Ep. 24: A Celebration of Season One with Ken Olin and Us

[@gretchenlarese2418]

I loved Thirtysomething!!

[@cyn7401]

Thank you Chris for always explaining everything about the behind the scenes and different roles involved in the making of the show for those of us who don’t know. I’m always sitting here going what does that mean and Chris always explains it: for those of you don’t know, a director does xyz. I really appreciate that he understands most of us don’t know all the lingo and crew’s roles.

[@ThatWasUs]

Were you a Ken Olin fan before This Is Us? Did you miss our interview with Dan Fogelman? Watch Dan's episode after you finish this one with Ken: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKTSp6d9qMyjfsk

[@molsker]

His voice is SOOO identifiable...brought me right back! Loved thirtysomething...I mean, it was an amazing show with exceptional cast and storyline. Just recently was able to watch the episode "Gary dxxd." On KZbin And it was just as gut-wrenching as it was (what?!?) some 30 yrs ago! 😢❤

[@henriwingfield4291]

I've been a Ken Olin, Patricia Witteg fan since 30something. I loved how he received the love you all have him. He's so talented and integral to episodic, familial dramas

[@OT7tillheaven]

I loved thirtysomething, and had such a warm and familiar feeling when I first started watching This Is Us, and once I found out that Ken Olin was involved, I knew that was why I had that familiar feeling!! He's awesome!!

[@elodie_k221b]

Yes, from Brothers and Sisters. 🙂

[@elizabethwitt2621]

Big Ken Olin fan from thirtysomething. In fact when Hope and Michael had their baby boy, Leo, I loved the name so much and said that's what I'm going to name my son if I have one. My Leo is now 22. 🤗🤗💘💘

[@melaniecahill1736]

I can never hear Ken's voice and not think about Thirty Something. I loved that show in my 20's then in my 30's it was Alias. We rushed getting our kids down to go watch it. Life got busy and I never watched Brothers and Sisters. When I saw Ken's name associated with This is Us, I just felt at home. Great interview.

[@michelleaulthouse]

I think This is us was on at a time where we, the viewers really need to see a loving inclusive family on Tv. It is like comfort food. I would put This is Us as one of my favorite shows of all time. I love the three of you, and Ken too! Thank you for doing this podcast!

[@ThatWasUs]

Thank you for being here!

[@slsigafoos]

With less than 2 weeks until Election Day, I just want to acknowledge how much I look forward to this podcast each week to escape from everything else. Like the show itself, this podcast has been a calming balm and a cleansing breath. Thanks to all involved for giving us a meaningful place to go each week and just "get away."

[@SimplyNikki79]

I watched 30 something as a kid because that was my moms generation’s show, now i have this is us as my generations show. It’s full circle! 😊😊❤❤

[@ThatWasUs]

We love that!

[@janetcampbell5436]

Thirtysomething was must see TV for my husband and I back in the day. We wanted to build a community like Michael and Hope and have our home be the place where everyone could land safely. I think we were able to do just that. Thank you, Ken!

[@QMW11]

This was such a great conversation to listen to. You can tell he's exceptional at what he does!

[@ThatWasUs]

Ken Olin is the best!

[@momlifeplansonline]

My parents watched thirtysomething when I was young and I knew about it and knew the theme song, but was too young to watch it. I remember my mother referencing it when I asked her how old she was and she would say she was “thirtysomething, just like the show”! Then, when I was a postgrad at university, I watched Brothers & Sisters. And then when I first got married and had my children, I watched This is Us, so I feel like Ken Olin’s shows have carried me through various stages of my life!

[@itomanpr]

Love how everyone that comes on to the podcast talks about how magical it was to work on this show. The warmth, kindness and joy that we all know the show for, comes through even in the interactions of everyone that comes on to That was Us. Very happy to witness it week after week. Looking forward to season 2 and Deja's inclusion in the story :)

[@julieako]

Sterling, you did such great job in that scene with you and Chrissie and that scene with Justin was a masterpiece.

[@julieako]

I loved Thirty Something and Ken's voice brings back good memories

[@leesee6248]

I’ve adored Ken since he was 30-something because I’m old.🤭 I wasn’t surprised when I noted his role in this show because it has very much the same feel as Thirtysomething did and I love them both.

