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Justin Hartley Turns In Riveting & Emotional Performance In "All About Kevin" Episode Of THIS IS US!
If you caught last night’s episode of NBC’s This Is Us, you saw an outstanding performance by Justin Hartley (Ex- Adam, Y&R) in the first of a three-parter, which in each features a story centered around one of The Big Three – Kevin, Kate (Chrissy Metz), and Randall (Sterling K. Brown).
This week it was focused on Kevin going from the present to the past which the NBC drama does so well. In story, now addicted to painkillers, Kevin has spiraled out of control and spends his days and nights popping-pills, and drinking booze. Set against the backdrop of being honored at his former high school (a very clever move by the outstanding writers of the series) Kevin relives the big game-changer in his life when his future hopes of being a college football quarterback sensation, and then on to the pros, are dashed when he is injured on the field during a high school game. It is there that Hartley delivers a masterful monologue as a drug-induced adult looking back on the play that ended his hopes and dreams, and how history repeated itself it during the filming of his first feature film.
In a flashback, Jack (Milo Ventimigilia) delivers the news to a young Kevin (Logan Shroyer) that he suffered a “catastrophic” break to his knee and that will have to put an end to his football career. Next, he gives Kevin the medallion he’s wearing around his neck. Jack says, “Someone very special gave it to me, back in Vietnam.” He goes on to say that it’s a Buddhist symbol for “purpose” and that he received it when he was having a really hard time. Then he confesses that when the Big Three were born that: “You were my purpose, Kevin. And I swear to you, son, you will find yours.”
In present time, Kevin is acknowledged on stage and receives his award from his former coach and friend, Duffy Collins, played by none other than former Days of our Lives cast member, James Read (Ex-Clyde). When it’s Kevin’s time to accept, he says to the audience in the school auditorium: “The truth is, I’m not worth of this award or any honor, for that matter.” But, still Kevin gets a rousing, standing ovation. Everyone only wants a photo for their social media posts with Kevin, and bask in the celebrity of it all, not realizing Kevin is crumbling before their very eyes.
Trying to get some fresh air outside, Kevin is hit on by a woman who used to have a crush on him in high school. First, he turns down her advances … later, we see he is naked in bed with her! After combing her place for any kind of prescription painkillers … he steals a page from her prescription pad (she is plastic surgeon, you see). He runs out of her place, leaving behind the medallion his father gave him. After standing in line at a pharmacy to get the prescription filled for his drug habit, Kevin is overcome when he realizes the medallion is gone from around his neck. He bolts back to the surgeon’s place, and she won’t let him in! Then, in a hankie-filled moment, Kevin breaks down in front of her house desperate for the one thing he has to hold on to from his father, while crying, “I just need somebody to help me.”
Next, we see Kevin showing up at Randall’s house, but he learns bad news before he confronts Randall and can tell him what has been happening to him. Randall knows Kevin is here to see him, because Kate lost her baby! Kevin is shocked. We go to black.
So, what did you think of the performance of Justin Hartley and what did you think of the episode? How would you rate it? Comment below!
I thought it was one of THE best episodes, if not THE BEST episode, I have ever seen on television. You’re right Michael Fairman, it was riveting, emotional…not a wasted second in the entire episode. I can’t give enough accolades to Justin Hartley’s performance. I think they should make an exception and give him an ACADEMY AWARD, LOL…for his performance…and set aside the fact that the performance was for TV.
He broke my heart. The gorgeous kid, by the way, the actor who plays young Keven is superlative, as well. He captures all the mannerisms of the adult Kevin. Actually, all the younger actors do. Each of the three actually look and act like the adult versions. Great casting/acting by all. But as the younger Kevin, he’s obviously idolized and given special attention by teachers, students, alike, because of his great looks. Throw in the football star…and he was the heartthrob as a teenager…and continued on to one in adulthood. And, yet, after the football accident, he didn’t feel worthy. And so the “applause” didn’t mean anything to him. Defeated, feeling he was only loved for his looks and not his talent….his downward spiral escalates. Uggggg…so incredibly poignant. And the scenes with Milo as dad? LOVE Milo! Again, heartbreaking…
The medallion (which I hope he finds) must have been given to Jack by his brother (the brother we’ve yet to meet in flashbacks as an adult).
I truly feel, as much as I love every episode of this show, that this was the most powerful of them all. Just can’t say enough how much it moved me….
Oh, Rebecca, you speak the truth again. I was tearing up more than once. This episode was a breakthrough for me. I’ve always thought Justin was a terrific actor but this is the first time I connected with him on such a deep emotional level. Just superb, award caliber. That episode last week really moved me, too. When that judge had that heart to heart with Randall’s dad, I nearly lost it. What a great role for veteran character actor Sam Anderson. All in all, the best drama series for me right now.
this next week show.. is going to drop me
kate loses her baby
Thanks, Soaphound…tears….
If you don’t watch Queen Sugar, I recommend it. Also great human drama with excellent acting. On OWN (Oprah’s channel). By the way, on a soap opera note… first season, Gregg Vaughn had a role in it.
I – had – to go and watch that ep – because of your post
I am dumbstruck by all the emotions .. so seamlessly woven .. with consummate acting…
( I do not make the time to keep up with this show ) oy !
ps: this is just food for thought – I had hoped that I could get my partner to watch this show with me…. just haven’t made it that far. so that’s my excuse
HE DOES , however… “chide” me on how much time I spend on this site. ” are you talking to your friends again ? ” Laughing out loud
I am an evolved s – e – r – I – a – l addict
Justin Hartley… made me cry … for all the heart tug and pull…
especially about his relationship with his father… or lack : SOB
as you stated .. he had better get that medallion back.. as he fell to the ground
“help me ” Help me… heart wrenching and it was such the best cry.. because… all the beats of emotion – played – out
from A to Z
so… all the reeling by this fantastic production… I am so proud … that a serial of this magnitude is alive and well….
yeah, i’m fanatical when it comes to my mindset w/GH writing.
what a complete bang up bravado @NBC appropriately
“This is US ”
I loved it when he shared with his fellow classmate .. who he bedded… that he was first in everything… and it all crashed down around him.. WITH his father by his bedside… telling his son.. he has other “talents” etc… that will surface
AND here we are… god it was raw – the audience knowing.. yeah, he’s a successful actor.. and his crashing .. took ALL these years later…
he’s a flawed character… and he showed us all.. his pent up emotions dam spill
Oh, Patrick…I’m so glad my post moved you to watch the episode. The power of words…
LOL regarding you and your “addiction.” I’d say you’re in good company here! We all need an intervention! 🙂
I agree 100%…almost every episode has had me reaching for the tissues but so far, two have really hit me hard. The episode when Randall’s birth father dies (my parents are both terminally as well) and this episode about Kevin. He did a fantastic job as well as Randall/his birth dad. All the actors on this show are phenomenal as well as the writers and crew. I love how different this show is…you never know how it’s going to go. I absolutely love the show even though such heartbreaking things happen.
I loved this ep as I do all of This is Us’s eppies. The weaving of the past and present is very DT serial style but done on a weekly basis–something no other show before has done effectively as far as I’m aware.
The best thing Justin has done is leave Y&R for the big time..
‘This is Us’ is one of my favs. he got himself a winner, a sitcom with a long future.
THIS IS US is NOT a sit-com!!
You must be hearing the laugh track in your head!!!
Maybe remembering “The Manny” LOL
sitcoms are comedies, Su… like GH. LOL. Kidding!
Outstanding….
I am blown away by each epidote of This Is Us and Tuesday was no exception. Justin’s performance was riveting and heartbreaking. He took us on an emotional rollercoaster the entire episode. Kudos to Milo Ventimiglia and Logan Shorter (teen Kevin) too. By the end, I was exhausted; but loved every second of it. Then when Randall said Kate lost the baby, my heart stopped. Excellence in story telling, writing, acting and production can be done when a production company, cast and crew put their minds to it. Bravo This Is Us!!!!!!!!!!!! Bravo Justin Hartley!!!!!!!!!!!
Muhney is still my favorite Adam BUT, watching Justin on this show tells me how lucky Y&R was to have him for such a short period of time and how lucky NBC is to nab him for this role as Kevin. His 50 yard line retrospect on his life is an Emmy clip, for sure!
MM was what the character was suppose to be the Dark Knight 2 when JH took over they made him a romantic type of guy only crazy about Chelsea maybe shared two scenes with Case so I was never interested in his portrayal but that was Pratt and JFP having no idea what the character was about. Off topic but I have heard JT is coming back for a abuser to Victoria not interested in that story he never showed signs of that.
Which is your favorite character on This Is Us ??
you can only choose 1 , just ! ..
I know that makes it hard, but its meant to be hard to chose just one.
Just one, which one??
JACK, hands down ‼️
I love them all soooooooo much; and it IS difficult to pick one! Okay. Kevin. No…Kate. Wait! Ummmmmm…Randall. Sigh…If I must…JACK! ( but oh how I love Kevin…LOL…and the others!
Milo Ventimiglia – as Jack
f – o – r : ALL the smolder
’nuff said. when you have some one so good looking.. WHO can act.. emmy nominated for this role. thank you very much
ummmmm…su0000…who’s YOUR favorite???
I’m not going to answer this…because I can’t ! Every actor on the show has a way of connecting you to them.
Never have watched the show I do know the reviews are good I am told that when you do watch you have to pay close attention because of the moving back and forth which reminds me of Bloodline’s first season on Netflix .
