NBC has given a mega-three-season renewal to its flagship drama series This Is Us,taking it through a sixth season. While not unprecedented, the size of the order is very rare and only reserved for the biggest hits on television. CBS’ The Big Bang Theory most recently received a three-season pickup in 2014. Like the first three seasons, the next three will consist of 18 episodes each.
Asked during the NBC upfronts press call Sunday whether This Is Us would end with Season 6, NBC co-chairman Paul Telegdy said, “We’re keeping it open for now. Creator Dan Fogelman has a plan for the show, for now it’s being picked up for three more seasons.”
This Is Us‘ return was never in question, still it is unusual for a network’s top series to be officially picked up so close to the upfronts. However, saving the renewal news for today gave the network a big splashy upfront announcement which was likely the plan.
One likely factor in the delay of the official announcement was ensuring that series creator Fogelman, whose overall deal with 20th TV was coming to an end, would continue on the show. His massive re-up with the studio closed within the past week or so.
This is This Is Us‘ second consecutive multi-season pickup. The family drama was previously renewed for two seasons, two and three, halfway through its freshman season.
“In a television landscape with nearly 500 original scripted series, there are very few, if any, that have the critical and cultural impact of This Is Us, and we couldn’t be more proud to bring fans three more seasons of a show that so well represents the NBC brand,” said Lisa Katz and Tracey Pakosta, Presidents of Scripted Programming, NBC Entertainment. “A huge thank you and congratulations to our executive producers, cast and crew who reach new heights every week with the show’s inventive and compelling storytelling.”
Shortly after the news of the pickup was announced, Fogelman posted a heartfelt and witty three-part note to fans on Twitter. You can read it under the story.
This is the first renewal for the series under 20th TV’s new Disney ownership, and comes amid continued strong ratings for the critically acclaimed drama series.
(Excerpt) Read more in: Deadline
