Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Michelle Pfeiffer are among a growing list of Oscar-winning actors who have shifted their focus to television. The Apple TV+ series "Margo's Got Money Troubles," for example, features both Kidman and Pfeiffer. Harrison Ford earned his first Emmy nomination in 2025 for his role in Apple TV+'s "Shrinking." Kathy Bates leads the CBS hit "Matlock," which has been renewed for a third season.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Michelle Pfeiffer has found significant success on television. Her Paramount+ series "The Madison" has been renewed for second and third seasons. She also starred alongside Elle Fanning and Nick Offerman in Apple TV's "Margo's Got Money Troubles." Pfeiffer is known for films such as "Batman Returns," "Grease 2," "Scarface," and "Dangerous Minds." Watch "The Madison" on Paramount+ and "Margo's Got Money Troubles" on Apple TV+.
Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates stars as Madeline "Matty" Matlock in CBS's reboot "Matlock." The procedural drama, which has been renewed for a third season (set for mid-season 2027), features Bates as an octogenarian lawyer with a knack for solving cases. Bates is celebrated for her film roles in "Misery," "Dolores Claiborne," "Fried Green Tomatoes," and "The Waterboy." Watch "Matlock" on Paramount+.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford received his first Emmy nomination in 2025 for his role as Dr. Paul Rhoades, a senior therapist with Parkinson's disease, in Apple TV's "Shrinking." The 83-year-old actor told The Hollywood Reporter that the work on the show is "remarkable" and "really nurtures me and makes me feel like what we're doing has value and importance." Ford is iconic for his roles in "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," "The Fugitive," and "Air Force One." Watch "Shrinking" on Apple TV+.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has appeared in numerous TV series in recent years, including "Lioness," "Scarpetta," "Margo's Got Money Troubles," "Nine Perfect Strangers," "The Undoing," and "Big Little Lies," for which she won an Emmy. Kidman is known for films like "Batman Forever," "Practical Magic," "Eyes Wide Shut," "The Hours," and "The Others." Watch "Scarpetta" on Prime Video and "Lioness" on Paramount+.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett has played LAPD patrol sergeant Athena Grant on the Fox/ABC drama "9-1-1" since 2018. She previously starred in the later seasons of NBC's "ER." Bassett is known for her film roles in "What's Love Got To Do With It?," "Waiting To Exhale," "Black Panther," "Malcolm X," and "Boyz n the Hood." Watch "9-1-1" on Hulu and Disney+.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore has hosted "The Drew Barrymore Show" since September 2020, known for her close interview style and viral celebrity interactions. The show was renewed for two more seasons in 2025. Barrymore is known for films such as "E.T.," "Scream," "The Wedding Singer," and "Charlie's Angels." Watch "The Drew Barrymore Show" on Paramount+.
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone stars as Dwight Manfredi in the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King," where he sets up a criminal enterprise in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after release from prison. A spinoff, "Frisco King," starring Samuel L. Jackson, is in development. Stallone is famous for "Rocky," "Rambo: First Blood," "Demolition Man," and "Creed." Watch "Tulsa King" on Paramount+.
Christina Ricci
Christina Ricci portrays older Misty Quigley, a geeky equipment manager turned terrifying adult, in Showtime's "Yellowjackets." Ricci is known for her film roles in "Casper," "The Addams Family," "Now & Then," and "Mermaids." Watch "Yellowjackets" on Netflix and Paramount+.
Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner played John Dutton III on "Yellowstone" for the first three seasons, helping launch the Taylor Sheridan Paramount+ universe. The spinoff "Dutton Ranch" has been a hit, and "The Madison" starring Pfeiffer is also part of this world. Costner is known for "The Bodyguard," "Dances With Wolves," "Field of Dreams," and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Watch "Yellowstone" on Paramount+.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg has hosted "The View" for nearly 20 years, replacing Rosie O'Donnell. She previously hosted her own late-night show in 1992. Goldberg is known for films such as "Ghost," "The Color Purple," "Sister Act," and "Sister Act 2." Watch "The View" on Hulu.
Glenn Close
Glenn Close portrays Dina Standish in Hulu's "All's Fair," a matriarch for a group of legal baddies. Despite mixed reviews, the show was renewed for a second season. Close is known for "Fatal Attraction," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "101 Dalmatians." Watch "All's Fair" on Hulu.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon stars as impulsive reporter Bradley Jackson in Apple TV's "The Morning Show" opposite Jennifer Aniston. Witherspoon is known for "Legally Blonde," "Cruel Intentions," "Fear," and "Sweet Home Alabama." Watch "The Morning Show" on Apple TV+.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning plays Jenny, a mom friend to Marissa (Sarah Snook), whose son goes missing in Peacock's limited series "All Her Fault." Fanning is known for her child star roles in "Man on Fire," "Uptown Girls," and "I Am Sam." Watch "All Her Fault" on Peacock.
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda portrayed Grace Hanson in Netflix's "Grace and Frankie," opposite Lily Tomlin. The show ran for seven seasons. Fonda is known for "Barbarella," "On Golden Pond," "9 to 5," and "Monster-in-Law." Watch "Grace and Frankie" on Netflix.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder plays Joyce Byers in Netflix's "Stranger Things," a mother searching for her missing son Will in Hawkins, Indiana. Ryder is known for "Edward Scissorhands," "Beetlejuice," "Girl, Interrupted," and "Mermaids." Watch "Stranger Things" on Netflix.
Sissy Spacek
Sissy Spacek portrays Gail, the mother of Michelle Williams's character Molly, in FX's "Dying for Sex." Molly has Stage IV cancer and embarks on a sexual journey. Spacek is known for "Carrie," "Coal Miner's Daughter," and "The Long Walk Home." Watch "Dying for Sex" on Hulu.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis won her first Emmy for her role as Donna Berzatto, the volatile mother in FX's "The Bear." She is known for "Halloween," "True Lies," "Trading Places," and "Everything Everywhere All At Once." Watch "The Bear" on Hulu.
