Last updated on: October 8, 2025
Let me begin by saying this: Joely Richardson is not another actress who just appears in your Netflix queue. She’s one of those actors who can enter a scene and—boom—you can’t take your eyes off her. There’s a subtle strength to the way she holds herself, as if she knows all the room’s secrets but only discloses half. That is likely because her television acting has struck so forcefully throughout her career.
Yes, she’s a member of the renowned Redgrave family—acting royalty if you can believe it. But Richardson has never been content to follow in others’ footsteps. And if you examine her career, it’s on television that she’s performed some of her most memorable work.
So, let’s take a stroll through her five best television series—not as a dry list, but as a tour through the stories she’s created and the characters she’s inhabited.
Who Is Joely Richardson, Exactly?
Imagine living in a family where acting is pretty much in your blood. That is Joely Richardson.
-
Mother: Vanessa Redgrave
-
Sister: Natasha Richardson (late, beloved actress)
-
Father: Tony Richardson (director)
And yet, without allowing that heritage to weigh her down, Joely didn’t simply coast on the family name—she went to RADA, worked her way up, and developed her own voice.
She initially gained recognition in films such as 101 Dalmatians and The Patriot. But while films gave her recognition, television gave her depth. On TV, she was able to dig into characters, live with them, and let them grow.
That’s why we’re here: if you want to know Richardson at her best, you need to see her television work.
1. The Gentlemen (2024– )
If you’ve ever seen a Guy Ritchie film, you know the feel—tough British dialogue, crime tales with everyone having an ulterior motive, and that same energy extends into this TV series.
Richardson plays Lady Sabrina Horniman—not your average aristocrat sipping tea. She’s refined on the surface, but with a steel spine, holding together her dysfunctional family while managing a criminal empire.
Watching her here, you realize she commands attention without even raising an eyebrow.
Critics and fans praised her wit, charm, and ruthlessness, making this one of her most compelling TV roles.
2. One Day (2024)
Switch gears entirely: if The Gentlemen is sharp and cutting, One Day is emotional and heart-shattering.
Adapted from David Nicholls’ novel, this Netflix miniseries follows Dexter and Emma’s romance over decades. Richardson plays Alison Mayhew, a supporting role but one with emotional gravity.
She brings understated wisdom, changing the tone of scenes with just a glance or a quiet line. It’s proof she doesn’t need the spotlight to leave a lasting impression.
3. The Sandman (2022– )
Based on Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed comics, The Sandman is a dark fantasy world of gods, dreams, and shadows. Amidst this spectacle, Richardson shines as Ethel Cripps—a survivor, schemer, and morally complex character.
She doesn’t play her as “good” or “bad”—but as a real human being navigating impossible circumstances.
Even in a world of dream lords and magical objects, Richardson makes Ethel feel like someone you could actually know.
This role highlighted her range and ability to anchor fantasy in human realism.
4. Nip/Tuck (2003–2010)
Back in the 2000s, Nip/Tuck was the series everyone was talking about—edgy, shocking, and provocative.
At its heart was Richardson as Julia McNamara. Initially the wife of a plastic surgeon, Julia’s story unfolds over seven seasons with heartbreak, self-discovery, and fierce vulnerability.
Her choices sparked debates among viewers—was she selfish, courageous, misguided? That’s when you know a character has truly hit a nerve.
This role solidified Richardson as a television icon and became one of her most career-defining performances.
5. Renegade Nell (2024– )
Finally, we arrive at Disney+’s historical drama Renegade Nell.
Set in 18th-century England, it’s a swashbuckling tale of rebellion and politics, led by a strong female heroine. Richardson seamlessly steps into this world, proving her versatility yet again.
Her performance reminds us that she can move effortlessly between contemporary drama, fantasy, crime, and historical adventure.
This role adds yet another dimension to her career, showing she’s still expanding her creative field.
Why These Shows Matter
Looking across these five shows, a clear pattern emerges:
-
Richardson doesn’t choose safe roles.
-
Her characters are complicated, flawed, and deeply human.
-
She embodies women who are strong in different ways—whether through wit, resilience, or emotional depth.
From Julia McNamara’s struggles in Nip/Tuck to Lady Sabrina’s commanding presence in The Gentlemen, she shows us that strength has many forms.
Joely Richardson’s Lasting Impact
What stands out most about Richardson is that she refuses to be pigeonholed.
-
She transitions effortlessly across genres: drama, fantasy, crime, romance, historical adventure.
-
She redefines how women are represented on television—not one-dimensional, but complex, messy, and real.
-
She works seamlessly across British and American television, proving that great acting knows no borders.
For younger actresses, her career is a reminder: longevity comes not from repetition, but from courage and versatility.
Final Thoughts
Joely Richardson’s television career is a masterclass in range and authenticity.
Whether she’s plotting in The Gentlemen, grounding fantasy in The Sandman, or breaking hearts in One Day, she leaves her signature mark every time.
If you’ve only seen her films, do yourself a favor—start with these five shows. You’ll quickly understand why she’s considered one of the most respected actresses of her era.
Because here’s the truth: Joely Richardson doesn’t just play characters—she gives life to them.
