Last updated on: July 28, 2025
If you’ve ever binged The Summer I Turned Pretty and thought, “Wow, Steven Conklin is such a vibe,” then congratulations—you’re already a Sean Kaufman fan. And honestly, same here.
There’s something about him: the way he delivers sarcastic one-liners, his quiet moments of vulnerability, and that older-brother energy that makes you feel like you’re right there in Cousins Beach.
But here’s the thing—Sean didn’t just pop into our lives with one breakout role. Nope, he’s been quietly building his career with solid performances in shows you probably didn’t even realize he was in.
Today, I want to walk you through the top 5 shows that shaped who he is as an actor. We’ll talk character arcs, emotional moments, and yes, where you can stream them.
Think of this as your personal Kaufman crash course—no fluff, just real talk.
First Off—Who Is Sean Kaufman, Anyway?
Let me paint the picture.
Sean Kaufman is that New York-born actor who comes off as the guy-next-door, but with the training of someone who’s serious about his craft. He studied at LaGuardia High School (you know, the Fame school) and then went on to Purchase College’s Theatre Conservatory. Not bad, right?
He’s been in a few roles that flew under the radar, popping up in classic procedurals like Law & Order: SVU and FBI: Most Wanted. Those are the kind of shows where if you blink, you might miss someone new. But Sean made it hard to miss him—he stood out even in one-scene appearances.
Then came The Summer I Turned Pretty, and everything changed. It was like seeing your quiet classmate suddenly nail the school play.
He wasn’t just good—he had it. That spark. That pull.
And if you’ve ever seen him trade banter with Lola Tung or deliver emotional zingers that hit too close to home, you know what I mean.
1 – The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–Present)
Now to the role that made us all fans.
Sean as Steven Conklin is everything. He’s the sarcastic, overprotective big brother who also happens to be secretly sensitive and deeply loyal.
You laugh with him, roll your eyes at him, and maybe even tear up once or twice.
Steven isn’t just a background sibling. He has his own storyline—his own coming-of-age arc. From struggling with college decisions to fumbling through love, he’s relatable in the most human way.
And Sean brings it all to life like he knows this character inside out.
His chemistry with the rest of the cast (especially Lola Tung and Gavin Casalegno) is fire.
The banter feels real. The awkward moments? Hilariously accurate. And those rare, emotional scenes where Steven gets serious?
Yeah, they hit hard.
This role isn’t just his most famous—it’s the one that made us all stop and say, “Okay, this guy’s legit.”
2 – Law & Order: SVU (2021)
You know it’s official when you’ve been on SVU. It’s like the Broadway of TV dramas.
In 2021, Sean joined the elite ranks of actors who’ve passed through the doors of the Special Victims Unit. He played a grieving male student—a role that doesn’t scream “leading man,” but hear me out.
In just a few scenes, Sean captured real pain. The kind you don’t need to explain because it’s written all over someone’s face.
And on SVU, that’s no small feat. The show deals with heavy themes, and if you can hold your own in that world, you’re doing something right.
What got me? His eyes. You could tell everything his character was going through without him saying a word.
That’s rare.
3 – FBI: Most Wanted (2021)
Let me guess: you’ve scrolled past FBI: Most Wanted on Paramount+ a million times. Same.
But one episode in 2021 is worth your time—because Sean Kaufman plays Eric Fontaine, a troubled teen caught in a tough situation.
The show is full of high-speed chases and intense interrogations, but Sean’s role added something quieter. Something raw.
Eric wasn’t your typical “bad kid.” He was layered—scared, confused, and kind of lost. And Sean played him like someone you’d want to reach out to, maybe offer a kind word or a way out.
He held his own next to veteran actors and left you with a little ache in your chest.
That’s what stuck with me. Even when everything around the character was unraveling, Sean made sure you saw the heart underneath.
That’s talent.
4 – Manifest (2021)
Okay, let’s rewind to one of those “blink and you might miss him” moments.
In 2021, Sean popped up on Manifest, NBC’s sci-fi drama where a plane lands five years after it vanished. Creepy, right? He played Kevin, a character who showed up in two episodes.
Now, Kevin didn’t have a wild storyline or a big reveal, but what stuck with me was how Sean made him feel like a real person.
In a show packed with conspiracies and supernatural twists, his performance grounded the scenes he was in. It was a quick role, sure, but it showed that even in a show full of chaos, Sean knew how to bring calm, steady emotion.
Sometimes those early appearances are less about the role and more about the moment. This one said: “Hey, keep an eye on this guy.”
Honorable Mention: For All Mankind (Coming Soon!)
I had to sneak this one in.
For All Mankind is one of Apple TV+’s most underrated gems—a reimagined history where the space race never ended.
And guess what? Sean Kaufman has officially joined the cast for Season 5.
We don’t know much yet about his role, but this is big. It means creators are noticing him beyond the teen drama bubble.
It’s a prestige gig. The kind of role that could redefine his career.
Honestly, I can’t wait. Something tells me he’s going to surprise us again, just like he did with Steven Conklin.
Where to Watch These Gems
So, ready for a Kaufman binge? Here’s where you can find all these roles:
-
The Summer I Turned Pretty – Amazon Prime Video
-
Law & Order: SVU – Peacock or NBC
-
FBI: Most Wanted – Paramount+ or CBS
-
Manifest – Netflix (some seasons)
-
For All Mankind (soon!) – Apple TV+
Pop some popcorn. You’re in for a good time.
Why Sean Kaufman Deserves Your Attention
Let’s be real—a lot of actors play the “cool older brother” or the “emotional teen.”
But Sean? He feels real. Like someone you know. Maybe your friend’s older sibling. Or that quiet kid who ended up being the most interesting person in your class.
What makes him different is his emotional honesty. Whether he’s in a sci-fi thriller or a summer romance, he shows up. Fully. Authentically.
And as he takes on more complex roles, I honestly believe we’re watching the start of something big.
He’s not just “that guy from Prime Video.” He’s one to watch.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the takeaway here? Sean Kaufman is the real deal.
From tiny roles that still managed to shine to the heart of one of streaming’s favorite YA series, he’s been building a portfolio that deserves a second (or third) look.
And if For All Mankind is any clue, the best is yet to come.
Next time someone asks, “Have you heard of Sean Kaufman?” you’ll know exactly what to say:
Oh yeah—I was a fan before everyone else caught on.
