Justin Hartley defended his character Kevin Pearson from the series 'This Is Us', describing him as misunderstood rather than a 'bad guy'. In interviews, Hartley acknowledged that while Kevin can come off as arrogant and selfish, he ultimately sees him as a character struggling to navigate his emotions, stating, 'He's misunderstood, but maybe kind of an a--hole.' Hartley also expressed a personal connection to Kevin, noting that he sees elements of himself in the character's growth over time. The series, which concluded in 2022, featured significant developments in Kevin's love life, which were central to its final season. Hartley is currently starring in the CBS show 'Tracker', reflecting on how his portrayal of Kevin still resonates with him today.