Last updated on: July 31, 2025
When it comes to actors who effortlessly slip into any role—be it charming, chilling, or completely unexpected— Hamish Linklater stands out with his incredible range and presence. Whether you’ve seen him deliver sharp wit in comedies like The New Adventures of Old Christine, or send chills down your spine in haunting dramas like Midnight Mass, Linklater has a way of making every character feel real. This list of his top 10 movies and TV shows highlights the versatility and depth he brings to the screen, proving why he remains one of the most underrated yet unforgettable actors working today. Let’s dive into some of his most memorable performances!
1. The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006–2010)
IMdb rating: 7.2/10
In The New Adventures of Old Christine , Hamish Linklater plays Matthew Kimble. He’s Christine’s younger brother—funny, kind, and a little strange in the best way. He doesn’t always fit in, but that’s part of what makes him special.
Matthew lives with his sister Christine, who’s raising her son on her own. He helps out where he can. Sometimes, he gives advice that’s unexpected. It’s not always helpful, but it’s always entertaining.
Hamish brings a gentle humor to the role. When he’s on screen, you just feel good. His character is soft-hearted and trying his best, even when things don’t go right.
Christine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is a single mom juggling work, parenting, and dating. Her ex-husband is remarried—to someone else named Christine. That makes for some awkward moments. The show mixes laughs with real feelings, and it never feels fake.
You should watch this show because it’s warm, smart, and full of characters you’ll care about. Matthew may try to act grown-up, but he often ends up in silly messes. Those are some of the best parts.
A fun thing to know: Off screen, Hamish and Julia got along so well, many people thought they were really brother and sister. They weren’t—but you could believe it.
I remember watching an episode once while I was having a rough day. Matthew did something goofy, and I laughed out loud. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me how powerful a smile or a chuckle can be.
2. Legion (2017–2019)
IMdb rating: 8.1/10
In the show Legion , Hamish Linklater plays Clark Debussy. At first, he seems like a cold man with rules. He works for the government. His job is to watch people with strange powers. But as time passes, we learn more about him. He’s not just a hard man with orders. He has feelings. He changes. And that makes him interesting.
Clark starts off as someone you might not like. But slowly, you see his heart. Hamish shows this change in a quiet, real way. You can see how a person can grow when they start seeing the world differently.
The story of Legion is wild and deep. It’s about David Haller, a young man who thinks he’s sick. He’s told he has schizophrenia. But it turns out, he has something else inside him—powers no one can explain. The show takes you into his thoughts. You see what he sees: dreams, fears, and strange visions. It’s like a puzzle wrapped in lightning.
This isn’t your usual superhero tale. It’s more like a dream you can’t forget. Every episode makes you stop and think. What’s real? What’s in someone’s mind? How much do we really know?
You should watch Legion because it’s different. It’s smart. It’s full of color and sound and surprise. Hamish’s role brings softness to the madness. If you’ve seen X-Men stories before, this one will feel new. It’s like those tales, but deeper, cooler, and more grown-up.
Did you know? Even though Legion is part of the X-Men world, it doesn’t feel like an action movie. It feels more like a mystery or a painting come to life.
People who write about TV loved Legion . They said it was brave, bold, and beautiful to watch. Fans liked it too. Many were hooked by the story, the acting, and how it made them feel something new every time.
If you want to watch it, look for it on Hulu or Disney+. It depends on where you live, but it’s worth finding.
I remember watching one scene where Clark says very little, but his eyes say everything. That stuck with me. It made me think about how quiet moments can speak louder than words. That’s what makes this show special.
3. Midnight Mass (2021)
IMdb rating: 7.7/10
Out on a lonely island, where the wind whispers through old trees and secrets run deep, comes Midnight Mass . Hamish Linklighter steps into the role of Father Paul Hill like he was born for it. At first, he walks in gentle, soft-spoken and full of light. But not all light is warm. Some of it burns.
