Hollywood is full of some truly larger-than-life comedic presences, with many of these unforgettable stars keeping the masses on their toes when they decide to venture into dramatic territory. Though not all actors are able to successfully tackle more serious roles, when a funny performer is able to make the switch, the results can be downright spectacular.
After seven seasons of playing the zany goofball Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, Bryan Cranston surprised both his fans and the entertainment industry when he masterfully took on the iconic role of anti-hero Walter White in Breaking Bad. Just like Sofia Vergara, who brilliantly transitioned from being a sitcom star in Modern Family to delivering a powerhouse performance as a notorious drug lord in the Netflix crime dramaGriselda.
Here are 10 of the best TV dramas starring comedic actors.
10 Breaking Bad (Bryan Cranston)
Before he was taking on dangerous drug lords and cooking meth in an RV in his underwear, Bryan Cranston was making audiences laugh week-after-week in the popular 2000s sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. The dynamic actor was a hoot as family man Hal, who along with his wife Lois attempted to raise their four rambunctious boys while dealing with the many ups-and-downs of life.
Cranston’s performance as the loving-yet-immature Hal was hilarious and widely praised, and the show has since been regarded as one of the greatest TV sitcoms of all time.
AMC’s Gamble Pays Off
Going from portraying a goofball dad who constantly gets swept up in hijinks to a cancer ridden chemistry teacher-turned-brutal kingpin is no easy feat, yet Cranston made it look surprisingly easy. In the Vince Gilligan masterpiece Breaking Bad, Walter White joins forces with his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) to make meth in order to secure a financial future for his family, only to become a brutal, power-hungry antihero over the course of the drama’s five lauded seasons.
AMC officials were initially hesitant to cast Cranston in the lead role because of his zany work in Malcolm in the Middle, yet they were ultimately persuaded after seeing the actor’s X-Files episode.
Cranston received overwhelming praise and countless accolades for his unparalleled performance in the crime drama, including four Primetime Emmys, a Critics’ Choice Award, and two Golden Globes, and Walter White remains one of the most iconic television characters to ever grace the small screen.
9 Ozark (Jason Bateman)
Ozark
- Release Date
- July 21, 2017
- Seasons
- 4
Former child actor Jason Bateman achieved a feat that few Hollywood stars have been able to: successfully transition to an adult career in TV and film. Bateman first burst onto the scene when he appeared as James Cooper in the long-running drama Little House on the Prairie, before later starring in the sitcoms Silver Spoons and The Hogan Family and in the Teen Wolf Too.
After a brief acting lull in the late ’90s, Bateman returned to prominence when he starred in the celebrated comedy Arrested Development as well as films like Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief, and Game Night.
A New Acting Era for Bateman
Longtime fans of the charismatic actor were pleasantly surprised when he decided to try his hand at more serious work, both acting and directing the crime drama Ozark.
The gripping series follows Bateman’s Marty Byrde, a financial advisor and top Mexican drug cartel money launderer who uproots his family from Chicago to Osage Beach, Missouri in hopes of appeasing his ruthless bosses with a new opportunity after he is caught skimming money. The thriller features a stacked ensemble cast including Laura Linney and Julia Garner, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats for four taut seasons.
Ozark truly allowed Bateman to shine and paved the way for the actor to pursue further dramatic roles; he will next be starring opposite Jude Law in the upcoming Netflix miniseries Black Rabbit.
For his stellar contributions to Ozark both in front of and behind the camera, Bateman won a Primetime Emmy and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, kindly telling audiences in his acceptance speech: “So I just want to say to the people that are at home and not working as frequently as they want, you’re just one job away. You’re plenty talented. Hang in there”.
8 Legion (Aubrey Plaza)
Legion
- Release Date
- February 8, 2017
- Seasons
- 3
Known for her signature deadpan delivery and delightfully peculiar humor, Aubrey Plaza skyrocketed to stardom when she portrayed the cynical and apathetic intern April Ludgate in the beloved NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. The actress starred as the people-loathing April for seven seasons, and subsequently made a name for herself in the world of comedy by appearing in films like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Mike and Dave Need Weddings Dates, Dirty Grandpa, and Happiest Season.
Plaza Embraces Her Villainous Side
Despite being loved and appreciated for her unique funny bone, Plaza has also shown she can take on more dramatic roles, doing so in indie flicks like Ingrid Goes West, Black Bear, and Emily the Criminal. However, it was her brilliant performance in the sci-fi drama series Legion that truly showcased her range as an actress and proved she’s more than just a comedian.
The Noah Hawley-created program takes place in an alternate timeline of the X-Men franchise and centers on schizophrenic mutant David Haller (Dan Stevens) as he struggles to master his powers while evading a top secret government agency.
Plaza took on the dual roles of Lenore “Lenny” Busker and the Shadow King, with the actress playing the dark and powerful mutant as both a female and male; she appeared in all 27 episodes of the sci-fi hit and garnered widespread praise for her twisted portrayal. For her fantastic work in the show, Plaza was nominated for an Imagen Award and MTV Movie & TV Award, and further added to her eclectic resume.
