Exclusive: New Wonder Project Series ‘It’s Not Like That’ Explores the Emotional Weight Pastors Carry Beyond the Pulpit

Actors J.R. Ramirez (“Manifest,” “Power”) and Erinn Hayes (“Bill & Ted Face the Music”) say their new Wonder Project series, “It’s Not Like That,” arrives at a time when audiences are craving something increasingly rare on television: a grounded, family-friendly drama rooted in real life.

The series was created and written by Ian Deitchman and Kristin Rusk Robinson, best known for their work on the acclaimed family drama “Parenthood.”

The series follows Malcolm, a widowed pastor raising three children, and Lori, a recently divorced mother of two teens. Once close family friends, the two must navigate grief, singleness and the complexities of faith, parenting and community while redefining who they are—and who they might become.

Hayes, who portrays Lori, said the script is relatable to the world around us.

“We really do have a lack right now of solid family dramas on TV,” Hayes told ChurchLeaders. “Everything has aliens or the apocalypse or zombies. I don’t know anybody that’s been abducted by aliens or fought zombies, but I do know a lot of people dealing with divorce and loss.”

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“Every character has their own journey,” she added. “This story of people going through hard times and change and grief and loss and divorce takes the lens of meeting people with grace.”

A key element of the series is its portrayal of faith—particularly through Malcolm’s role as a pastor. Rather than idealizing church leaders, the show presents faith as an undercurrent in the lives of imperfect people.

“He’s bringing more than himself to every relationship,” Hayes said. “We get to see him at home with his kids. We get to see him as a friend. We get to see him as a man. And then we get to see him in the church.”

Ramirez, who plays David, said he has been a Christian for decades and described the show’s faith component as subtle but deeply meaningful.

“It’s not perfect human beings going to church,” he said. “It’s flawed people making mistakes, trying to get up every day and keep going. There is a higher power that’s keeping them grounded and moving forward.”

Both actors praised the show’s creators for their commitment to authenticity, noting extensive research into pastoral life and a collaborative environment that allowed actors to shape their characters honestly.

“It felt like a true piece of us,” Ramirez said. “They created such a space where you could ask questions and make it make sense.”

As the series prepares to debut, both actors said they hope viewers walk away with a renewed sense of compassion—for others and for themselves.

“You think you know what people are going through,” Hayes said. “But it might not be like what you’re thinking.”

“At the end of the day, have compassion,” Ramirez added. “We could all be a little nicer to ourselves.”

“It’s Not Like That” will premiere with the first two episodes on Sunday, January 25, 2026, on Wonder Project’s subscription on Prime Video in the U.S., with episodes debuting weekly on Sundays thereafter.

Now watch this exclusive clip from the first episode of “It’s Not Like That.”