Josh Holloway has carved out an impressive television career with a dynamic range of roles that highlight his talent and versatility. Best known for his breakout performance as the charming yet complex James “Sawyer” Ford in Lost (2004–2010), Holloway has continued to captivate audiences in a variety of genres—from sci-fi thrillers like Colony (2016–2018) and Intelligence (2014), to intense dramas such as Yellowstone (2020–2021) and the upcoming Duster (2025). Along the way, he’s made memorable appearances in popular shows like Community, NCIS, Angel, Walker, Texas Ranger, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In this article, we’ll count down Josh Holloway’s top 15 TV shows that showcase the depth and evolution of his acting journey.
1. Lost (2004–2010)
IMdb rating: 8.3/10
Josh Holloway became a household name thanks to his unforgettable role as James “Sawyer” Ford in Lost . Sawyer starts off as a mysterious, sarcastic con man. Over time, we see a deeper side of him. He’s tough, funny, and hides a soft heart beneath his sharp attitude. Josh brought this character to life with so much charm and emotion that fans couldn’t help but love him.
Lost tells the story of a group of people who survive a plane crash only to find themselves stranded on a strange island. But this isn’t just any island—it’s full of secrets, strange creatures, and even time travel! The survivors must learn to live together, face danger, and uncover the island’s mysteries. The show is packed with action, mystery, and emotion that keeps you guessing until the very end.
This show is a must-watch because it’s more than just survival—it’s about people, their pasts, and how they grow. The story is exciting, with twists you won’t see coming. It won several awards, including Emmys and a Golden Globe, and is still talked about today. Critics and fans praised its clever writing and powerful performances.
Fun Fact: Josh Holloway almost skipped auditioning for Sawyer because he was frustrated with acting at the time. Can you imagine Lost without him?
You can stream Lost on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, so it’s easy to dive in. If you enjoy thrilling stories with heart and mystery, Lost is the perfect show to start your Josh Holloway journey. Trust me—you won’t regret it.
2. Colony (2016–2018)
IMdb rating: 7.3/10
In Colony , Josh Holloway steps into the role of Will Bowman, a former FBI agent. The story is set in a future where Earth has been taken over by mysterious alien forces. Will is a devoted husband and father, but his life becomes complicated when aliens seize control of Los Angeles. To keep his family safe, he works for the new alien-run government. At the same time, he secretly fights back from within. Living a double life isn’t easy, but Will does it for love.
The show blends action, drama, and suspense. It explores what happens when people lose their freedom—and how far they’ll go to protect the ones they love. Will and his wife, Katie (played by Sarah Wayne Callies), find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous rebellion. The story makes you think: What would you do if your world was taken over?
Colony is a must-watch because it mixes science fiction with raw human emotions. Josh brings depth to Will, showing both strength and vulnerability. His performance makes us care deeply about the character. Fans and critics praised the show for balancing action with family drama. While it didn’t win major awards, it built a loyal fan base that still talks about it today.
Fun Fact: Josh took this role because he wanted to explore a character who’s both a fighter and a family man—something new for him.
You can stream Colony on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. If you enjoy thrilling stories with heart, Colony is one of Josh Holloway’s best shows to check out. It’s worth watching just to see how he brings Will’s struggles to life.
3. Intelligence (2014)
IMdb rating: 6.8/10
In Intelligence , Josh Holloway steps into the role of Gabriel Vaughn, a high-tech government agent with a fascinating twist. He has a computer chip implanted in his brain. This chip lets him connect to the internet, satellites, databases—pretty much any digital device out there. Imagine being able to access any piece of information in seconds. Gabriel can do that and more. He’s part secret agent, part supercomputer!
The story follows Gabriel as he tackles missions to stop cyber threats, locate missing people, and protect national security. But even with all that tech in his head, he’s not just a machine. He struggles with real emotions, especially when it comes to finding his missing wife. It’s not just a sci-fi show—it’s also about loyalty, love, and staying human in a high-tech world.
Intelligence is a must-watch because it blends action and technology in a fun, fast-paced way. Josh Holloway shines as the smart, tough, and caring hero. Fans loved the exciting missions and futuristic vibe, though the show only lasted one season. Critics had mixed feelings, but Josh’s performance stood out and earned plenty of praise.
Fun Fact: Josh said he was thrilled to play Gabriel. He loved the mix of action and sci-fi, calling it “James Bond with a twist.”
You can stream Intelligence on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. If you enjoy cool gadgets, spy missions, and seeing Josh Holloway at his best, this show is worth your time. It’s a fun ride with plenty of heart and tech-savvy twists!
