At long last, This Is Us turns the spotlight on Beth
Here’s what’s happening in the world of television for Tuesday, February 19. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
This Is Us (NBC, 9 p.m.): Susan Kelechi Watson has long been one of This Is Us’ standouts. For three seasons, she’s given an often funny, always layered performance as Beth Pearson, Randall’s (Sterling K. Brown) accomplished, supportive, and straightforward wife. That Watson’s managed to be a standout is particularly impressive, as Beth is one of the only primary characters with an as-yet untold backstory. We know more about Jessie’s (Denis O’Hare) past, and he’s been in four episodes total.
But the Beth blank spaces get filled in tonight.
Oh, and Phylicia Rashad’s her mom. Did we not mention that Phylicia Rashad’s her mom? This This Is Us is a major This Is Us. Caroline Siede stands ready.
Regular coverage
She’s very good at her job.
Wild card
At Home With Amy Sedaris (TruTV, 10 p.m.): One of television’s most demented, delightful, difficult-to-categorize pleasures returns tonight, ready to do some weird-ass shit while somehow being occasionally helpful. Here’s our own Danette Chavez on the first season:
At Home also tests the limits of Sedaris’ cheerfulness and hospitality, as nearly every fête has its mishaps, either in the form of leering businessmen or bodily injury. And in the process, it demonstrates what all these shows, hosts, carpenters, and cooks have in common: unwavering self-confidence. But the unrelenting optimism that’s key to the show’s charm is familiar for other reasons; it’s present in much of Sedaris’ previous work, from Strangers With Candy to BoJack Horseman… She always bounces back, her resilience wisely creating a kind of emotional through-line for the series. After all, regardless of the menu, you have to like your host in order to accept their invitation.
We have enthusiastically RSVPed.