He is not a guy in finance, and he does not have blue eyes, but he is handsome, charming, and utterly captivating on screen. In recent years,Jonathan Baileyhas established himself as one of the most beloved heartthrobs thanks to his career-making role in Netflix’s hit period dramaBridgerton. But while the Regency-era romance catapulted the actor into global stardom, few know that Bailey has been delighting television audiences for over a decade with diverse and complex performances.
From his early role as rock musician Tom inGroove Highto playing the sex-obsessed flatmate inCrashing, Bailey has constantly displayed a talent for infusingeven the tiniest of roles with excellent depth. The actor is so endearing to watch that he draws viewers in with his emotional transparency and leaves them stunned.
Now, withBridgertonpropelling him to new heights. It’s time we revisited Jonathan Bailey’s vast body of work. We have narrowed down his ten best TV roles that prove he is so much more than a pretty face.
10Danny Gordon in Off the Hook (2009)
From the minds of Dean Craig, Vadim Jean, and Andy de Emmony is this edgy BBC comedy drama centered around Danny Gordon and his teen friends as they embark on a new chapter in their lives while attending the fictional Bankside University. Prepared to make the best out of college, Danny is taken aback when Shane McKay, his “worst best friend” from school, gets a spot at the university, and he barges in, often uninvited, to his university routine.
College Life Hijinks
Aimed specifically at teens, this British sitcom was a breath of fresh air. It blendscringe worthy university life humorwith feel-good moments, making it delightful to watch. Jonathan Bailey stars as Danny, the protagonist, alongside Danny Morgan, James Buckley, Joanna Cassidy and Georgia King. The cast shares impeccable chemistry, which adds to the show’s charm.
From posing nude for an arts class to accidentally spiking drinks at a party, Danny’s adventures inOff the Hookmay seem predictable, but they’re hilarious and endearing.
9Tom Mason in Groove High (2012 – 2013)
A musical comedy seriesthat blends live action and animation,Groove Highcenters around Tom and Zoe, two teenage rock musicians and budding pop stars who are on tour with their band. Somewhere in the middle, they begin to reminisce about the good old days at their performing arts high school, Groove High, which was the most elite boarding school in the country.
Displays Scene-Stealing Talent
Amid the zany antics and lively choreography, every episode begins in the present and travels back in time halfway to reimagine Tom and Zoe’s delightfully exaggerated memories as animated flashbacks. Bailey plays Tom with an infectious zeal, bringing humor as well as emotional layers to his character arc and displaying raw, untapped talent. Overall,Groove Highis a show filled with catchy tunes, gorgeous character moments and unexpected friendships.
8Alfie Jones in Me and Mrs Jones (2012)
Me and Mrs Jonesis a romantic comedy series that only ran for one season (six episodes) and was directed by Nick Hurran. It centers around Gemma Jones, a divorcee and mother of three children – twin daughters Charlotte and Jess and adult son Alfie. The series explores the complexities of attractions when Gemma finds herself drawn to Tom, the father of one of her daughters' play buddies, and Billy, a friend of her son. Can she resist her desires or will she pursue a forbidden love?
A Memorable Supporting Turn
The series is filled to the brim with relatable moments of humor and heart. Watching Sarah Alexander’s Gemma Jones navigate her emotions and get caught up in a tangled web of relationships feels extremely authentic. Jonathan Bailey, who is known for his versatility, delivers a standout performance as Alfie. His portrayal adds depth to character dynamics and family drama, capturing both the awkwardness and ingenuity of being a teenager.
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7Leonardo da Vinci in Leonardo (2011 – 2012)
Set in 15th-century Florence,Leonardois a captivating action-adventure drama that gives audiences a ticket into the gorgeous world of Renaissance Italy. All fiction, it follows a young Leonardo da Vinci working as an apprentice. He is yet to showcase his brilliant, unmatched, free-thinking skills to the world. In the company of his contemporaries, Machiavelli and Lorenzo de' Medici, Leo finds inspiration and experiences adventures ranging from love to war.
Bailey Portrays the Iconic Renaissance Man
Not just another period drama,Leonardois a fast-paced and meticulously crafted modern comedy that immerses viewers in the Renaissance era. The costumes are a juxtaposition of historical accuracy and style, whereas the music is absolutely stunning. Bailey stars as young Leonardo da Vinci, adding nuance to moments like his first encounter with Lisa Gherardini, who is disguised as a boy. The series also has a lot of political intrigue and is a must-watch if you love history and art.
6Jack Patterson in W1A (2014 – 2017)
Created by John Morton,W1Ais the sequel to the BAFTA-winning comedy series,Twenty Twelve. A satirical spoof itself, it is set against the backdrop of the management department of the BBC. It revolves around Ian Fletcher, former Head of the Olympic Deliverance Commission. Now, he has been promoted to Head of Values and assigned with just one mission – to redefine and reposition the purpose of the BBC and communicate the same across all functions.
An Underrated British Comedy
Bytackling themes of workplace politics, generational divides and everyday events at a corporation, the series proves just why (and how) British humor is sharper than American humor. From Prince Charles’ visit to the office to the media analyzing Ian’s salary,W1Ahas its moments.
