If you grew up in the early 2000s, you couldn't escape him. Chad Michael Murray was basically the blueprint for the moody, sensitive-but-tough guy. He was everywhere. From the basketball courts of Tree Hill to the prep school hallways of Chilton, his face was plastered on every teen magazine in existence. But then, things got quiet.
He didn't disappear, though. He just changed.
Honestly, looking at the list of Chad Michael Murray shows today is like looking at a map of how TV itself has evolved. He went from the king of the WB to the face of modern "comfort TV." And yeah, that includes a whole lot of Christmas movies and a very successful leap into the Canadian wilderness.
The One Tree Hill Shadow
It’s the elephant in the room. You can't talk about his career without One Tree Hill. For six seasons, he was Lucas Scott. He was the soulful writer who also happened to be a star athlete. It’s a trope now, but back then? It was everything.
People forget how massive that show was. It wasn't just a drama; it was a cultural touchstone that defined an entire generation’s idea of high school angst. Murray recently admitted on the Like A Farmer podcast that during those years, he was "that guy," but he was also struggling. He was 22, famous, and, by his own admission, his ego was getting a bit inflated. He even considered quitting acting altogether after he left the show in 2009 because the pressure was just too much.
He didn't quit. He just pivoted.
From Stars Hollow to Riverdale: The Character Actor Era
Before he was Lucas, he was Tristan Dugray on Gilmore Girls. He was the rich kid jerk you kind of wanted Rory to end up with anyway. He only did 11 episodes, but the impact was so big that people still ask him about it in 2026.
Then there was Dawson's Creek. He played Charlie Todd, the musician who briefly dated Jen and Joey. He was building a resume of "the guy you love to hate."
But then, decades later, he showed up in Riverdale. If you haven't seen it, his turn as Edgar Evernever is wild. He played a cult leader. It was creepy, charismatic, and totally different from the "nice guy" image he’d spent years cultivating. It showed he had range beyond just brooding in a hoodie.
The Sullivan’s Crossing Era (2023–2026)
This is where things get interesting for current fans. If you’re looking for the most relevant Chad Michael Murray shows right now, Sullivan’s Crossing is the big one.
He plays Cal Jones. He’s a handyman. He’s charming. He’s basically the ultimate "rebound" character for Maggie Sullivan, but he has his own depth. The show is based on the Robyn Carr novels, and it has that same cozy, emotional vibe as Virgin River.
- Season 3 just wrapped up in mid-2025.
- Season 4 is officially happening. It’s expected to premiere in early 2026.
- Production is currently centered in Nova Scotia.
What’s cool about this show is the reunion. Scott Patterson (Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls) plays the lead’s father. Seeing Murray and Patterson back together on screen is a massive nostalgia hit for anyone who remembers the early 2000s WB lineup.
The King of the Holiday Movie
Let's be real. If it’s December, Chad Michael Murray is probably on your TV. He has leaned hard into the holiday romance genre, and it’s working.
He’s done it all. Write Before Christmas, Angel Falls Christmas, Christmas on Windmill Way. Most recently, in late 2024, he starred in Netflix’s The Merry Gentlemen. This wasn’t your average Hallmark movie; it involved a male dance revue and some pretty intense physical training. He told People that the prep for those shirtless scenes was "intense," which is a polite way of saying he spent a lot of time in the gym.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
Most teen idols from twenty years ago have faded away. They either didn't want the work or the industry didn't want them. Murray is different. He’s managed to stay employed by embracing exactly what the audience wants from him: reliable, emotional, and slightly nostalgic performances.
He also seems a lot more grounded. He moved back to his hometown of Buffalo, New York. He talks openly about his faith and his family. He’s not trying to be the "it boy" anymore, which ironically makes him more watchable.
What's Next for the CMM Fan?
If you're trying to keep up with him, there's a lot on the horizon. Beyond the fourth season of Sullivan's Crossing, he’s making a return to the big screen in a major way.
- Freakier Friday (2025): He is officially back as Jake. Yes, the guy on the Ducati. Seeing him reunite with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis is easily one of the most anticipated sequels of the decade.
- Joy to the World (2025): Another holiday project, but with more of a theatrical feel.
- Bad Men Must Bleed (2025): A departure from his usual romance roles, this is a grittier project where he plays Jacob Wallace.
To really get the most out of his current "renaissance," your best bet is to catch up on Sullivan's Crossing on The CW or CTV. It’s the closest thing we’ve had to a spiritual successor to One Tree Hill in years, minus the high school basketball drama. Keep an eye out for those Season 4 updates—the cliffhanger at the end of Season 3 involving a mysterious "husband" has the fandom in a total tailspin.
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Actionable Insight: If you want to dive back into his work, start with Sullivan’s Crossing for his modern dramatic chops, then hit The Merry Gentlemen on Netflix if you want to see a more playful, comedic side of his career that he rarely showed in the early days.