There’s something refreshingly honest about It’s Not Like That, the new heartfelt family drama now streaming on Prime Video via the Wonder Project channel. Starring Scott Foley, Erinn Hayes, and J.R. Ramirez, the eight-episode series follows two once-inseparable families navigating life after profound change. As widowed pastor Malcolm and newly divorced Lori lean on each other for support, emotional boundaries blur and what begins as comfort may evolve into something more. When Entertainment Affair’s Raffael Alejandro caught up with Ramirez, the conversation quickly revealed just how personal this role became for the Cuban-American actor.

Ramirez stars as David Soto, Lori’s ambitious yet emotionally conflicted ex-husband, a father of two who is grappling with the consequences of leaving his family during a fragile moment in their lives. Rather than playing him as a villain, Ramirez leans into David’s humanity. He describes the character as lost, confused, and imperfect — but ultimately a man with a good heart who wants to be a good father. That complexity is what drew him in. For Ramirez, the beauty of the series is that no one is purely right or wrong. These are simply human beings navigating very real emotions, and David’s arc throughout the season allows audiences to see him evolve in meaningful ways.

The role resonated deeply with Ramirez on a personal level. He shared that his own parents divorced when he was in his early twenties, giving him firsthand insight into how life-altering those decisions can be for a family. Taking on David allowed him to better understand the psychology behind choices that ripple through households, especially when children are involved. He approached the character not with judgment, but with empathy — an empathy that translates powerfully on screen. For the actor, it wasn’t just about portraying a flawed man; it was about honoring the emotional truth behind those flaws.

Beyond the heavy themes, the series also highlights faith, friendship, and the possibility of unexpected love. Ramirez believes what makes the series special is its relatability. There are no sensational twists or explosive drama for shock value. Instead, it focuses on everyday struggles — grief, dating after divorce, blended families, and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild.

Ramirez’s own life mirrors some of that grounded perspective. Born in Matanzas, Cuba, and raised in Tampa, Florida, he proudly embraces his bilingual roots and Caribbean identity. He recently got engaged in Culebra, Puerto Rico, a place he calls magical and deeply meaningful. For him, Puerto Rico feels like a sister island to Cuba — a reminder of home, culture, and community. That pride carries into his work, and he beams when talking about bringing Latino representation to projects like this. He jokes that audiences will see “a Cubanito speaking Spanish and eating ropa vieja,” but beneath the humor is genuine pride in showcasing authentic identity within mainstream storytelling.

Best known for his role as Jared Vasquez on Netflix’s Manifest, Ramirez has built a career playing layered, emotionally driven characters, and It’s Not Like That continues that trajectory in a more intimate way. This time, instead of high-concept mystery or action, he is grounded in the everyday messiness of love and family. He hopes Latino audiences in particular will connect with the show’s universal themes — forgiveness, belonging, second chances — and appreciate that it’s a series families can sit down and watch together.

It’s Not Like That is now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes debuting every Thursday.