching a man

going to figure out what the hell is. going on, you know, and he takes that seat and Dr. Kay sits next to him and the most gentle and level, like you said, that you see what, you see in our show people taking care of each other. This is like the essential, the quintessential act of care. Like, can an old man offer you some words here? And he talks about how he lost his first child. and one of the reasons why he became a doctor said hopefully no I can save more babies than what I lose right and said you walked in here with this intention of walking out with three kids it may not look the way that you originally thought that it would but it doesn't mean that that still can't be the case and that's such an interesting at one point I think I think you Rebecca as man Mandy Rebecca says something about was it you or you quoting it that until the day is

over, it can always be known for something else. Yeah. You know what I'm talking about? In later seasons. It's later seasons. But like it's sort of like the callback to it is like in the pilot. They're like, this does not have to be the end of your story. Tragedy is a part of your story.

It does not have to be the defining part of your story. Right. Right? And I think that's the, what the show is capable of if you're able to stick with it and you're ready to with it and you're ready for it is that while it takes you through something, it can unburden you. It can lighten your load if you sit with it. I think that's also something that what people were responding to in real time is that it took them through so much, but they left it kind of a little lighter. Yeah. Lighter. I mean, I think that's what catharsis is, right? And people

would often just associate our show with tears and crying. I'm like, but don't you feel better after that? I normally do. And it's for a reason, it's purposeful, it's not manipulative. It's just the reality of experiencing what these characters are going through and your relationship with it in your own life. You're right. It's a choice or it's a way of reframing it to feel like you are unburdening yourself from an experience or from grief or trauma or whatever it may be. Yeah. We've got it. We've got it right here. Is it any frame? Can they see? There's no lemon so sour that you can't make something resembling lemonade. Yeah, it's pretty good.

Yeah. That's a bar. That's what they call in the streets a bar. A bar. A bar. Because, and it's something. It's become an Etsy piece of art. That we're able.

That's where we are. That gets echoed throughout the show, right? Because Kate mentions it to Kevin. What's that thing that dad used to always say or whatnot? And I think we see how it permeates the, like, other things. families later on in the show. Oh, yeah. Yeah, maybe.

The influence is widespread. Layer upon layers. Layers on this joint, man. The trailer for this episode had 80 million views online. Before the TV show even aired. The first episode, all told, had something like 17.9 million viewers. Wow. So I think we should have enough episodes to speak.

to each and every one of those people. It just goes on in perpetuity. Yeah, we want you to reach out to us. We've set up an email where it's That Was Us Pod at gmail.com. That was Uspod at gmail.com. We want to hear how you related to the show. Questions? Questions about the show.

How the show brought you together with people. Yeah, the impact. Send us a video. Right? It's a, I don't know, an essay, whatever you want. What have you. Whatever you need to do. And who knows, you might end up on the show.

We might, maybe we'll make some phone calls. There we go. I would love that. Maybe we reach out to some fans. Yeah. Anyways, the last segment on this podcast is always going to be interacting with the fans because, as the show is titled, this is us. And we also have an emotional support hotline.

Right, because if people are going to start rewatching this. And they need a place to vent. Yeah. they can call 412, 501, 3028. There you go. You'll notice that is a Pittsburgh area code just to keep it true to the Pearson. All day, baby.

Yeah, give us a ring. Yeah, give us a ring. Leave us a message. Leave it on the line, you know? Your feelings, what you're going through as you watch the episodes, your reactions. It is, the best part of having done this show is the money.

No, the best part. The best part of having done this show is the way that the fans interact with you when they see. You know they're a fan of the show instantly. Yeah. You know, like instantly. They owe you the car you by your character name. They are the best fans to have. They will ask for a hug, you know, like the things that people have told me regarding how this show has impacted their lives.

It moves me because you want to make art that entertain. people, right, that educates people about the world that they live and whatnot, but also provides some form of edification or desire to be a better version of yourself to make the world a better place. Sure. We hit the sweet spot with this joint. Yeah. Like we really, just- It echoes through time because wherever we go, it is a small town

filled with lovely people who want to connect in one way or another. And that never happens. It's a once and a career sort of opportunity, right? To be a part of something that means as much to all of us who are making it as it means to an audience out there. That connection, that correlation, like, it's just, it's such an impossible thing to distill down. And somehow we managed to find it with the show. Six years. So please share.