7 Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Niecy Nash)
Perhaps most recognized for her side-splitting performance in the mockumentary-style comedy Reno 911!, actress and television host Niecy Nash has proven time and time again that she can expertly deliver humor and laughter.
Nash starred as Deputy Raineesha Williams for eight hilarious seasons and continued dominating the genre by appearing in TV shows like The Soul Man, Scream Queens, Getting On, and Claws. In 2022, she took on arguably her most challenging role when she joined the cast of Netflix’s Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
Nash’s Award-Winning Portrayal
In the biographical crime series that chronicled the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Nash played the notorious murderer’s highly-suspicious neighbor Glenda Cleveland, who tried numerous times to call the police and even attempted to alert the FBI about Dahmer.
While the program itself garnered a mixed response from viewers, Nash’s portrayal attracted rave reviews and was singled out by critics. She won both a Critics’ Choice Television Award and an NAACP Image Award, as well as nabbing a Golden Globe nod.
Nash called the project her “most challenging job to date” and in an interview with Deadline, the actress opened up about the significant impact Dahmer had on her career and all the praise she received. She told the outlet:
“This story is told through a different lens. You get to unpack the collateral damage in all of the families who had loved ones who lost their lives to Dahmer. And even though Glenda Cleveland was not killed by him, she definitely was a victim.”
6 True Detective (Vince Vaughn)
True Detective
- Release Date
- January 12, 2014
- Cast
- Mahershala Ali , Stephen Dorff , Carmen Ejogo , Scoot McNairy , Jodie Foster , Kali Reis , Matthew McConaughey , Woody Harrelson , Alexandra Daddario , John Hawkes , Colin Farrell , Vince Vaughn
- Seasons
- 4
Founding Frat Pack member and Hollywood leading man Vince Vaughn is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having been a staple of both the big and small screen for nearly thirty years. The laid-back, sarcastic comedian first gained recognition when he starred in the 1996 buddy comedy Swingers, and quickly made a name for himself with future roles in films like Old School, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Wedding Crashers, and The Break-Up.
Vaughn Returns to His Film Roots
Though he has dabbled in more dramatic genres such as Pyscho and Domestic Disturbance, Vaughn had largely stuck to comedic roles but returned to more serious work when he starred in the second season of the anthology crime series True Detective.
Vaughn appeared alongside Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kitsch in the installment, in which he played career criminal Frank Semyon as he attempts to turn his crooked life around and go straight all the while investigating the death of his partner.
True Detective allowed Vaughn to show off his range and at the time of the show’s release in 2015, the actor told Variety, “Though I still feel so young, I feel like I’m moving into a more adult part of my career. And I’m excited about what’s ahead of me, for sure.” Vaughn would follow-up his impressive work in the HBO series with prominent parts in dramatic films like Hacksaw Ridge, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete in the ensuing years.
5 Jack Ryan (John Krasinski)
For over eight years and nine seasons, John Krasinski was one-half of the ultimate will-they/won’t they power couple Jim and Pam in the universally adored mockumentary sitcom The Office.
Known for his hilariously relentless practical jokes on co-worker Dwight, Jim Halpert pines for his lady love Pam Beesly and serves as the show’s playful and compassionate straight man to the antics of boss Michael Scott. During his tenure in the comedy, Krasinski also starred in comedies like License to Wed, It’s Complicated, and Something Borrowed.
Krasinski Branches Out in Hollywood
While he became synonymous with his uproarious hijinks and admirable contributions to The Office, the actor wanted to branch out and demonstrate that he could be more than just a comedic performer.
Krasinski captivated the world when he directed, co-wrote, and starred in the horror film A Quiet Place, and further demonstrated his skills in front of the camera by starring in the action thriller series Jack Ryan, taking on the famous role of the eponymous CIA analyst and war veteran as he fights to protect the country from outside threats.
Krasinski portrayed the popular character for four celebrated seasons, with each installment in the series attracting overwhelming appreciation from critics and viewers. His complex portrayal also generated praise, with TV Insider commending the actor and writing, “There’s a haunted sorrow in Krasinski’s subdued and appealing performance, which occasionally explodes into undisciplined rage as the body count and stakes rise.”
4 Fargo (Chris Rock)
Fargo
- Release Date
- April 15, 2014
- Seasons
- 5
Widely regarded as one of the greatest stand-ups of all time, Chris Rock has had an illustrious career in comedy that goes back to 1990 when he joined the cast of the juggernaut sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live.
After spending three years on the influential program, Rock began to dominate the scene by releasing numerous stand-up specials like Never Scared and Kill the Messenger. He also landed roles in countless flicks including Death at a Funeral, Grown Ups, and I Think I Love My Wife, while also creating, producing, and narrating the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.
