In July 2025, Apple TV announced a 10-episode series adaptation of Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” McCurdy and Ari Katcher (“Ramy,” “The Carmichael Show”), are writing and executive producing the dramedy and will serve as co-showrunners.
Published in August 2022, McCurdy’s memoir recounts the tumultuous, abusive relationship she endured with her mother, Debra, while growing up as a child actor in Hollywood. Debra McCurdy died of cancer in 2013.
Since Apple TV announced the adaptation, however, the production has undergone several behind-the-scenes changes.
Here’s everything we know about the project’s current status.
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McCurdy’s memoir expands on her one-woman show of the same name, recounting the emotional and psychological abuse she endured from her mother, Debra. After early roles on series including “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Judging Amy,” McCurdy landed her breakout role as Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” in 2007. She later reprised the character on the spinoff “Sam & Cat” alongside Ariana Grande. Apple TV’s adaptation will dramatize McCurdy’s difficult relationship with her mother and the challenges she faced while growing up as a child actor.
Jennifer Aniston, who stars on Apple TV’s “The Morning Show,” was the first actor attached to the adaptation. She was set to play McCurdy’s mom and executive-produce the series. However, Us Weekly reports that Aniston has since backed out of the project due to scheduling conflicts. No other cast members have been announced.
No casting director is currently attached to the adaptation. The project has also lost director Jason Reitman. Us Weekly reports that Reitman exited over creative differences regarding the show’s tone. Apple TV has not announced a replacement director, casting director, or updated production timeline.
Until Apple TV announces additional creative hires, little is known about the project’s casting process. But for those seeking guidance on how to bring a true story to life on-screen, our previous articles provide a master class on how to portray a nonfictional character:
- How to Portray a Real Person, According to Viola Davis
- ‘The Act’ Creators on How to Play Real-World People on TV
- The Imitation Game: Playing a Real Person in 5 Steps
While you wait for updates about casting calls for “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” you might want to bookmark our main casting call page. Our pages dedicated to dark comedies, scripted shows, and TV series might help you find auditions for this or similar projects. And this roundup of streaming gigs that are casting right now will certainly keep you busy in the meantime.
Although Aniston is no longer attached to the project, years ago the industry veteran shared some invaluable advice with us that remains relevant for actors starting their careers today.
Ironically, Aniston’s friends were the ones who kept her grounded during the early days of auditioning, and that experience—those relationships—set the tone for her entire career. “When I landed in Los Angeles at 20 years old, and I fell into those girls who are still sitting around [my dining room] table today, they were on a different path. I’d never had a circle of women who got together and talked forever,” she shared. “I was like, ‘God, these California people don’t shut up. They talk about their feelings and cry in front of each other.’ I said to myself, ‘Here I am, a girl who grew up in New York City, and now I find myself in Laurel Canyon, wearing a flowery dress, and someone put a crystal around my neck and is burning sage around my head. I have landed on Mars.’ ”
“But I really think it was something that saved me,” she added. “This is a really tough business that we’re in that is not always kind or inclusive or supportive. A lot of the time, it’s the opposite. I remember going to auditions and girls would never want to share anything. Or they would talk to you during your auditions to distract you when they knew you were trying to work on your stuff.”
Aniston noted that the “real key to success in life is not to worry about the landing, but enjoy the experience,” a sentiment that could ultimately calm your nerves as you pursue your dreams.
For additional assistance on how to ace your next audition, check out these guides:
