In a world hungry for authentic, feel-good storytelling, It’s Not Like That arrives as a breath of fresh air. Premiering January 25, 2026, on Wonder Project via Prime Video—with the first episode also available for all Prime subscribers—this new family drama series from creators Ian Deitchman and Kristin Robinson fills a void left by beloved shows like Parenthood, Friday Night Lights, and This Is Us.
The series follows Malcolm Jeffries (Scott Foley), a recently widowed pastor and father of three, and Lori Soto (Erinn Hayes), a freshly divorced mother of two teens. Once close family friends who did everything together, Malcolm and Lori now navigate singledom, parenthood, grief, and the complexities of faith in a modern world. Is romance on the horizon? As the title playfully suggests—it’s not like that. Or is it? Blending humor, heartache, and hope, the eight-episode first season explores grace, misunderstanding, and the deeper stories behind the people we meet.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, stars Erinn Hayes (Lori) and J.R. Ramirez (David Soto, Lori’s ex-husband and a key figure in the blended-family dynamics) opened up about the joy of making the show, the dream-like set experience, and why this heartfelt series feels essential today.
Hayes described the production as “a dream summer,” filled with prepared, delightful castmates—including a talented group of young actors who arrived “super ready to go.” She praised the kids for being “never little crows,” highlighting the positive, supportive atmosphere. Ramirez echoed this, calling it a “love fest” where everyone embraced the scripts and elevated the material.
The creators drew inspiration from their own lives and the emotional storytelling of past projects like Life As We Know It and their time in Jason Katims’ Parenthood writers’ room. As first-time showrunners, Deitchman and Robinson assembled a “small but mighty” team, and the cast—led by Foley, Hayes, and Ramirez—brought unexpected depth. Ramirez noted how Hayes’ presence during his screen test calmed nerves in a challenging post-pandemic audition landscape, turning what could have been stressful into a grateful, connective moment.
Hayes shared a personal “Hail Mary” from her audition: boldly advocating for herself beyond her comedy reputation, emphasizing her commitment to emotional truth. “I know I’m known for comedy, but that’s not the only thing I do,” she told the team. “I promise you, I will be there for every moment.” That vulnerability paid off.
Both actors offered aspiring performers timeless advice: Do everything you can, seek out good people, build relationships, and create your own content in today’s accessible landscape. Ramirez stressed the value of improv classes for self-discovery, while Hayes urged focusing on the “why” behind the work—because loving the craft sustains you through uncertainty.
How To Watch IT’S NOT LIKE THAT
On mindset, Hayes adopted a “Why not me?” mantra to combat self-doubt, while Ramirez combats imposter syndrome by zeroing in on character truth and reminding himself he does this for the joy of discovery—funny moments, true emotions, and collaboration.
Ultimately, they hope viewers walk away feeling all the things: laughter, tears, reflection, and connection. “We want to feel all the things,” Hayes said, echoing the emotional pull of Parenthood. The show offers relatable family drama without pandering—suitable for all ages, with no “change the channel” moments, yet rich in nuance.
“It’s a show about two families dealing with immense loss and change, leaning on each other and their shared faith,” the creators note. “The title is a wink to our rom-com roots, but more importantly, it speaks to the essence: Everyone is battling something you don’t know about. There is always a deeper story that requires grace.”
With its universal humanity, It’s Not Like That invites families to watch together and find pieces of their own lives reflected on screen.
Catch the premiere on January 25, 2026—the first two episodes drop on Wonder Project (subscription via Prime Video), with the pilot also free for all Prime members. Subsequent episodes release weekly. Follow @watchwonderproject on social media and use #ItsNotLikeThat for updates.
This is the kind of story we’ve been missing—one that reminds us to extend grace, laugh through the mess, and embrace the complicated beauty of family and faith. Don’t miss it.
