You probably know Luke Evans as the guy with the killer jawline who tried to kill Dracula or the guy who definitely sang better than anyone else in Beauty and the Beast. But if you’ve only seen him on the big screen, you’re kinda missing the best part of his career.
He’s a chameleon. Honestly.
While Hollywood keeps trying to cast him as the stoic action hero, it’s the Luke Evans TV shows that actually let him breathe. On television, he isn't just "The Guy with the Bow" from The Hobbit. He gets to be messy. He gets to be vulnerable. He even gets to be a total jerk sometimes.
From 19th-century psychological thrillers to high-stakes modern military dramas, his TV resume is surprisingly deep. Let's look at what's worth your time and what's coming next in 2026.
The Alienist: When Luke Evans Went Full Period Drama
If you haven't seen The Alienist, go fix that. Now.
Set in 1896 New York, the show follows a criminal psychologist (the "alienist") trying to catch a serial killer. Evans plays John Moore, a society illustrator for the New York Times. He’s charming, he’s a bit of a drunk, and he’s frequently in over his head.
Why it works
Most actors would play Moore as a sidekick. Evans plays him as the emotional anchor. You see him navigate the grime of Gilded Age New York while wearing waistcoats that look like they cost more than my car. The chemistry between him, Daniel Brühl, and Dakota Fanning is the reason this show lasted two seasons (The Angel of Darkness was the second arc). It’s dark. It’s heavy. It’s peak Evans.
The Pembrokeshire Murders: A Return to Roots
In 2021, Luke headed back to his native Wales for a three-part miniseries called The Pembrokeshire Murders. This wasn't a flashy "Hollywood" version of a cop show. It was gritty, slow, and hyper-realistic.
He played Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins.
There are no car chases here. No one is jumping off buildings. Instead, you watch a man painstakingly look through old files and pieces of carpet to find DNA evidence against a serial killer named John Cooper.
Fun fact: The show was a massive hit in the UK, drawing in millions of viewers. It proved that Evans didn't need a sword or a dragon to carry a series; he just needed a good script and a rain jacket.
Nine Perfect Strangers and the "Hulu Era"
Then things got weird. In a good way.
In Nine Perfect Strangers, Evans plays Lars Lee. He’s a divorce lawyer who goes to a wellness retreat run by a very creepy Nicole Kidman. Lars is snarky. He’s cynical. He’s secretly there to write an expose.
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It’s a complete 180 from his usual "noble hero" roles. He’s kind of a tool at first, but as the episodes go on, you realize he’s just as broken as everyone else at the resort. Seeing him trade barbs with Melissa McCarthy and Bobby Cannavale is a highlight of the series.
Echo 3: The Apple TV+ Action Pivot
If you want the action, Echo 3 is where you find it.
Evans plays "Bambi," a special ops commando whose sister is kidnapped in Colombia. It’s an intense, sweaty, political thriller.
- The Tone: Imagine Zero Dark Thirty but stretched out over ten episodes.
- The Physicality: You can tell he did the work here. The tactical movements look real because he actually trained with former special forces.
- The Drama: It’s less about the shooting and more about the toxic relationship between Bambi and his brother-in-law (played by Michiel Huisman).
It didn't get the same massive buzz as Ted Lasso, but for fans of tactical dramas, it’s a must-watch.
What’s Happening in 2026?
The big news for 2026 is The Party.
This is a five-part drama for ITV where Evans isn't just starring; he’s an executive producer. He plays Martin Gilmour, a journalist who has spent his life in the shadow of a wealthy, charismatic politician friend.
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It’s based on Elizabeth Day’s novel.
Think Saltburn vibes but for grown-ups. It’s about class, obsession, and a birthday party that goes horribly wrong. Filming started late last year in Wales, and the hype is already building because Evans is finally moving into that "prestige producer-actor" phase of his career.
We also have Criminal coming to Amazon Prime Video.
This is a huge ensemble piece based on the graphic novels by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Luke is playing Tracy Lawless, a character fans have been dying to see on screen. It’s going to be dark, noir, and likely very violent.
The Voice Work Nobody Talks About
We can't ignore the weird stuff.
Evans has a great voice—obviously, he’s a West End musical veteran. But did you know he’s a regular on Robot Chicken? Or that he voiced King Merriman in the adult animated series Crossing Swords?
He clearly likes to have a laugh. Seeing a guy who played Dracula voice a puppet king who is constantly screaming is the kind of career range we should all respect.
Ranking the Best Luke Evans TV Shows
If you're looking to binge, here is the order you should probably go in:
- The Alienist: For the atmosphere and the acting.
- The Pembrokeshire Murders: For a masterclass in "quiet" intensity.
- Nine Perfect Strangers: For a different, more modern side of his talent.
- Echo 3: If you just want to see him kick doors down.
- The Great Train Robbery: A 2013 miniseries where he plays Bruce Reynolds. It’s an early gem if you can find it on streaming.
Why He’s Still Winning
Luke Evans is one of the few actors who managed to survive the "Big Budget Flop" era. Dracula Untold didn't launch a franchise, and The Hobbit trilogy ended, but he just pivoted.
By choosing high-quality TV miniseries over mediocre movie sequels, he’s built a much more sustainable career. He’s 46 now, and he’s arguably doing his best work yet.
He doesn't feel like a "TV actor" or a "Movie star" anymore. He’s just a guy who picks interesting projects.
What to do next
If you're ready to start your Luke Evans marathon, check your subscriptions. The Alienist is usually on Max or TNT, Nine Perfect Strangers is a Hulu staple, and Echo 3 is waiting for you on Apple TV+. If you’re in the UK, keep an eye on ITV for the release date of The Party—it’s expected to drop in the first half of 2026.
Start with The Pembrokeshire Murders if you want something short and impactful. It’s only three episodes, and it’ll show you exactly why he’s one of the best Welsh exports in Hollywood history.