If you’ve been scrolling through your feed looking for a show that actually feels like real life—messy, unscripted, and occasionally heartbreaking—the wait is over. The new It's Not Like That Prime Video series has officially landed, and it’s already being hailed as the spiritual successor to Parenthood and Friday Night Lights. With a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this isn't just another addition to the streaming pile; it’s a cultural moment that’s capturing exactly what it feels like to rebuild a life when the blueprint gets shredded.
Set in a vibrant, modern-day Atlanta in 2026, the series follows two neighbors whose lives are held together by duct tape and prayer. We have Scott Foley as Malcolm Jeffries, a widowed pastor trying to keep three kids afloat, and Erinn Hayes as Lori Soto, a newly divorced mother of two. It’s a second-chance love story that asks the ultimate question: can you find a new "normal" when your old one is gone for good? Here is everything you need to know about the show everyone is talking about.
What is It's Not Like That about?
It's Not Like That is a Prime Video family drama starring Scott Foley as Malcolm, a widowed pastor, and Erinn Hayes as Lori, a newly divorced mother. The 8-episode series explores grief, parenting, and the complex bond between two families rebuilding their lives in the wake of tragedy.
Meet the Cast: Who Stars in the New Prime Video Drama?
The It's Not Like That cast is a masterclass in "I know that person from somewhere" energy, blending seasoned TV veterans with breakout young talent. The chemistry between the leads is the show's engine, but the supporting players are what give it its soul.
- Scott Foley (Malcolm Jeffries): Moving away from his Scandal and Felicity days, Foley plays a "TV Patriarch" with a vulnerability we haven't seen from him before. He’s the steady hand of Grace Community Church, but behind closed doors, he’s a man drowning in the quiet of a house that used to be full of his wife's laughter.
- Erinn Hayes (Lori Soto): Known for her comedic timing in Kevin Can Wait, Hayes pivots to a "refreshingly raw" performance as a woman navigating the 2026 dating app scene while her ex-husband, David, remains a constant (and complicated) presence.
- J.R. Ramirez (David): Playing Lori’s ex-husband, Ramirez avoids the "villainous ex" trope. David is a recovering alcoholic and a friend to Malcolm, making the family drama series dynamics incredibly "sticky" and realistic.
- Tyne Rushing (Jenny): Though her character has passed away, Rushing appears as an apparition/memory, serving as the "sweet center" of the Jeffries family.
The kids aren't just background noise here. Leven Miranda delivers a standout performance as Flora, the eldest "preacher's kid" who is quietly rebelling against the pressure to be perfect. Caleb Baumann plays Merritt Soto, a high school wrestler whose anger over his parents' divorce manifests in destructive ways. Rounding out the younger cast are Cary Christopher as the culinary-obsessed Justin, Cassidy Paul as Penelope, and Liv Lindell as Casey.
The "Jenny" Apparition: A Unique Twist on Grief
One of the most discussed elements of the show is how it handles the "ghost" of Jenny Jeffries. Unlike typical supernatural tropes, the apparition of Jenny (Tyne Rushing) isn't a haunt—it’s a manifestation of grief and divorce. Mental health professionals have noted that the "grief apparition" trope in the series accurately reflects how people often "consult" deceased loved ones in their minds during moments of crisis.
The show handles this with "brutal honesty." Jenny doesn't give Malcolm easy answers; she represents the hole left in the family's fabric. This narrative choice elevates the 8-episode season from a standard procedural to a deep-dive into the human condition. It’s a "will-they-won’t-they" between Malcolm and Lori, but Jenny’s presence makes every romantic spark feel heavy with the weight of loyalty and loss.
Scott Foley's Personal Connection to the Role
If Malcolm Jeffries feels incredibly lived-in, it’s because Scott Foley is drawing from a well of personal pain. Foley has been open about losing his own mother when he was just 15 years old. He has described this role as a form of "penance" or a tribute to his father, who had to navigate the same impossible terrain Malcolm faces.
This Erinn Hayes Amazon series marks a significant shift for Foley. He’s no longer the operative or the heartthrob; he’s the anchor. His performance as pastor Malcolm Jeffries avoids the "preachy" pitfalls of the genre. Instead, he portrays faith as a "pillar" that is sometimes shaky but always there. The show even includes an Imam as one of Malcolm's best friends, adding a layer of interfaith realism that most faith-based drama projects ignore.
Faith, Dating Apps, and the 2026 Reality
The series is set in 2026, and it leans into that "near-future" vibe without going full sci-fi. We see the characters navigating a world where modern family life is mediated by technology. Erinn Hayes reportedly did deep-dive research into dating app culture to prepare for Lori’s return to the "wild" world of digital romance.
The show parodies "Bumble-esque" interfaces where Lori tries to find a connection while her teenagers are simultaneously navigating their own digital social hierarchies. This setting allows the showrunners, Ian Deitchman and Kristin Robinson, to explore how "second-chance love stories" work in an age of instant gratification. The Wonder Project production ensures that while the show has a faith-based element, it never feels like religious propaganda. It’s more about community and the "guiding light" of belief in a chaotic world.
It's Not Like That Review: Why It’s a Must-Watch
The It's Not Like That review consensus is clear: it’s "refreshingly raw." Critics are praising the show for not "laundering hype" and instead focusing on the "messy moments." Unlike 7th Heaven, which often felt sanitized, this show acknowledges that life is tumultuous for everyone, regardless of what they believe.
The writing by Deitchman and Robinson—who previously worked on Parenthood—is the secret sauce. They understand that a scene about a 10-year-old being bullied (Justin) is just as vital as the romantic tension between the leads. The It's Not Like That release date of May 15, 2026, was perfectly timed for a global audience craving "comfort TV" that doesn't insult their intelligence.
Episode Guide & Runtime
Each episode runs approximately 42–48 minutes, making it a perfect weekend binge. While the show premiered earlier on the Wonder Project streaming channel in January 2026, the Prime Video launch includes enhanced 4K visuals and a curated It's Not Like That soundtrack featuring indie-folk tracks that perfectly capture the Atlanta setting.
Season 2 Renewal Status and Future Theories
The burning question: Will there be more? Currently, the It's Not Like That season 2 renewal status is "pending," but the outlook is optimistic. The first season ends with several emotional threads "beautifully unresolved." Fans are already theorizing how the relationship between Malcolm and Lori will evolve now that their kids are becoming more intertwined.
The filming locations in Atlanta provided a lush, suburban backdrop that fans are already scouting for Season 2. Given the 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and the massive global reach of Prime Video, an official announcement is expected by late summer 2026. The creators have hinted that they designed the show to "breathe," suggesting they have a multi-season roadmap ready to go.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: May 15, 2026, on Prime Video (following a January run on Wonder Project).
- The Plot: A widowed pastor and a newly divorced mother navigate grief, parenting, and a "not-quite-a-romance" bond.
- The Vibe: Authentic, messy, and emotional—think Parenthood meets Friday Night Lights.
- The Cast: Anchored by Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes, with a standout supporting cast including J.R. Ramirez and Tyne Rushing.
- The Twist: Uses an apparition of a deceased spouse to explore the psychological impact of grief.
- Parent's Guide: Highly appropriate for families, tackling tough topics like divorce, bullying, and faith with grace and realism.
Ultimately, It's Not Like That succeeds because it doesn't try to give you easy answers. It reminds us that being "okay" is a process, not a destination. Whether you're here for the Scott Foley comeback or the deep emotional resonance, this is one series that actually lives up to the hype. It’s simple, it’s human, and it’s told really, really well.
