Ep. 8: Susan Kelechi Watson and Us | Beth Pearson

Susan Kelechi Watson, aka Beth Pearson, is in the house, which means so is R&B! We hear about everything from her audition process to the behind-the-scenes efforts that went into portraying and building Beth's backstory. Join us as we reminisce and rediscover the anchor that is Beth Pearson. Pantry wine optional.
00:00 Intro
00:15 Discussion
16:49 Pretty Litter
18:26 Talkspace
20:20 Discussion
38:42 Upside
40:30 Discussion
54:34 Credits
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[@mqk1697]

Randall and Beth represent realistic black excellence. LOVED IT

[@jillianbaker8442]

Yes yes and yes 🎉🎉❤

[@esterperesx]

Beth is one of the best characters 🤌

[@shaneadockery8508]

Season 3 STRESSED ME OUT!!!!!!! I totally connected with Beth and her realization about supressing herself for Randall. I did not breathe until Beth said "I found the door"

[@wispycrys1]

Ugh! I'm connecting with that part of her character RIGHT NOW!

[@ajpreclaro1608]

Same!! When Beth said “I want to teach” it was like a mic drop for me. I applauded and cheered seeing her go for her dream.

[@jillianbaker8442]

Me too😂❤😊

[@wispycrys1]

Beth is such an aspirational character. She's equal parts self-assured and kind. She has a strong backbone, but she's flexible. She's hilarious but appropriate. I really love her and look up to who she is as a person. It's great to hear how much Susan brought to the character... Beth wouldn't be Beth without what Susan brought to her. Bravo to Susan, the writers, and to the rest of the team that went into creating her!

[@alchemist9360]

Susan is very gorgeous, elegant and so authentic. It's been a joy watching this cast back together.

[@rsimon2088]

Our Little Island Girl is one of my favorite episodes of the whole series! Loved Beth!

[@michaela2706]

This is the episode I show people to get them into This is Us! Love the "when have we ever cared about the odds?" And Randall's version. And that dance scene at the end, followed by "I wanna teach"

[@YvetteVB]

Me toooo❤

[@shaneadockery8508]

I love how conscious and culturally aware SKB and SKW are. I LOVE IT!!!! 🖤🖤🖤

[@bctwix06]

I loved the conversation around hair. As a black women with natural hair, I noticed and loved the changes throughout the show. I also loved the part centered around Deja's hair and how beautifully natural the daughters were.

[@Damiana1111]

RnB will remain one of the best representation of Black Love & Black Excellence on television. 🖤❤ Susan's performance was sensational. I/we saw ourselves in her - so realistic and relatable. Excited to see what she does next! (Btw, I'm still mad about her role on Will Trent, but I digress. Lol)

[@mymakersdaughter6041]

RnB were my favorite couple hands-down! 🖤 love is a beautiful thing!🫶🏾

[@tremainem]

who came up with the line that Randal said to Shauna " Don't get it twisted I wake up to Coconut oil and a scarf I'm married to a black queen!!!" It was Epic!!!

[@wispycrys1]

As a white woman, I feel like I learned so much important stuff about black culture from watching This Is Us. It helped expose blind spots I didn't know I had (which I guess is what made them blind spots in the first place🤦‍♀️). I'm so grateful to TIU for inspiring me to keep learning about such important topics.

[@tremainem]

@@wispycrys1 I totally agree. I learned so much from watching TIU. I use the soda reference with my husband and kids!! " And when it ever gets to be to much just take a minute and wait for the bubbles to settled.

[@FuturenrsShabish]

Yasss! When I heard that it was everything!! 👏🏾👏🏾🫶🏾

[@AlyssiaBrindley]

I wondered the same thing!! I thought that had to be SKB own little flare haha!