[@molsker]

I agree 1000%!! 👍

[@LoriSandel-ud7pb]

Time stands still at Ken's house. The clock hasn't changed the entire podcast. lol

[@GeraldineMcKay-b5x]

I was excited to see Ken Olin, he was my favourite thing about thirtysomething. Love hearing all these stories. ❤❤

[@srividhya1208]

This is Us will remain my most favourite show ever. This is only one of the very few shows my brother also loved when i made him watch the first time. I love love each and every character in the show. Such a lovely one!❤️

[@afiaali4159]

I look forward to this podcast every week, revisiting the show in a more meaningful way, great guests, im rematching each episode so i can be part of the conversation when you guys are discussing the episodes, love you guys, thanks for doing this

[@diamondbed86]

So excited! I saw the first couple episodes - the lighting, the music, etc - and then realized it was Ken Olin and thought - no wonder! Loved thirtysomething.

[@molsker]

I kept waiting, hoping he would do a quick cameo... 😊

[@Madkad]

Shout out to Ken Olin on Brothers and Sisters!

[@lynnlee157]

YES! That was another one of my favorite shows!

[@peggys1439]

Amazing interview and conversation. Thank you!

[@kristenquinones9602]

There are so many wonderful parts to this podcast including learning so much about production! Very cool

[@KristenM76]

This is SUCH a great show. I sincerely look forward to watching every week.

[@BigThreeChiu]

this is so wholesome 🥰Time stands still (like Ken's clock) when reminiscing about This Is Us

[@ajpreclaro1608]

I’ve been anticipating a Ken Olin episode from the moment I finished the show for the first time and watched his and Mandy’s Making of A Scene

[@ThatWasUs]

Hopefully it lived up to your expectations!

[@SarahMichelle777]

I loved watching Thirtysomething! ❤️ I am really happy to see Ken doing so well. Thanks to all yall for doing this podcast. It is my favorite!

[@Estadisponibleparami]

Nice episode, like all... I was a kid when ThirtySomething aired in Spain and gosh, I'd love to watch it again. I go back to my childhood when I watch 80's and 90's films and series, and that was something that I loved of This is Us. Love you guys.

[@kelliewashington1680]

Love "This is Us!" Wish it had never ended 😢

[@Laura-ij3uq]

Michael from ThirtySomething… he is a legend!!!! Love hearing from him!😊

[@kaylataylor5373]

Michael and Hope.

[@kajenma]

I loved all the shows Ken was a part of. Thirty Something was my generation and This Is Us was also my generation as I grew up in the 50's. I still think of the show often and different aspects that touched my heart because they were so real. My grandson was a preemie, my dad an alcoholic, my mother had lived for 9 years with Alzheimers. You guys hit on all of it. Thank you for the best show ever on TV.

[@MsThebeagle]

Loved the Thirtysomething show - great ensemble cast,great writing !

[@meggobeggo]

What a cool episode! My parents were obsessed with thirty something, I was always so jealous at the family portrait of them wearing their TS sweaters with my two older brothers, right before I was born LOL

[@giovanafischer8354]

I love this podcast so much 💛

[@beatrizlopez2733]

I remember “thirty something” I can hear that theme in my head

[@j.member8435]

"And dance by the light of the moon...🎵🎶'

[@debwehr5266]

Loved ThirtySomething, love This is Us❤❤

[@jackiefrazier3259]

THIS is the episode I was waiting for! I was a huge thirtysomething fan!

[@NeptuneLady1957]

I have been waiting for this! I remember "thirtysomething", so at least this one fan was not only born then; but was thirtysomething! That being said, I also remember Ken as Detective Harry Garibaldi in Hill Street Blues❤. Still a big fan of this gentleman!

[@janisg.2896]

Ken Olin directed one of the best West Wing episodes. Listening to him speak to his directing style, it is know no surprise that this was so good.

[@elizabethallen4353]

Thirtysomething could walk so This Is Us could run.

