Honestly, if you grew up in the early 2000s, Chad Michael Murray wasn't just an actor. He was basically the face of the WB. Between the brooding stares on One Tree Hill and the "Prince Charming" vibes in A Cinderella Story, he had a lock on the teen heartthrob market. But then, for a while, it felt like he just... vanished? Or at least moved into that weird "TV movie" space where only the most dedicated fans could find him.
Well, it’s 2026, and the "Chadissance" is officially in full swing.
If you haven’t been paying attention, the guy is everywhere. From leading massive Netflix hits to reprising iconic roles from twenty years ago, his filmography has expanded into something much more interesting than just "the guy from the teen soap." He’s playing dads now. He’s playing villains. He’s even playing a version of the character that started it all in the Freakier Friday sequel. It’s a wild time to be looking back at Chad Michael Murray movies and tv shows, because the list is getting long, varied, and surprisingly high-quality.
The 2020s Pivot: Sullivan’s Crossing and the Netflix Boom
If you’re wondering what he’s been up to lately, the answer is mostly a town called Sullivan’s Crossing. This show is massive. It’s basically the new Virgin River, and for good reason—it’s based on the same author’s books (Robyn Carr). Murray plays Cal Jones, a mysterious newcomer who handles a lot of the heavy emotional lifting alongside Morgan Kohan and Gilmore Girls alum Scott Patterson.
It’s currently in its fourth season, and people are obsessed.
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But Netflix didn’t stop at just licensing his series. In 2024, they dropped The Merry Gentlemen, which saw him playing a guy named Luke who helps save a small-town venue by, well, performing in a male revue. Yes, he did a shirtless Christmas movie. It went viral. Before that, he was in Mother of the Bride with Brooke Shields. He’s found this niche where he can be the romantic lead for a slightly older, more nostalgic audience while still leaning into the charm that made him famous.
The Big Screen Comeback: Freakier Friday
The biggest news for long-time fans has to be Freakier Friday. Released in 2025, this sequel brought back Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, but everyone was holding their breath to see if Jake would return. He did. Seeing a 40-something Jake Austin interact with the Coleman family again was the hit of nostalgia we didn't know we needed. It wasn't just a cameo; it felt like a genuine bridge between the actor he was in 2003 and the veteran he is now.
Why One Tree Hill Still Defines the Legacy
You can’t talk about Chad Michael Murray movies and tv shows without spending a significant amount of time on Lucas Scott. From 2003 to 2009, One Tree Hill was the center of his universe.
Lucas was the "sensitive" brother. He quoted literature. He played basketball in the rain. He had that specific brand of angst that defined a generation of TV. While the behind-the-scenes drama of that show has been well-documented in recent years (especially on the Drama Queens podcast hosted by his former co-stars), Murray’s performance remains the anchor of those early seasons.
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He didn't just play a jock. He played a kid trying to find his identity in a town that felt too small for his ambitions. Even though he left the show after Season 6, his shadow loomed over Tree Hill until the very end.
Breaking the Heartthrob Mold
There was a period where Murray seemed determined to prove he could do more than just look good on a poster. He took some dark turns.
- Riverdale: Playing Edgar Evernever was a stroke of genius casting. He played a cult leader who was charismatic, terrifying, and deeply weird. Seeing the guy who played Austin Ames try to harvest organs was... a lot. But he pulled it off.
- Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman: This was a controversial choice. Playing one of history's most notorious serial killers is a risk for any "pretty boy" actor. While the movie itself received mixed reviews, Murray’s commitment to the role showed he wasn't afraid to get ugly.
- Fruitvale Station: Most people forget he was in this. He played Officer Ingram in the Ryan Coogler-directed masterpiece. It’s a small role, but a vital one, and it proved he could hold his own in a serious, gritty drama.
The "Christmas King" Era
Before the Netflix surge, Murray became a staple of the Hallmark and GAC Family holiday circuits. If you turn on a TV in December, there is a 40% chance you will see his face.
- Write Before Christmas (2019)
- Love in Winterland (2020)
- Angel Falls Christmas (2021)
- Christmas on Windmill Way (2023)
Some people might call these "guilty pleasures," but they kept him working and kept his fanbase loyal. He’s got this "reliable leading man" energy that works perfectly for the holiday genre. He doesn't phone it in. He treats these roles with the same earnestness he brought to the WB back in the day.
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A Career Built on Longevity
Looking at his full credits, it’s clear he’s a survivor. He started with guest spots on Diagnosis: Murder and Undressed. He did the "bad boy" thing on Dawson's Creek as Charlie Todd. He was the quintessential rich kid Tristin DuGray on Gilmore Girls.
He’s worked with everyone from Bruce Willis (in those Fortress action flicks) to Hilary Duff.
The range is actually kind of insane when you lay it all out. He’s moved from teen idol to action star to indie actor to holiday rom-com king. And now, with Sullivan's Crossing entering its 2026 season, he’s settled into a comfortable role as a TV veteran who knows exactly what his audience wants.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re looking to catch up on his work, don't just stick to the classics. Here is how to navigate the Murray catalog:
- For Nostalgia: Start with A Cinderella Story and the first four seasons of One Tree Hill. It's the "purest" version of his early persona.
- For Modern Drama: Binge Sullivan's Crossing on Netflix or The CW. It’s a slow-burn romance that feels mature and grounded.
- For a Laugh: Watch the original Freaky Friday and then immediately jump to Freakier Friday (2025). The evolution of his character Jake is actually pretty funny.
- For Something Different: Check out his episodes of Marvel's Agent Carter. He plays Jack Thompson, a character you’ll probably love to hate.
Chad Michael Murray hasn't just stayed relevant; he’s reinvented himself without losing the core charm that made him a star in the first place. Whether he's saving a campground in Nova Scotia or dancing in a Christmas revue, he's proving that there is a long, successful life after being a teen idol.
The best way to dive into his current work is to check out the new season of Sullivan's Crossing on The CW or catch The Merry Gentlemen on Netflix if you're in the mood for something lighter.