We look forward to hearing from you and communicating with you. All right, let's do it. So like we said, our fans, you are going to be a big part of this podcast and seeing us we're going to be digging into life together, getting into this new chapter. We thought that our first fan segment, we would like to introduce you to This Is Us fans and newlyweds Chris and Joanne Lation. Welcome, guys. How are you?

How are you? And we actually, we have an engagement photo, I think. Oh my gosh, hold on, sorry. Look at these photos. So that, the photo on the left is from your engagement. And then obviously the photo on the right- And he's a man who enjoys his legs, ladies and gentlemen. We're talking about an engagement and wedding.

You don't work that hard on legs to not wear short. You don't skip leg day. You got to show them. Also, a short sleeve shirt with the bow. A short-sleeve shirt with the bowtie on your wedding day is clutch. I love it. So you guys got engaged in the Dominican Republic and then where did you get married? In Cyprus. Oh, wow.

Yeah. Yeah. I love it. You guys are big world travelers, huh? Yeah, we like to get around, don't we? So for context, why we're talking today. Chris, I believe you sent in a DM to our That Was Us podcast, Instagram. And our producer, Sarah, found the DM, flagged it for all of us.

But do you want to kind of give us a little bit more context to the story and the message that you sent and why this is us has been a part of your life together and the journey that you've been on? Yeah. Obviously, we got engaged in Dominican Republic. That was a special day because it was a year since Joe would sort of have been all clear from cervical cancer. so we wanted to sort of make it really special and got in touch to the show was very relatable of what she's been through not just for that but a few other things and we it's probably the first show we watched together

we were just both. We actually both like because we were very different things like we were impressed with this from like day one and yeah usually he likes all like the murder documentaries the things that give me nightmares I like to watch happy things where I can sleep peacefully. It's like me and my wife.

I feel that. So this is the first thing that we were like, oh my gosh, it's perfect and we both love it. So yeah. Yeah, it's quite strange. Thanks to my sister really

because we were down in Colmore. We were down there one day. My sister said, if we watched this show, this is us? And I was like, no, I've never heard of it. And we were sat there. The kids were sleeping

because she's got a couple of kids. And we watched, I think she was on. It was the last episode of season. And she said to us, look, it might be a bit confused. She was like, just complete dance. And we watched it. We were just looking at each other like, oh, my God, this is amazing. So we went back to once.

We watched it from the start and we were just like, and at this point, obviously, when we watched the whole thing, Joe wasn't well. So we were both parked on the sofa and she had a box of tissues. She was already emotional what was going on, but it was like she had the box of tissues on the left and side. I kept looking at it and some episode she'd be crying

and she'd be like, oh, God. And I'd be like, but then there's some really nice parts of it as well. So I think it's very relatable, obviously, because although Joe's doing really well,

she's come out with the other end of what was hell at the time because it was in the horrible pandemic. Yes. And obviously, our hope is to have kids. That's what, you know, we love to have kids.

But we love to adopt as well. So there was a lot of things like, it was so relatable to us. And we've always loved the show. We tell everyone about, have who seen this as us? And they all look at us, and then they start watching

and they were like, oh my God, I watched the first series. It was amazing. And I think the whole workplace, which, believe it or not, is to do with cancers and MND, so that's where I work.

So it's all quite weird because I worked in that sector. Joe's experience, you know, with it all was tough, but she's doing really well. But I thought, fine now.

No better way than to have Mandy Moore's song and it was a real long shot but I managed to get in touch and it was after messaging a million people but yeah we got it and you asked if maybe Mandy could send a video message on your wedding day because you guys you you implied that you wanted to walk down the aisle to the forever now which is a song that my character sings at the very very very end of the series It's such a touching idea to, you know, be a part of someone's big day like that. I was really, really blown away. And I think we are all so honored that the show has really held such an important place in your life,

especially taking you through a really, really challenging period. And we're so happy that, like, the good news of you in good health and celebrating such an exciting chapter of your life together. But we're just psyched that we've been a part of your journey. Bernie as well. Like, what an honor. I think we have a clip, right? I just want to see this moment. I want to see Chris's legs. Not the dress, Chris's legs.

