HBO Max has ordered 15 episodes of How to Survive Without Me, a new one-hour family drama from executive producer and writer Greg Berlanti and Berlanti Productions. The series, produced by Warner Bros. Television, features an ensemble cast led by Ray Romano, Kaley Cuoco, Joshua Jackson and Rita Wilson.
The series centers on the De Angelis family as its members navigate life following the death of their matriarch, Beverly. Without her guidance, the family begins to drift apart as relatives struggle to manage their complicated relationships and evolving lives.
However, Beverly has one final plan to keep her loved ones connected. In keeping with her determined personality, she finds a way to influence her family from beyond the grave. To experience her final work, the De Angelis family must make time for one another and learn to remain connected through the challenges that lie ahead.
Romano plays the family patriarch, while Wilson portrays the deceased matriarch. The series also stars Jack Ball, Kylar Miranda, Julian Grey, Scarlett Abinante, Tommy Dewey, Matthew Kellison, Colette Porch and Ella Rubin.
Additional series regulars include Kaley Cuoco, Joshua Jackson and Julia Schlaepfer. Guest stars include Dar Zuzovsky, Genevieve Angelson, Joe Romano, Katie Aselton, Katie Monds, Kevin Changaris, Pressley Hosbach, Richard Blackmon, Sofía Rodríguez-Toymil and Will Yun Lee.
The pilot was written by Berlanti and Bash Doran, with the story credited to Berlanti, Doran and Robbie Rogers.
Sarah Aubrey, head of HBO Max Original Programming, praised the cast and the series’ emotional premise.
“Ray Romano, Kaley Cuoco, Joshua Jackson, and Rita Wilson lead a dream cast perfect for this emotional, extraordinary story,” Aubrey said, adding that the network was pleased to work again with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
For Berlanti, the project marks a return to family-centered storytelling. He said the series draws on his and his collaborators’ personal experiences with love and loss, making it one of his most personal projects in years.
The series also reunites Berlanti with Warner Bros. Television, where Berlanti Productions operates under an overall deal. Executive producers include Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Rogers, Doran, Ryan O’Connell and Daniel Minahan, who will also direct.
Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks, described the project as a heartfelt story blending humor, warmth and family relationships.
With its exploration of grief, connection and the enduring influence of a loved one, How to Survive Without Me will examine how families find their way forward after loss.