Pacey’s Back: Joshua Jackson Joins Greg Berlanti’s ‘How to Survive Without Me’ at Max

It’s time to dust off your vintage Dawson’s Creek DVDs and try to forget that Fatal Attraction reboot happened, because Joshua Jackson is officially returning to the Greg Berlanti fold. The man who taught an entire generation how to pine properly as Pacey Witter is set to headline the new Max (formerly HBO Max) pilot, How to Survive Without Me. This isn't just another family drama; it’s a high-stakes reunion that has TV insiders and nostalgic millennials buzzing about whether lightning can strike twice for this iconic actor-producer duo.

A De Angelis Family Crisis

The premise of How to Survive Without Me sounds like the kind of emotional gauntlet Max excels at, think Succession but with more feelings and fewer private jets. Written and executive produced by Berlanti and Bathsheba “Bash” Doran (Beef, Boardwalk Empire), the series centers on the De Angelis family in the wake of losing their matriarch, Beverly.

In a move that feels equal parts heartwarming and slightly creepy, Beverly has left behind a roadmap for her family to function from beyond the grave. It’s a "mother knows best" digital haunting that forces her five adult children and her widower to actually, you know, talk to each other.

Jackson Steps into the Kitchen

Joshua Jackson is slated to play Cooper, the eldest De Angelis sibling. Cooper is a high-achieving Los Angeles chef on the verge of launching an exclusive, members-only dining club. On paper, he’s the success story of the family. In reality? He’s harboring a secret massive enough to burn his Michelin-star dreams to a crisp.

Jackson has spent the last few years leaning into darker, more complex roles, from the chilling Dr. Death to the messy husband in The Affair. Seeing him play a man teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown while whisking a reduction sauce feels like a natural, if stressful, evolution.

The Ray Romano Factor

If Jackson wasn’t enough of a draw, the pilot also stars the legendary Ray Romano as Leo, the grieving patriarch. Romano has perfected the "sad but lovable dad" trope in his post-sitcom career, and his chemistry with Jackson is expected to be the emotional anchor of the show. Watching these two navigate a house full of adult children while following instructions from a dead woman is the kind of prestige dramedy we’ve been craving.

Why This Matters for Max

With Greg Berlanti moving away from his "Arrowverse" empire and toward more character-driven storytelling, How to Survive Without Me represents a pivot back to his roots in grounded, emotional drama. For Max, securing a talent like Jackson who remains one of the most reliable leading men in television is a clear signal that they aren't slowing down on star-powered originals.

While we wait for the pilot to (hopefully) get a full series order, one thing is certain: any project that puts Joshua Jackson back in a Berlanti-penned script is mandatory viewing. Whether Cooper manages to save his restaurant or the family implodes under the weight of Beverly’s ghost, we’ll be there with the popcorn.

Stay tuned to The TV Cave for more updates, casting news and eventual recaps of the De Angelis family circus.

Do you think Joshua Jackson works better in gritty thrillers or family dramas? Reach out and let us know your favorite Pacey—err, Joshua—era!