There is something special about working with close friends.
Milo Ventimiglia and Jon Huertas are reuniting for a new ABC series. The longtime friends, who collaborated for six years on the NBC drama of the same name, have reunited for Milo’s new series, “The Company You Keep.”
Milo Ventimiglia’s new role as a fraudulent man with a checkered past on ABC’s “The Company You Keep” is about as far removed as possible from Jack Pearson on “This Is Us.” The series, which also stars Catherine Haena Kim, is an intriguing look at what transpires when two individuals attempt to save themselves and their families from catastrophic consequences.
However, they are headed for a professional collision. Based on the Korean series “My Fellow Citizens,” the ABC thriller drama was in development for two years. While finishing the final season of the NBC family drama, the actor served as executive producer and devised the project.
Milo said that regarding the demanding schedule, “I just wanted to step on the gas quicker. I had no desire to quit at all.” This included altering a look he’d maintained on the adored NBC series for six years.
Most of Milo’s time as Jack on “This Is Us” was spent with a retro aesthetic, and the character donned clothing styles from the 1960s to the 1980s. Rebecca, portrayed by Mandy Moore, was the devoted wife of Jack.
Since the actor has already surrounded himself with a large portion of the “This Is Us” cast, including on-screen closest friend Jon Huertas, it is only natural that he invites Mandy to “The Company You Keep.” Here is the premise of Ventimiglia’s new series, according to ABC:
“A night of passion leads to love between con-man Charlie (Ventimiglia) and undercover CIA officer Emma, who is unknowingly on a collision course professionally,” it states. “While Charlie ramps up the “family business” to get out for good, Emma closes in on the vengeful criminal holding Charlie’s family debts, forcing them to confront the lies they’ve told to save themselves and their families from disastrous consequences.”
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Milo said, “When we were developing the pilot episode for this show, I was walking around the ‘This Is Us’ set at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles and discreetly conversing with department heads. ‘Hey, do you think you’d be interested in joining the team and doing this?’”
“And people respond, ‘Yeah, I’d love to,’” Moore chimed in. “I spoke with the hair and cosmetics department, camera operators, grips, and electrical crew. It is very essential to me to see the same familiar faces loading lights and equipment and keeping the set safe.”
Jon Huertas, who portrayed Miguel as Milo’s closest friend in the past series, has joined the cast. He has directed two episodes of “The Company You Keep” thus far. Jon begins his tenure in the fifth episode of the program.
He added: “I cannot express how reassuring it was to see [Jon] pop up in the prep schedule on emails discussing characters, story, and shot lists. It all comes down to knowing that we have an elite staff. I have nothing to fret about.”
In an interview with E! News, Milo also stated that one aspect of working on “This Is Us” was challenging to ignore. “The hardest thing for me is always the people. You spend so much time with other people, you know? However, my responsibilities include showing up for the crew and ensuring we all have a nice day. But knowing that I won’t be with the group I’ve spent the past six years with, possibly ever again, is difficult.”
Milo also discussed Moore’s participation in his upcoming ABC series as he had already determined her role in “The Company You Keep.” This would not be the actress’ first time directing for the small screen.
Mandy made her directorial debut with Season 6 Episode 9, titled “The Hill” It is the second installment of the “Big Three” trilogy of the drama. The episode focused on Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Toby’s (Chris Sullivan) failing marriage.
Milo praised the directing abilities of his longtime friend. He stated on NBC, “I’d like to introduce my TV wife, scene partner, and close friend, Mandy Moore. She is a formidable woman who knows precisely what she desires. She motivates and directs us during crucial moments in front of the camera. And she is an exceptional, exceptional director.” He won’t have to search far to locate a friendly face in his new position.