Two of NBC’s most beloved TV shows, Superstore and This is Us, are returning for more laughter and heartache.
Settling into a job can take time. It’s not always an easy undertaking, usually taking some effort and patience to really find that comfort zone. Whether it’s figuring out how to work with coworkers or becoming accustomed to your boss’ inane anecdotes, it takes some time before you can really become the most productive person you can be. And it seems the same goes for both Ben Feldman (Mad Men) of Superstore and Susan Kelechi Watson of This is Us who are settling into their third and second season, respectively.
NBC’s Superstore tells the story of a group of employees who work at a fictionalized version of Walmart or Target in St. Louis, Missouri named Cloud 9 Superstore, store number 1217. It’s an eclectic bunch of employees who are either burnouts, aspirants, religious folks or sarcastic people. Working at a big-box superstore might suck sometimes, but these guys sure know how to make the best of it.
NBC’s This is Us is a bit more somber, but also emotionally uplifting. The show the lives of a family that is struck down by tragedy and yet makes the most of it through their perseverance and heart. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, one that is filled with laughter, tears, anxiety and joy. While sometimes the going gets tough, the Pearson’s and their friends find a way.
The Knockturnal had the opportunity to chat with both Ben Feldman and Susan Kelechi Watson about their upcoming seasons, vacationing and settling into their established roles. Take a look at what they had to say below.
It’s so nice to meet you.
Ben Feldman: Where are you from?
I’m from the Knockturnal.
Ben: Okay.
The Knockturnal with a “k”. Like “knock knock.” It’s edgy.
Ben: Clever.
Yeah.
Ben: It’s still nighttime sexy.
Exactly.
Ben: Got it.
Exactly. And so, Superstore has been such a big hit and beloved. Can you just reflect on the success of the show?
Ben: Oh, I can reflect. It was the best of times—[laughs]. It’s very cool, it’s really exciting for us in a television landscape where you have to scream real loud for anybody to notice you. It’s pretty amazing that people care and give a shit enough for us to be coming back for a third season. It feels like a major accomplishment for us. So yeah, it’s cool, it’s great when people come up and tell me they dig it. I’m happy.
When is the new season coming out?
Ben: We start shooting soon. We start shooting in a couple of weeks and [it returns Thursday, September 28 at 8/7c.]
What are you hoping for the next season? What can fans expect or what do you hope to see if you don’t know?
Ben: Tears. Lot of tears—no I’m just kidding. That’s, This is Us. Someone actually mistook me for Milo Ventimiglia earlier.
Was that a nice experience?
Ben: Being mistaken for Milo? Yeah, exactly yes, it was a lot of fun.
He gets a lot of love.
Ben: Yeah, I just wonder if Milo ever gets called Ben. I think, once the show gets over its initial hump where you have to introduce everybody to the characters and tell the obvious stories, seasons two and three, those kinds of seasons are where shows get creative and interesting, and really settles into something kind of exciting. So, I feel like we’re now the veterans at these TV parties and we can sit back and relax and know that we got this while the rest of these shows like Great News, This Is Us and The Brave, they can all stress the hell out.
That’s fair. Anything else you’re looking forward to this summer besides filming?
Ben: Not this summer. I’m having a child soon, so my whole life is basically getting set up to have that.
Congratulations. That’s wonderful! Best wishes on that.
Ben: Thank you.
Tell me a little bit about wrapping up season one and all the emotions with that.
Susan Kelechi Watson: Oh my gosh, well first of all when we wrapped you know, William died. That was very emotional. And then I thought I wasn’t going see him again. So that was emotional. But then he came back, so that’s not emotional.
But also with flashbacks and flash forwards, no one really ever dies.
Susan: Thank God we have a show where no one dies. So we’re okay. But it was awesome, and we know we’re going see each other again, we have the assurance of like two seasons. So it wasn’t too sad, but that was a sad moment for me. But now it’s okay because I see Ron everywhere and he’s coming back so it’s fine.
In terms of looking ahead what do you hope for your character?
Susan: Well I know a lot more now—
No spoilers!
Susan: [laughs] I know, I know. I have to kind of tread lightly.
I guess viewers know the relationship is a little rocky, potentially.
Susan: Yeah, because of course they’re on two different pages at the moment. So we can look forward to seeing that, to see this marriage that people believe in and they’re sort of rooting for. Have to kind of go through some of the trenches and challenges and really test each other. So that’s something I’m looking forward to.
Did you guys start shooting yet?
Susan: Not yet.
When do you start?
Susan: Mid-July.
What are you looking forward to? Do you have a little vacation right now?
Susan: I’m about to take one right after today. Because I haven’t really had one, so I’m going take one right after.
Have you processed how massive the show is? Has it hit you?
Susan: I’m starting to. I think I’m kind of getting that a lot of people watch it. At first, I couldn’t imagine it. But I think now it’s starting to sink in.
Are you getting fun encounters when you’re at the grocery store and people are like, “Hey!”?
Susan: Yeah, absolutely. It’s becoming more common than not, and that’s a good thing. That means people are watching, it just means I have to look better when I go to the grocery store, and that’s on me really at the end of the day.
Superstore is slated to premiere Thursday, September 28 at 8/7c on NBC. This is Us will premiere Tuesday, September 26 at 9/8c on NBC.
