Ray Romano is set for a lead role in the HBO Max drama pilot “How to Survive Without Me.”
As previously reported, the pilot hails from writers and executive producers Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran, with the story by Berlanti, Doran and Robbie Rogers.
The logline for the pilot states, “In the wake of matriarch Beverly’s passing, the De Angelis family have 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…”
Romano will star in the pilot as Leo, who is described as “newly a widower and suddenly performing the lead role of parent that he never auditioned for. As his five, complicated adult children begin to navigate life without their mother at the center, Leo is forced to find his own voice as a parent, moving out of wife’s shadow to become the family’s new, differently effective center.”
“We are so excited to work with Ray on ‘How to Survive Without Me,’” said Sarah Aubrey, head of Max Original Programming. “The show harkens back to the kinds of aspirational family dramas that Greg does so well, a grounded narrative centered around navigating love, loss, and a one-of-a-kind family. It’s a project designed to return year after year, continually deepening the audience’s connection to these beloved characters and their unique story.”
Along with the aforementioned EPs, Rogers is also executive producing alongside Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman via Berlanti Productions and its overall deal with studio Warner Bros. Television.
“Ray is a beloved icon who has an incredible gift for bringing both depth and levity to every character he portrays,” said Clancy Collins White, president of creative affairs for Warner Bros. Television. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to ‘How to Survive Without Me’ as Leo, the patriarch woven into this deeply moving family story. We know his performance will bring 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 ran for nine seasons and remains popular to this day. His more recent TV roles include the upcoming second season of “Running Point,” “No Good Deed,” “Made for Love,” “Bookie,” and “Bupkis.” In film, Romano starred in “The Irishman” for Martin Scorsese as well as features like “The Big Sick” and the “Ice Age” animated movie franchise.
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 drama pilots that HBO Max is currently prepping, with the other being the cop drama “American Blue” starring Milo Ventimiglia. The move comes as the streamer is looking to develop more shows in the same vein as “The Pitt” following the breakout success of that show when it debuted in 2024.
Deadline was first to report Romano’s casting.
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