By Michaela Gordoni
Wonder Project’s new series IT’S NOT LIKE THAT shows that believers — and even pastors — struggle through grief.
In the drama, Scott Foley stars as Malcolm, a pastor, widower and father of three. Erinn Hayes stars as Lori, a divorcee and mom of two. The two navigate loss and responsibility as they walk into their new journey of life.
“At the end of the first episode, Malcolm’s been struggling to write his sermon, his first sermon back after his wife passed away,” Foley said. “And he does something that almost every man I know doesn’t — and should — which is ask for help.”
Malcolm actually tells his congregation he’s not okay. The series shows that faith is always there, but so are grief, confusion and pain.
“He asks for help in a very public way,” Foley said. “That’s a really hard thing to do as a person, as a man. But then he says, ‘I’m going to lean on you guys.’ I think that’s a real representation of the kind of person Malcolm is.”
There’s a scene where Lori’s kids question how much she’s helping Malcolm’s family, and it shows her struggles.
Related: Faith-Based Prime Video Series IT’S NOT LIKE THAT Rounds Out Cast
“You see Lori really trying,” Hayes said. “She’s trying to honor her friend and explain to her own children who she knows she should be prioritizing, but she’s trying to balance all of it.”
She wants to keep her promise to Malcolm’s late wife to care for his family.
“Trying to make yourself understood with your children is very hard,” she said. “They’re like, ‘Think about me. Only think about me.’ And we as parents know that you are thinking about them, but you’re also thinking about a million other things.”
“Their families once did everything together, but now Lori and Malcolm must navigate their newly minted singledom, parenthood and the complexities of Malcolm being a modern-day pastor,” the show’s synopsis reads. “Is this the beginning of a love story? It’s not like that. Or is it?”
Jon Erwin, Justin Rosenblatt and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten executive produce the new series with Alex Goldstone for 42 and Anonymous Content and Kingdom Story Company.
In December, Foley shared, “I’m thrilled to share the news that this lovely show, filled with, written by, and worked on…by some of the most wonderful, talented artists I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, is premiering on January 25th!! It’s really good yall!”
“From the writers of LIFE AS WE KNOW IT and PARENTHOOD comes a story about hope, finding light after loss, and rebuilding families. IT’S NOT LIKE THAT premieres January 25 with Wonder Project on Prime Video. If you’re so inclined, I’d love for you to check it out. You won’t be disappointed. Scouts honor,” Foley said.
J.R. Ramirez, Caleb Baumann, Cary Christopher, Leven Miranda, Cassidy Paul and Liv Lindell also star.
Ramirez said, “Wrapping up season one of IT’S NOT LIKE THAT has been the most incredible and rewarding journey of my professional career… IKG you set the tone, your energy, your professionalism, your talent, your kindness, and your collaboration are the reason I believe the show it’s going to be something very special…It was the challenge I’ve been longing for…so thank you.”
The eight-episode season will debut on Jan. 25 on Prime Video.
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