‘This is Us’ bosses share thought about show’s international ratings

“This is Us” premiere season has been a huge success. It appears, however, that the show is not a big hit in other countries.

The 18-episode series aired on NBC in the US, on Channel 4 in the UK, on CTV in Canada and on TVNZ 2 in New Zealand. Australia is currently airing the show on Channel Ten.

In an interview with Variety, Fox TV Group chairman and CEO Dana Walden and president of NBC Entertainment Jennifer Salke shared their thought about the international rating of the series. “This Is Us” is produced by 20th Century Fox Television but airs on NBC.

The two were asked why “This is Us,” like Fox’s “Empire,” did not do well internationally as it has done in America. Walden admitted that they are uncertain on why a hit series in the US did not receive the same warm reception in other countries.

“I’m not quite sure why it [This is Us] hasn’t performed as well as it did in the States. It really hit a nerve in the US. As for “Empire,” I think a hip-hop music label didn’t feel as relevant in other markets. I think a lot of it was driven by the market … It’s hard to tell why something touches a zeitgeist and when that same show doesn’t in other places,” Walden said.

“This is Us” has been the first broadcast newcomer since Fox's “Empire” that had kept its ratings growth from beginning to end of the season. The season finale of NBC family drama wrapped up last month and recorded its best in both adults 18-49 and total viewership. It is 12.84 million viewers and a 3.4 rating among adults 18-49 demographics.

It was also critically acclaimed by different award giving bodies including the Golden Globe. The most recent nomination that the show received is from the 2017 MTV Movies and TV Awards.

The NBC series follow the life of a family in two timelines, one in present day and the other took place in '80s and the '90s. Couple Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore) navigate their life while raising their twins and one adopted son.

Although season 1 didn’t end the way most viewers would like it to end, it never lost its charm among its fans. In the premiere season finale, the circumstances surrounding Jack’s death was not revealed. Fans were anticipating that the reason of Papa Pearson’s death will be revealed in episode 8.

The series' bosses promised that the reason of Papa Pearson’s death will be revealed in the upcoming season. The series was renewed for a second and third season earlier this year.

“This is Us” season 2 is expected to premiere in September 2017 on NBC.