I would say this is a return to classicThis is Usfor us, he tells EW.

But we also know how much people love the Pearsons and the Big Three in our regular cast.

And were doing that in a very big way.

THIS IS US

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Were seeing how theyre at these sophisticated new places in their lives.

Its told pretty much just with the kids without much from our parents.

Kevin (Justin Hartley) is finishing a big movie celebrity director cameo alert!

Kevin is in a whats-next place, says Aptaker.

And he seems especially overprotective of Deja (Lyric Ross).

Hes not in his fancy pants suburban New Jersey anymore, says Aptaker.

Hes living in the heart of Philadelphia with his kids.

Asked to sum up this episode in an adjective, Aptaker offers: Its old-school in the best way.