There’s just something about David Tennant that makes you sit up and take notice when he’s on the screen. It doesn’t matter if he’s playing the enigmatic Doctor, goth-like Crawley, or a villain bent on destroying a superhero—you want to like him whatever character he plays. Here are some of my favorite roles he’s played over the years.
1. Doctor Who (2005-2023)
This role really put David Tennant in front of worldwide audiences. The Tenth Doctor still remains as many people’s favorite regeneration. This is possibly why he was brought back for the 60th Anniversary Special, where the 13th Doctor regenerated with Tennant’s face in an unprecedented first in the long-running series.
2. Good Omens (2019 – Present)
In this Amazon Prime series based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Tennant plays the demon Crowley. This is probably my favorite role, as the character is especially complex. Tennant fits it perfectly- from dark to swaggering walk. His witty and charming performance alongside Michael Sheen’s Aziraphale received praise from critics and fans.
3. Jessica Jones (2015 – 2019)
I was surprised when Tennant appeared in Jessica Jones as the evil character Kilgrave. This was the first time I’d seen him in a role where I despised his character. His compelling and chilling performance added depth to the character, making Kilgrave one of Jessica Jones’ standout rivals.
4. Broadchurch (2013 – 2017)
Tennant starred as Detective Inspector Alec Hardy in this dark, gritty British crime drama. I found this one hard to watch because of the show’s focus on the impact of a young boy’s murder on a small coastal town. The show won three BAFTAs, and Tennant was nominated for several awards for his role as DI Alec Hardy.
5. Blackpool (2004)
Blackpool was a six-part mini-series crime drama and musical. This show came out before his fame as the Doctor. While you’re thinking, “David Tennant can sing? I never knew,” unfortunately, he can’t. While this show is a musical, the actors sing along with the actual songs, making it an unusual television piece.
6. Staged (2020 – 2023)
In this comedy series, Tennant and Michael Sheen play fictionalized versions of themselves as they navigate the challenges of rehearsing a play during lockdown. The series – especially the first season – had such a feeling of reality that fans questioned how much truth was in it. Staged puts Tennant’s acting skills on display because pulling off a believable character as another version of yourself is challenging.
7. Inside Man (2022)
This four-part series didn’t get a lot of love from reviews, but I found it intriguing. This is a crime thriller in which Tennant plays an English vicar who goes to extreme lengths to protect his son. At the same time, Stanley Tucci plays a criminal on death row, solving a crime from behind bars.
8. Around the World in 80 Days (2021-)
I always loved this story and was excited to learn that a new television series was based around it. I was more excited when I learned that David Tennant plays Phileas Fogg. Season two is listed on IMDb, and it was apparently greenlit, but there’s no hint as to when this will be released.
9. Much Ado About Nothing (2011)
In this contemporary take on Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, Tennant takes on the role of Benedick. Fans of Doctor Who were delighted to see Catherine Tate (Donna) playing Beatrice, reuniting Tennant and Tate for another performance. Their charismatic chemistry is undeniable and something that the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Special acknowledged.
10. There She Goes (2018 – 2023)
There She Goes is based on the real-life experiences of the show’s writer, Shaun Pye. Tennant plays the father of Rosie, a mentally challenged 9-year-old. It shows the struggles they face as a family and the day-to-day life of trying to help a child with an undiagnosed condition.
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Ree Winter, an Australian journalist now based in New Orleans, combines her love for solo travel with a sharp eye for great flight and accommodation deals. She eagerly shares her travel insights with her audience, drawing from her rich experiences. Ree holds a Master's degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and History. Her fascination with history is evident in her stint as a tour guide at historic house museums, showcasing her knowledge of architectural history. Beyond journalism and history, Ree has a unique flair for coffee culture. As a barista, she's operated a coffee van at various events and markets, showcasing her skill in coffee preparation.