Last updated on: October 4, 2025
Here’s something fun: every time David Krumholtz shows up on my screen, I end up saying, “Oh, I love that guy!” You probably do too, even if you don’t always remember his name right away. That’s because Krumholtz has one of those careers where he’s been everywhere — comedies, dramas, cult classics, even high-stakes mysteries — and somehow he always feels like the glue holding a scene together.
So let’s talk about his top 5 TV shows. Not just a list of credits, but the moments that made us laugh, think, and even cry a little. By the end, you’ll see why David Krumholtz isn’t just a “that guy” actor — he’s one of television’s quiet powerhouses.
Who Is David Krumholtz, Really?
Picture this: it’s the mid-90s. Sitcoms are king. Teen rom-coms are everywhere. Out of Queens, New York comes this scrappy kid with sharp timing and soulful eyes. That’s David Krumholtz.
He wasn’t the tall, leading-man type Hollywood usually pushed. But that’s what made him special. He felt real. Approachable. Like the smart, funny guy you’d want as your best friend.
If you’ve seen 10 Things I Hate About You, The Santa Clause series, or even Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, you know he can crush it on the big screen. But TV? That’s where his range really comes alive. Comedy. Drama. Guest spots that stick with you long after the credits roll.
He’s the kind of actor who doesn’t just play a character — he pulls you into their world. And that’s why his TV shows hit differently.
Why These 5 Shows?
Now, I didn’t just pull these out of a hat. These five are here because:
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They mattered for his career.
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They mattered to audiences.
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And, let’s be honest, they’re just fun to revisit.
You’ll see a mix: the cult favorite, the crime drama, the improv-heavy comedy, the show where he owned the spotlight, and the new series proving he’s still got it.
1. Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)
I don’t know about you, but Freaks and Geeks is one of those shows that feels like a warm time capsule. Set in the ‘80s, full of awkward teenagers, bad haircuts, and painfully relatable high school drama.
Krumholtz didn’t have a starring role here, but when he showed up, you noticed. He slipped right into the show’s vibe — awkwardly funny, a little nerdy, but always sharp. It’s the kind of cameo where you nudge your friend on the couch and whisper, “Hey, isn’t that David Krumholtz?”
The magic of Freaks and Geeks is how every small character mattered. And Krumholtz played his part with that signature charm that made the whole world feel real. Even with limited screen time, he fit perfectly into the ensemble, proving once again he could leave a mark without stealing the spotlight.
It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role. But it’s also a perfect reminder of how he can elevate any scene he steps into.
2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–present)
Now let’s swing to the complete opposite vibe. SVU. The legendary crime drama that’s been running longer than some of us have been adults.
Here’s the thing about Law & Order: SVU: it’s a rite of passage for actors. Everyone seems to have done a guest spot. But not everyone nails it. Krumholtz did.
He played one of those roles that stick with you — dark, complex, emotionally heavy. And if you’ve mostly seen him in comedies, watching him in SVU is like seeing your funny friend suddenly deliver a gut-punch monologue. You realize, “Oh wow, he can really go there.”
His episode is one of those where you forget you’re watching “just another guest star.” He pulled you into the tension, the fear, the moral gray areas that make SVU so addictive.
If you only knew Krumholtz from his lighter roles, this was the one that made you sit up and think: this guy can do it all.
3. The League (2009–2015)
Alright, let’s loosen things up again. Remember The League? That comedy about friends obsessed with their fantasy football league? The one that made you laugh even if you’d never touched a fantasy draft board?
Krumholtz popped in for a guest spot, and it was comedy gold. The show thrived on improv — actors tossing jokes back and forth, trying to one-up each other. Not every actor can handle that chaos. Krumholtz thrived in it.
It’s the same reason you always wanted him on your trivia team or in your friend group. Quick wit. Zero hesitation. A knack for making even the weirdest lines land perfectly.
His episode isn’t just funny — it’s a reminder that comedy isn’t about being the loudest or wackiest. It’s about timing. And Krumholtz’s timing? Spot-on.
4. Numb3rs (2005–2010)
Now here’s the big one. The show that really cemented David Krumholtz as a TV star: Numb3rs.
He played Charlie Eppes, a math genius helping the FBI solve crimes with equations. And look, I know what you’re thinking — a math show? How exciting can that be?
But here’s the magic: Krumholtz made it exciting. He made math feel human. Charlie wasn’t just spitting out formulas; he was a brother, a son, a guy trying to balance brilliance with everyday relationships.
Fans loved him because he wasn’t your typical “genius” stereotype. He was warm. Vulnerable. A little socially awkward, sure, but also relatable in a way that made viewers root for him.
The show ran for six seasons, and honestly, it worked because of him. He gave Charlie heart. Without Krumholtz, Numb3rs would’ve been just another procedural. With him? It became something special.
Even now, years later, people still talk about Charlie Eppes when they talk about Krumholtz. That’s how you know a role sticks.
5. Poker Face (2023–present)
Fast-forward to today. Streaming dominates. Prestige mystery shows are everywhere. And here comes Poker Face, Rian Johnson’s stylish new series starring Natasha Lyonne.
Every episode features a different guest star — kind of like the old-school Columbo. And when David Krumholtz showed up? He delivered.
It’s the kind of role that reminds you he’s still got it. Still versatile. Still capable of surprising you. He fit right into the show’s quirky, sharp world while also giving his character real depth.
If Numb3rs was his “this guy can carry a series” role, Poker Face is his “this guy is still relevant in 2023” role. For younger viewers who might not have grown up with him, it’s a perfect introduction. For longtime fans, it’s like a satisfying wink from an old friend.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, these aren’t his only TV gems. Krumholtz has popped up everywhere — from The Deuce to Mom, from voice work to quick cameos. Each time, he brings that same authenticity that makes even small roles shine.
Think of him as the secret ingredient in a recipe. You might not notice it right away, but take it out and the whole thing tastes different. That’s David Krumholtz in TV.
Why He Stands Out
So why does David Krumholtz matter so much on television? Simple. He’s versatile. He’s authentic. And he’s consistent.
He can swing from heartfelt to hilarious without breaking a sweat. He makes geniuses feel human and villains feel unsettlingly real. And no matter what project he’s in, you trust him to deliver.
He’s not the kind of actor who chases the spotlight. He’s the kind who makes you feel like you’re watching real people, not just characters. That’s rare. And that’s why his work on TV continues to resonate.
Final Takeaway
David Krumholtz’s TV career is proof that great acting isn’t about being the loudest star in the room. It’s about showing up, being real, and leaving audiences with something they can’t shake.
From the cult charm of Freaks and Geeks to the brilliance of Numb3rs and the modern intrigue of Poker Face, his shows tell a story of an actor who has grown, adapted, and never stopped surprising us.
So here’s the takeaway: the next time David Krumholtz pops up on your screen, don’t just say, “Oh, I love that guy.” Lean in. Because chances are, he’s about to steal the scene again.
