Family dramas are at their best when they feel authentic, and It’s Not Like That delivers exactly that. Starring Scott Foley, Erinn Hayes, and J. R. Ramirez, the Prime Video series offers an emotional and relatable look at grief, parenting, healing, and the complicated realities of everyday life.
Rather than presenting perfect families with neatly wrapped storylines, the series leans into the chaos, heartbreak, and emotional ups and downs that so many viewers will recognize in their own lives. The result is a heartfelt drama that feels genuine from beginning to end.
What Is It’s Not Like That About?
The series follows two families whose lives become intertwined while navigating major life changes. Malcolm, played by Scott Foley, is a widowed father trying to raise three children while balancing faith, responsibility, and grief. Lori, portrayed by Erinn Hayes, is adjusting to life after divorce while doing her best to support her own children through change and uncertainty.
As both families struggle to move forward, the show explores the emotional realities of loss, parenting, relationships, and finding connection during difficult seasons of life.
The Kids Bring Heart, Humor, and Realistic Family Dynamics
One of the most refreshing aspects of It’s Not Like That is how authentic the children feel within the story. The kids aren’t simply background characters added for emotional moments, they are a major part of what makes the series feel so relatable and emotionally grounded.
Their relationships with one another feel natural, messy, funny, and occasionally complicated in the way sibling and blended family dynamics often are in real life. Some moments are playful and lighthearted, while others reflect the tension, misunderstandings, and emotional growing pains that come with grief, divorce, and change.
The series does an especially strong job showing how children process emotions differently than adults. Some of the kids act out, some shut down emotionally, and others try to hold everything together even when they are struggling themselves. Those differences create heartfelt moments that make the family interactions feel believable rather than overly polished.
At the same time, the younger cast brings warmth and humor that balances the heavier emotional themes throughout the series. Their banter, awkward moments, and gradual bonds with one another add a sense of comfort and realism that makes viewers feel like they are watching an actual family navigate life together.
A Faith-Based Series That Feels Natural and Grounded
While It’s Not Like That contains faith-based themes, they are woven naturally into the story rather than becoming the sole focus. The series allows faith to exist as part of the characters’ lives without overwhelming the emotional core of the show.
That subtle approach helps the story remain relatable for a wider audience. At its heart, the series is less about preaching and more about showing how people lean on family, community, hope, and love during life’s hardest moments.
Real-Life Family Struggles Viewers Will Relate To
One of the strongest aspects of It’s Not Like That is how real the family dynamics feel. The characters make mistakes. Conversations become emotional. Parents struggle to balance everything. Children react imperfectly to change.
The show embraces the messy side of life in a way that feels honest instead of overly dramatized. Viewers who have experienced grief, divorce, parenting challenges, or emotional burnout will likely find themselves connecting deeply with these characters and their journeys.
Instead of pretending life always has easy answers, the series reminds viewers that it’s okay for things to feel complicated sometimes.
Scott Foley, Erinn Hayes, and J.R. Ramirez Deliver Emotional Performances
Scott Foley brings warmth and vulnerability to Malcolm, portraying a father who is trying to stay strong for his children while quietly carrying his own pain. Erinn Hayes gives Lori an emotional depth that makes her instantly relatable, especially for viewers who understand the pressure of holding a family together during difficult times.
Meanwhile, J.R. Ramirez adds another layer of emotional complexity to the story, helping create moments that feel raw, believable, and deeply human.
The chemistry among the cast helps the series feel even more grounded, making viewers feel invested in each family’s journey.
Expect Emotional Moments That Tug at Your Heart
If you’re someone who enjoys emotional family dramas, prepare to keep tissues nearby. It’s Not Like That has several heartfelt moments that quietly sneak up on you emotionally.
Whether it’s a conversation between parent and child, a moment centered around grief, or a scene showing the challenges of moving forward after loss, the show delivers emotional scenes that feel earned rather than forced.
It’s the kind of series that reminds viewers they are not alone in their struggles, and that emotional messiness is simply part of being human.
Final Thoughts on It’s Not Like That
It’s Not Like That succeeds because it embraces imperfection. The series captures the beauty and heartbreak of everyday family life while delivering characters and situations that feel authentic and relatable.
With strong performances, emotional storytelling, grounded faith-based themes, and believable family dynamics, the Prime Video drama offers a heartfelt viewing experience that will resonate with many families. It’s emotional, comforting, and honest. The kind of show that makes viewers feel seen in the middle of life’s messy moments.
Will there be a Season 2 of It’s Not Like That?
While a second season of It’s Not Like That hasn’t been officially announced, the finale clearly leaves room for the story to continue if the creators choose to revisit it.