What does the name Blake Lively make you think of? For most people, the name conjures Gossip Girl, the show that made her a household name. But if you take a deeper dive into her career, you will find that Blake Lively has graced the small screen in ways much more glamorous than just the antics of the Upper East Side. From playing a rebellious socialite to venturing into the world of superheroes, Blake’s television journey is filled with unforgettable moments.
Grab a cup of coffee—whatever you’re into—and let’s stroll down memory lane to find out Blake’s top 5 roles. You might be surprised by how versatile this actress really is.
1. Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Let’s start here and begin with the obvious: Gossip Girl. This show was a defining staple of the 2000s, and for great reasons. It was just one mess of scandal and drama after another, all covered by the most razor-sharp fashion. But buried within it all was Blake Lively and Serena van der Woodsen—somebody whose picture-perfect, glamorous life and its litany of complicated relations just left us all agape at the edge of our seats.
I remember watching Gossip Girl thinking, “How does she make looking effortlessly chic seem so… effortless?” Lively’s portrayal of Serena isn’t about glitzy clothes or headline-worthy drama—it’s always about being vulnerable that just seems to bubble under the surface. Serena isn’t just a pretty face—she’s a young girl struggling with family drama, herself, and love. I think most of the people, myself included, felt they could understand Serena in all her ups and downs.
She wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her so captivating.
She, however, shared incredible chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly her on-screen BFF Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), and it makes the show iconic. Gossip Girl was more than a guilty pleasure; it was a cultural moment, and Blake Lively’s performance as Serena was a huge part of that. Even years after its finale, Gossip Girl continues to influence pop culture, and Serena’s mark on television remains as strong as ever.
2. The CW’s The Flash (2014-2023)
Well, this one is quite the surprise—Blake Lively guest-starred in this hit superhero show, aired from 2014-2023. You may not think of Lively when you imagine heroes, but her brief appearances on this show were somewhat of a reminder of just how versatile she is.
I’m sure some fans were shocked to see Blake Lively in a superhero universe. She’s more known for her role as a fashion-forward New Yorker than for battling villains with super speed. But in 2019, Blake popped in for a guest role during season six, and she held her own among the show’s usual dynamic of action and drama.
She didn’t have a huge role, but that’s what makes it interesting. She added emotional depth to the episode she was in, balancing the action-packed world of The Flash with a more personal storyline. It just goes to show that Blake can shine in any genre, from teen dramas to superhero worlds. Her versatility is part of what makes her such a compelling actress to watch.
3. The O.C. (2003-2007)
Before Serena van der Woodsen took over our TV screens, Blake had a recurring role in another iconic teen drama—The O.C. If you are a fan of the early 2000s TV scene, you know that The O.C. was a show that had its fair share of drama, love triangles, and unforgettable one-liners. While Blake did not play one of the core characters, her role as Taylor Townsend was still memorable. To be honest, Taylor was not the easiest person to fall in love with at first—she was quirky and a bit eccentric. However, Blake brought so much depth that Taylor turned from being an outsider trying to fit into being part of something fantastic of this series when nearing the finish line.
Seeing the early signs of her skill, which can bring complexity and charm to even the smallest roles with ease, in The O.C. while watching Blake Lively is a memorable experience.
Even if Taylor wasn’t the main character, Blake on The O.C. proved that she could make a difference even when she wasn’t the center of attention. And for fans of The O.C., her role was just another reason to love the show—even in its later seasons.
4. The Age of Adaline (2015)
While The Age of Adaline isn’t technically a TV show, this movie played a strong role in Blake Lively’s acting career—and this is one of those films that could easily be interpreted into a series. As the movie shows, she plays Adaline Bowman, a woman who mysteriously stops aging after a freak accident. Fast-forward through to present day, she’s struggling with the emotional toll of never growing old. Blake’s performance in this movie is one that lingers inside your head. Adaline is complicated—torn between love, loss, and the crushing weight of immortality. You tend to sympathize with her during centuries of heartache and joy. What makes it so engrossing by The Age of Adaline is the exploration of the time, love, and choices of immortality.
While not a TV show, the themes are echoed in many popular TV series, making it a perfect watch for anyone who loves a good drama.
Blake’s ability to embody such a nuanced character is what makes this film so memorable. It’s a reminder of her skill in playing roles that require emotional depth, something we see across her career—whether on TV or in film.
5. Savages (2012)
Alright, let’s discuss Savages. This very gritty crime thriller, directed by Oliver Stone, isn’t exactly a television show, but it is an interesting part of Blake Lively’s career. Within this movie, Blake is the girlfriend of two marijuana dealers. They get caught up in a very bad web with a Mexican drug cartel. It’s intense; it’s graphic violence, and Blake’s role is as tough as she can be, but also vulnerable.
Blake’s heroine, Ophelia, is faced with a life-death situation, and her performance was enhanced with an emotional sense of depth. Although Savages isn’t a TV drama, the raw, breath-holding style of the film tells so much about some of the finest crime dramas on telly. You can see Blake’s future roles in many crime narratives—those full of stakes and morally amorphous characters.
Blake’s turn in Savages proved that she could handle complex, dark roles—ones that push her to new extremes. It’s that kind of character that’s as compelling as it is heartbreaking, marking one of her most memorable performances yet.
Wrapping It All Up: Blake Lively on TV
Blake Lively’s television career is more than just a series of roles; it’s a testament to her ability to shape characters that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s her unforgettable portrayal of Serena in Gossip Girl or her surprising appearance in The Flash, Blake has shown time and time again that she’s not just a pretty face; she’s a talented actress capable of taking on anything that comes her way.
