You probably recognize Chosen Jacobs as the kid with the inhaler from It. Or maybe you saw him as the lead in the Disney+ flick Sneakerella. But if you're actually looking at Chosen Jacobs TV shows, the picture is a lot more interesting than just a few blockbuster movie roles. Most child actors hit a wall when they turn eighteen. They either disappear into "where are they now" listicles or they spend a decade trying to convince casting directors they aren't twelve anymore. Jacobs didn't do that. He pivoted into prestige television and high-concept streaming series with a level of intentionality that’s honestly rare for his age group.
He’s got this weirdly specific knack for picking projects that blend genre-bending weirdness with genuine heart. Whether he’s playing a young version of a legendary character or leading a musical drama, he avoids the "Disney kid" trap by keeping things grounded.
The Castle Rock Breakthrough
Let's talk about Castle Rock. This was the moment people realized he could carry a heavy, psychological narrative without breaking a sweat. In the Hulu series—which is basically a massive love letter to the Stephen King multiverse—Jacobs played the younger version of Mike Lacy.
It’s a tough gig. You aren't just acting; you’re filling in the blanks of a character's trauma. The show is dense. It’s moody. It’s frequently terrifying in a way that relies more on atmosphere than jump scares. Jacobs had to convey a sense of inherited dread, and he did it with a subtlety that stood out even against heavyweights like Bill Skarsgård and André Holland. It wasn’t just a "TV role." It was proof of concept. He proved he could inhabit the Stephen King universe—a world he was already familiar with from It—while bringing something entirely different to the table.
God Friended Me and the Network Grind
While streaming is where the "cool" stuff happens, network TV is where you learn the craft. God Friended Me on CBS was a different beast entirely. Jacobs played Isaiah, a recurring character who brought a younger perspective to a show that was essentially a high-concept procedural about faith and social media.
Network television moves fast. You don't have the luxury of three months to film eight episodes. You're churning out content. Working on a show like God Friended Me allowed Jacobs to show off his range. He wasn't the "horror kid" anymore. He was just a talented young actor navigating a lighthearted, yet philosophical, drama. It showed he could fit into the "Blue Bloods" or "Grey’s Anatomy" style of television just as easily as he could a gritty prestige drama.
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Hawaii Five-0: The Recurring Years
If you’re a fan of long-running procedurals, you definitely caught him on Hawaii Five-0. He played Will Grover, the son of Lou Grover (played by Chi McBride). This wasn't a one-off guest spot. Over several years, Jacobs appeared in over twenty episodes.
This is where the audience actually watched him grow up.
Literally.
He went from a kid dealing with "dad problems" to a young man. The chemistry between him and McBride felt real because it had time to bake. Most actors use these types of roles to pay the bills, but for Jacobs, it seemed like a masterclass in ensemble acting. You learn how to stay relevant in a scene when you aren't the one holding the gun or solving the crime. You learn how to make the domestic B-plots feel just as important as the high-stakes action.
The Future of Chosen Jacobs TV Shows
What's next? That's the real question. Jacobs has been leaning heavily into the "actor-musician" hybrid lane lately. Sneakerella was a huge indicator of that, but the industry rumor mill is always spinning about where he'll land a series regular role next.
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There is a gap in the market right now for leading men who can handle "genre" content—sci-fi, fantasy, horror—without feeling like they're in a CW melodrama. Jacobs has the "It" factor (pun intended) to lead a high-budget HBO or Netflix series. He has an old-soul quality. You believe him when he’s playing someone burdened by a secret or a difficult past.
Why He’s Avoided the "Child Star" Curse
It comes down to variety. If you look at the full list of Chosen Jacobs TV shows, there is no pattern.
- Horror/Thriller (Castle Rock)
- Procedural Drama (Hawaii Five-0)
- Feel-good Dramedy (God Friended Me)
- Animated Voice Work (Win or Lose)
By refusing to be pigeonholed, he’s made himself indispensable. He’s a utility player. Need a lead for a musical? He can do it. Need a kid who can look terrified in a haunted town? He’s done it twice. Need a relatable son for a network drama? Done.
What to Watch First
If you’re just diving into his filmography, don't just stick to the movies. The TV work is where the nuance is.
- Start with Castle Rock. It’s the best representation of his ability to handle dark material.
- Check out his arc in Hawaii Five-0. It’s fascinating to see the literal physical and professional growth across several seasons.
- Keep an eye out for Win or Lose on Disney+. It represents his move into the Pixar/Animated space, which is a whole different skill set (voice acting is harder than it looks, honestly).
The reality is that Chosen Jacobs is currently in that sweet spot of a career. He’s recognizable enough to get the meetings, but he hasn't been overexposed to the point where audiences are tired of him. He’s playing the long game. In an industry that usually demands immediate, explosive fame, his steady climb through the ranks of television guest spots and recurring roles has built a foundation that’s actually solid.
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How to Keep Up With His New Projects
To stay ahead of his upcoming releases, you should be tracking production trades like Deadline or The Hollywood Reporter. Unlike stars who post every second of their lives on TikTok, Jacobs tends to keep his head down until a project is ready to go.
Check his IMDb regularly for "In Production" credits. Often, these young actors sign onto limited series that don't get announced to the general public until they’re nearly finished filming. Given his history with streamers like Hulu and Disney+, that's likely where his next big swing will land.
Keep a close eye on any projects involving his music as well. He often contributes to the soundtracks of the shows he’s in, and that dual-threat capability is exactly what modern showrunners are looking for. If a new musical drama gets greenlit, Jacobs is probably on the short list for the lead. He’s already proven he can handle the workload. Now it’s just about finding the right vehicle to take him from "that guy from that show" to a household name.
The smartest move for any fan is to go back and watch the early guest spots. You can see the flashes of the actor he’s becoming today. It’s not just luck; it’s a decade of consistent work.