Ray Romano has been cast as the lead in the HBO Max drama pilot “How to Survious Without Me.”
As previously reported, the pilot will be written by screenwriters and executive producers Greg Berlanti and Bash Dolan, with a story by Berlanti, Dolan, and Robbie Rogers.
The pilot’s logline reads, “In the wake of matriarch Beverly’s death, the De Angelis family begins to drift, unsure of how to manage their complex and evolving lives without her guidance, but in true Beverly fashion, she takes over from the other side… We found a way to keep the show running. If they want to experience Beverly’s final work, the family must find the time, make the effort, stay connected, and be there for each other through all of life’s challenges ahead…”
Romano will star in the pilot as Leo, who is “suddenly thrust into the lead role of a recently widowed parent he never even auditioned for. As his five adult, complex children begin to navigate their lives outside of their mother, Leo is forced to find his own voice as a parent, stepping out of his wife’s shadow to become the new, different and effective center of his family.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Ray on How to Survive Without Me,” said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Programming at Max. “This show is reminiscent of the ambitious family dramas that Greg is known for – grounded stories centered around love, loss and navigating one-of-a-kind families. This is a project designed to come back year after year, continually deepening viewers’ connection to these beloved characters and their unique stories.”
In addition to the aforementioned EP, Rogers also serves as executive producer alongside Sarah Schechter and Lee London Redman through an overall deal with Berlanti Productions and studio Warner Bros. Television.
“Ray is a beloved icon and has an incredible talent for bringing depth and lightness to every character he plays,” said Clancy Collins White, President of Creative, Warner Bros. Television. “We are thrilled to welcome him to How to Survive Without Me as the patriarch Leo, who is woven into this touching family story. We are confident that his performance will add nuance and heart to Greg and Bash’s vision and form a powerful emotional connection with viewers.”
Romano is best known for starring in the self-titled sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which aired for nine seasons and remains popular to this day. His recent television credits include “Running Point,” “No Good Deed,” “Made for Love,” “Bookie” and the upcoming second season of “Bupkis.” In film, Romano starred in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, as well as appearing in The Big Sick and the Ice Age animated film series.
He is repped by WME, LBI Entertainment, The Conversation Company, PMK Entertainment and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka.
“How to Survive Without Me” is one of two pilot dramas currently in the works for HBO Max, the other being “American Blue,” a crime drama starring Milo Ventimiglia. The move comes as the streamer looks to develop more shows in the same vein, following the huge success of “The Pit” show, which debuted in 2024.
Deadline first reported Romano’s casting.
