TV picks: 'This Is Us,' 'The Goldbergs,' 'Empire' and more

_ THIS IS US. 10 p.m. Tuesday, NBC10.

Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, and Sterling K. Brown star in a surprising new family drama from Dan Fogelman (Crazy, Stupid, Love), who'd rather not have the surprise spoiled. Just don't miss the last few minutes.

_ THE GOLDBERGS. 8 p.m. Wednesday, 6ABC.

The '80s-set comedy from Jenkintown's Adam F. Goldberg kicks off its fourth season with an homage to John Hughes' 1985 movie The Breakfast Club.

_ SPEECHLESS. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, 6ABC.

Minnie Driver stars as the mother of a teen (Micah Fowler) with cerebral palsy who can't speak but who has plenty to say. Sure, it's a praiseworthy example of TV diversity, but it's also funny.

_ EMPIRE. 9 p.m. Wednesday, Fox29.

As over-the-top as ever, the new season begins where the last left off, so no one's left hanging a moment longer than necessary. Highlights that shouldn't be considered spoilers include a new song from Jamal (Jussie Smollett) and, as always, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), who's determined to finally wash that man Lucious (Terrence Howard) out of her hair.

_ DESIGNATED SURVIVOR. 10 p.m. Wednesday, 6ABC.

Kiefer's back, Jack's not. Sutherland (24) plays a slightly nerdy accidental president who must reassemble the federal government after the U.S. Capitol is blown up during the State of the Union address.

_ PITCH. 9 p.m. Thursday, Fox29.

Kylie Bunbury stars as a young pitcher who becomes the first woman called up to the major leagues. Cherry Hill's Ali Larter (Heroes) plays the agent who helps her navigate her new very public life. Even if you don't entirely believe the baseball part, this one might still leave you a little choked up.

- Ellen Gray