4. Yellowstone (2020–2021)
IMdb rating: 8.1/10
In Yellowstone , Josh Holloway steps into the role of Roarke Morris, a bold and mysterious businessman. Roarke is super-rich and has big plans. He wants to buy land in Montana for a massive real estate project. But there’s a problem—part of the land belongs to the Yellowstone ranch, protected by the Dutton family. That’s when the drama kicks in! Roarke is smart, sneaky, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family as they fight to protect their ranch. They face threats from greedy developers, political enemies, and people like Roarke. The show blends family drama, cowboy action, and stunning views of the wild American West. Josh’s character adds tension and excitement, making the story even more gripping.
This show is a must-watch because it has something for everyone—strong characters, epic land battles, and emotional moments that tug at your heart. Even though Josh joined in later seasons, his performance made a big impact. Fans loved seeing him in this new kind of role. The show has been a huge hit with both audiences and critics.
Fun Fact: Josh said he had to learn about ranch life and even picked up horseback riding for the role. He enjoyed the change of pace from his usual action-packed characters!
You can stream Yellowstone on Peacock and Paramount+. If you love dramatic stories with big personalities and breathtaking scenery, this show is perfect for you. And with Josh Holloway adding his charm and intensity, it’s even better. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
5. Duster (2025)
IMdb rating: 6.6/10
In Duster , Josh Holloway steps into the role of a daring getaway driver in the 1970s American Southwest. His character, whose name hasn’t been revealed yet, lives life on the edge. He drives fast cars, dodges danger, and navigates a world full of outlaws and shady deals. It’s a gritty, wild story, and Josh fits the part perfectly with his rugged charm.
The show dives into his life as he gets deeper into the criminal underworld. But it’s not just about high-speed chases—it’s also about choices, trust, and finding a way out of trouble. The series explores right and wrong in a world where lines are often blurred. With Duster created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, fans are buzzing with excitement. Abrams, of course, is the mastermind behind Lost , where Josh first became a star.
Duster is a must-watch because it blends action, drama, and cool retro vibes. Seeing Josh Holloway back in an action-packed role is something fans have been waiting for. The show hasn’t premiered yet, so we’re still waiting to hear what critics and audiences will say. But it’s already generating plenty of buzz!
Fun Fact: Josh is reuniting with J.J. Abrams for this show—more than 15 years after Lost ! Fans are thrilled to see them team up again.
Duster will stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) when it premieres in 2025. If you love fast cars, crime thrillers, and Josh Holloway doing what he does best, keep an eye out for this one. It’s shaping up to be an exciting ride!
6. Community (2011)
IMdb rating: 8.5/10
In Community , Josh Holloway made a memorable guest appearance as the mysterious “Black Rider” in the episode “A Fistful of Paintballs.” Picture a wild west gunslinger dropped into a campus-wide paintball war. Even though he’s only in one episode, Josh steals the spotlight. His serious attitude, sharp aim, and tough-guy vibe bring a cowboy-like charm—reminiscent of his iconic Lost character, Sawyer.
Community is a hilarious and creative show about a quirky group of students at Greendale Community College. In this episode, the school transforms into a paintball battleground, complete with action-movie flair. There’s suspense, humor, and plenty of colorful chaos. Josh’s character adds an unexpected twist that fans absolutely love.
This episode is a must-watch because it showcases a fun, unexpected side of Josh. He’s both funny and intense, blending perfectly into the show’s unique style. Though his role is brief, fans were thrilled to see him, and critics praised how the episode mixed humor with action-packed excitement.
Fun Fact: The directors revealed they wrote the role of “Black Rider” specifically for Josh Holloway because they were huge fans of Lost . How cool is that?
You can stream Community on Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock. If you enjoy comedy with a creative twist—and want to see Josh Holloway in a surprising, action-packed role—don’t miss this unforgettable paintball episode. It’s a wild ride you won’t regret!
7. NCIS (2004)
IMdb rating: 7.8/10
Josh Holloway made an early appearance in NCIS , back in the first season, in an episode called “My Other Left Foot.” He played Sheriff Tim Anderson, a local cop helping the NCIS team solve a strange and eerie case. The mystery? A leg found in a military base dumpster—just the leg! It’s a small role, but Josh brought his signature charm and seriousness to the character, even in one episode.
NCIS is a crime drama about a team of agents solving cases tied to the Navy and Marines. It’s one of the longest-running and most beloved TV shows, mixing thrilling mysteries, action, and lighthearted team moments. In this episode, the agents dig into who the leg belongs to and how it ended up in the dumpster. It’s odd but captivating!
