This is Us Season 2 premiered this week and set a new high for the TV series in the key demographic, according to a new report by Nielsen overnight rating report.
The second season premiere of the hit NBC drama had a 3.8 rating in adults 18 to 49 years old and 12.6 million viewers, airing at 9 p.m. That is an increase of 36 percent in the key demographic in comparison to the Season 1 premiere and the Season 1 finale. It was also the second most-watched episode of the series trailing behind the Season 1 finale, which has 12.8 million viewers.
This news comes after This Is Us held a talent search for actors to audition for a role in the new season of the show. According to Project Casting, Telsey and Company held a nationwide talent search looking for actors to appear on the show for a major recurring role. The casting call reportedly was looking for a teen African American actress to play the following role:
“Lisa – Female, 10 – 14, African American, very open to a variety of types (ex. overweight).  Hardened and wise beyond the capacity of most adults, Lisa is a bright, tough, introverted foster kid. She is a Newark, New Jersey native who has spent most of her young life in the inner city, bouncing around several foster homes. Deep down she is a sensitive soul, yearning for lasting human connections she can believe in. However, years in the system have left her with serious trust issues and emotional trauma from neglect.”
While the character has not appeared on the show yet, it is arguable that “Lisa” may make her debut sometime this season.