[@leighcay4876]

I love how Sterling is always so excited to jump ahead and either Mandy or Chris reigns it in with the "how did you come to the show?" question 😆

[@christinakoch2738]

I love you guys so much!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@halliefaye2108]

Wow. My mom passed away a day after my 23rd birthday & I pushed a lot of emotions about it inside. Whenever This Is Us started, I grieved her with you all. I grieved her with Randall when William died (legitimately inconsolable.) I grieved her with the family when Jack died. I grieved her in so many different ways that made me heal. & then I come to listen to my favorite podcast & Michael is here. I grew up with Thirtysomething in the background all the time. My mom even had a CD of the soundtrack. She listened to it every Saturday morning while she cleaned. & when she was very sick with cancer on hospice, we played episodes of it. I just want you all to know what a difference you make in peoples lives. Thank you for being your characters. It’s helped me personally more than you’ll ever know. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jenniferthreatt8455]

I love Ken Olin

[@cassandreblanchette8519]

I want an episode with Yasu now LOL.

[@wendylee13]

30 Something was my absolute favorite show until This is us!!!❤

[@lolak3053]

It's "funny" and kind of comforting that Sterling mentions episode 501. I am currently sad cause I've had to have this discussion just a few days ago. And i mentionned TIU and Randall to my therapist after that, I alternate between regrets and kwowing "I needed to go there ", cause where does that leave me if I only take care of the other's feelings?😢

[@juliathrush4401]

You reminded me of the director for the indie film that Kevin did😂 Also, that piece about how actors are seen was a HOT TAKE!

[@sweetlife031]

*sighs* … I sure wish season 2 would hurry up and get here 😔

[@ThatWasUs]

@@sweetlife031 Season 2 will be here before you know it! Next week ☺

[@sweetlife031]

@@ThatWasUs - *with conviction* … You guys … And if… 2x14 was referenced the way it was in the podcast episode with Milo … I … I can’t really imagine what will happen when that very episode has to be discussed in full 😔… 🤞🙏 Milo can come back for that one 🥹

[@sweetlife031]

@@ThatWasUs - Oh, I know 2x14 is still a ways away yet lol... but 🤞🏻Milo can come back for it 💗💗

[@srividhya1208]

Yayyy🎉🎉​@@ThatWasUs

[@earlskinner615]

Shout out to Ken Olin from ‘Thirty Something’ I was a fan of that show.

[@kimbowers4559]

Loved Ken Olin since Thirty Something. So when I see his name, it’s a must watch.

[@ThatWasUs]

We love Ken Olin!

[@stephaniecoles2138]

Maybe I’m not the average age group of This is Us viewers, according to Ken. I watched 30 Something in my 20’s and loved it. A year ago I got the urge to watch it and it’s not streaming anywhere. I ordered the DVD of the first season on Amazon and watched it. Yes I still have a small DVD player. In the beginning of This is Us I saw Ken’s name associated with it and thought, ok it’s going to be like 30 Something, an ensemble show, which it was, but with a twist. Also just binged Brothers and Sisters.

[@sarahagoune7006]

I'm French and I love thirty something. Unfortunately it's not available in France.

[@MichelleBraun-n2p]

Alias and Brothers&Sisters were some of my favorite shows…and of course, This is Us. Now I know why! Guess I need to check out Trackers. The only thing wrong with this episode is the clock behind Ken Olin’s head isn’t working.😂

[@stefanienovodor4936]

I wonder if Ken had any interaction with Dave Annabel from brothers and sisters n played Kevin’s acting coach in nyc? I just love the guest roles that link everyone together. Like Phylicia Rashaad and so many other beautiful people that added their color to the painting of this is us.

[@Arcedits7781]

Why they didn't put a scene at the end where Kevin gives Sophie her mothers ring ?

[@wispycrys1]

Sophie's mom had already given the ring to her when she died

[@beatrizlopez2733]

❤❤❤❤

[@Builtfromweights]

Wouldn't be interesting for the three of you to do one of the podcasts in character.

[@cheriblossom3777]

I watched him on thirty something:)

[@bethryan5951]

Ken has some very mean things to say about a lot of people. It's difficult for me to engage in his work when I am reminded of the awful opinions he has for so many.

[@TheQuietGuyAtTheBack]

So so lucky. Finding your vocation, working with people that respect you and you them. Lucky. Ken Olin also comes across as a great guy.