Last updated on: July 28, 2025
You ever watch a show just for one character? The plot could be average, the cast pretty good—but there’s that one person who absolutely steals the scene every time they walk in.
For me, that guy is Rick Hoffman.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
“Oh, the guy from Suits, right?”
Yep. That’s him. The one who gave us Louis Litt—awkward, intense, and somehow still the heart of the show. But here’s the kicker: Rick Hoffman’s brilliance doesn’t stop at Suits. He’s popped up in all kinds of shows over the years, and every time, he leaves a mark.
So if you’ve only seen him screaming “You just got Litt up!” in a power suit, buckle up. Because we’re diving into five shows that prove Rick Hoffman is one of the most underrated actors on TV.
1. Suits (2011–2019)
Let’s start with the obvious.
Suits wasn’t just a legal drama—it was a lifestyle. Sharp suits, faster comebacks, high-stakes cases. But amidst all the cool charisma of Harvey Specter and the genius of Mike Ross, there was one character who felt real. Flawed. Fragile. Fierce. That was Louis Litt.
Rick Hoffman didn’t just play Louis. He became him.
The insecurity, the ego, the vulnerability—he made you cringe, laugh, and cry, often within the same scene.
Remember that episode where Louis finally becomes name partner? I swear, it felt like watching a close friend win an Oscar.
His character arc wasn’t about success. It was about acceptance—of himself, of his colleagues, of his place in the world.
And that journey? That’s what made Suits so compelling.
Let’s be honest. If you skipped Suits and just watched Louis scenes, you’d still get a masterclass in acting. Hoffman turned a character that could’ve been comic relief into the emotional anchor of the series.
2. Billions (2017)
Now imagine this. You’re watching Billions—power players, hedge funds, testosterone flying all over the room. Suddenly, in walks a strange man with a bald head, odd mannerisms, and a bizarre, zen-like calm.
Meet Dr. Swerdlow—performance coach extraordinaire.
Rick Hoffman shows up for just one episode. But man, it’s like the air changes when he enters the room.
His character is weird. Mysterious. You’re not quite sure whether to laugh or feel uncomfortable. And that’s what makes it work.
He doesn’t just break the tension—he is the tension.
If you’ve ever had a strange motivational speaker in a corporate setting, you’ll totally get the vibe.
Hoffman leans into the bizarre, and it’s fantastic.
3. The Mentalist (2011)
Let me ask you this—can a single guest role really stand out in a long-running crime procedural like The Mentalist?
Yep. When it’s Rick Hoffman, absolutely.
He appears in Season 4 as Marvin Fink, a defense attorney with a punchable attitude and slick demeanor.
You can feel the slime radiating off him. But in classic Hoffman style, there’s also a weird kind of magnetism.
You hate him… but you’re entertained.
Picture this: Patrick Jane’s calm genius goes toe-to-toe with Marvin’s smug legal tricks.
It’s sharp. It’s snappy. It’s everything you want from a one-off legal showdown.
And here’s the thing—Hoffman doesn’t overplay it. He knows exactly when to dial it up and when to pull back.
That’s his magic.
Even with just one episode, he leaves you thinking, “Wait, who was that guy again?”
4. Better Off Ted (2009)
Now let’s switch gears. Ever seen a show that’s so clever, so underrated, you just want to force your friends to watch it?
That’s Better Off Ted.
It’s a workplace comedy set in a dystopian corporate lab, and Hoffman makes a memorable appearance as Mr. Page, an executive so corporate he probably dreams in Excel spreadsheets.
This isn’t the intense, emotional Hoffman we know from Suits.
This is Rick the comedian—deadpan delivery, absurd dialogue, and perfect timing.
One scene, he’s calmly discussing human testing like he’s ordering coffee.
It’s dark humor, but it’s gold.
If you’ve ever worked a soul-sucking office job or dealt with out-of-touch bosses, this episode hits hard.
And Rick? He plays the system so well, you’d swear he’s done this in real life.
5. Leverage (2010)
Let’s paint a picture.
You’re watching Leverage—a crew of con artists taking down the corrupt.
Then comes along Alan Scott, a businessman so smug you just know he’s the bad guy.
Rick Hoffman plays him to perfection.
He’s not loud or aggressive. He’s the type who smiles while sinking your career.
You know the kind.
This role isn’t huge. It’s one episode. But again—Hoffman nails it.
He plays Alan with a calm cruelty that makes you lean in. He’s smart, composed, and two steps ahead.
And it’s not cartoonish villainy either. You get the sense that this guy probably exists.
And that’s what makes it real—and terrifying.
The Hoffman Effect: Why He Stands Out
Here’s the thing.
Rick Hoffman doesn’t just play roles. He inhabits them.
Whether he’s the neurotic genius, the awkward underdog, or the smug villain, he brings a level of intensity and depth that most actors can’t touch.
He’s the kind of actor who makes you pause and think,
“Wow, there’s a lot going on beneath the surface.”
That’s rare.
What I love most is how he’s not afraid to be weird. Or flawed. Or vulnerable. That’s where the magic happens.
He never plays it safe. And that makes him unforgettable.
A Few Hidden Gems
If you’re curious to see even more sides of Rick, check out his guest roles in:
Law & Order
CSI: Miami
Samantha Who?
Monk
He’s the guy who shows up in one episode, nails it, and makes you wish his character got a spin-off.
He’s also popped up in The Bernie Mac Show and Lie to Me.
Again—short appearances, big impact.
So, Why Should You Watch These Shows?
Simple. Rick Hoffman is a master of making you feel something.
You’ll laugh. You’ll cringe. Sometimes, you’ll get a little misty-eyed.
Whether you’re diving into Suits for the first time or revisiting a forgotten gem like Better Off Ted, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for a man who deserves way more spotlight than he gets.
And hey—if you ever feel like the underdog, like you’re overlooked or misunderstood…
Watch Louis Litt’s journey again. You’ll see yourself in there somewhere.
Final Thoughts
Rick Hoffman isn’t just “that guy from Suits.”
He’s a chameleon. A powerhouse. A scene-stealer with soul.
He may not have a list of awards or lead roles in blockbuster shows, but that doesn’t matter.
He’s the kind of actor who makes everything around him better. And honestly? That’s a rare gift.
So next time someone says,
“Who’s your favorite actor?”
Maybe throw out Rick Hoffman’s name.
You’ll surprise them. But more importantly, you’ll be right.