Bailey has a supporting role in this one; he plays the slick and ambitious Jack Patterson. As the PA to Head of Output, Jack spends most of his time cooking up schemes and romantically pursuing a fellow colleague.
5Olly Stevens in Broadchurch (2013 – 2015)
Broadchurch
One of the most brilliant and compelling crime TV shows out there,Broadchurchstars Olivia Colman and David Tennant as Detective Sgt. Ellie Miller and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy respectively. They reluctantly team up for the investigation of an 11-year-old boy’s murder in a small coastal town. Close-knit residents of the community help little in pointing out a suspect. But the deeper they dig, the darker the town’s hidden secrets get.
Mesmerizing and Insightful
There is no denying the fact thatBroadchurchis Colman and Tennant’s show. They are absolutely breathtaking as two troubled and determined detectives trying to do their job.
Serving as a side character is Jonathan Bailey, who appears in 16 episodes of the show as Olly Stevens, a stuck-up local journalist striving to cover the truth behind a story that rocked his small town. His performance offers glimpses of his intelligence and talent, further transforming the series into a riveting mystery.
4Flatpack in Campus (2011)
Written and co-directed by Victoria Pile,Campusis yet another British comedy drama. It follows the staff politics and middle-aged drama in the quirky and surreal world of Kirke University. At the helm is Andy Nyman, who plays the role of Vice Chancellor Jonty de Wolfe. Deemed by many as a comedy grotesque, he wants Kirke – and himself – to achieve great things. But in order to have that, Wolfe must go above and beyond his way.
An Unexpected Hit
Created by the same team that was behind the offensively hilarious and unhinged hospital-set comedy Green Wing,Campusis known for its humor and surrealism. It may be inconsistent in storytelling, but the show was only given six seasons to leave an indelible mark on television, so one cannot really complain.
Along with an eccentric cast that included Joseph Millson, Sara Pascoe and Katherine Ryan, it starred rising-star Jonathan Bailey. He was Flatpack, the sports-obsessed assistant to English Professor Beer.
3Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers (2023)
Fellow Travelers
Mining on his recent popularity, Jonathan Bailey appears in this romantic historical thriller series as Timothy Laughlin.Fellow Travelerstakes you back in time to 1952, where Hawkins Fuller, a man who has achieved the American Dream, finds himself in the company of an old acquaintance, Marcus Hooks, who then leads him to Tim.
What starts as a subtle flirtation at a party transforms intoa decades-long volatile relationshiprevolving around war, scandal, changing political tides and more.
Bailey’s Most Soul-Bearing Role
For a limited series,Fellow Travelerscovers a lot of ground. It may be a spellbinding romance on the surface, but underneath the veneer lie intricate layers of human fears and longing as well as a web of anti-LGBTQ+ politics.
Matt Bomer, who plays the handsome State Department official, is perfectly cast against Bailey’s political aide. Tim’s subtle smiles and his sideways glances are a contrast to his solitary moments. Delicate and achingly resonant, Jonathan cements Timothy as one of television’s most glorious and empathetic queer characters.
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2Sam in Crashing (2016)
Crashingiswritten and created by Phoebe Waller-Bridgewith George Kane as the director. It consists of six episodes and has a fairly straightforward premise that goes something like this: six twenty-something individuals live in an abandoned hospital building as its property guardians, following an unconventional but non-negotiable set of rules while also navigating careers, personal relationships, and past baggage.
Waller-Bridge in Her Pre-Fleabag Era
Alongside equally talented cast members like Waller-Bridge, Damien Molony, Louise Ford, Julie Dray and Amit Shah, Jonathan Bailey holds his own as Sam, an estate agent who cannot stress enough that he is straight.
But Sam is also obsessed with sex, and over the course of the series, he finds himself attracted to his housemate Fred, played by Shah. He grants a boyish and endearing charm to Sam, winning fans over with his warm comedy and somber moments.Crashing, overall, is a show that is sweet and modern and neatly wrapped.
1Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton (2020 – present)
Bridgerton
From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, Netflix’sBridgertonis based on the romance novels of the same name by author Julia Quinn. The series follows the eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth, as they search for love during the social season and navigate life in Regency-era England.
This Netflix phenomenon that explored romance, scandal, gossip and social dynamics in Regency-era London,Bridgertonbrought back binge-worthy historical dramas and redefined them for a modern audience. It follows the lives of the Bridgerton family, with Lady Violet Bridgerton and Lady Portia Featherington presenting their daughters to Queen Charlotte for approval. Each of the daughters, over the seasons, cross paths with a charming lead and spark a passionate connection.
Bridgertonkickstarted the trend of ballroom intrigue and steamy love affairs intricately woven into period dramas that are absolutely stunning. The writing is sharp, the aesthetics are mind-blowing, and the performances are truly remarkable.
Speaking of which, Baileybroke out globally as Anthony Bridgerton in Season 2. His exquisite, assured and sensitive performance swept fans off their feet. As the underestimated Bridgerton son, he became the dream romantic lead and shared palpable chemistry with co-star Simone Ashley.
