Scott Foley, Erinn Hayes, & J.R. Ramirez talk It’s Not Like That, working with Cary Christopher, and bringing a grounded family drama to the small screen.
It’s Not Like That grounds itself in the beautifully complex reality of the human condition. The series follows Malcolm (Scott Foley), a recently widowed minister and father of three, and Lori (Erinn Hayes), a freshly divorced mother of two teenagers. Having been close friends for years, their families once did everything together; however, they now find themselves navigating the uncharted waters of singlehood and parenthood simultaneously. As their bond deepens, the show poses a question that feels both universal and deeply personal: is this the beginning of a second-chance love story, or is it really just “not like that”?
Mama’s Geeky had the pleasure of sitting down with stars Scott Foley, Erinn Hayes, and J.R. Ramirez to discuss the “magic” of this grounded narrative and why it’s the perfect watch for families to enjoy together. During our conversation, the cast opened up about the “simple and beautiful” writing that drew them to the project, the professional prowess of their young co-stars, and the rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score that reflects just how much audiences are connecting with this story. We also dove into the specifics of filming those emotionally taxing scenes and what it means to create a show where every generation—from the parents to the teenagers—can see their own struggles and triumphs reflected on screen.
Scott Foley, Erinn Hayes, & J.R. Ramirez Talk It’s Not Like That
Mama’s Geeky: What was it about It’s Not Like That that drew you to the project?
Scott Foley: The writing on this was so beautiful and simple and it made me laugh. It made me cry. I was kind of desperate to be part of it. It’s reminiscent of Felicity for me or Parenthood or Friday Night Lights, very sort of simple stories about the human condition just well written.
Erinn Hayes: For me, it’s the kind of television that I not just like to watch as an audience member, but I like to make as an actor. All the lives from reading it on day one felt full and lived in and developed.
J.R. Ramirez: The writing, hands down. I think the writing’s so rich and relatable and complex. It was a no-brainer. I read one [episode] and it hooked me right away, halfway through.
Mama’s Geeky: This show feels like something families can watch together. What does that mean to you?
Scott Foley: That was the idea, right? Because my kids go from 11 to 16. Now, we don’t watch any scripted programming. There’s nothing out there that’s okay for everybody that you know, they might be able to watch it, but mom and I won’t like it. To make a show that has [a driving narrative] that is good for the whole family was really important to me.
Erinn Hayes: I think there is a real lack of this type of show out there right now. For all of us to see ourselves reflected in a show is beautiful.
Mama’s Geeky: Let’s talk about Cary Christopher. What was he like to work with?
Scott Foley: He is booked and busy. That kid has more professional experience. You know, he’s what 12 years old. You’ve got Cary who is such a professional and so young and also so real, so present. I have to tell you a Cary Christopher story. You know, he’s in the movie Weapons. And the weekend that it came out… 30 crew and cast members went to a movie theater to see it. As the lights were coming up, he stood up from his seat and went up and down the aisles, waving to everybody. “Thank you. Thank you for coming.” He then posted up at the door and shook hands as everyone left the theater and took photos. He’s eager, he’s down and so talented.
Mama’s Geeky: J.R., was there an episode that was particularly challenging for you?
J.R. Ramirez: The alcohol episode was difficult for me. I really wanted to do it justice. I didn’t sleep for the whole episode of four where I played drunk. I was just really wanting to do it justice. It felt like there was a responsibility.
Mama’s Geeky: What is the one thing you’ll take away from working on It’s Not Like That years down the road?
Scott Foley: For me, I will remember the family aspect. It’s the first time I’ve really played the patriarch of a family and been the lead of a show with a bunch of kids on it. It has taught me a lot about myself.
Erinn Hayes: Getting a chance to really mix it all together and put forth a fully realized character where it’s her story. I’ve just been so grateful for getting to be Laurie.
J.R. Ramirez: The collaboration. From our showrunners to our actors to everybody. There was just such a level of community and collaboration in this. This was a dream job.
Be sure to watch our full interview video for more on the behind-the-scenes of It’s Not Like That, coming to Priem Video on May 15th.
About It’s Not Like That
Freshly divorced Lori and recently widowed minister Malcolm navigate singlehood while questioning if their longstanding bond hints at a romantic future.
