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Joshua Jackson is back in a high-profile reunion with one of his earliest collaborators. The actor will headline a new family-centered cooking drama from Greg Berlanti, reuniting two names once linked to a beloved teen series and now steering a show aimed at streaming audiences.
What the new series is and who’s behind it
The project, titled How To Survive Without Me, lands at Max and marks a clear pairing of old collaborators. Berlanti, who helped shape Jackson’s early TV career, returns as creator and showrunner.
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Writers Bash Doran and Robbie Rogers penned the script. Warner Bros. Television is attached on the production side. Max has already promoted the series as an intimate, family-driven story.
Premise: a chef, a secret, and a Los Angeles dining club
Jackson plays a chef planning a new dining club in Los Angeles. The show mixes kitchen tension with family drama.
- The lead hides a secret that threatens friendships.
- The secret could also undo the culinary reputation he built in honor of his mother.
- Narrative cues suggest a blend of food-focused storytelling and interpersonal conflict.
Cast highlights and notable names attached
Ray Romano joins the cast as the family patriarch. His involvement adds a veteran presence to the ensemble.
- Joshua Jackson — lead, former Dawson’s Creek star.
- Greg Berlanti — creator and showrunner, longtime TV producer.
- Ray Romano — co-star playing a key family figure.
- Bash Doran and Robbie Rogers — co-writers.
How the show fits into current streaming trends
Max framed the project as a return to character-driven drama. Executives emphasized depth, raw emotion, and complex relationships.
Critics and viewers have lately celebrated food-related dramas that double as character studies. Comparisons to shows like The Bear are likely, given the kitchen setting and focus on family dynamics.
Where this reunion sits in both creators’ careers
Jackson and Berlanti first worked together when both were early in their careers. Their paths since have been diverse.
- Jackson’s recent TV and film work includes a stint as a doctor on a streaming drama and upcoming film roles.
- Berlanti expanded into a prolific TV career across genres, from teen drama to superhero series.
Their new collaboration taps nostalgia while aiming for modern streaming audiences.