Rock Commands the Screen
For the fourth season of Noah Hawley’s crime drama anthology Fargo, Rock headlined the engrossing series and portrayed crime syndicate leader and businessman Loy Cannon, who is in charge of a group of African- American migrants running from the Jim Crow South in 1950 Kansas City, Missouri. Loy’s organization is at odds with an Italian mafia family and tensions mount between the opposing forces.
Rock was nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards, with audiences being impressed with the comedian’s ability to powerfully command the drama as its central character.
Chicago Sun-Times declared in their glowing review of the seasons, “Rock gives what might be his most impressive performance to date in Season 4 of Fargo a gloriously eccentric, blood-spattered and mobbed-up period piece about the evil men (and women) do in the pursuit of power and the almighty dollar.”
3 Better Call Saul (Bob Odenkirk)
Undeniably one of the most recognizable faces of the small screen, Bob Odenkirk has been a constant presence in Hollywood for over thirty years, having first made a name for himself by writing for Saturday Night Live from 1987 to 1991 and coming up with Chris Farley’s iconic character “Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker.”
Odenkirk would then appear alongside fellow comic David Cross in the HBO sketch comedy show Mr. Show with Bob and David, which earned four Primetime Emmy nominations during its four season run.
A Knock Out Spin-Off Series
Odenkirk has an extensive history writing and producing for comedy shows and films, and in 2009 he joined the AMC Neo-Western crime drama Breaking Bad, superbly portraying the shady strip mall laywer Saul Goodman who takes on Walter White and Jesse Pinkman as clients.
The character was so well-received that Odenkirk was given his very own spin-off series Better Call Saul, a prequel that chronicles the epic transformation of aspiring attorney Jimmy McGill as he eventually becomes the crooked defense attorney Goodman.
Better Call Saul garnered critical acclaim throughout its six seasons, with many deeming it just as good if not superior to its predecessor and one of the finest shows on television. Odenkirk won three Critics’ Choice Television Awards and two Satellite Awards (among countless other prestigious accolades), and fans can’t wait to see what the talented creator and performer does next after such a massively successful TV stint.
2 Nine Perfect Strangers (Melissa McCarthy)
Adored for her fearless approach to comedy and magnetic on-screen presence, Melissa McCarthy has steadily become one of the most sought-after actresses in both television and film.
Having first got her start in the dramedy Gilmore Girls as lovable chef and best friend Sookie St. James, McCarthy truly came into her own after dazzling moviegoers with her sidesplitting performance in the blockbuster comedy Bridesmaids, for which she earned an Oscar nomination. She would subsequently appear in The Heat, Tammy, Spy, and The Boss, while also becoming a popular host on Saturday Night Live.
McCarthy Continues to Shine & Thrive
McCarthy has showcased her serious side on the big-screen when she starred in the biopic Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and in 2021 she further demonstrated her acting prowess when she joined the mystery drama Nine Perfect Strangers.
In the Hulu series which co-stars Nicole Kidman, Luke Evans, and Michael Shannon, McCarthy appears as Frances Welty, a struggling novelist who goes on a 10-day California retreat and along with her fellow guests, must contend with the resort’s enigmatic founder.
At the time of its release, Nine Perfect Strangers became the most-watched Hulu original and earned praise for its dazzling cast performances and complex characters; McCarthy landed a Critics’ Choice Television Award nod for her work in the thrilling mystery. The Guardian singled McCarthy’s portrayal, calling the actress “the best, most arresting thing in the series, and every time she comes back on screen you wriggle with delight.”
1 Griselda (Sofia Vergara)
Griselda
- Release Date
- January 25, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
Adored for her larger-than-life persona and vivacious energy, Sofia Vergara charmed her way into the hearts of audiences all across the world when she appeared as the fiery Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the fan-favorite sitcom Modern Family.
Vergara quickly became the most buzzed-about character on the show and viewers loved how passionate and protective Gloria was of those she loved, and during its eleven seasons the actress became the highest-earning woman in U.S. television and one of the most sought after talents in the industry.
Vergara Sheds Her Sitcom Image
After saying goodbye to the enduring comedy in 2020, Vergara set her sights on new career opportunities, doing so in spectacular fashion by portraying infamous Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco in the Netflix biographical crime drama Griselda. The dark and violent miniseries chronicles the crime lord’s rise to power in the Miami drug scene, as she evades suspicion and arrest by the authorities while also taking on those who want to challenge and claim her durg empire.
Vergara dazzled as the “Godmother of Cocaine”, with many calling her portrayal a career-defining performance that truly allowed the actress to shine outside of her more well-known comedic roles. She spent three hours in hair and makeup to transform into Griselda, and when reflecting on her physical and mental evolution she underwent for the drama, Vergara told People:
“I had to change the way I walked [and] I talked. I didn’t want it to look like Gloria Pritchett with a fake nose. I wanted the people to forget about Gloria — that was the main thing. It was in Miami in the 70s and the 80s. Getting the look correct was very important to me. I needed to disappear.”
