THINGS TO WATCH LIKE ‘IT’S NOT LIKE THAT’
Dramas that have warmth and stay away from the problematically tortured character writing are a rarity. When you find them, they really stand out, and It’s Not Like That is one that (mostly) stays true to this. A recent worldwide release for Prime Video (after first appearing on The Wonder Project), today we are seeing what else like It’s Not Like That we can watch and enjoy.
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THINGS TO WATCH LIKE ‘IT’S NOT LIKE THAT.’ #ScottFoley stars in the Wonder Project & #PrimeVideo title #ItsNotLikeThat. If you loved it, consider trying these titles, too! Share on XThe show is a family drama that does have its dark spots, which includes its main premise of a widower trying to recover from the loss of his wife and help his kinds find their routine again. So, in other words, yes, this show has some sense of torture, but so far (I didn’t watch it all), it has purpose and is more organic than the needless way shows do this to inspire darkness and oftentimes, a downright depressing feeling. I doubt the show that I find will be, at least for me, the same feeling of quality as It’s Not Like That, but there will be something about them that fits. Let’s meet these titles.
THINGS to WATCH LIKE IT’S NOT LIKE THAT
800 WORDS
This is a gentle drama that is set in New Zealand following a man who moves his family after a death. I started watching it but never finished, however I did enjoy what I watched. It’s mostly easy watching though of course does deal in some sad moments.
Synopsis: When newspaper columnist George Turner’s (Erik Thomson, Packed to the Rafters) wife dies, he moves his two teenaged children from the bustle of Sydney to a picturesque seaside town in New Zealand for a fresh start. This award-winning series is a heartfelt comedy/drama about a family searching for healing in the midst of tragedy. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Acorn TV
ARMY WIVES
I’m not sure how fitting this one is, but it is about the hardships and good times of family life. As the title suggests, it centers primarily on a group of military spouses two of whom are played by Kim Delaney and Catherine Bell, and of course, it also has a spotlight on the spouse serving too. I watched a few seasons and did find it entertaining, but ultimately, I found it a bit too soapy (and lacking that extra “something” to keep my invested) to keep going.
The cast also had Sterling K. Brown (who later went on to star in the NBC hit This is Us) and later on Kelli Williams. In one of her earliest credited roles, Hallmark star Erin Krakow also has some episode credits. The show ran for seven seasons.
Synopsis: “Army Wives” follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women – and one man – living with their spouses and families on an active Army post. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Hulu; or find to digitally purchase on Prime Video
THE BAXTERS
Synopsis: ‘The Baxters’ is a family drama that follows Elizabeth (Roma Downey) and John Baxter (Ted McGinley) and their five adult children as they navigate life’s trials of love, loss, and everything in between, with some leaning on faith as their anchor while others grapple with it. Based on the book series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video
BLUE BLOODS or BOSTON BLUE
This one is a little “out there” as a title to include because Blue Bloods is a crime drama, however it’s very rooted in family and is known for having a scene in every episode where the family gathers for Sunday dinners. However, if you don’t like crime dramas, then this won’t be for you. But if you don’t mind, this one has lots of similar threads which includes family importance and yes, even the loss of a spouse. Boston Blue is the spin-off series that is now running after Blue Bloods ended a 10+ season run and is a show that focuses on eldest son Danny Reagen as he moves to Boston (from New York) where he ends up having to partner with someone new.
Synopsis: BLUE BLOODS is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video or Paramount+; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
CHESAPEAKE SHORES
This one has an impressive cast if you’re a fan of Hallmark or other sweet romance movies, which includes Meghan Ory, Jesse Metcalfe, Diane Ladd, Treat Williams, Barbara Niven, Emilie Ullerup, and Brendan Penny.
The drama, which ran for six years, followed the O’Brien clan that starts when eldest daughter Abby returns home with her two kids after a divorce. The story from there expands to include threads for each of her four siblings (a lawyer, writer, business owner, and veteran) as they figure out what’s next and of course, find possible love stories.
Synopsis: Chesapeake Shores follows The O’Brien family, a multi-generational family that works through life’s triumphs and struggles with the unwavering support of each and every family member. – via Hallmark+
Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+
DATE MY DAD
This one is all kinds of cute. It has Barry Watson playing a man who loses his wife which leaves him to try and heal in the aftermath while also trying to help his three children in their grieving. The show mostly stays upbeat, following the girls trying to find an ideal mate and companion for their dad. Like I said, it’s cute. It also has Cindy Busby in some episodes, too.
