Erinn Hayes stars as a divorced mother in the upcoming faith-based family drama 'It's Not Like That,' premiering on Prime Video's Wonder Project. The series follows two grieving parents finding support in each other amid personal losses. Hayes shares her excitement about transitioning from comedy to this resonant role in a recent interview.
The new series 'It's Not Like That,' created by Ian Deitchman and Kristen Robinson, centers on Malcolm, a father of three played by Scott Foley, who is mourning his wife's death, and Lori Soto, a mother of two portrayed by Erinn Hayes, navigating life after divorce. As the characters lean on one another for emotional support, unexpected romantic feelings complicate their friendship. The show aims to fill a gap left by acclaimed family dramas like 'Parenthood,' 'This Is Us,' and 'Friday Night Lights,' which are no longer on air.
In an interview with Woman's World, Hayes revealed that the script moved her to tears upon first reading. "When the audition came my way and I read it through, first, it made me cry," she said. "It’s the show that isn’t on the air right now. There’s no aliens, there’s no zombies, there’s no international intrigue. It’s a simple family drama that is so resonant for all of our lives."
Hayes, known for comedy roles, expressed enthusiasm for this dramatic turn. She related to Lori's struggles, drawing from her own experience with her parents' divorce at age 14. The character is depicted juggling responsibilities for her children—Merritt, an angry son played by Caleb Baumann, and peacekeeper daughter Casey, played by Liv Lindell—while redefining herself post-divorce. "She’s now, like, 'Okay, he’s not my job anymore. And who am I?'" Hayes noted.
The audition process was lengthy, lasting about a month, leaving Hayes anxious until she received the call while scooping cat litter. "I had to lay down on the floor; I was so excited," she recalled. Hayes appreciated the depth of Lori as a multifaceted character, allowing her to explore joy, sorrow, humor, and tragedy.
'It's Not Like That' premieres with two episodes on January 25, 2026, followed by weekly installments on Wonder Project's subscription service via Prime Video.
