Premiered: September 26, 2017

On: NBC

Starring: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan, Niles Fitch, Lonnie Chavis, Hannah Zeile, Mackenzie Hancsicsak, Logan Shroyer, Parker Bates, Jon Huertas, Alexandra Breckenridge, Eris Baker, Faithe Herman, Ron Cephas Jones, Jermel Nakia, Ron Howard, Lyric Ross, Debra Jo Rupp, Caitlin Thompson & Joy Brunson

Just as emotionally gripping as its first season, This is Us comes back with a stellar second season that continues to show the evolving lives of the Pearson family in the past, present and future.

Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Toby (Chris Sullivan) plan their future with various ups and downs. Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) decide to foster a child. Kevin (Justin Hartley) becomes addicted to pain medication after a work accident. Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) struggle with Jack’s alcoholism.

There are some lows in this season, especially with Kevin’s storyline, that you’ll feel yourself struggling to be invested in. But the highs – namely Randall and Beth’s relationship with Deja (Lyric Ross) and Jack’s death – show the strength that the show carries over from its previous season.

Final say: Get those tissues ready. ★★★★☆