If you’re a die-hard Parenthood fan, there’s a good chance you have what I like to call “Braverman envy,” the unnerving desire to become a part of television’s most endearing — albeit occasionally dysfunctional — family. Xolo Mariduena is one of the lucky ones, joining the show’s fourth season as Joel (Sam Jaegar) and Julia’s (Erika Christensen) adopted son, Victor. Xolo tells HollywoodLife.com the journey has been “humbling.”

“It’s very exciting,” he tells us. “The whole cast and crew is so nice, and they really know what they’re doing.”

And although Victor resisted his new parents at first, Xolo assures us the bonding will happen in time.

“He does get less angry,” Xolo says. “He’s starting to let his guard down, so he gets to know his family better. That means Julia and Joel can discipline him more. It was all new for Joel and Julia before, and they didn’t want to mess him up.”

Tonight’s episode finds Kristina (Monica Potter) telling the Braverman clan about her breast cancer diagnosis — but Xolo says Victor is mostly left in the dark about his aunt’s struggles.

“I guess the Bravermans don’t like telling him things,” Xolo says. “It’s a lot for him to take in.”

For now, Xolo’s just happy to be starring on his first TV show — even if his friends don’t get to tune in.

“They fast forward to my parts,” he explains. So they don’t watch all of it. I get to watch the better parts.”

Watch Joel’s recent heart-to-heart with Victor below, and don’t miss an all-new episode of Parenthood at 10 p.m. tonight on NBC!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift