10 Secret TV Shows Starring A-List Actors You Never Knew Existed

Summary

Big-name Hollywood actors like Emma Stone, Don Cheadle, and Harrison Ford have appeared in excellent TV shows, but they often go unnoticed in the crowded streaming market.

These actors can be seen in shows like Miracle Workers, starring Daniel Radcliffe, and On Becoming A God In Central Florida, featuring Kirsten Dunst. These shows are often overlooked but offer exceptional performances and captivating storylines. Even with renowned actors such as Julia Roberts in Gaslit and Chiwetel Ejiofor in The Man Who Fell to Earth, these shows have managed to stay under the radar, despite their compelling narratives and stellar acting.

With the surge of prestige TV, more renowned Hollywood actors are stepping into television roles, resulting in the possibility of exceptional shows going unnoticed. Over the past few years, acclaimed movie stars like Emma Stone, Don Cheadle, and Harrison Ford have graced television series. However, amidst the saturation of content provided by streaming platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV, and Disney+, these hidden gems can easily be overlooked. Nonetheless, prominent actors have ventured into the small screen realm, enhancing their television projects to a new echelon. Whether it's Kirsten Dunst's involvement in a '90s period piece exploring pyramid schemes or Emma Thompson's portrayal in Russell T Davies' Black Mirror-esque glimpse into the near future, these undervalued shows featuring A-list actors are still deserving of discovery.

Miracle Workers (Daniel Radcliffe)

On Becoming A God In Central Florida (Kirsten Dunst)

: Daniel Radcliffe's Transition from Harry Potter to Miracle Workers

Krystal Stubbs, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, takes center stage in the dark comedy series On Becoming A God In Central Florida. As an employee at a water park, Krystal finds herself caught up in a lively pyramid scheme during the 1990s in Florida. Brace yourself for a wild and unpredictable journey as the show delivers a mix of black comedy and zany hijinks reminiscent of Dunst's memorable performance in Drop Dead Gorgeous. Despite the unfortunate cancelation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Krystal's fate remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Dunst's portrayal, coupled with the emergence of rising star Théoodore Pellerin, makes this season a must-watch experience.

Gaslit (Julia Roberts)

The Man Who Fell To Earth (Chiwetel Ejiofor & Bill Nighy)

Gaslit, the 2022 political thriller, offers a fresh perspective on the well-known Watergate scandal. Drawing from the Slow Burn podcast's inaugural season by Leon Neyfakh, the series stars Julia Roberts as Martha Mitchell, a Nixon staffer's wife known for her love of gossip. True to its source material's title, Gaslit unfolds gradually, making it a perfect fit for those intrigued by political history. Despite receiving acclaim from critics and featuring Roberts, the series has managed to remain undiscovered by many.

The Man Who Fell to Earth, released in 1976, has achieved cult classic status with its captivating performance by David Bowie. Fast forward to 2022, and we have The Man Who Fell to Earth sequel, featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor as the protagonist, an alien who descends upon Earth during a pivotal moment for humanity and his own race. Despite the immense talent of Ejiofor and his co-star, Bill Nighy, along with glowing reviews and the enduring popularity of the original film, The Man Who Fell to Earth failed to make the impact it deserved. Nonetheless, this enthralling science fiction drama is a must-watch for enthusiasts of the genre.

Your Honor (Bryan Cranston)

Maniac (Emma Stone & Jonah Hill)

Although Bryan Cranston's previous role in the critically acclaimed TV show Breaking Bad set an incredibly high standard, his portrayal of Michael Desiato in Your Honor proves to be equally captivating. Adapted from the Israeli series Kvodo, this intense drama was initially planned as a miniseries but later renewed for a second season due to its gripping nature and exceptional quality. Drawing parallels to Cranston's iconic character, Michael is a virtuous man who finds himself entangled in a web of wrongdoing. The outstanding performance by Cranston has been widely hailed as the standout feature of this extraordinary series.

Maniac, a black comedy miniseries on Netflix, is led by Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. The stellar cast also includes Justin Theroux, Sally Field, and Julia Garner. Despite having such a powerhouse ensemble, Maniac may have struggled to gain traction due to its unconventional premise and mind-bending plot. Stone portrays Annie and Hill portrays Owen, the two main characters who form a connection while participating in a high-stakes pharmaceutical experiment. The series offers plenty to admire, including its retro-futuristic depiction of New York City and the mesmerizing performances by Stone and Hill. However, it's easy to become entangled in the intricacies of the storyline and the hallucinogenic realms the protagonists venture into.

Kidding (Jim Carrey)

Black Monday (Don Cheadle)

Comedy legend Jim Carrey showcases his unparalleled versatility in Showtime's Kidding, where he takes on the role of a beloved children's presenter grappling with personal turmoil. Departing from his trademark slapstick comedy, Carrey delivers a poignant and emotive performance that delves into the complexities of identity, grief, and family. Despite the second season of Kidding receiving a remarkable 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains a puzzling oversight that this gem of a show went largely unnoticed.

Black Monday, a new dark comedy series on Showtime, delves into the notorious day in 1987 that forever changed Wall Street. The catastrophic stock market crash serves as the backdrop for a captivating narrative that centers around a group of Wall Street professionals, led by the exceptional Don Cheadle. Their underhanded dealings and personal clashes serve as catalysts for the impending disaster. While the overall reception of the series may be mixed, Cheadle's remarkable performance is widely praised and establishes Black Monday as a must-watch for those intrigued by the dark history of Wall Street's most infamous Monday.

Years And Years (Emma Thompson)

From the creative mind of Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, comes Years and Years, a compelling dystopian series that easily secures its position as one of HBO's top miniseries. Over the span of 15 years, Years and Years follows the Lyons family as they navigate a world transformed by revolutionary technological advancements and seismic shifts in the political landscape. With a stellar cast including renowned British actors like Rory Kinnear, Russell Tovey, and Anne Reid, the standout performance comes from Emma Thompson. Thompson brings a captivating combination of charm and occasional menace to her role as Vivienne Rook, a businesswoman-turned-politician.

Shrinking (Harrison Ford & Jason Segal)

Jimmy Laird, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist portrayed by Jason Segal, finds his life spiraling out of control after the demise of his wife. Breaking free from conventions, Segal's compelling portrayal is complemented by the legendary Harrison Ford in the role of Jimmy's esteemed senior colleague. Together, Segal and Ford captivate audiences in the captivating series Shrinking, receiving laudatory acclaim from critics despite its relatively low viewership.