The ‘This Is Us’ Season 4 Premiere Photos Are Here & One Important Person Is Missing

The This Is Us season four premiere is (finally) right around the corner, but with the new installment of the series comes many questions. For one, who are all those unfamiliar faces we spotted in the brand-new trailer? Secondly, why is the premiere titled “Strangers”? Lastly, why will Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) be less central in the coming season?

We had hoped when photos from the season premiere dropped, we’d get some answers. Sadly, that doesn’t appear to be the case. And a key member of the Pearson family is noticeably absent: Kevin (Justin Hartley).

It’s a bit ironic, since fans were quick to note that Toby (Chris Sullivan) was missing from a season four promo poster shared by key members of the cast. But, here he is, settling into parenthood and enjoying his time with baby Jack and Kate (Chrissy Metz).

Kevin revealed in the latter part of season three that he’d relapsed and was drinking again. Could his absence mean that he’s gone to rehab again or is he just getting his move to Los Angeles set? Although we can’t be sure until season four drops, at least we know he’s not back living with Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) after his breakup with Zoe (Melanie Liburd).

Speaking of Randall, Beth and the rest of their family, they seem to be settling into their new home nicely. In the photo above, it looks like they’re celebrating Randall’s birthday sans the rest of the family. Interesting.

Meanwhile, back in time, Jack will meet Rebecca’s (Mandy Moore) parents for the first time.

From the looks on their faces and what we know about Rebecca’s up-tight mother, our guess is that it doesn’t go as well as they’d hoped.

In the next photo, we see Jack shopping for a suit.

Could it be for the ill-fated parent meeting or maybe an outing with one of the kids? TBD.

As for (present day) Randall, he appears to be vibing with his family’s move.

See? He almost looks excited to be unpacking their living room. No one likes unpacking. No one.

But it seems Deja shares his sentiments.

After struggling, then thriving at her last school, she seems to be feeling the move, too. We can’t wait for more Pearson-perfect pep talks from that one.

This Is Us returns with a special extended season four premiere on Tuesday, September 24 at 9 p.m. PT/ET.

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