Current status of This Is Us in 2019
This Is Us was renewed for a third season in April 2018, with production beginning that summer. The show follows the Pearson family across timelines and has a reputation for emotional, serialized storytelling. As the 2018–19 television season progressed, viewers asked when the new season would appear. Broadcasters typically align drama premieres with their fall schedule, and NBC confirmed This Is Us would return in the fall of 2019.
Confirmed premiere date and timeslot
NBC officially announced the Season 3 premiere on September 24, 2019, at 9:00 p.m. ET following The Voice. This scheduling placed the show in the fall lineup, aligning with other scripted dramas. Earlier in the year, the network had shared upfront details that solidified the fall return. Ahead of the premiere, the network promoted the episode to stabilize viewer expectations and reduce confusion about timing.
Season structure and episode count
Season 3 was planned as a standard season for the series, with a reduced episode count compared to prior years to allow for a shorter production cycle and focus on quality. The season comprised 18 episodes, down from 22 in Season 2. This structure helped manage broadcast pacing and maintain narrative momentum across the fall and into early 2020.
Season 3 at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 3 | Network announcement |
| Episodes | 18 | NBC order |
| Premiere date | September 24, 2019 | NBC press release |
| Timeslot | 9:00 p.m. ET after The Voice | Network schedule |
| Season type | Mid-season style; episodes released weekly | Broadcast pattern |
Fall 2019 broadcast schedule context
NBC placed This Is Us at 9:00 p.m. to follow The Voice, leveraging the music competition’s audience. This timeslot is typical for scripted dramas on Wednesday nights. The network emphasized strong fall programming in mid-2019, highlighting This Is Us as a cornerstone of the schedule. Industry analysts noted the move as a bid to retain older demos during the fall sweeps period.
How viewers can confirm return timing
- Check NBC.com and the network’s official app for localized listings.
- Review press releases from NBCUniversal Public Relations.
- Monitor official social channels for schedule changes or special previews.
Why return dates generate confusion
Changes in showrunner roles, production delays, and midseason adjustments can prompt uncertainty. Renewal announcements may occur months before airing, and upfront dates highlight intentions but not exact calendars. When networks adjust fall schedules, premiere windows can shift by days or, rarely, weeks. Clear official communication and network schedule releases remain the most reliable signals for when a series returns.