Top 10 TV Shows That Were So Good They Launched Careers

[@ConnorMiller417]

Friends launched the career for all of its cast members. Obviously, Jennifer Aniston has become what we know her to be. Courtney Cox has started in the _Scream_ films, Lisa has won multiple awards for her acting, Matt went on to host _Top Gear_ , Matthew went on to be a producer and creator, and David went on to star in _The Band of Brothers_ . One of the perfect casts for a great show!

[@shawnuel]

I think there were 3 legitimate break-outs from Parks and Recreation. Pratt, Aubrey Plaza and Nick Offerman. Plaza and Offerman have done critically lauded work since the show ended while Pratt's blockbuster action flicks make money. But in roles where he tries to stretch out a bit he has had a poor reception (Tomorrow War, The Terminal List) both critically and with his viewership. Plaza, especially, has been killing it in recent years. White Lotus, hosting SNL, producing her own starring vehicles like Emily the Criminal and Black Bear and there was her incredible turn in Legion.

[@charitysmidutz498]

I came to the comments to see if anyone had called that out.

[@JeffreyGoddin]

Yeah I don't know how Mojo fell down on this one, if you're going to do Parks and Rec you have to acknowledge Plaza and Offerman...

[@dominiccenteno1233]

Adam Scott too. Severance

[@JeffreyGoddin]

@@dominiccenteno1233 Mmm, he hasn't been on Hot Ones yet, so that may be a bit of a stretch, lol!

[@RapFanatic4ever]

You gotta have Fresh Prince on here. Cause Will Smiths career as a actor took off after that end of it . I’m not holding that slap or Chris Rock against him. If Merlin Santana who played Romeo on Steve Harvey he would’ve been a huge actor

[@wowbobwow37]

#1 should be Moonlighting - Bruce Willis and it's very surprising he didn't even make the list.

[@thereallg4587]

*Stranger things was the best thing to happen to Millie Bobby brown.*

[@sparrowwilson4514]

Millie would have been successful no matter what. She produced and starred in a movie franchise at 16 and has worked in countless other productions. She’s 19 years old and is more successful than most people could ever dream of. No one that hungry just sits on their haunches. Arguably, Stranger Things was popular because of Millie’s talent and charisma.

[@missmayflower]

Was it though? Most child actors’ lives turn out to be train wrecks.

[@justnahayo8490]

@@missmayflower😐

[@AndreaALenze]

Also the best thing to happen to TV in at least the last 20 years.

[@darladeibler8413]

Another honorable mention could be David Boreanaz whose career was launched on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. He has consistently been on TV in a successful series since being cast as Angel.

[@neilgerace355]

Fresh Prince of Bel Air: Will Smith Happy Days: Henry Winkler and Robin Williams

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

Technically, Cheers also launched the careers of Ted Danson, Shelly Long and Kirstie Alley. All three also had prominent film careers for quite a few years after. Did those careers stick? Maybe not. But that wasn’t the fault of the series that launched them.

[@shells500tutubo]

And Kelsey Grammer.

[@richardblain4783]

And John Ratzenberger, if you include voice acting.

[@seanbohan9491]

How did you miss Robin Williams? Unforgivable.

[@syria0110]

There was a top 20 list on the main WM channel called "Actors who outgrew their shows," and he was Number 1

[@shawnuel]

Because Mork and Mindy was only a moderately good show.

[@jalabi99]

12:15 Not true that David Caruso "never did anything as good as _NYPD Blue_ again" - he was the star of _CSI: Miami_ for many years, and that show kicked butt!

[@blusaphirevixen]

Thank you! I came here to say the same thing! I watched CSI: Miami religiously! His puns and those sunglasses! Lol

[@julianaylor4351]

You don't cross Haratio Caine. If you do off come the sunglasses and his look ' kills '.

[@JennNofficial]

for me it be Mariska Hargitay in the still running SVU ! she has become a true icon

[@kamsismith]

Mork and Mindy and Everybody Hates Chris are shows I thought about, more so Mork and Mindy as it's easy to forget that Robin Williams had his start on television along with stand-up.

[@MollyMcLaughlin]

Matt Smith from Doctor Who. A few acting credits, but basically unknown until then. Now a plethora of television & movie roles, including Daemon Targaryen.

[@doctoranky]

Ashton Kutcher and Mila kunis?? Emilia Clarke : Game of thrones?

