This Is Us' Season 2 finale is just around the corner, and as sad as it is this that season is finally coming to an end, fans have a reason to be excited. Executive producer and co-showrunner Isaac Aptaker shared that the series will introduce three extended family members during Kate and Toby's wedding. Aptaker shared with fans who they can expect to see and why the series brought these characters in for the momentous occasion:
We are throwing everyone together up at the family cabin for a very, very big celebratory occasion. We're going to get to meet Toby's parents for the first time, which we're very excited about, and it's something we've wanted to do for quite a while on the show, and this felt like the perfect reason. We're also going to get to meet a member of Beth's extended family, which is something people always ask about. They're always like, 'I want to meet her mom, I want to meet one of her sisters, I want to meet somebody,' so we are finally going to meet another person from Beth's world at the wedding.
Isaac Aptaker gave no word on whether or not Toby's brother who skipped out on the bachelor party will be attending, but did tease This Is Us fans with the appearance of Toby's parents. Fans already know a bit about Toby's mother, as Toby was afraid to tell his devout Catholic mama he had gotten Kate (who eventually miscarried) pregnant before they were married. Given that limited information, one might conclude that Toby's humor and goofy nature comes from his father, who we know nothing about. Toby generally seems to be a person from a good and stable family, so one would imagine his parents won't be the type to cause a scene and wreck the wedding. Then again, let's not forget this will be Toby's second marriage, and with his mother's religious beliefs, its possible she could take issue with this ceremony happening regardless of how nice Kate is.
Isaac Aptaker also teased an appearance by someone from Beth's extended family, although he said little beyond that. Basically, Beth's aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, grandfather, or grandmother could be attending this wedding, but why? What business does someone from Beth's extended family have at a Pearson family wedding? Perhaps, given the wedding is at the Pearson family cabin, Beth had a relative that works in the wedding industry that cut her a deal? Aptaker didn't let any secrets slip about any of these three roles, but did say that the actors who took the roles were in high demand:
"We cast some pretty in-demand actors, so it's always a bit of a matter of scheduling, but yes, we cast Beth's family member and then Toby's parents. We love all three of them, so I certainly hope [we'll see them again]."
Did someone say high-profile guest stars? No, but Isaac Aptaker led THR and fans to believe these new characters will be comprised of some familiar faces from the acting world. No rumors have surfaced regarding any big names that have been attached to the project as of late, but given the star power this project has pulled for Season 2, it wouldn't be surprising if This Is Us found some big names.
This Is Us airs on NBC Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET. For a look at upcoming television set to air in 2018, head on over to our midseason premiere guide.