Synopsis: Ricky Cooper had the perfect life. A former professional baseball player, who was married to Isabella, love of his life. Ricky’s world comes crashing down when Isabella passes away leaving him to raise three daughters alone. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with UP Faith and Family
THE DURRELLS in CORFU
This one is our second unusual title to include because it’s a period drama, but it is family drama and shows the good and bad of everyday life as this British family relocates to Greece on the bring of WWII. The primary story follows Louisa Durrell (played by the always great Keeley Hawes), a mother trying to raise her four children in the aftermath of her husband’s death. The show also has recent big screen breakout star Josh O’Connor and Callum Woodhouse, who stars as Tristin in the fan favorite PBS show All Creatures Great and Small.
This is a series that does end a bit bittersweetly but still maintains a mostly upbeat persona and is certainly a nice thing to watch if you want something about family connections.
Synopsis: Based on naturalist Gerald Durrell’s much-loved trilogy of novels, The Durrells in Corfu sees impoverished but sparky widow Louisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes, MI-5) make the radical decision to leave 1930s England to seek out a new destiny for her family. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Masterpiece PBS; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
EVERWOOD
Treat Williams led this 2002 drama that ran until 2006 and followed a widowed doctor who tries to keep his family together by moving them from the East Coast to Colorado. The show also starred a pre Revenge Emily VanCamp and a pre movie star Chris Pratt. Stars like Scott Wolf and Sarah Drew have 30+ episode credits (across 89 episodes total) and appearing in 15 episodes is Justin Baldoni.
Synopsis: Set in a breathtaking small town in the Rocky Mountains, “Everwood” has at its emotional center the visceral and often heartbreaking relationship between a father and son. Dr. Andrew Brown’s life changed forever the day his wife died.– via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video; or you can also purchase the show on places like Prime Video
PARENTHOOD
An NBC show from 2010, this one follows the ups, downs and in-betweens of the Braverman family and had quite an impressive cast including Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham, Craig T. Nelson, Peter Krause, Dac Shepard and Erika Christensen who now stars in Will Trent.
Synopsis: Season 1 of Parenthood introduces the Braverman family as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children, sustaining marriages, and caring for one another. From autism diagnoses to career setbacks and relationship struggles, each generation learns that love, grace, and perseverance are essential to holding a family together. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Wonder Project; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
A THOUSAND TOMORROWS
Another title that is inspired by a Karen Kingsbury novel, this one follows a hero named Cody and the choices he must make when it comes to time and how much he can spend with someone he loves.
Synopsis: Follows Cody and the cost he would be willing to pay for a few seasons with the person he loves. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with UP Faith and Family
THE UNICORN
A CBS show, this one put Walton Goggins in the lead role, following up his baddie villain role in Justified. It was a bit of a shock to see him playing a widower struggling to move past grief while raising his kids. The show was surprisingly heartwarming despite its heavier start using themes of strong friendship and some really good quippy humor. The show sadly only got two seasons and 31 episodes, which also means the end isn’t totally complete, but fortunately, we do leave the main character better than we found him, which is nice.
Synopsis: THE UNICORN is a single-camera comedy about a tight-knit group of best friends and family who help Wade (Walton Goggins) embrace his “new normal” in the wake of the loss of his wife one year ago. – via Prime Video
Digitally purchase the show on places like Prime Video
THE WAY HOME
This show has a time travel element which It’s Not Like That does not contain, but this one is high on its family entanglements and complications. It also has themes of loss and how to move forward in that loss to find a present that is happy and healing. The story begins when the newly divorced Kat returns to her childhood home to live with her mother, and along with her she brings her rebellious teen daughter. The show is wrapping up its fourth and final season now, which is leaving everyone wondering how it will all end.
Synopsis: A Hallmark Original Series. Three generations of Landry women reunite and begin to heal from their family’s past when their youngest member finds herself on an unexpected journey. – via Hallmark+
Stream, at publication, The Way Home with Hallmark+
MORE to consider
- AN EASTER BLOOM, film
- HEARTLAND, series
- MOTHER’S DAY, film
- REGRETTING YOU, film
- SINGLE PARENTS, show
- THIS is US, show
- WELCOME HOME, film
Stream, at publication, It’s Not Like That on Prime Video or The Wonder Project
Photos: Alamy | Hallmark Media (Chesapeake Shores, The Way Home)
Have you seen any of these shows? Have you watched It’s Not Like That or any of these things to watch like it? Did you enjoy the warmhearted family drama? Share your thoughts down in the comment section.
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