Entertainment

The 'This Is Us' Cast Describes Season 2 With Emojis, So Get Ready To Weep

by Taylor Ferber
NBC/Ron Batzdorff

The second season of the fan-favorite show hasn't even premiered yet, but it's already crushing audiences' hearts. By now, fans know This Is Us Season 2 will address Jack's death, because let's be honest, fan or not, everyone knows that Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) has died. Leading up to the September 26 premiere, cast members of the award-winning drama have been pretty tight-lipped about what will happen in the next season, dropping subtle hints here and there. But in the age of instant gratification, that just won't do.

At BAFTA's Emmys party in LA, a few cast members dropped by and helped describe the upcoming season the best way they could — through emojis. Though they aren't the most wordy or descriptive articulations, it's safe to say This Is Us Season 2 may be more devastating than its first season (if that's even possible).

In This Is Us' Season 2 preview, star Milo Ventimiglia uttered the daunting three words: "Change is coming." Mandy Moore, who plays his on-screen wife Rebecca, didn't hide the fact that Season 2 picks up the "very morning after" Jack's mysterious death — the heart-wrenching Season 1 cliffhanger. In the midst of this major shake up, storylines will obviously go deeper and individual characters will be explored in more depth.

Thus, Justin Hartley, who plays Pearson child Kevin — 1/3 of The Big Three — preps fans for lots of tears. He describes Season 2 as such:

"[It's] like Michael Phelps crying in a swimming pool, but winning the race," Hartley says. So the emotion and tears will all be worth it in the end? It's likely. But payoff won't come without a little bit of distress first. OK, maybe lots of distress. "If you could watch This Is Us in a swimming pool, you could watch it in front of other people because no one knows you were crying."

Fans should brace themselves. But it's not a big secret: Everyone, even the cast, cries watching This Is Us. So if Season 2 will be so intense and emotional, how can actor Jon Huertas, who plays Jack's best friend (and Rebecca's current husband) Miguel, describe it like this?:

"Because I’m super excited," Huertas explains. Validating Moore's hints about episode one, the actor says the show will waste no time getting deep and pulling viewers in. "I’m excited for people to see the first episode, it’s gonna hit really hard," he says. Beyond Season 2's premiere episode, Huertas describes the season with the grinning face because it exceeds expectations and the incredibly high bar Season 1 set.

"After having such a great season and being nominated for 10 Emmys, you have something to live up to," Huertas says. "I had a lot of anticipation, like, ‘Are we gonna nail it like we did in the first season?’ And yes, we have."

Given what fans know so far, the show's six-month hiatus was worth it, because Season 2 is already filled with a ton of rich plots. All of the women are in the middle of major life changes, the Pearson kids will be explored in a new decade, and mysteries surrounding Rebecca and Miguel's relationship will be addressed.

NBC/Ron Batzdorff

Additionally, fans will know The Big Three on an even more personal level. According to Season 2's preview, Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) contemplate adoption, Kevin (Hartley) is torn between his work and relationship, Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Toby (Chris Sullivan) move in together, and yes, Kate will sing. Further, Rebecca's individual relationships with her kids (including her tension with Kate) will be explored. Of course, questions surrounding Jack's untimely death will be answered and the character will remain a strong presence throughout the season.

Just a couple of emojis are all it takes to show that This Is Us Season 2 will be epic, heartfelt, authentic, everything fans love about the series — and then some.