[@EbonynoIvory]

I still remember the argument Beth and Randall had in their bedroom. The writers were really putting them through it. Once the door to that argument opened, they couldn't close it.Those flash fowards really messed with people.The person's not coming later they're just dead. 😂

[@mymakersdaughter6041]

Beth was my favorite character and R&B were my favorite couple hands-down! I’ll never forget the argument that they had in their bedroom one night. Beth slammed the door, and then she turned around and she said, “this relationship only works because I do the bending”! I fell to my knees and cried like a baby! 😭 I feel like NBC missed an opportunity to put that on the shirt and sell it to all the fans!😉 Sue, Sis you killed it ALL six seasons!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🏆

[@BonnieFontana]

Beth and Rebecca are my favorite characters from This is Us. They are so complex and amazing. They are, to me, the heart of the show and an inspiration in my day to day life. Thank you Susan

[@ajpreclaro1608]

I feel the exact same way. Everyone talks about Jack and The Big Three but I feel like the depth and life that Mandy and Susan bring to Rebecca and Beth is sometimes unsung. But they are my favourite parts of the show. Nothing gets me more emotional when watching than when they are just so real and honest about what they feel and what they want that really informs their character (ex: Beth’s backstory and her choosing to teach dance, Rebecca opening her heart to let Baby Randall in after losing Kyle or even the speech she gives to the triplets before their birth)

[@Angelinoah8]

WAIT, WHHHHAAATTT!!!!! Beth is here!!!! Thank you, guys! What a treat!!!❤

[@MShaiqable]

BEEETTHH!! Randall and Beth were couple goals. It's so cool to hear Sue's story about the casting, and then the hair. I recently did a rewatch after listening to this podcast and I ended up finishing it again ha! So this time around, This Is Us made me appreciate my mum and her journey as she ages. Rebecca asking her kids to see her as a person and not her disease made me realise that I was doing that to my mum and what a disservice that is to her. I know you guys get the "This Is Us made us cry" thing a lot but This Is Us was really funny and heartwarming and sure, at times we cried, but that's very much like life and that's why it's such a good show. It's about family, and it's actually a really comforting show (season 5 not included). Also, yeah I hated that Tobey and Kate got divorced but it made sense because they just weren't in the same place anymore and that's why they ended up resenting each other. Sue described is perfectly! Once Tobey healed, they couldn't connect. I connected with Randall's panic attacks and Tobey's depression tbh. And Beth is a woman I look up to. She was so self assured and chill. I loved that about R & B.

[@clairewalsh4029]

I could listen to sue talk ALL DAY. So captivating! Can’t wait till you get her back on to talk specific stories/ episodes!

[@fran23324]

I loved the episode “ Memphis” I was very close to my dad who died with covid, and I didn’t get to say goodbye to him, and believe it or not that episode really helped me to process it. Thank you!! 🤗

[@darlenestokes368]

That was sooo good! I definitely was one of those people who had an internal dialog with myself, " If Beth and Randall get a divorce, I'm quitting the show." So glad they were able to find the door that didn't sacrifice Beth's happiness. Representation matters!

[@Chanelly37]

I am so friggen excited for this one.

[@michellerobinson13]

Sterling losing his mind within 10 minutes of the episode is killing me 😂

[@nicolechappell4334]

I have said it so many times....Beth is my spirit animal!! I absolutely loved her character and how REAL she was. My husband and I saw ourselves in R&B so much, it was scary. Their relationship was epic. Susan and Sterling were beyond brilliant - their chemistry and vibe was off the charts. Also, I 💯 agree that Susan was so underrated and deserves ALL the flowers 💐

[@ILoveNaeSayers]

I audibly screamed when I saw SKW in this episode. She’s really an amazing actress. She was in a recent episode of Will Trent and I couldn’t keep my eyes off her in all her scenes.

[@missimtrying]

Instead of practice, I am guilty of calling it a rehearsal. "Have fun at basket-ball rehearsal!" With my whole chest. LOL

[@arguetacastillomarcelasofa8230]

I ran into Susan one time when I was visiting NY. She was on Central Park and she was kind enough to take a Picture with me ❤ I immediately called my mom to tell her!

[@MovableNu]

So the audio podcast updated first in my podcast app. When I saw that SKW would be bringing all her Black Girl Magic to this episode? The way I’ve been refreshing this YT page! 👏🏾😍🤟🏾

[@sidersproductions941]

😂😂 we love her!

[@wispycrys1]

I kept refreshing, too. It's supposed to drop at 6:00 am Pacific but it was late today!

[@LizaJane761]

I loved this episode! I do wish Susan could’ve talked about the episode, we need her back for that! I would love to hear her commentary!! R&B was the couple to be, to me. It was everything you want, but REAL. Not all sunshine & roses but the journey and the lessons they shared were so amazing. I wish this podcast was on every day. I love hearing all of you just talk 😊

[@JenniferLee273]

I adore Beth. Her and Randall’s relationship was also amazing. This was a great episode of the podcast!

