Joshua Jackson Takes the Lead in HBO Max’s Drama Pilot ‘How To Survive Without Me’ and Reunites with Greg Berlanti from ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Joshua Jackson and Greg Berlanti Reunite for New HBO Max Drama Pilot
Joshua Jackson and Greg Berlanti, who rose to prominence through their work on Dawson’s Creek over 25 years ago, are collaborating once again on How To Survive Without Me, an upcoming drama pilot for HBO Max. Jackson is set to star alongside Ray Romano in this project produced by Berlanti, Bash Doran, and Warner Bros. Television.
The pilot, penned by Berlanti and Doran based on a story they co-wrote with Robbie Rogers, revolves around the De Angelis family grappling with life after the death of matriarch Beverly. As the family struggles to navigate their shifting lives without her guidance, they uncover ways to stay connected, as Beverly orchestrates from beyond.
In the series, Jackson portrays Cooper, a chef poised to launch a members-only dining club in Los Angeles. While Cooper carries on his mother’s legacy through her culinary recipes, he wrestles with personal challenges that threaten both his friendships and his burgeoning career. Romano will take on the role of the family patriarch.
Berlanti’s television career began with Dawson’s Creek, where he quickly advanced to executive producer after just one year as a staff writer. The bond between Berlanti and Jackson endures, highlighted by their joint appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Jackson and Matt Bomer honored Berlanti with the Governors Award, accompanied by the iconic theme song from Dawson’s Creek.
"We are thrilled to welcome Joshua, who joins Ray Romano in the cast of How To Survive Without Me," stated Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming. "It’s especially exciting to see him reunite with creator Greg Berlanti on this intimate, family-driven story. We can’t wait to peel back the layers of these dynamic, raw, and complex characters."
Doran serves as an executive producer alongside Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, and Rogers, under Berlanti Productions, with Warner Bros Television as the studio.
“Joshua is a tremendously talented performer who approaches each role with care and range, and we’re delighted to have him join Ray, Greg, and Bash on How To Survive Without Me,” remarked Clancy Collins White, President of Creative Affairs at Warner Bros. Television. “His presence will beautifully balance the show’s emotional depth with uplifting, heartfelt moments that characterize what it means to be a family. It’s also a joy to see Greg and Joshua continue their creative collaboration on this deeply personal story.”
Recently, Jackson starred in Ryan Murphy’s ABC series Doctor Odyssey and is slated to appear alongside another Dawson’s Creek veteran, Katie Holmes, in the film Happy Hours.
