
About this episode
Welcome back to That Was Us! We’re so happy to be back after our hiatus. This is the first of three This Is Us episodes dedicated to each Pearson sibling. First up…Kevin Pearson!
We dive into the struggles teenage Kevin faces during the college application process and the life-altering news Jack has to deliver to him after his injury. Mandy, Chris, and Sterling break down how adult Kevin spirals after returning to his high school while on a bender, where he’s being honored—only to truly hit rock bottom. We also explore Kevin’s complex coping mechanisms and Chris opens up, sharing some vulnerable stories about his own past. Lastly, we answer the burning question on everyone’s mind: is Justin Hartley’s beard real or fake in this episode?! Plus, don’t miss a heartfelt fan letter that reminds us why this show resonates so deeply.
That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions.
Follow That Was Us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time That Was Us publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from That Was Us

Chris Koch and Us | Director (with Jon Huertas)
That Was Us
Sep 1, 20261:24:12pending

Marilyn's Funeral | "Don't Let Me Keep You" (604)
That Was Us
Aug 25, 20261:13:07pending

Chat Was Us | Caregiving
That Was Us
Aug 18, 202658:38pending

Parenthood Struggles | "Four Fathers" (603)
That Was Us
Aug 11, 20261:33:14pending