[@jalabi99]

5:18 should have also mentioned that Mindy Kaling gained so much fame from the US version of _The Office_ that she became the first South Asian woman to ever be the star, producer, director and writer on her own American TV show: _The Mindy Project._

[@ronorleans]

So glad you showed that Idris Elba clip from 'Ab. Fab.' 😂 everytime I see him in that scene I'm like hey it's 'Luther.'

[@marcosnonato]

Bradley Cooper was also in Alias. How you not mention that?

[@sparrowwilson4514]

Because no one really cared about him until he did The Hangover. That was his “big break”.

[@devingiles6597]

Honorable mention: Girl Meets World (Sabrina Carpenter) The Steve Harvey Show (sitcom) (Steve Harvey) Family Matters (Jaleel White) Full House (Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen) Life with Louie (Louie Anderson) Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus & John O'Hurley) Star Trek: The Next Generation (Patrick Stewart & LeVar Burton)

[@catherinewilliams9680]

Cheers started Ted Danson, Kelsy Grammer, Shelley Long and John's Ratzenberger's careers, not just Woody Harrelson's.

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

And Kirstie Alley.

[@pamelalagree-kanotz6845]

They SAID yhe entire cast!

[@devingiles6597]

Yeah. I mean, Kelsy Grammer does go on to star in Frasier, starring the main character himself. Not to mention, he became the executive producer of the UPN sitcom, Girlfriends and its spinoff The Game, both the 2006 series and the reboot for Paramount+. John Ratzenberger goes on to voice Hamm the piggy bank in the Toy Story franchise.

[@themayhemofmadness7038]

@@pamelalagree-kanotz6845 No. They Said Woody Harrelson in Cheers. They said the entire cast for Friends.

[@PaulStirk]

Moonlighting - Bruce Willis. Alias - Bradley Cooper.

[@cherylbunyan3995]

Yes! Bruce's debut as David Addison on Moonlighting was a genuine star-making moment. What an introduction!

[@carastone3473]

ER was one of my favorite shows! Always loved George Clooney and Anthony Edwards.

[@jackrodakthemovieguy1726]

Jason Alexander and Michael Richards for Seinfeld? Bryan Cranston and Frankie Muniz for Malcolm in the Middle? Jason Segel and Cobie Smulders for HIMYM?

[@colinekszczecin]

How you can mention Kit Harrington but not Emilia Clarke? Also one show that I think should have been on the list is X-files

[@NybergCarl]

Did Duchovny & Jillian Anderson go on to anything big?

[@acalia_sariah]

"The Dick Van Dyke Show" Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Will Smith "Three's Company" John Ritter and Suzanne Somers

[@ansleyhendrix3381]

Millie Bobby Brown in Stranger Things! She’s so good in that role. She does an awesome American accent

[@stingrey1571]

Chris Pratt got buff due to moneyball and zero dark thirty.

[@example2844]

It is CRIMINAL that Will Smith and Fresh Prince of Bel Air wasn't on here, hell it wasn't even MENTIONED

[@shawnuel]

Wasn't he already a star due to his music career when the TV show started?

[@example2844]

@shawnuel not really a star, he got started but wasn't really recognised, he used the TV show to help boost his music career which incidentally ended up in a very successful movie career

[@devingiles6597]

Don't forget Alfonso Ribeiro. He is currently the host of the 32nd season of the U.S. adaptation of Dancing with the Stars, replacing Tyra Banks.

[@elizemuller5065]

Isn't mr Smith a bit radioactive nowadays?

[@shawnuel]

@@example2844 “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and the album He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper we’re released in late 1988. The single was the first rap song ever to win a Grammy (1999). The album went multi-platinum. Sounds like he was recognized to me. The TV show first aired on Sept. 30, 1990. I’d say he was a star prior to the TV show. That’s likely why MsMojo didn’t include him.

[@fantasyprincessgirl]

Chris Pratt is also voicing the villain in a new Disney movie! He’s come so far!

[@gmarie3]

Also - Bosom Buddies - Tom Hanks :)

[@ryanappleton3653]

Thank you for mentioning Jennifer Garner and her career jumpstarter Alias! She's my favourite of the Jennifer's (if not the most underrated) and I think Alias has been overlooked as a show. It premiered on TV a few weeks after 9/11 hence the dark tone of the show but provides enough thrills, kickass ventures and escapism to balance out the hard nosed government/spy elements.

[@CatherinePearl100]

And Bradley Cooper, who was somehow overlooked.

[@josiahgibbs5697]

What about Ron Howard who stared as Opie?

