The landscape of prestige television is about to get a significant emotional upgrade. HBO has officially announced the premiere of its latest original film, Miss You, Love You, a project that promises to balance the jagged edges of sorrow with the restorative power of laughter. Set to debut on Friday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, the film will be available both on the flagship HBO channel and the HBO Max streaming platform.
A Powerhouse Collaboration Under Jim Rash
At the helm of this production is the Academy Award-winning writer and director Jim Rash. Known for his keen ability to find humor in human vulnerability, Jim Rash has crafted a narrative that explores the messy, often non-linear process of saying goodbye.
The film is anchored by the formidable talent of Allison Janney, an actress whose trophy room includes both an Academy Award and multiple Emmys for her work in projects like I, Tonya and The Diplomat. Joining her is two-time Tony nominee Andrew Rannells, beloved for his roles in Girls and A Simple Favor. Together, they bring to life a story that is as much about the family we lose as it is about the family we find in the most improbable places.
An Unlikely Partnership Formed in Mourning
The heart of Miss You, Love You follows Diane Patterson, portrayed by Allison Janney. Diane is a blunt, no-nonsense widow who finds herself navigating the immediate aftermath of her husband’s passing. However, she isn’t doing it alone—or at least, she isn’t doing it with whom she expected.
Through a twist of fate, Diane is forced to coordinate funeral arrangements with Jamie Simms, played by Andrew Rannells. Jamie isn’t a family member; rather, he is the personal assistant to Diane’s estranged son. This “stranger” becomes Diane’s primary companion during her darkest hour. As the pair navigates the logistical and emotional hurdles of a funeral, their interactions are marked by dark humor, awkward fumbles, and the inevitable surfacing of long-buried family secrets and resentments.
Critical Acclaim and Creative Vision
Francesca Orsi, the Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, has highlighted the film’s unique tone, noting that Jim Rash has successfully managed to navigate profound trauma with a “comedic lightness” that enhances rather than diminishes the story’s depth. The production team, including producers Kevin Walsh, Nat Faxon, Gigi Pritzker, and Rachel Shane, emphasized that the film serves as a reminder that compassion and healing are often found during life’s most difficult transitions.
For Jim Rash, bringing this story to HBO represents a career milestone. He expressed his gratitude for the network’s support, citing HBO’s storied history of character-driven cinema as the perfect home for this intimate look at human connection.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Beyond the lead duo, the film boasts a rich ensemble of seasoned performers who round out the emotional world of the story. The cast includes:
- Bonnie Hunt as Judith Bibbs
- Suzy Nakamura as Kathy
- Oscar Nuñez as the Minister
- Lisa Schurga as Nance
Production Credits
Miss You, Love You is written and directed by Jim Rash. The film is produced by a veteran team including Kevin Walsh, Nat Faxon, Gigi Pritzker, and Rachel Shane for Madison Wells. Michael Bowes serves as executive producer, with Tammy Allen as co-producer and Liz Lippman as associate producer.
Mark your calendars for May 29 to witness this poignant exploration of grief, family, and the unexpected surrogate bonds that help us heal.