The town welcomes him with open arms. Folks are hurting, tired, stuck in quiet pain. Then—things shift. A man walks again. A woman sees again. People start to change. Not just their bodies. Their spirits too. And not always for the better.
Linklighter’s voice? It carries like thunder over water. He speaks from deep in his chest. You feel each word like a hand on your shoulder. Even when the story twists dark, you can’t look away.
This isn’t just a ghost tale or a scare show. It’s about what we believe. Why we believe. What happens when faith turns sharp. The plot curls around you slow, then holds tight. The people of Crockett Island feel real. Like folks you’ve known. Or maybe even yourself.
If you want more than jump-scares—if you want something that digs under your skin and makes you wonder—you should watch this. It’s not just spooky. It’s soulful.
Fun thing: Linklighter didn’t just pretend to be a priest. He studied real sermons. Watched real churches. Listened to how people pray when they think no one’s listening. That’s why every word feels true.
People online still talk about his performance. Some say he deserved an Emmy. Others say he gave the role everything but his own soul.
You can find Midnight Mass streaming on Netflix. Sit by the fire. Turn off the lights. Watch close.
4. Tell Me Your Secrets (2021)
IMdb rating: 7.4/10
Out on the edge of a story where shadows run deep, Tell Me Your Secrets pulls you in slow. Hamish Linklighter plays John Tyler, a man with blood on his past and a mask over his soul. He used to hunt in the dark. Now he says he wants to walk in the light. But can snakes really change their skin?
John’s not easy to figure. One moment he looks lost, like a boy who wants to be good. Next, he stares too long, and you feel cold in your bones. Hamish plays him so real, you forget he’s just acting. You don’t know whether to weep for him or lock your door.
The tale spins around three lives: Emma, trying to forget what she did. Mary, looking for her girl, heart full of hope and hurt. And John, always John, walking that thin line between truth and lie.
They pull together like threads in a snarled net. Secrets rise like ghosts from old graves. What they find ain’t just scary—it cuts close to the heart.
Why should you watch? Because it grabs your gut and won’t let go. It’s raw. Twists come outta nowhere. And Hamish—man, he owns every second. You’ll sit there, breath held, wondering what kind of man he really is.
Funny thing? He said this was one of the hardest parts he’s ever played. Like wearing another man’s skin and living in it. You see that in every look, every pause.
Some folks didn’t love the show. Said it dragged. But nearly all agreed—Hamish was fire. Fans of dark tales, thrillers with teeth, they dug it. Said it chilled them right.
You can catch Tell Me Your Secrets on Amazon Prime Video. If you like stories where no one’s clean and everyone’s hiding something—you’ll fall right into this one.
And when Hamish speaks? You’ll feel it. Like thunder before the storm.
5. The Newsroom (2012–2014)
IMdb rating: 8.6/10
Out in the thick of breaking news and burning deadlines, The Newsroom tells a story that hits close to home. Hamish Linklighter plays Jerry Dantana—a man with brains, drive, and a hunger for respect. He steps into the second season like he belongs, but one wrong call spins the wheel hard.
At first, he’s calm. Cool even. Talks like he’s on your side. But under that calm runs a fire no one sees coming. You feel the weight he carries. The need to prove he’s more than just another name in a newsroom full of stars.
This show? It’s not about headlines. It’s about the hands that write them. The team fights time, truth, and the noise of public fear. They wrestle with politics, pressure, and what it means to do what’s right when no one agrees on what that is.
It moves fast. Talks faster. Every word cuts. If you like stories that make you lean in, ask questions, and stay up late—this one’s got teeth.
And that Aaron Sorkin touch? Same one who gave life to The West Wing . Man writes like thunder—fast, sharp, and full of light. His words fly like birds in a storm. If you love smart talk and minds at war with time—you’ll feel at home here.
Some folks didn’t care for Jerry’s path. Said he went too far. But even they had to admit—Hamish wore the role like skin. Critics called the show bold, deep, and true to the chaos of real news.
