Imagine a guy who can jump from being a brooding, action-packed hero to a hilarious, over-the-top college jock with ease. That’s Alan Ritchson for you. From his first TV role to his current stint as Jack Reacher, Alan’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and he’s proved he’s one of the most versatile actors out there. So, if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t yet experienced his work, let me walk you through the top 5 TV shows that highlight just how talented this guy is.
Who Is Alan Ritchson?
Okay, let’s take a quick detour to get you up to speed. Alan Ritchson isn’t just some pretty face in Hollywood—he’s the kind of guy who will make you forget it’s even him on screen. Whether he’s playing a moody antihero or an offbeat, over-the-top jock, he’s the type of actor who leaves a lasting impression.
While he’d already made a name for himself playing Superman on Smallville before major roles began to come his way, it’s more recent work where he truly shines.
Think of Alan as someone who’s constantly evolving. One minute, he’s playing a tough-as-nails military guy on Reacher, and the next, he’s an emotional, somewhat goofy, and lovable character in Titans. It’s no wonder he’s gained such a massive following. Now, let’s dive into his top TV shows, where we’ll discover exactly why Alan Ritchson has become a household name.
1. Reacher (2022–Present)
Let’s start with the one that really launched Alan into the action-hero spotlight: Reacher. If you’ve watched it (and if you haven’t, you should), you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say Alan nailed the role of Jack Reacher. Picture this: a tough, ex-military man who roams small towns, solving crimes, and kicking butt along the way.
Now, let’s get real for a second. There were some pretty big shoes to fill after Tom Cruise played the same character in the films. But Alan? He brought his own flavor—taller, stronger, and with a bit more grit. The kind of character who will literally take down an entire room of bad guys without breaking a sweat. But what sets Alan apart is his ability to make Reacher more than just a tough guy. There’s intelligence behind those fists. There’s depth. He doesn’t just punch through his problems—he outsmarts them.
And let’s talk about how Reacher has been one of Amazon’s most-watched action shows. Alan’s portrayal isn’t just about the physicality; it’s about bringing a cool, calm, and collected demeanor to a character who’s always one step ahead. He’s got the whole “I’m not here to mess around” vibe, and it works. Big time.
2. Titans (2018–2023)
Before there was Jack Reacher, there was Titans. Here, Alan played Hank Hall, better known as Hawk, a member of the legendary Titans team. If you think you’ve seen a typical superhero before, wait until you see Alan as Hawk. This guy is messed up in the best way possible. He’s a hero, sure, but he’s also dealing with some serious personal demons.
Hawk isn’t the typical shiny, perfect hero. He’s broken, struggling, and constantly at odds with his partner Dove, played by Minka Kelly. Their relationship is complicated and raw, but there’s something incredibly real about the way Alan handles it. There’s this emotional depth he brings to the role that makes you feel for the character, even when he’s making questionable decisions. Plus, Alan’s physicality in the role is insane. He looks like he could break a concrete wall with his bare hands.
What I loved about Alan’s role in Titans was how he took what could’ve been just another “tough guy” superhero role and made it so much more complex. It’s not all just punching and fighting. There is vulnerability, pain, and some moments that really make you think about what it means to be a hero.
3. Smallville (2005–2010)
Let’s go back a bit. Smallville was where it all started for Alan. He played Aquaman, or Arthur Curry, in the early 2000s. I know, Aquaman may not be everyone’s favorite superhero, but Alan’s portrayal? It was memorable. Even in his first major role, Alan was already showing off that easy charisma and physical presence that would later define his career.
Arthur Curry, in Smallville, was a fun, rebellious young guy discovering his powers and his identity. This cocky guy had so much heart of gold underneath his bravado. Watching this take on Aquaman, he seemed to have the caliber to play bigger, heavier roles in the future—and, spoiler alert, he totally did.
If you ever go back to watch those Smallville episodes with Alan, you can’t help but see the early glimmers of what was to come. His Aquaman was confident, but not invincible. The perfect mix of strength and vulnerability that makes Alan such a compelling actor.
4. Blue Mountain State (2010–2011)
Now, if you are in the mood for something totally different, Alan’s role in Blue Mountain State will have you in stitches. He played Thad Castle, the overly confident, ridiculously funny, and absolutely out-of-control football player. If you have ever watched a college comedy and thought, “Yeah, that’s over-the-top,” then you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Thad Castle is everything you expect from a jock—except amplified to an extreme degree. Alan took that character and made him unforgettable. He doesn’t hold back, and neither does the show. There are moments so ridiculous that you will have yourself questioning reality, but it is Alan’s commitment to the role that makes Blue Mountain State so much fun. He fully embraced all the ridiculousness, and that is why Thad is a character that will stick with you long after the show ended.
Even if Blue Mountain State wasn’t the longest-running show, Alan’s performance became iconic, and it gave him a fanbase that appreciated his comedic timing just as much as his action chops. Who knew a jock could be this funny, right?
5. Blood Drive (2017)
And here we have Blood Drive, the show that’s just so bizarre you can’t look away. Set in a dystopian future where cars run on blood, this show is the definition of wild, and Alan’s role as Arthur Bailey—a tough cop trying to survive in a chaotic world—is as grounded as you can get in a universe that’s anything but.
There is something special about Alan’s ability to play a “straight man” in a world that is anything but. His calm demeanor is the perfect foil to the insane events unfolding around him. Blood Drive did not last long, but it certainly made its impact. It’s one of those shows that you must suspend disbelief for and just go with it. Alan makes it all believable no matter how far out of hand the plot becomes.
I am sure that Blood Drive left many viewers scratching their heads, but for those who kept up with it, Alan’s performance was one of the most grounded aspects of the show.
Wrapping It Up: Alan Ritchson’s Future Is Bright
So, the bottom line is that Alan Ritchson is not your average action hero. He’s the kind of guy who’ll dive into complex and rather unconventional roles and really make them his own. Be it playing a military tough guy in Reacher or a hilarious college jock in Blue Mountain State, Alan has proven, time and again, that he can do it all.
And yet, with all this he has to offer, I wouldn’t be surprised to see his career go into the coming years as one of the biggest names in TV. So, go check out these shows, if you haven’t seen them. Trust me; you’ll know why Alan Ritchson is the kind of actor who makes watching TV worthwhile.