[@henri191]

Friends = the whole cast 😂 , i mean it's not wrong at all

[@LiesThatBind]

3rd Rock from the Sun: Joseph Gordon Levitt

[@stefanpolomsky1306]

What about "Buffy"? It launched Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Borenaz and Allison Hannigan, as well as boosted (some more than others) Seth Green, Alexis Denisof, Michelle Trachtenberg and Marc Blucas. And there's more, if you count one-time characters and/or the "Angel"-cast and guest cast.

[@thatguy8514]

Tom Hanks from Bosom Buddies. Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Lopez from In Living Color. Someone else beat me to Denzel from St Elsewhere. SNL could have it’s own list with Eddie Murphy and Mike Myers up top. (Idea?)

[@susiedupuy9532]

I can't believe they left out Denzel Washington.

[@michellescott1211]

Michelle Williams! Dawson's Creek! Come on!!!

[@idkhow9603]

suprised yall aint mention gambino on community, that show got him a succesful music and acting career.

[@SerbAtheist]

Gee, I wonder what Sophie Turner, Masie Williams, Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke and Pedro Pascal would have to say about this video.

[@nicholsjon9472]

Micheal B Jordan and Connie Brittian also starred on Friday Night Lights.

[@thomasmoeller3446]

George Clooney was also a reoccurring character in the later seasons of "Facts of Life"

[@thewriterstuff]

What about Elizabeth Moss from Mad Men? Will Smith? Robin Williams? Tom Hanks (remember Bosom Buddies?) They obviously need to do another (better) list.

[@gfear24]

Caruso is more known for his time in CSI: Miami than he is for his stint in NYPD Blue.

[@elizemuller5065]

Are you sure he left after the 2nd season? Seems to have been there a lot longer.

[@furbysmith3240]

He's known for his naked butt shot from NYPD blue.

[@brb__bathroom]

and then there where those who launched criminal careers: Allison Mack for example

[@vickylunson1603]

I beg to differ with you about David Caruso "nothing much else" bit. Yes NYPD Blue may have launched his career, but I thought he excelled as "Horatio Caine" in CSI Miami... Nothing much else????... I think you might wanna brush up on your TV shows just a tad... Lol 🤣

[@NybergCarl]

"Sons of Anarchy" was a pretty big boost to Charlie Hunnam & Tommy Flanagan.

[@gregaj7]

Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, and Bruce Campbell from "Burn Notice". Chris Vance was also launched from that series and did the "Transporter" British TV show, then showed up on the new "Hawaii 5-0".

[@rbishop95]

How is Glee not on this list? The cast was entirely unknown before the show started. You could also go for One Tree Hill with CMM and Sophia Bush having it as their launching pad. Teen wolf with Dylan O’Brien, the OC with Adam Brody. 7th Heaven with Jessica Biel and Tyler Hoechlin, Joan of Arcadia with Amber Tamblyn, etc.

[@AndreaALenze]

I’d include “Bosom Buddies” a forgettable 80’s sit-com that launched Tom Hanks.

[@thechillindude4478]

What about Breaking bad? Sure Bryan Cranston had Malcolm in the middle before but breaking bad absolutely sky rocketed his career. Bob Odenkirk got alot out of it too

[@julianaylor4351]

Sort of special mention ....The X Files. Just watch Gillian Anderson in The Fall, Great Expectations and as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown ...okay huge television, rather than film star, but so what, she probably needs that elusive film role. You are totally wrong about David Caruso....have you never watched CSI : Miami? Haratio Caine has taken off his sunglasses and is staring at you perp. Another Miami based show....Miami Vice, Don Johnson. Add to that he reconnected with ex wife Melanie Griffith, remarried, hence daughter Dakota Johnson.

[@Davidjimv]

I really thought the list was more about mostly secondary characters rather than main characters

[@vivianwallwood]

The actress who player Ruth Langmore in Ozark

[@samuelcollantes1175]

As i always say "every day you learn something new". Happy saturday morning Kirsten , and nice top as well. Take care and God bless you, greetings from Colombia.

[@pamelalagree-kanotz6845]

Surprised you didn't mention Tom Hanks or Will Smith.

[@jamalvargas6146]

Cops (1989-2020;2021) Myself The First Show that made me who I am today thank you John Langley RIP

[@williammccollom6847]

Most of these people have only had moderate success after their shows with the exception of Clooney and Millie, Woody and Pratt. Nothing compared to Moonlighting being the launching pad for Bruce Willis, Welcome Back Kotter for John Travolta, Family Ties for Michael J Fox or Dawson's Creek for multiple time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams

[@davidjackson2524]

21 Jump St - Johnny Depp?

[@khalidalkhatib8284]

You could have added ashton Kutcher from that '70s show.

[@LiesThatBind]

and Mila Kunis

[@frayhua9716]

Your forgot about Pierce Bronsan he came breakout in Remington Steele and after the show as over he became James Bond and better than the original Sean Connery.

[@lukemcg7295]

Kit Harrington? I would argue Richard Madden got launched far better with Bodyguard, Rocketman and Eternals. Harrington was locked in the show and he did a few crappy movies but nothing on the scale of Madden. Even in eternals madden was lead and Harrington a cameo

[@MsBlackhawk69]

George Clooney gained a lot of notoriety when he was on Roseanne years before he was on E.R.

[@NickCC23]

I once had a mad man crush on Jon Hamm. He proves he was as funny as he was handsome.

[@tommygraen4805]

ER also launched, although not as brightly, Noah Wyle and Julianna Marguiles

[@bjorndamrong3289]

Hi Kirsten have a great day and love your voice 😍

[@magyarmagpie]

3rd Rock From the Sun, for Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

[@PaulStirk]

Forgot Rawhide - Introducing Oscar winning actor and director CLINT EASTWOOD

[@homerb5653]

BRUCE WILLIS in Moonlighting!

[@kikoduarte]

Michael J Fox....

[@kstephane1444]

Mindy Kaling is more successful than John Krasinski

[@caccarlac9014]

What about Glee stars like Darren Criss, Lea Michele and others?

[@thehangdude]

In Living Color - Jim Carrey

[@NickCC23]

RIP Matthew Perry.

[@samkresil6011]

What about Emily Bett Rickards in Arrow?

[@CarolinaSprkl]

You missed the Skins guys!

[@PaulStirk]

Neighbours - Russell Crowe

[@NickCC23]

I knew Jesse Plemons from Breaking Bad he can play both good characters and bad characters.

[@OscarMPG1]

#3 The less said about his Batman portrayal the better

[@SRanade]

You missed Dawson's creek, two actresses have Oscar nominated creek,

[@kostyannakon]

Top 10 tops there the Friends is in the first place.

[@richardblain4783]

Stephen Colbert and The Daily Show

[@Fey_Fatale]

John Carter is great! People are just snobby, lol

[@Uncle_Smidge]

Hopefully Reservation Dogs launches some careers; we need more Native TV 🤘🤘

[@NickCC23]

P&R Aubrey Plaza also.

[@MsBlackhawk69]

It was Roseanne not Facts of Life that launched George Clooney's career.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

The actress that played Pousey n Tastee from Orange is the New Black

[@bigyellow232]

i thought this was gonna be more about the show launching careers of multiple people on the cast

[@userLongHairedGIRL]

Honestly I don't agree with this list, i mean don't get me wrong I'm glad that these certain celebrities earning their credits and honoring the shows that made them well known.... BUT! I believe that the CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED SHOW called Eyewitness should've made the whole cast more well known and they should be starring in more TV shows and Movies but people barely knows who most of the cast members are, but it's a good thing I do and I hope, dream, beg, and pray that the cast of Eyewitness will become far more popular especially when one of the cast members is the SON of late actor BILL PAXTON and his name is JAMES PAXTON and his co-star TYLER MATTHEW YOUNG! Because they deserve so much more recognition, attention, fame, popularity and love because they are just as talented as any of these "overrated famous celebrities" and that's the truth!

[@aaronjjacques]

How did chuck not appear on this list?

[@rolandojrmatta4689]

In FNL, what about Michael B Jordan?

[@metalneck1979]

Yeah I’m giving this video a thumbs down for not including Aubrey Plaza and Michael K. Williams. Also using Jennifer Garner to throw shade at an Ashton Kutcher film was just obnoxiously unnecessary.

[@LiesThatBind]

You mention Friday night lights but no Michael B Jordan ?

[@Wimzey]

This list is so weird. How could you have left off Freaks and Geeks? It launched the careers of so many well-known actors, as well as Paul Feig. Linda Cardellini John Francis Daley James Franco Seth Rogen Jason Segel Martin Starr Busy Philipps

[@dominiccenteno1233]

Arrested Development and Parks & Rec

[@Joshuamoney_13]

12:03

[@exceladeogun3591]

How does game of thrones only have kit Harrington? When almost all the main cast have become stars from it?

[@matthewknecht289]

What about Rainn Wilson?

[@richardblain4783]

How could you not include Breaking Bad and Aaron Paul.

[@pinkyspartycannon]

How did you miss Living Single.

[@ADavid42]

whaaat. No Adam Driver from Girls?