13 Binge-Worthy Television Shows With Movie Stars in Lead Roles

In 2017, the television landscape changed forever when “Big Little Lies” first aired. This was the start of seeing many movie stars such as Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman transition over to television work. The show, with its all-star cast including Witherspoon, Kidman, and even Meryl Streep, delves into the seemingly perfect lives of Monterey mothers, unearthing dark secrets and complex relationships.

Its masterful storytelling, paired with powerful performances, has sparked important conversations about domestic abuse, friendship, and female empowerment. Garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, “Big Little Lies” has set a new standard for drama series, proving that TV can be both entertaining and profoundly impactful. “Big Little Lies” was originally conceived as a limited series in 2017 but was renewed following critical and commercial success.

The second season aired in 2019 and the door was left open for a third season in the future. Over the last year, producers Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon have expressed that a third season is currently being written and they cannot wait to show people what they have been working on. “Big Little Lies” is streaming on Max.

“True Detective” is an anthology crime drama series where each season presents a new, standalone story centered around complex criminal cases and the investigators who solve them.

The show has attracted a roster of acclaimed movie stars to lead each season, including Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the first season, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, and Colin Ferrell in the second, Mahershala Ali in the third, and Jodie Foster in the fourth. Their participation brings a high level of star power and depth to the series, enhancing its critical acclaim and drawing in viewers with their compelling performances. Each season focuses on a different story which means that you can watch them in whatever order you choose to.

The newest season, “True Detective: Night Country” premiered in the winter of 2024 and received nineteen Emmy nominations. Jodie Foster got her first nomination for her acting work in a television series following her direction in shows such as “Orange Is The New Black” being recognized. “True Detective” is streaming on Max.

“Yellowstone” is a contemporary drama series that explores the conflicts and challenges of the Dutton family, owners of the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. Set in Montana, the show delves into issues of land rights, family loyalty, and power struggles, all while painting a vivid portrait of rural American life. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, has garnered significant attention for its gripping narrative and cinematic quality, often drawing comparisons to film due to its high production values and dramatic storytelling.

At the heart of “Yellowstone” is Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family. Costner’s transition from a celebrated movie star to a leading television role represents a significant shift in his career. Known for his performances in blockbuster films such as “Dances with Wolves”, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, and “The Bodyguard”, Costner’s move to television with “Yellowstone” marked a new chapter in his illustrious career. “Yellowstone” is streaming on Paramount Plus.

Kevin Costner’s role in “Yellowstone” exemplifies the successful transition from film to television, showcasing how established actors can bring their star power and experience to the small screen. His performance as John Dutton enriches the series, reinforcing the show’s status as a major player in contemporary television drama. “Yellowstone” is streaming on Paramount Plus.

“Sharp Objects,” based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, is a dark psychological thriller starring Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist returning to her hometown to cover a series of brutal murders. As Camille investigates the crimes, she confronts her own traumatic past and the unsettling dynamics within her family, including her manipulative mother and estranged half-sister. The series, known for its intense atmosphere and complex characters, delves into themes of trauma, mental illness, and familial dysfunction, creating a gripping and haunting narrative. “Sharp Objects” is streaming on Max.

“Homecoming” is a psychological thriller television series that marked Julia Roberts’ debut in the TV landscape. Premiering on Amazon Prime Video in 2018, the show is based on the podcast of the same name and centers on a caseworker at a mysterious facility designed to help soldiers transition back to civilian life. Roberts plays Heidi Bergman, a therapist who begins to question the true purpose of the facility and her own role in it.

Julia Roberts’ transition from film to television with “Homecoming” was met with widespread acclaim. Her performance was praised for its depth and subtlety, demonstrating her ability to adapt her considerable acting skills to the episodic format.

Critics highlighted her compelling portrayal as a significant factor in the show’s success, earning Roberts accolades for her work in a medium she had not previously explored. The series itself received positive reviews for its tense narrative and stylish execution, further cementing Roberts’ successful foray into television.

Similar to “True Detective”, “American Crime Story” is an anthology series that dramatizes real-life criminal cases. Each season focuses on a different crime, blending fact with dramatization to explore the stories behind high-profile legal battles.

In Season 2, titled “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” Penélope Cruz plays Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace’s sister, who becomes a central figure in the aftermath of his murder. The series also stars Edgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace, Darren Criss as Andrew Cunanan (the killer), and Ricky Martin as Versace’s partner, Antonio D’Amico. Other actors with film backgrounds who have appeared in the series include Sarah Paulson and John Travolta. The series continues to tackle popular crime cases with a fourth season in the works. “American Crime Story” is streaming on Hulu.

“The Umbrella Academy” is a Netflix series based on the comic book of the same name by Gerard Way. It follows a dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. Elliot Page, who plays Viktor Hargreeves, joined the cast in its second season. This role marked Page’s first major television venture after achieving notable success in films like “Juno” and “Inception.” The final season is going to premiere tomorrow, August 8. “The Umbrella Academy” is streaming on Netflix.