Excellent performance…yet Kevin remains my least favorite sibling on
THIS IS US. I adored his strength of character as Adam on Y&R.
I first noticed him on Revenge.
justin is an extraordinary actor but his true talent was not shown on y&r because of the way the character was written………jmo
This guy is such a great actor. I knew from the time of Y & R he was going places. Just saw “Bad Mom’s Christmas” WOW! You just have to see him in this (no pun intended). It was sooo funny and as usual Justin was the show. So happy for him!
Justin is such an outstanding actor,his performance just made me cry.I really felt for his character of Kevin.Well done again Justin.I do watch the show every single week.I love it.
Wow! Missed it. The program’s schedule hasn’t leveled with me. The reviews are appreciated.
Boy can Justin ever act.This episode not only made me feel bad for Kevin but I actually cried when he was yelling and crying for help. It was so sad.It really moved me.If something like that happened in real life I would give that person not only a hug but my hand.Justin you deserve an award for your performance.
Well said!
It looks like the current run of Lucas Adams (Noah) and Tamara Braun (Sienna) on The Young and the Restless is coming to an end, after the Monday, August 3 edition of the CBS daytime drama revealed that Noah and Sienna are leaving Genoa City and heading back to Los Angeles.
In the storyline, Noah informed his mother, Sharon (Sharon Case) and half-sister Mariah (Camryn Grimes) that he and Sienna made the decision to move back to the West Coast to put distance between themselves and Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Although Noah did not say it was a permanent move, he did assure his mom that once Matt is hopefully gone from Genoa City they could return.
However, as previewed already on the video teaser for this week’s episodes of Y&R (see below), it appears Noah left Genoa City’s The Shadow Room to be run by a returning Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian). So with that, coupled with today’s episode, it would appear the move could wind up being more permanent.
Photo: JPI
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Adams made his Y&R debut on November 4, 2025 as the successor to Rory Gibson who last played Noah on-screen in April of 2023. Earlier in 2025, Gibson took over the role of Michael Corinthos on Genera Hospital replacing Chad Duell, who stepped away from the part after 15 years.
Braun who played Adam’s mother on Days of Our Lives when she was Ava Vitali and he was Tripp Dalton, first appeared on Y&R back on October 14, 2025, where we soon learned she had become Noah’s lover as the new character, Sienna Bacall. It should be noted, Adams was on contract with the number #1 soap, while Braun has been on recurring status.
With Josh Griffith now exited as head writer of The Young and the Restless, and the newly announced co-head writing team of Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor having taken his place and starting their new tenure this week, it will be interesting to see how the duo resets the show, and if a Noah and Sienna return is in the cards for the future or not.
So, what do you think about the seeming departures of Lucas Adams and Tamara Braun from The Young and the Restless? Weigh-in via the comment section. But first, check out our recent live chat with Tamara and Lucas on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Rosie O’Donnell revealed that she plans to head back to a seat at the table of ABC’s morning talk show The View.
The announcement came during Monday’s episode of The Tangle Podcast where she shared she will participate in “in whatever way they want” her or “just as a guest” for its upcoming 30th season.
The View’s season 30 will kick-off this fall in September. O’Donnell explained, “They’re bringing back all the hosts, I think. And, you know, I’m pretty proud of that show, what it’s become and how it really speaks to the people and to politics.”
Photo: ABC
ROSIE ON HER PREVIOUS GO-ROUNDS ON THE VIEW
As fans of The View know, O’Donnell famously had two different one-year stints on the talk show in 2007 and again in 2014- 2015. She often feuded with then co-host Elizabeth Hasselbeck.
However, during her discussion with host, Kyle Ridley on The Tangle Podcast, O’Donnell also noted she often had tense moments with longtime moderator and anchor, Whoopi Goldberg.
O’Donnell also expressed, “Many, many people got the short end of the stick there. It was, you know, it was a factory where people were being churned in and out and their tenuous security, nobody got to be calm. It also was a show at the time that was run by a man. A show created by a woman, for women, about women, and the man was deciding what we should talk about. And that didn’t sit right with me, you know.”
Back in 2023, Brooke Shields had asked Rosie on her podcast, Now What? with Brooke Shields, about how she felt on her two stints at The View and all the controversy that surrounded it. Rosie at that time, stated, “I know this, it’s not the best use of my talent to get in a show where I have to argue and defend basic principles of humanity and kindness. It was not something I’d ever do again.”
You can check out the clip with Rosie and Kyle Ridley discussing her return to The View in some form for its upcoming 30th season below.
Then weigh-in: Would you be excited to see Rosie, even for a one-day or a week guest stint on the upcoming celebratory season of The View, or not so much? Let us know via the comment section.
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General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
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‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)
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GH Alum Nicholas Alexander Chavez Lands Role in Paramount’s Remake of ‘Possession’
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GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
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