Chrissy Metz of NBC's "This Is Us" on Promoting Plus-Size Women

On the same day that its second episode made its debut, the critically acclaimed new modern family drama “This Is Us” received a sophomore season renewal from NBC. For many viewers the show’s instant appeal had much to do with the character of Kate, played by Chrissy Metz. Unhappy with her weight and desperate to do something about it, Kate attends diet meetings and leaves post-it notes in her fridge as reminders not to eat. Metz, who may be recognized from her stint as the Fat Lady (not our term) on FX’s "American Horror Story: Freak Show," couldn’t be happier about landing the role of a lifetime and is ready for any backlash that’s sure to accompany the show’s sensitive weight-loss storyline. Indeed, that’s a sensitivity that is very much in the national conversation this week after Hillary Clinton brought up Donald Trump’s unkind remarks about former Miss Universe Alicia Machado during the first presidential debate.