JuicyTalk
Television has evolved into the most reliable medium for complex storytelling, character development, and career-defining performances. The rise of prestige TV has allowed actors to build bodies of work that see them appearing in some of the best TV shows of all time.
While no actor can control every creative outcome, some have developed an uncanny ability to choose projects that consistently connect with critics and audiences alike, from limited series TV that you can binge right now to anthology shows where every episode is a masterpiece. Their TV careers are defined by critically acclaimed series, fan-favorite hits, and shows that shape pop culture long after the final credits have rolled.
Walton Goggins
Prestige TV’s Most Reliable Wild Card
Walton Goggins has built one of television’s most respected character-actor careers, right from his breakout role as volatile detective Shane Vendrell in The Shield. When he was cast as villain Boyd Crowder in Justified, he gained Emmy nominations and helped define the series’ moral complexity. The actor further proved his range with his role as transgender character and Tig’s love interest, Venus Van Dam, in Sons of Anarchy, whom he portrayed with nuance, empathy, and respect.
Goggins’ career has gone from strength to strength. His performances in The White Lotus, animated hit Invincible, and Prime Video’s Fallout reinforce his reputation as a performer who elevates every project he joins. Across drama, satire, and genre TV, Walton Goggins remains synonymous with quality and morally complex characters.
Viola Davis
Consistency Across Drama & Anthology TV
Viola Davis’ movie career is extensive. However, before this, she dominated the small screen. Early work in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the miniseries Traveler showcased her dramatic prowess, which was finally recognized with her breakout, Emmy-winning turn as tough-as-nails attorney and law professor Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder. More recently, Davis starred as Michelle Obama in Showtime’s The First Lady, earning praise for her transformation and command of biographical television.
She also transitioned seamlessly from portraying Amanda Waller in live-action DC movies to voicing the character in the animated series Creature Commandos. Casting choices such as this continue her streak of carefully selected, creator-driven projects. Viola Davis brings authority and emotional weight to every television role she accepts.
Martin Freeman
A Defining Presence In Modern & Prestige TV
Few actors have a television résumé as airtight as Martin Freeman, whose career spans both iconic British comedy and American prestige drama. Freeman’s big break came when he played self-deprecating sales rep Tim Canterbury in Ricky Gervais’ original British series The Office. From there, Freeman was on the casting directors’ radars. His turn as John Watson in Sherlock alongside Benedict Cumberbatch earned widespread acclaim and BAFTA recognition. This further cemented him as a global TV star.
Freeman seamlessly transitioned into darker territory with Fargo, delivering a chilling, Emmy-nominated performance that proved his range extended far beyond comedy. He later anchored grounded, uncomfortable realism in Breeders, a critically praised FX comedy-drama about modern parenthood. Across genres, Freeman’s television work is defined by sharp writing, tonal confidence, and long-term cultural impact.
Olivia Colman
The Gold Standard For Small Screen Performances
Olivia Colman is one of the most decorated actors of her generation. Her work within the movie space is well documented, with her winning the much-deserved Oscar for Best Actress in 2018’s The Favourite.
She rose to fame playing Sophie Chapman in Peep Show, one of Britain’s most influential sitcoms. Later, she switched genres completely, working alongside David Tennant in the BBC’s grim crime drama, Broadchurch, as DS Ellie Miller. This series is widely regarded as one of the best crime dramas of the 2010s.
Colman’s TV reign continued with The Crown, where her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II earned her an Emmy. Even brief appearances, such as her villainous turn as the Godmother in Fleabag, leave an impact on audiences.
Kyle MacLachlan
Television’s Go-To Figure for Cult & Prestige Classics
No actor is more synonymous with cult television than Kyle MacLachlan. His iconic work as Special Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks helped redefine serialized storytelling and elevated TV into auteur-driven territory.
MacLachlan also shines in supporting roles, later finding long-term, mainstream success as Charlotte’s husband, Trey MacDougal, in Sex and the City, and Brie’s husband, Orson Hodge, in Desperate Housewives. Now, a whole new generation of fans has discovered him thanks to Prime Video’s Fallout, in which he plays Lucy’s morally compromised father, Hank MacLean.
Meryl Streep
A Film Legend Who Conquered TV
Although Meryl Streep is best known for iconic movies, her television work is flawless. In 2004, she earned a Primetime Emmy for her acclaimed performance in HBO’s Angels in America. 15 years later, Streep joined the cast of Big Little Lies, winning another Emmy for her chilling role as Mary Louise Wright in the second season.
Most recently, Meryl Streep became a key presence in Only Murders in the Building, providing her comedic precision and emotional depth to the ensemble as Oliver’s wife, actress Loretta Durkin. Streep’s television appearances are rare, but each one becomes an immediate prestige event that reinforces her acting prowess on the small as well as the big screen.
Idris Elba
A Versatile Powerhouse On The Small Screen
British actor Idris Elba’s movie résumé is strong, but his big break across the Atlantic was for his role as Russell “Stringer” Bell in The Wire, one of the most respected TV dramas ever made.
In 2009, Elba was given the opportunity to bring a comedic edge to his career. During Season 5 of The Office, Elba guest-starred as Charles Miner, the new Vice President of the Dunder Mifflin Northeast Region. Later, he returned to his crime drama roots in the BBC’s Luther, which turned him into a global television icon.
Projects like Hijack and The Big C have reinforced Elba’s range and star power. Across crime drama, workplace comedy, and thriller television, Elba’s career is a blend of fan-favorite and critically respected shows.
Natasha Lyonne
The Queen Of Creator-Driven Television
Image via Peacock
Few modern TV stars are as creatively involved in their work as Natasha Lyonne. Not one to sit in a single genre, Natasha Lyonne gained widespread attention for her performance in Orange Is the New Black while also guest-starring on the offbeat, critically acclaimed comedy with Portlandia.
Lyonne also co-created and starred in Netflix’s dark comedy series, Russian Doll. This earned her multiple Emmy nominations and solidified her reputation as a visionary TV talent.
She continues her genre-forward run with Poker Face. Elsewhere, she has provided her iconic husky voice for animated shows, including Big Mouth and The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy.
Peter Dinklage
From Supporting Roles To Emmy-Winning TV Dominance
Synonymous with Game of Thrones, Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister earned him four Emmy Awards, and the show itself is one of the most successful and awarded TV series in history.
However, Westeros was not the first of Dinklage’s TV homes. In 2005, he played Arthur Ramsey in the TV series Threshold, and in 2006, he had a recurring guest role on Nip/Tuck.
Although films have been his focus lately, Dinklage returned to the small screen in Dexter: Resurrection as billionaire and villain Leon Prater, expanding his presence on modern prestige TV. His selective approach ensures his television roles remain cultural moments rather than filler appearances.
Danielle Brooks
A Breakout TV Talent Who Keeps Choosing Winners
Danielle Brooks’ powerful breakout role came as the vivacious Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in Orange Is the New Black. Appearing in all but two episodes of the series, she consistently contributed to one of Netflix’s most influential original series.
She later found success in animated comedy with Close Enough, which expanded her range beyond live-action drama into voice acting work. Most recently, Brooks’ successful portrayal as Leota Adebayo in HBO’s Peacemaker has earned her widespread praise. With each role, Brooks continues building a television résumé defined by strong ensembles, memorable characters, and shows that sustain audience enthusiasm.