You can catch The Newsroom streaming on Max—used to be HBO Max. If you want to see how truth bends under heat, and watch a man rise and fall in the same breath—give it a look.
And when Hamish speaks? Listen close. Not just for what he says. But for what he hides.
6. The Crazy Ones (2013–2014)
IMdb rating: 7.1/10
Out in the wild world of ads and ideas that hit fast like summer storms, The Crazy Ones dances between heart and humor. Hamish Linklighter plays Andrew Keanelly—bright, kind, and a little off-step in the best way. He stumbles through big meetings with a smile on his face and hope in his chest, always trying to catch the eye of his whirlwind boss, Simon Roberts.
Simon’s played by Robin Williams—a name that still makes folks smile. Together, they light up the screen. One’s a storm, the other a spark. And watching them work? Feels like magic.
This show ain’t just jokes. It’s about people who care, who mess up, who try again. Each week, they chase wild ideas for ads that might never air. But along the way, they find something real—each other.
Why should you watch? Because it’s warm. Funny. Full of moments that stick. You’ll laugh out loud, then pause when your heart catches. The cast feels like family. Real, messy, loving kind.
And let’s not forget—this was Robin Williams’ last ride on a TV show. Hamish has said, more than once, how lucky he felt just to be there. To learn from a man who could make silence funny.
Fans loved Andrew. Not just for his brains or his goofy charm—but because he felt true. A bit nervous, full of heart, always reaching for more.
Critics said the show had soul. Some wished it ran longer. But even short, it left prints on hearts.
You can find The Crazy Ones streaming on Amazon Prime Video. If you want laughs with love behind them—give it a spin.
7. Manhunt (2023)
IMdb rating: 7.2/10
Out under the long shadow of history, Manhunt tells a story that still echoes today. Hamish Linklighter steps into the boots of President Abraham Lincoln—tall man, taller legacy. Even though we all know how it ends, Hamish makes it feel new. Like you’re hearing Lincoln’s voice for the first time.
He plays him soft, but strong. A leader with fire in his heart and sorrow in his eyes. You see the weight he carries. The worry. The hope. In every word, every pause, you feel like you’re standing close to the real man.
The show ain’t just about Lincoln. It’s about what came after. The hunt. The fear. The race to catch the one who pulled the trigger. It moves like smoke—quiet, fast, and full of secrets. Each episode pulls you deeper into the mess of truth and pain that followed that night in Ford’s Theatre.
Why should you watch? Because it teaches without preaching. Thrills without tricks. If you love stories rooted in real ground—this one digs deep.
And here’s the thing: Hamish doesn’t just dress up like Lincoln. He walks like him. Talks like him. Listened to old letters. Watched historians. Felt every line before he spoke it. You can tell.
Critics called Manhunt bold. Honest. Full of fire and facts. And many said the same thing—Hamish’s Lincoln hit harder than they expected. Left marks.
You can stream Manhunt on Apple TV+. If you want to feel history breathe—if you want to see truth chased through blood and time—this one’s for you.
8. Fargo (Season 3, 2017)
IMdb rating: 8.9/10
Out on the cold edge of strange and snowy trouble, Fargo Season 3 tells a tale that twists like wind through trees. Hamish Linklighter steps in as Larue Dollars—a lawyer with brains, but not much flash. He doesn’t shout. Doesn’t rush. Just shows up when he’s needed, calm as frost, and speaks like every word has weight.
He helps the cops piece together something real messy. A case full of lies, blood, and more questions than answers. You don’t see him often, but when you do—he holds the screen like fire holds light.
This season? It’s about two brothers. Both played by Ewan McGregor—one quiet, one wild. They start tangled in family pain and end up deep in murder, stolen names, and secrets that won’t stay buried. The story moves slow at first, then pulls hard like a river under ice.
Why watch? Because it mixes crime with cold jokes. Makes weird feel real. And even when folks act crazy, you still believe them.
Here’s a thing: Fargo started as a movie long ago. This season, or any season, can be watched alone. Each tells its own tale. So no need to go back unless you want to.
Critics said this season hit hard—smart writing, sharp eyes, dark laughs. Fans loved how odd it felt, like walking through snow barefoot. And many noticed Hamish, quiet as he was, brought something real to the mess.
You can catch Fargo Season 3 streaming on Hulu or other places that carry FX shows.
If you like stories where bad things happen in plain sight—and people try to fix what can’t be fixed—this one’s worth your time.
9. Batman: Caped Crusader (2024)
IMdb rating: 7.2/10
Out in the dark where shadows breathe and secrets crawl, Batman: Caped Crusader rides in like thunder on quiet wings. Hamish Linklighter steps into a role worn by legends—he is Bruce Wayne. Not just the man. Not just the mask. But both. And he wears them well.
He speaks low, like wind through old trees. Deep. Thoughtful. You hear the pain. The fire. The mind that never sleeps. He ain’t just strong with his fists—he’s sharp with his thoughts. And Hamish gives you both sides: the calm rich man, and the storm under a cape.
This story? It takes us back to when Batman was still finding his way. Still learning what it means to be more than flesh. More than fear. Gotham tests him hard. Full of snakes, ghosts, and villains who smile while they hurt. This ain’t just action—it’s mystery. A detective tale wrapped in black.
Why should you watch? Because it feels new, even if you’ve seen it all before. It’s stylish. Moody. Like walking through smoke and stars. And Hamish? He fits like he was made for this world.
Here’s a thing: Some of the same minds behind Batman: The Animated Series helped make this. That show? Loved by many. So if you grew up watching that one—this might feel like coming home.
Critics are already talking. Saying the art’s fresh. The tone deep. And Hamish? They say he brings something real to the cowl. Not just voice. But soul.
You can catch Batman: Caped Crusader streaming on Prime Video.
If you love heroes who fight more than bad guys—who fight doubt, loss, and time—then give this one a look.
10. The Big C (2010–2013)
IMdb rating: 8.1/10
Out where life hits hard and laughter walks beside pain, The Big C tells a story that feels like truth wrapped in heart. Hamish Linklighter plays Dave Cooper—odd, warm, and full of light. He’s not the loudest one in the room, but he’s always there. Always kind. Always trying to smile when the world feels heavy.
He’s with Rebecca, best friend to Cathy—the woman at the center of this storm. Cancer shows up. Life flips. And still, Dave cracks jokes. Hugs tight. Loves loud. Hamish makes him real. Makes him stick.
The show? It starts simple. Cathy’s a teacher. A mom. Then she finds out she’s sick. Not just tired. Not just stressed. Sick. And instead of hiding, she leans in. She speaks her mind. Lives wild. Learns what matters.
It’s not all tears. There’s laughs. Real ones. The kind that surprise you when you weren’t ready to feel good again.
Why watch? Because it doesn’t run from the dark. It walks through it holding a flashlight made of humor and hope. And Hamish? He’s part of what makes the hard parts hurt less.
Funny thing: The folks who made this show knew pain wasn’t the end of the story. They filled it with joy. With weirdness. With people who felt like neighbors you’d want.
Critics called it brave. Honest. Different. Said it handled hard things like a poet holds paper—soft, but firm. Fans loved it. Said it stuck with them. And many pointed to Dave—said his quiet kindness was louder than most big roles.
You can stream The Big C on Paramount+ or other places that carry old shows with new hearts.
If you like stories that mix your tears with smiles—if you believe in living even when the clock ticks hard—this one’s for you.
Hamish Linklater has proven time and time again that he can shine in any role—whether it’s a charming brother, a haunted priest, or even the voice of Batman! His performances are always full of heart, depth, and a little something special that sticks with you long after the show ends. These top 10 TV shows are just a glimpse of his amazing talent, and we hope you found a few new favorites to add to your watchlist.
Now it’s your turn! Have you seen any of these shows? Do you have a favorite Hamish Linklater performance we didn’t mention? Drop your thoughts, picks, or even fun fan theories in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
