NBC's breakout series this fall, "This Is Us," has recruited "True Blood" alum Sam Trammell to join its freshman cast. Meanwhile, the network has ordered more episodes of the family drama following a successful debut.
After airing its second episode, a new character in the form of Sam Trammell will join the cast of "This Is Us." According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor will recur in the first season as Ben, a sexy frontman of a hip blues and jazz band. No word yet if he will appear in the flashbacks sequence or the present day.
The news comes after NBC has ordered five additional episodes of "This Is Us" - following a well-received fall season premiere. The freshman drama will now run for a total of 18 episodes, making it the first drama this fall to get a full-season order.
"This order for a complete first season of 18 episodes is exactly what we'd wanted and hoped for," said creator/showrunner Dan Fogelman in a statement.
"We'd carefully mapped out an 18-chapter story for the first year of the show, and this allows us to follow through with our exact initial intent. And to get the order so early on is a tremendous show of confidence and a boost for our entire cast and crew."
"This Is Us" follows a unique ensemble whose paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways. Viewers will find several of the share the same birthday and so much more than anyone would expect. The series stars Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Chris Sullivan, Chrissy Metz, Ron Cephas Jones, Susan Kelechi Watson, Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley.
"This Is Us" airs every Tuesday at 9PM on NBC.