It's not so much to the gym. I think it's all the rugby games I've played. There you go. This is the video message. This is playing the video. Oh, gosh. This is my reaction. How are you?

Mandy Moore. So you are very, very thoughtful. Sundy has been reached out because he, He said you were a fan and you loved the show. And in fact, you were going to be walking down the aisle very soon to the forever now. I am so touched. Have a beautiful day.

Stuff. Just sending you guys both. She was like, I don't know if this happens. She's like, what is that? Look at that face. And by the way, I was giving your husband all the credit for the gams. This family is all legs. I know.

I know. There's trilly, truly. Oh, gosh, yeah. I think I was quite annoyed because it was the time I was trying to get into my dress and my friends were like, sit down. Chris has got a surprise for you. And I was like, but I want to get dressed and we're not doing presents. We said we're not doing presents.

We better not have got me anything. And so they made me sit down and I just got really like suspicious that like he got me something and I, you know, we agreed not to get each other presents. And then I was like, oh, no, I really didn't get him presents. I suppose I was the present But there you go Absolutely Yeah

And then I saw that video And I was just Well as you could see There were no words Yeah Can I ask like What was it about the song That made you decide

Like this is the song To walk down the aisle to The one job he had Was choosing music Because you're quite good with music Aren't you And you didn't I chose most of the

the rest. So he had music. And then he said, oh, what about this song? Because obviously it's really special to us. But like the lyric, isn't it? Like, we get, I get this moment with you forever now. It just seemed like so perfect. It is. You guys, like the first few times that she sang the song, because like, I don't think I heard it until we were on set. Oh, yeah. And like, you sang it for the first time, I thought something was wrong with me. Like, I could. I could. I couldn't stop. It was like a geyser. And, oh, goodness, so I can only imagine. You kind of have to, like, get your stuff together so that your photos look halfway

decent. Emotional, emotional training. Because you're already going to be emotional walking down the aisle. Yes. Like, your wedding is, like, typifies all the things that you would be emotional about. So, yes. Absolutely. Can we see them walk down the aisle? Oh, wow. I'm crying. I'm crying. I'm like, wedding's always making me cry.

Wow, that is so beautiful. Also, that has to be like the most incredible looking, like, guest. Right, right. The wedding party. Cheese, Louise, you guys. Wow, what a special moment in a beautiful wedding. Your dress is gorgeous. Oh, my gosh.

I know. Yeah, all the girly things. One final question. You guys are such. big this is us fans can you tell us your what's your dog's name our dogs call laurel after randals we got a grey arm don't we yeah she's a rescue greyhound and when we got what we because well the way you guys say laurel we just like oh that's so beautiful because it sounds it sounds better than when we say it how do you say it laurel that's the sound name what are you talking

You know, you say it like, it just sounds better when you say it. That's so funny. And we were like, we're calling our first trial laurel. We were like, that's just decided now because you just loved it so much. And then we adopted our dog and she's a she. So we were like, okay, what are we going to call it? And we were like, there is only one name. Even though she's not like technically a baby, she is our baby.

She's a first base. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. So, yeah, she got the name. She got there first. I love it. It's perfect for her.

It suits her. Yeah, that's Randall's birth mom's name on the show for the people who don't know. You guys are deep fans. Thank you. You guys are beautiful people inside and out. I look forward to however your family grows, because we know that it's going to grow, be it biologically, be it through adoption, be it a combination of the two. I'm excited for what life has to offer both of you guys.

You're beautiful. Thank you for sharing your fandom with us and for allowing us to be a part of your lives. I'm truly touched. So touched. Keep us updated. Yeah, please keep us updated, guys. You have been our very first fan segment on this podcast.

So thank you so much for joining us. Thank you for having us. Totally shocked. Also, we love you so much. It goes both ways. Yeah, we love you too. Thank you. so much for for reaching out and taking the time to chat with us today too it's it's been our

pleasure anytime yeah have a great day that was us is filmed at the crow and produced by rabbit grin productions and sarah warren music by taylor goldsmith and griffon goldsmith