[@RETROOBLIVION]

What's up guys! Me and my wife are currently binge watching the show now. We kill two episodes a night and we're on season 5. Great Show and I wish it lasted more seasons.👍👍

[@stephaniecoles2138]

If I related to anyone it’s season 3 Beth, like when she wanted to take that night away to be by herself.

[@wispycrys1]

ME TOO!!!❤

[@TG-ii5sf]

Loved this conversation. Thank you for talking about wearing natural hair I loved Sue's hair and glad she spoke up and represented.

[@rodeliedamille]

❤ Susan. ❤ Randall &Beth my favorite couple on TIU

[@giovanafischer8354]

The girl who danced before she walked ❤

[@YvetteVB]

I especially love Beth's sense of humour and sensitivity. This episode makes me hope for more actors to come in the podcast. I literally cannot wait to see the others !!!! ❤

[@BigThreeChiu]

We love all the characters on This Is Us but if we really have to pick, hands down is Beth!! Susan really brings her to life 🥰so magnetic, little island girl who danced before she walked Gosh like Mandy said, we can listen all day for the BTS stories and just in awe of R&B magic

[@erinhoyt1671]

Amazing episode!! I was hoping SKW would be on, and now I’m hoping she comes back ❤ Randall & Beth back together - love it!!

[@josepha133]

Beth is probably my favourite character on the show.

[@blackberrymolasses1502]

I’ve been waiting for SKW!!! Beth was the best!!

[@catharineedgar9011]

“Y’all got any notes?”

[@sidersproductions941]

😂😂😭

[@Shimmyinlove]

Y’all I should not be laughing like this in the middle of a work day 😂😂😂😂😂

[@arma1096]

I loved everyone on the show like they were my own family, but Beth was my good girlfriend (in my head). I wanted to hang with her. I can't wait for Chrissy and Justin and Milo to drop by. This is so much fun! And the kids too. (I'm watching Tess now on Parish.😊)

[@courtneymcduffie8490]

R & B for life!!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@shrutirajesh9240]

Beth and Randall have truly changed my life. Thank you guys. ❤

[@jenniferfulton4505]

What a great episode! Beth is my fave female character, and it's all bc of SKW!

[@wandawilson5816]

I love SKW!!! I loved the real and honest communication Beth had for Randall, William, and other family members. I wish you could have been a regular on Will Trent!

[@stephbowler3141]

Incredible episode ❤ I wish it was longer because Susan was so fascinating 😊 I hope they do bring her back. I look forward to seeing others from the show and hearing their perspectives as well ❤

[@tyounabaker3192]

I listened to it this morning and I was smiling EAR to EAR! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE R&B!

[@NicholleAutumn]

Rewatching since you all are recapping. This show is soooo incredible cathartic and therapeutic no matter what you’re going through in life. Glad you all are doing this and I’m glad to be rewatching 🫶🏼

[@BlueMorpho1111]

I can't wait until Susan comes back on the podcast! I loved this episode and the hair talk was so relatable!!

[@ericaleach1110]

“Sports player” 😂😂

[@MariadelaluzKhachotamraz]

Randall and Beth were such an important inspiring couple it was so beautiful to see they love and chemistry ❤

[@bleedorange2332]

MORE SUSAN!! She was so great!!

[@andreamagwood7050]

Happy to see Susan on the show. I still haven’t forgiven what the writers of Will Trent did to her character. So this cheered me up.

[@Shimmyinlove]

Because what was the reason for killing cricket

[@andreamagwood7050]

@@Shimmyinlove exactly! Teasing us like that!

[@kelseygiddings1119]

This episode and every episode! but seriously, 54:35 is all you need.

[@user-dl2iq3tv1y]

Beth is such a strong character. The episodes focused on her dancing career were my favorites, cuz im a dancer too.

[@NicholleAutumn]

God can I just hang with you guys ESPECIALLY Sterling!!! So much energy 😂

[@sarahadenardo2109]

Great episode! Loved hearing things from Sue’s perspective. I hope to see other cast members on in the future!

[@classassignment3643]

My husband & I met via a dating app and in my profile, i wrote that I was a Beth looking for her Randall and in his profile he wrote that he was a Randall looking for his Beth. ❤️❤️❤️ hands down my favorite television couple ever, and Beth was phenomenal in the Little Island Girl episodes.

