Henry Cavill’s Top 5 TV Shows: A Walk Through His Greatest Roles
It’s easy to imagine seeing a young, aspiring actor tackle historical drama, then grow into a sword-fighting monster hunter, and finally don the mantle of the world’s greatest detective. That’s the TV career of Henry Cavill in a nutshell. Whether you initially met him in The Tudors or discovered him through The Witcher, one thing is certain—Cavill has perfected the art of transformation on television. Let’s take a trip through his top five television roles, and see why they made such a lasting impression.
1. The Tudors (2007–2010)
Ages before he became Superman or Geralt of Rivia, Henry Cavill was Charles Brandon in The Tudors, and trust me—he owned the part. If you’re into historical dramas with power struggles, steamy affairs, and politics, this show is a must-see.
Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk, played by Cavill, was not only the King Henry VIII’s closest friend but also a charming, scheming nobleman. His personality was multifaceted—loyal but opportunistic, charming but ruthless. You could glimpse Cavill’s innate charm radiating through, making Brandon one of the most iconic characters in the show. It’s interesting to consider that Cavill was once in the running for James Bond in Casino Royale—a role that Daniel Craig eventually landed. But The Tudors showed he had leading man presence well before Hollywood fully caught on.
2. The Witcher (2019–2023)
Let’s be honest—when The Witcher premiered on Netflix, it was Henry Cavill’s show. He wasn’t acting Geralt of Rivia; he was Geralt. That gravelly voice? Flawless. The sword battles? Unreal. The way he turned Geralt’s grunts into a whole language? Iconic.
Cavill, an admitted fan of the Witcher books and games, didn’t mess around. He was well-versed in the lore, and this gave his performance a sense of realism. He even performed most of his own stunts, demonstrating his commitment. Seeing him battle monsters and explore the morally ambiguous world of The Continent was exhilarating, and although the show had its peaks and valleys as far as storytelling went, Cavill was still its greatest strength. When he told us he was leaving the part after three seasons, viewers were heartbroken. And come on—Geralt just won’t be the same without him.
3. The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2002)
Picture this: You’re scrolling through old crime dramas, and suddenly, a young Henry Cavill appears. That’s exactly what happened in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, where he played Chas Quilter in the episode “Well-Schooled in Murder.”
It wasn’t a big part, but it was one of those early peeks at his talent. He was a troubled teen entangled in a complicated investigation, and even then, you could sense the intensity of his acting. This was prior to the fame, prior to the blockbuster parts, but he still made an impact. If you’d like to see where it all started for him, this episode is worth finding.
4. Midsomer Murders (2003)
Another little-known credit in Cavill’s early television career is his appearance in Midsomer Murders. If you’ve ever seen this popular long-running British detective series, you’re aware it’s full of quirky characters and suspenseful whodunits. Cavill was featured in the episode The Green Man, as Simon Mayfield.
It’s surreal to consider the fact that this is the same fellow who at one point featured briefly in this wholesome murder mystery show would soon go on to headline Netflix’s biggest fantasy drama series. Such a beginning though mattered. They got him into form, noticed, and presented the opportunity for refinement. Any thespian starts somewhere, and Cavill’s early British TV trajectory placed him well on his way towards all that eventual celebrity.
5. Enola Holmes 2 (2022)
Alright, technically speaking, Enola Holmes 2 is a film, but Cavill’s take on Sherlock Holmes for this Netflix series earns a spot on this list. Why? Because he added something different to the character. Rather than the cold, aloof mastermind we’ve grown accustomed to, Cavill’s Sherlock was warm, guardingly, and—dare I say it?—brotherly.
The chemistry between him and Millie Bobby Brown (playing Enola) was great. Their sibling rapport added more depth to the narrative, and it was a pleasure to see Sherlock as a slightly more human, emotionally invested character. Cavill’s interpretation seemed like a combination of the classic detective we are all familiar with and some added modern flair. Whether he will or will not come back for a third Enola Holmes film is only known to a few, but if he does, you may be sure audiences will be delighted.
Final Thoughts: Why Henry Cavill’s TV Work Matters
What’s most interesting about Henry Cavill’s television career is the sheer diversity he’s exhibited. He’s performed as real people, iconic detectives, and sword-bearing warriors—all with the same level of passion and commitment. The transition from early crime dramas to starring in prime fantasy shows is evidence that perseverance is key.
If all you know is Cavill from film, do yourself a favor and watch these shows. Start with The Tudors for some period drama greatness, or The Witcher to watch him in full action hero mode, and you won’t be disappointed. And who knows? Perhaps we’ll be seeing him back in front of our televisions once again in another role that will be remembered.
