Warning! Contains spoilers for This Is Us season 5, episode 4.

This Is Us season 5 will return with new episodes in 2021, having begun its mandatory winter break. After just four episodes, the NBC family drama is already on a hiatus, which may surprise a lot of viewers, but it's worth noting that the show is merely sticking to its yearly schedule. The only difference this time is it kicked off several weeks later than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After a series of flashforwards in This is Us season 4, season 5 has mostly tackled stories set in the present and the past. As with previous years, each episode features plots from various points in the Pearsons' history, allowing the show to still incorporate Jack despite him being dead in the current time. Due to the coronavirus, ensemble storylines have also been scarce, with the Pearsons dealing with their personal arcs which works for the better since each character is given their respective spotlights.

Related: This Is Us Theory: Why Randall's Birthmother, Laurel, Never Found Him

While This Is Us season 5 has only had four episodes thus far, the show already introduced a string of narrative points that are expected to run throughout the rest of its year. No wonder, viewers are quite disappointed that the series is taking a break, but here's what to expect when This Is Us returns.

This Is Us Season 5 Returns In January 2021

The big three sit together in This Is Us

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, This Is Us season 5 had a late start in 2020. Typically, the show premieres a new year around the third/fourth week of September, aligned with the fall TV season kick-off. But, that wasn't the case for its latest one as it didn't debut until October 27, 2020 — which delayed it by a month. Nevertheless, This Is Us opts to stick to its traditional calendar, officially entering the holiday hiatus middle to late November (except for season 1). Given this, the NBC show is still slated to return on the first week of next year, with This Is Us season 5, episode 5 confirmed to release on January 5, 2021. This is the earliest midseason debut for the show in its run, with season 2 coming back from its winter break on January 9, 2018.

This Is Us Season 5 Has 14 Episodes Left

This Is Us Kevin Madison

Shortly after This Is Us premiered in 2016, it was clear that NBC had a hit on its hands, hence why,the network awarded it with a two-year renewal in the middle of its debut year. While there's a drop in ratings, This Is Us remains very popular, so at the end of season 3, it once again received a massive three-year order, ensuring its run until season 6. As was the case with the past seasons, each season is composed of 18 episodes, including the ongoing year. Since This Is Us season 5 has only rolled out four episodes across three weeks so far, there are still 14 outings left when it returns for the rest of the year in 2021. This means that the show will either take fewer mini-breaks for the rest of season 5, or it runs longer than usual.

What To Expect From This Is Us Season 5, Part 2's Story

This is Us Rebecca

There are a lot of storylines going on in This Is Us season 5. Each Pearson kid has their own arcs and it's safe to say that those will continue when the show returns in 2021. Randall's story will revolve around his effort to deal with his personal struggles with therapy, but as seen in the latest episode, titled "Honestly," his life is going to be a lot more complicated as he learns news of his biological mother surviving her overdose incident. Kate and Toby's adoption journey will bring back painful memories for the former as it connects to her past relationship with Marc. Finally, Kevin will learn how to deal with his personal and professional life both demanding his time and energy.

Aside from the ongoing Pearson stories, there are also overarching storylines that need to be addressed, like Rebecca's deteriorating health. It's also worth noting that Nicky has yet to be brought back for This Is Us season 5, and he's due for a return considering that he was in that flashforward scene that seemingly chronicles Rebecca's final days.

More: This Is Us Season 5 Features Jacks Biggest Lie to Rebecca