[@hishandmaiden718]

I can't say it enough: I love this show!

[@shrutirajesh9240]

The best written character of the show is definitely Beth ❤

[@jennifernelson611]

Great episode, thank you! Love to see the chemistry is still all there with all of you. True friendships. Wonderful to see Randall and Beth back together (S&S). You all being authentic made the show the success it was.

[@Tsnatee]

Love her! Bring her back please🔥🔥🔥

[@marialauradeleonardis8684]

Love This couple! They were just perfect! Big fan from Argentina!

[@kokopelligirltam]

Been waiting for Susan!!! Loved her character and how the show represented Black Love and Joy! Yes, more of that please! Love you all!

[@lunaloutfy]

Susan!! Oh what a delight ❤️

[@michaela2706]

Susan's facial expressions throughout the show! So many times she doesn't need to say a word.

[@SarahMichelle777]

Thanks to yall for doing these.its awesome to revisit such an incredibly special show.

[@shawnverdoni4157]

I love that Susan was this week's guest. I just started re-watching season 3 and am preparing my heart for the difficult episodes ahead. I LOVE Randall and Beth's love story. It is one for the ages. Question, in several episodes, there are a lot of scenes with Beth drinking, sometimes secretly, sometimes over indulging. It felt like it was a set up for a storyline that never came to fruition. Can you speak to that?

[@VictorCage_777]

There would have been a "black exodus " if R&B broke up. Beth is what every man dreams of marrying. ❤

[@juliathrush4401]

In Italy they tried to remake TIU and called it Noi (Us) and I tried to watch it out of curiosity. I only managed to get through 10 minutes because the chemistry the original cast have was not there and especially the couple that represented R and B. I loved Beth so much that I just couldn't accept another actress playing her that wasn't SKW. Thanks to Susan for this break that made me laugh out loud. The other episodes have been beautiful and insightful, and this was insightful and pure fun. ❤

[@calico_mojo]

Beth was my absolute favorite. SKW ate that role!

[@carolinamorales6875]

Beth's my favorite ❤❤

[@MTMFan]

Thanks!!

[@arguetacastillomarcelasofa8230]

Please do the "Little Island Girl" part 1 and 2, and invite Susan!!

[@cinema-q]

I love herrrr 😭😭

[@jasminemcknight6656]

I've been waiting for susan!!!

[@adinya4860]

I loved Beth and Randal relationship the black couple resonating with the now times modern but full of love. R&B a good example not forced but just a normal couple because they’re plenty of black families like R&B but to be on TV was iconic ❤

[@christinakoch2738]

Susan!!!!

[@VictorCage_777]

She is so beautiful 😍 Even her hands are beautiful ❤.

[@alysialiwanag8866]

You know, I LOVE Susan as Beth but Tracy Toms as Beth would still be amazing.

[@Shimmyinlove]

When Randall went to get Tess in the flash forward and she said something like ‘I’m not really to see her ‘…my immediate thought was She was talking about Deja and Deja killed Beth. I’m so glad that was not the case. Then I thought Beth and Randall got divorced. I’m sooooo glad I was wrong about both.

[@Shimmyinlove]

I thought that voicemail was the end of r&b

[@cherin5892]

Chris I don't care about how these actors move through the world in their private lives. I want to know about the making of the show

[@cherin5892]

It's not seeing a black relationship cuz me being white I could relate and enjoy R&B as well. The relationship was so authentic. Hated when they had some hard times. I was on edge

[@cherin5892]

How much of that were the writers writing in the script that Sue gives Sterling the space to be stupid. Why are the actors taking writers credit or was that adlibed on Sue's part

[@Shimmyinlove]

R&B ❤❤🎉🎉

[@carlatduarte4294]

Suuuuu❤

[@jasminejones2880]

OMG

[@kleebaggins]

Still disagree about Kate & Toby divorcing. Wholeheartedly

[@Shimmyinlove]

I think Kate and Toby were growing separately. I’m not sure there was wrong for Kate to do everything she did If she stayed with Toby. Also I don’t think there was any coming back from the comment Toby made about her wanting to marry her dad.

[@rochelle7171]

Thank you for explaining about the divorce. I can stop being mad about it now. 🫶