'This Is Us' Scores Full Season at NBC

By
NBC


This Is Us
is sticking around.

Ahead of its second episode, NBC’s acclaimed family drama has scored a full-season pickup, bringing its total episode count to 18, the network announced Tuesday. With the news, it becomes the first new fall show to land a full season.

EXCLUSIVE: 'This Is Us' Boss Dishes on Big, Bold 'Surprises' for the Season

Created by Dan Fogelman, This Is Us became an instant hit, drawing more than 10 million viewers to its debut last week. With DVR ratings factored in, the one-hour series has lured 14.3 million viewers, making it the No. 1 new show of the young television season.

“We’d carefully mapped out an 18-chapter story for the first year of the show, and this allows us to follow through with our exact initial intent,” Fogelman said in a statement. “And to get the order so early on is a tremendous show of confidence and a boost for our entire cast and crew.”


This Is Us
stars Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia as Rebecca and Jack, parents to three children, and whose story takes place in the past. Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz and Sterling K. Brown play their adult children Kevin, Kate and Randall, respectively, and their journeys set in the present.

RELATED: 'This Is Us' Premiere Reveals How Everyone Is Connected

Following last week’s premiere, Fogelman spoke to ET about what fans can expect as the series progresses.

“These characters are at a crossroads and they all get these little victories [in the premiere], and life isn’t all like that. Moving into the series, there are darker moments,” he said. “Even in the more uncomfortable and complicated moments, people are going to recognize versions of themselves or people they know. If we can make that happen and then also make people laugh and make people get upset with characters and love characters [then we’ve done our job].”


This Is Us
airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

RELATED: Why You'll Fall in Love With 'This Is Us' Star Chrissy Metz