A notable trend in contemporary entertainment sees prominent film actors transitioning to television, drawn by rich character development and engaging storytelling. This shift brings seasoned performers, many with established careers in blockbuster cinema, to the forefront of popular streaming and broadcast series.
Harrison Ford, known for iconic roles in "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," has earned an Emmy nomination for his performance as a therapist with Parkinson's disease in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama "Shrinking." Ford, 83, described the role as "remarkable" and fulfilling.
Another Hollywood veteran, Kathy Bates, is drawing praise for her portrayal of a sharp criminal defense attorney in the CBS reboot of "Matlock." The series, slated for a mid-season 2027 entry, features Bates as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a character originally popularized by Andy Griffith in the 1980s.
Michelle Pfeiffer, celebrated for her roles in "Grease 2" and "Scarface," is also making a significant impact on television. She stars in the Paramount+ series "The Madison," which has been renewed for two additional seasons, and appeared alongside Nicole Kidman in Apple TV+'s "Margo's Got Money Troubles."
Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, while not new to television, has recently starred in a string of acclaimed shows. Her recent television credits include "Lioness," "Scarpetta," and "Margo's Got Money Troubles," in addition to her Emmy-winning role in "Big Little Lies."
Sylvester Stallone, a cinematic action icon, is leading the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King," where he plays a mobster establishing a new criminal enterprise in Oklahoma. The series is also set to spawn a spin-off, "Frisco King," starring Samuel L. Jackson.
Other notable actors who have successfully transitioned to television include Angela Bassett, who stars as LAPD Sergeant Athena Grant in "9-1-1"; Drew Barrymore, host of "The Drew Barrymore Show"; Christina Ricci, known for her role in the dark drama "Yellowjackets"; Kevin Costner, who led the initial seasons of "Yellowstone"; Glenn Close, who stars in Hulu's "All's Fair"; Reese Witherspoon, a key figure in Apple TV+'s "The Morning Show"; Dakota Fanning, who starred in the Peacock limited series "All Her Fault"; Jane Fonda, who co-starred in Netflix's "Grace and Frankie"; Winona Ryder, a central figure in Netflix's "Stranger Things"; Sissy Spacek, who appears in FX's "Dying For Sex"; and Jamie Lee Curtis, who garnered an Emmy for her performance in "The Bear."