'This Is Us' episode 8 spoilers: Randall learns about a lifelong secret that was kept from him

The Pearson family in a scene from episode 8 of "This Is Us." NBC/Ron Batzdorff

This week on "This Is Us," Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Kevin (Justin Hartley) got into an explosive fight as they hashed out their long-standing rivalry.

Rebecca (Mandy Moore) canceled on dinner with her sons, and Randall and Kevin decided to go ahead and have dinner anyway in New York City. However, the brothers' rocky relationship got the best of them when Kevin learned that his brother never watched his show, and Randall fired back, saying Kevin didn't even know what he did for a living.

When the brothers saw a billboard advertising "The New Manny," Kevin lost it and said that he has just been replaced by another black man. Kevin said that their mother always paid attention to Randall and that he always showed him up, while Randall said that Kevin treated him like a dog. The brothers got into a shoving match and they ended up on the ground as a crowd formed around them. Guest star Seth Meyers noticed that one of the men on the ground was the actor from "The Manny," and he asked Kevin if he needed some help or if he needed him to call someone.

"No," Kevin says. "This is my brother."

Later, Randall told Kevin that that was the first time he publicly acknowledged that he was his brother, and at home, the pair appeared to have worked out what was bothering them as Kevin invited Randall to watch "The Manny" with him, and Randall agreed to do so.

Next week, in the episode titled "Pilgrim Rick," an unforeseen detour occurs when Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), Rebecca, and the three kids make their way to Rebecca's parents' house for their traditional Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, Kate (Chrissy Metz) makes two drastic life-changing decisions, and Kevin brings Olivia (Janet Montgomery) to Randall's house for Thanksgiving.

Elsewhere in the episode, Randall's heart is broken when he learns about a secret that his mother kept from him.

In the promo for the episode, Randall excitedly runs around the house and wakes up everyone, saying that it's Thanksgiving Day. In a flashback, the Pearson family car has broken down on their way to Rebecca's parents' house, and the five end up walking to get there.

While on a dinner date, Kate tells Toby (Chris Sullivan) that she has to get a handle on her weight and that it's more important than anything right now.

"Even more than me?" Toby asks.

Randall greets his mother with a hug. At the dinner table, there is palpable tension as Rebecca asks him to listen, but Randall is having none of it and says, "Don't speak, please."

"This Is Us" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.