This episode is a must-watch for Josh Holloway fans. It’s one of his early TV appearances, before he became famous as Sawyer on Lost . It’s fun to see him in those early days, before his career took off. Audiences and critics love NCIS , and the show has earned plenty of awards over the years.
Fun Fact: This episode aired just months before Lost premiered in 2004. Watching it now gives you a glimpse of Josh right before his big break!
You can stream NCIS on Paramount+, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video. If you enjoy crime-solving shows and want to spot Josh Holloway in action before he became a star, this episode is a hidden gem. It’s worth checking out!
8. Angel (1999)
IMdb rating: 7.9/10
In Angel , Josh Holloway played a small but memorable role as a vampire named “Good-Looking Guy” in the very first episode, “City Of.” His character may not have had a big name or a long storyline, but he made an impression. He was one of the first villains Angel faced when he moved to Los Angeles to fight evil and help people.
Angel is a spin-off of the famous show Buffy the Vampire Slayer . It follows Angel, a vampire with a soul, trying to redeem his dark past by protecting humans from demons, monsters, and other creepy threats. The first episode sets the tone for the series, and Josh’s character helps kick things off with some action and classic vampire vibes.
This episode is a must-watch for Josh Holloway fans because it’s one of his earliest TV roles. It’s fun to see him as a villain before he became known as the sarcastic hero in Lost . Even though he’s only on screen briefly, his cool look and intense style stand out.
Fun Fact: Josh filmed this role back in 1999, years before his big break. Watching it now feels like getting a sneak peek into his acting journey!
You can stream Angel on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. If you enjoy vampire stories, early 2000s action, or just want to see where Josh Holloway got his start, this episode is worth checking out. It’s a little piece of his story that fans will appreciate!
9. Walker, Texas Ranger (2001)
IMdb rating: 7.5/10
In Walker, Texas Ranger , Josh Holloway appeared in a small role as Ben Wiley in the episode “Medieval Crimes.” He was part of a group stirring up trouble at a medieval-themed event. Though his part wasn’t big, Josh’s strong screen presence made him stand out—even back then. You could already sense he had something special.
Walker, Texas Ranger is a classic action show starring Chuck Norris as Cordell Walker, a tough Texas Ranger who fights for justice and protects the innocent. In this episode, Walker faces criminals causing chaos at a Renaissance fair. It’s a fun twist on the usual cowboy action, blending medieval flair with crime-fighting drama.
This episode is worth watching if you’re a Josh Holloway fan. It gives a glimpse of his early work before he became famous. Playing a bad guy here is interesting because we usually see him as a hero. Plus, it’s a chance to enjoy an old-school action show filled with dramatic fights and cowboy charm.
Fun Fact: This episode aired in 2001, just a few years before Josh’s breakout role in Lost . Watching it feels like discovering a hidden piece of his journey.
You can stream Walker, Texas Ranger on Amazon Prime Video and Roku Channel. If you enjoy action, cowboy justice, or spotting stars before they hit it big, this one’s for you. Don’t miss it—it’s a cool trip back in time!
10. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2003)
IMdb rating: 7.7 /10
In CSI: Crime Scene Investigation , Josh Holloway appeared in a 2003 episode titled “Assume Nothing.” He played Kenny Richmond, a man tangled in a strange and dangerous case. It involved couples, secrets, and murder. His role wasn’t large, but it was key to the story, adding plenty of tension. Josh brought depth and intensity, making the character feel real.
CSI follows a team of forensic investigators in Las Vegas. They solve crimes using science, evidence, and sharp instincts. The episode Josh is in starts a two-part story packed with twists and mystery. It’s darker than usual, and Josh’s performance heightens the suspense and drama.
This episode is a must-watch for crime show fans and Josh Holloway enthusiasts. It’s one of his early TV roles, before he became famous in Lost . Seeing him in a serious, crime-driven role is intriguing—especially if you enjoy shows that keep you guessing until the very end.
Fun Fact: This episode aired just one year before Josh’s breakout role in Lost . Watching it now feels like stepping back in time, right before his career took off.
You can stream CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on Hulu, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video. If you’re into crime mysteries or want to see Josh Holloway in action before he became a household name, this episode is worth your time. It’s a glimpse into his journey—and a great story to boot!
Josh Holloway’s journey through TV has been full of exciting characters—from charming heroes to mysterious villains. Whether he was surviving on a strange island in Lost, fighting aliens in Colony, or racing through the desert in Duster, he’s always brought something special to the screen. These 10 shows are just a glimpse of his talent and range. If you’re a fan of action, drama, or just good storytelling, you’ll find something to love in every one of them.
Have you seen any of these shows? Do you have a favorite Josh Holloway moment? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s talk about your top picks, hidden gems, or anything else Josh-related.
