You know that feeling when you see an actor and think, "Oh, that’s just the guy from that one movie"? Most people do that with Dave Franco. They see the smirk, the perfectly coiffed hair, and the sharp comedic timing and immediately think of 21 Jump Street or Neighbors. But if you’re only looking at his film career, you’re basically missing half the story.
Honestly, the Dave Franco TV series catalog is where he actually learned to steer the ship.
It wasn't always leading man vibes. Back in the day, he was grinding through guest spots on 7th Heaven and Greek. You’ve probably forgotten he was even in those. Most have. But those small roles built the foundation for a career that’s surprisingly varied, moving from "the bratty rich kid" to "the guy who can actually carry a weird, experimental dramedy."
The "Scrubs" Gamble and the Curse of Season 9
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Scrubs Season 9. Or, as the purists call it, Scrubs: Med School.
It’s often cited as one of those "should have stayed canceled" moments in television history. But for Dave Franco, it was a massive break. He played Cole Aaronson, an arrogant, entitled medical student whose parents essentially bought his way into the hospital.
He was the guy you loved to hate.
Most actors would have played Cole as a one-dimensional jerk. Franco, however, leaned into the absurdity. He made Cole human—barely, but human nonetheless. It was a masterclass in playing a "nepo baby" before that term was even part of our daily vocabulary. If you go back and watch it now (it's on Peacock), his energy is the only thing that really matches the frantic pace of the original series.
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Moving Beyond the "Bro" Stereotype
After Scrubs, the industry tried to pigeonhole him. It’s easy to see why. He has that "frat boy who definitely knows what a Jaeger bomb is" look. But then came Easy on Netflix.
In the episode "Brewery Brothers," Franco plays Jeff, a guy who starts an illegal brewery in a garage with his brother. It’s quiet. It’s understated. It’s the polar opposite of the high-energy comedy he was known for.
Working with Joe Swanberg—the king of mumblecore—allowed Franco to show he could actually act without a punchline every ten seconds. He used silence. He used awkward glances. It was a pivot that proved he wasn't just James Franco’s little brother; he was an actor with his own specific, often softer, internal world.
The Quibi That Could (And Then Couldn't)
Do you remember Quibi? That short-lived platform for "quick bites" of content?
Franco starred in a series called The Now, directed by the Farrelly brothers. It was supposed to be the platform's crown jewel. Then Quibi died a swift, painful death.
The Now eventually landed on The Roku Channel in late 2021. It’s a dark comedy about a guy (Franco) who finds out his father and brother both committed suicide, and he’s struggling with the fear that it's in his DNA too. It’s heavy stuff, but handled with a weirdly optimistic tone. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a watch just to see him play someone genuinely vulnerable and terrified of his own mind.
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The Afterparty and the Return of the Star
If there’s one Dave Franco TV series that everyone needs to have on their watchlist, it’s The Afterparty on Apple TV+.
He plays Xavier, a pop star/actor who is—let's be real—a complete tool. But he’s a brilliant tool. Franco leans into the "delusional celebrity" trope with so much commitment that you almost feel bad when he ends up dead at the end of the first episode. (Not a spoiler, that's the literal premise of the show).
- The Xavier Persona: He actually recorded songs for the show. "Imma Die Alone" is a legitimate bop in a "this is terrible but I can't stop listening" kind of way.
- The Comedy: It’s physical. He uses his whole body to project this aura of unearned importance.
- The Impact: The show was a massive hit, and Franco's performance in the first season set the bar for every guest star who followed in Season 2.
The 2025 Shift: "The Studio"
Fast forward to right now. The biggest buzz around Franco isn't even about his acting—it's about his presence in The Studio (2025).
This show is a showbiz satire that has been cleaning up on the awards circuit lately. It’s sharp, it’s mean, and it’s incredibly accurate about how Hollywood actually functions. Starring alongside Zoë Kravitz, Franco plays a version of the industry insider that feels uncomfortably real.
He's not playing for laughs as much here. He’s playing for truth.
Why We Keep Watching
So, why does Dave Franco work on TV?
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It’s the relatability. Even when he’s playing a billionaire or a pop star, there’s something about his performance that feels like he’s in on the joke with us. He never takes himself too seriously, which is a rare trait in an actor of his caliber.
He’s also diversified. He directs (see: The Rental), he writes, and he produces. This "multihyphenate" approach means that when he chooses a TV project, it’s usually because there’s something interesting there, not just because he needs a paycheck.
Breaking the "Brother" Comparison
For years, every interview started with a question about James. It was annoying. It was reductive.
But through his TV work, Dave has built a completely different brand. James is meta and experimental; Dave is grounded and precise. He’s the one you want to have a beer with, whereas James is the one you’d expect to read poetry to you in a dark room. That distinction is what saved his career.
How to Watch the Best Dave Franco Shows
If you're looking to binge his best work, don't just search for "Dave Franco movies." You'll miss the good stuff.
- The Afterparty (Apple TV+): Start here. It's the most "Dave Franco" role he's ever played.
- The Studio (Apple TV+): This is the high-brow, satirical Dave. It’s 2025’s must-watch.
- Easy (Netflix): Watch the "Brewery Brothers" episode (Season 1, Episode 3) for a glimpse of his dramatic range.
- The Now (The Roku Channel): For when you want something a bit darker and more existential.
- Scrubs Season 9 (Peacock): If you can handle the "reboot" vibes, his performance as Cole is genuinely funny.
The reality is that Dave Franco is no longer just "the younger brother." He’s a TV mainstay who has mastered the art of the ensemble cast while still knowing exactly when to steal the spotlight. Whether he's a douchey med student or a struggling pop star, he brings a specific kind of electricity to the screen that most actors just can't replicate.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the full picture of Franco's evolution, skip the blockbusters for a weekend and stream the first season of The Afterparty. It highlights the exact moment he stopped being a supporting player and became a leading man. Once you've finished that, move on to The Studio to see how he's matured into one of the most reliable actors in the prestige TV era.