HBO Max Greenlights 15-Episode Family Drama 'How to Survive Without Me' for Berlanti

Key points

• HBO Max ordered 15 episodes of 'How to Survive Without Me' on September 16, 2026.
• The series is co-created by Greg Berlanti, Robbie Rogers, and Bash Doran, inspired by their personal family experiences.
• Ray Romano plays Leo, Rita Wilson plays the deceased matriarch Beverly, Kaley Cuoco plays Kate, and Joshua Jackson plays Cooper.
• The show follows a modest budget and yearly release strategy, mirroring the success of 'The Pitt.'
• It is the fourth series order for Berlanti Productions in the last 18 months across various platforms.

Background

HBO Max had previously ordered a pilot for this project in February 2026. The series is part of a broader strategy by the streamer to adopt a broadcast-style model with higher episode counts and annual releases, similar to the Emmy-winning medical drama 'The Pitt.' Berlanti Productions has secured multiple series orders recently, including 'Stillwater' at Amazon and 'Afterlife with Archie' at Disney+.

How outlets are covering it

Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and TVLine all confirm the 15-episode order and the cast details. Deadline notes that HBO Max requested two backup scripts before finalizing the greenlight and highlights the role of California tax credits in securing the deal. TVLine provides additional character details, describing Kate as an interior designer with a perfect facade and Cooper as a chef with a hidden secret. All outlets emphasize the personal nature of the project for Berlanti, who compares it to his 1990s creation 'Everwood.'

Why it matters

The order signals HBO Max's continued commitment to a broadcast-style production model with modest budgets and annual releases, aiming to replicate the success of 'The Pitt.' It also marks a significant return to family drama for Greg Berlanti, a prolific creator known for shows like 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Everwood,' and demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

What to watch

No release date has been announced for 'How to Survive Without Me.' The series is expected to follow a yearly release schedule, similar to 'The Pitt.' Production is underway under the executive production of Berlanti, Bash Doran, and others, with Daniel Minahan directing.