EXCLUSIVE: Emmy winner Ray Romano has been tapped to star in HBO Max drama pilot How To Survive Without Me, from Greg Berlanti, Bash Doran and Warner Bros. TV.
Romano will play the patriarch in the family drama, written by Berlanti and Doran from a story the duo co-wrote with Robbie Rogers, which is set in the wake of matriarch Beverly’s passing. The De Angelis family have begun to drift, unsure how to manage their complicated, evolving lives without her guidance, but in true Beverly fashion, she found a way to keep running the show from the beyond. Should they wish to experience Beverly’s final work, the family must find the time — and make the effort — to remain connected, and be there for each other through all of life’s challenges yet to come.
Romano will play Leo, newly a widower and suddenly performing the lead role of parent that he never auditioned for. As his five, complicated adult children begin to navigate life without their mother at the center, Leo is forced to find his own voice as a parent, moving out of wife’s shadow to become the family’s new, differently effective center.
The casting stems from Romano’s experience co-starring in Berlanti’s 2024 Apple movie Fly Me To the Moon, and the role of Leo was written for him, I hear.
Family show is a familiar territory for Romano. He won an Emmy for his starring role on Everybody Loves Raymond, recently reuniting with the cast and creator of the CBS sitcom for a highly rated special. Additionally, Romano recurred on NBC’s Parenthood.
Berlanti also has a history in the family drama genre with such series as Everwood, Brothers & Sisters and Jack & Bobby.
“We are so excited to work with Ray on How To Survive Without Me, said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming. “The show harkens back to the kinds of aspirational family dramas that Greg does so well, a grounded narrative centered around navigating love, loss, and a one-of-a-kind family. It’s a project designed to return year after year, continually deepening the audience’s connection to these beloved characters and their unique story.”
Berlanti and Doran executive produce with Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman. Rogers also executive produces via Berlanti Productions and its overall deal with WBTV. Warner Bros. Television is the studio.
“Ray is a beloved icon who has an incredible gift for bringing both depth and levity to every character he portrays,” said Clancy Collins White, President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Television. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to How To Survive Without Me as Leo, the patriarch woven into this deeply moving family story. We know his performance will bring nuance and heart to Greg and Bash’s vision, and form a powerful emotional connection with viewers.”
How To Survive Without Me is one of two HBO Max pilots, along with cop drama American Blue, developed under the model introduced by the streamer’s Emmy-winning The Pitt, which involves 15+ episodes per season, a modest budget and yearly release.
Like The Pitt, headlined by Noah Wyle, both pilots have cast major TV stars as leads so far, Romano and Milo Ventimiglia, who recently joined American Blue.
Next up, Romano has a major recurring role opposite Kate Hudson on the second season of Netflix’s Running Point. His series credits also include Men of a Certain Age, No Good Deed, Get Shorty and Made for Love. Romano is repped by WME, LBI Entertainment, The Conversation Company and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka.
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