EXCLUSIVE: Two and a half decades ago, Dawson’s Creek jumpstarted Joshua Jackson and Greg Berlanti‘s careers. The duo are now re-teaming for How To Survive Without Me, a drama pilot at HBO Max. Jackson is set to star alongside Ray Romano in the project from Berlanti, Bash Doran and Warner Bros TV.
Written by Berlanti and Doran from a story the duo co-wrote with Robbie Rogers, How To Survive Without Me is set in the wake of matriarch Beverly’s passing. The De Angelis family has 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.
Jackson will play Cooper. As a chef about to open a members dining club in Los Angeles, Cooper is literally carrying forward his mother’s recipes and approach to food. He presents as confident and a player, but he’s suffering in silence — keeping a secret that could destroy both his lifelong friendships and the culinary career he’s built in his mother’s honor. Romano plays the family patriarch.
Berlanti began his career in television as a staff writer on the WB’s Dawson’s Creek, which starred Jackson in his first lead role, and became an executive producer and showrunner of the series after only one year on staff. The duo remained friends after the show, and Jackson, alongside Matt Bomer, presented Berlanti with the Governors Award at the 2024 Emmy Awards, walking out to the Dawson’s Creek theme. Berlanti and Jackson also spent time together at the Dawson’s Creek Class Reunion last September honoring fellow star James Van Der Beek.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joshua, who joins Ray Romano in the cast of How To Survive Without Me,” Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming, said. “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 executive produces alongside Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman and Rogers via Berlanti Productions and its overall deal with WBTV. Warner Bros Television is 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,” Clancy Collins White, President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Television, said. “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.”
Jackson recently headlined Ryan Murphy’s ABC series Doctor Odyssey. He next stars opposite another Dawson’s Creek alum, Katie Holmes, in the movie Happy Hours. He is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.