“Truth Be Told” is a television series that follows Poppy Parnell, a true-crime podcaster who reopens a decade-old murder case she originally covered, questioning whether the convicted man was truly guilty. Octavia Spencer stars as Poppy Parnell, showcasing her transition from acclaimed film roles to television.

Octavia Spencer, known for her Oscar-winning performance in “The Help” and other notable films, made her foray into television with “Truth Be Told.” Her role in the series highlights her versatility as an actress, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences in both film and television mediums. Kate Hudson joined in the second season, making another movie star to join the television world. “Truth Be Told” is streaming on Apple TV+.

“Defending Jacob” is a gripping legal drama that follows assistant district attorney Andy Barber, played by Chris Evans, as his world is turned upside down when his son, Jacob, is accused of murder. Following his work in Marvel, Chris Evans joined the television game. Based on William Landay’s novel, the show delves into the complexities of parental love, guilt, and the pursuit of justice. With intense performances and a meticulously crafted narrative, “Defending Jacob” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning the nature of truth and loyalty. Its exploration of familial bonds and moral dilemmas has resonated deeply with audiences, making it a standout in the genre. “Defending Jacob” is streaming on Apple TV+.

The hit series “Only Murders in the Building” is returning for its highly anticipated fourth season this fall, and fans are eager to see what new twists and turns await the show’s beloved trio. Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the series has captivated audiences with its clever blend of comedy, mystery, and drama. With the recent conclusion of its third season, the show has set the stage for more intriguing investigations at the Arconia. “Only Murders in the Building” follows an unlikely trio who start to tackle murder cases via a podcast. The show is a perfect blend of mystery, drama, and comedy.

Returning to their roles are Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage, Martin Short as Oliver Putnam, and Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora. The chemistry between these three leads has been a cornerstone of the show’s success, and their dynamic is expected to continue driving the story forward. Meryl Streep will also be returning following her supporting role in the third season as Loretta Durkin. Joining her are esteemed talents like Paul Rudd, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Zach Galifianakis, Molly Shannon, Kumail Nanjiani, Melissa McCarthy, and Richard Kind, each bringing their unique flair to the ensemble. “Only Murders in the Building” is streaming on Hulu. Season 4 premieres on August 27.

“Shrinking” is from the same creative team as “Ted Lasso” with Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) and Bill Lawerence (Creator of “Ted Lasso”) at the helm. “Shrinking” follows Jimmy, played by co-creator Jason Segel who is a therapist grieving the loss of his wife. He has a troubled relationship with his daughter ever since the death of his wife and he has to do his best to repair his work and home life.

With an amazing comedic performance from the movie icon, Harrison Ford, “Shrinking” will make you laugh and cry at the same time. The heartwarming ensemble, fantastic writing, and great performances makes for a delightful watch. The second season is expected to premiere on October 16. “Shrinking” is streaming on Apple TV+.

“Presumed Innocent” has quickly become the must-watch show of the summer, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and compelling characters. Each week, viewers are drawn deeper into its web of mystery, eagerly piecing together clues and anticipating the next twist. It is a classic murder mystery blended with courtroom drama. The show’s ability to blend legal drama with intense suspense keeps fans on the edge of their seats, making it a standout in this season’s lineup. As the first season wraps up, the craving for more gripping tales persists.

It follows Jake Gyllenhaal’s first foray into television with David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies) at the helm. The show is very watchable and a second season is currently in development. Make sure to avoid researching the show or you may get spoiled! “Presumed Innocent” is streaming on Apple TV+.

“Lady in the Lake” is a television miniseries based on Laura Lippman’s novel of the same name. It revolves around a journalist investigating a murder in 1960s Baltimore, uncovering secrets that shake the city. Natalie Portman stars as the lead character, Maddie Schwartz, a housewife who becomes entangled in the investigation.

This series marks Natalie Portman’s first significant role in television, highlighting her transition from a successful film career to the small screen. Moses Ingram, best known for her work in “The Queen’s Gambit” shines in the show. “Lady in the Lake” is currently streaming on Apple TV+. The series is expected to consist of seven episodes with the final one airing on August 23.

The trend of movie stars transitioning to television has brought fresh energy and depth to the small screen, offering audiences captivating performances and complex stories. Shows like “Presumed Innocent,” “Big Little Lies,” and “American Crime Story” showcase how film actors, such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicole Kidman, and Penélope Cruz, bring their cinematic prowess to television, creating compelling and binge-worthy content. These series not only highlight the versatility of these stars but also signal an exciting evolution in the entertainment landscape. We eagerly anticipate more movie stars making their mark on TV, promising even more engaging and high-quality programming in the future.