Erinn Hayes Clarifies That Her Faith-Based Show Isn’t Promoting Religion
It’s Not Like That is a fresh faith-centered series — but how does it ensure that its stories resonate with a wide audience?
The Wonder Project series, which debuted on Sunday, January 25, follows Pastor Malcolm (Scott Foley) as he navigates life after the loss of his wife. While balancing his return to the congregation and caring for his three children, Malcolm finds himself growing closer to family friend Lori (Erinn Hayes).
“We are technically a faith-based show, but I believe the core message revolves around kindness, compassion, and grace towards others,” Hayes shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “That message is universal.”
Hayes elaborated on the relatable themes explored in the series, stating, “Our show delves into faith in a very authentic way. Conversations about faith and God happen organically between Malcolm and his family—they’re in the context of real life. It’s him engaging with his kids and sharing his personal experiences. Sometimes we find ourselves in the church.”
She added: “While we do have a faith-oriented perspective, it is not as religious as Nobody Wants This. This narrative is about a pastor and another family, without imposing religion upon viewers. We’re showcasing the lived experiences of these characters, and his role as a pastor is just one aspect of that.”
Hayes commended the show’s thoughtful approach to religion.
“At its heart, it’s a family drama that tackles the human experience rather than focusing solely on religion or faith. Our talented writers ensure that each script is filled with depth, heart, and humor,” she continued. “The show allows for exploration of the human condition, which is what initially attracted me to this project.”
Alongside Foley and Hayes, It’s Not Like That features J. R. Ramirez, Caleb Baumann, Cary Christopher, Leven Miranda, Cassidy Paul, and Liv Lindell.
“Everyone on set was genuinely happy to be there. There were no difficult personalities among the cast or crew—from craft services to costumes, hair and makeup, grips, and camera operators. Given the current state of the industry, where work can be scarce, everyone showed up grateful and in good spirits,” Hayes reflected. “Most of us are here because we love what we do. Being on set is our happy place, and everyone came in with a positive attitude.”
She concluded: “It was truly a wonderful environment for creativity. We take pride in the scripts and feel invested in the show. Having a joyful atmosphere is one thing, but knowing you’re part of creating something special makes it all the better.”
It’s Not Like That airs on Sundays on Wonder Project, and the first two episodes are available for streaming on Prime Video.
