You’ve probably seen her face while scrolling through Netflix or flipping to the Hallmark Channel during a lazy Sunday afternoon. Maybe you know her as the resilient April Carver from Chasing Life, or perhaps she's the sharp-witted Emily Rhodes in Designated Survivor. Honestly, Italia Ricci has one of those careers that sneaks up on you. One minute she’s playing a "Hot Woman" in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it How I Met Your Mother cameo, and the next, she’s carrying a high-stakes political thriller alongside Kiefer Sutherland.
Her filmography is a weird, wonderful mix of indie horror, teen comedies, and heavy-hitting dramas. Most people pigeonhole her into the "Hallmark queen" category because she’s so good at the cozy romance stuff, but that’s barely scratching the surface.
The Roles That Defined Italia Ricci’s Movies and TV Shows
When we talk about italia ricci movies and tv shows, the conversation usually starts with Chasing Life. This was her big breakthrough. Playing a young journalist diagnosed with leukemia is the kind of role that can easily lean into melodrama, but Ricci kept it grounded. It felt real. She actually won a Golden Maple Award for it, which isn't surprising if you've seen the emotional heavy lifting she did in those two seasons.
Then came Designated Survivor. This was a massive pivot.
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She went from a terminal illness drama to playing the White House Chief of Staff. As Emily Rhodes, she had to be the smartest person in the room—a no-nonsense, high-powered advisor during a national crisis. It’s arguably her most recognizable role to date, spanning three seasons across ABC and Netflix. Seeing her navigate the cutthroat world of D.C. politics showed a level of grit that her earlier "girl next door" roles didn't quite tap into.
A Villainous Turn in National City
It’s kinda funny to look back at 2016 and remember her brief but iconic stint on Supergirl. Most fans didn't see it coming. She played Siobhan Smythe, who eventually becomes the sonic-screaming villain Silver Banshee.
- The Look: Dramatic makeup and a haunting costume that was worlds away from her usual polished aesthetic.
- The Vibe: Pure antagonistic energy.
- The Impact: It proved she could handle the physical demands of the "Arrowverse" and play a character people actually loved to hate.
From Beta House to The Imperfects
Everyone has to start somewhere. For Ricci, that somewhere included American Pie Presents: Beta House back in 2007. It’s the kind of project most actors might try to bury in their bio, but it’s a legit part of her journey. She also popped up in Don Jon, the Joseph Gordon-Levitt directorial debut, playing Gina. It’s a small role, but it put her in a room with some heavy hitters.
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Fast forward to 2022, and she took a lead in the Netflix sci-fi series The Imperfects. She played Dr. Sydney Burke, a scientist trying to fix a genetic experiment gone wrong. It was a bit of a departure—darker, weirder, and definitely more "genre" than her previous work. Sadly, Netflix pulled the plug after one season, which bummed out a lot of fans who were digging the grunge-horror-comedy vibe.
The Hallmark Era and Recent Projects
If you're looking for the "comfort food" side of her career, the Hallmark movies are where it's at. She’s become a staple there. You've got Rome in Love, Love in Winterland, and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. Recently, in 2024, she starred in Trading Up Christmas, and she’s already been active in 2025 with an appearance in the hit series Tracker as MC.
What’s interesting is how she balances these with more modern procedural work. In 2026, she’s set to appear in a short film titled The Confession as Naomi Riley. She isn't just sticking to one lane. She’s bouncing between 90-minute romances and gritty guest spots on shows like The Good Doctor.
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Why Her Career Path Matters
Ricci represents a specific type of working actor who survives the "peak TV" era. She didn't get stuck in the "teen star" phase after Unnatural History. She successfully transitioned into adult roles that actually require range. Plus, her marriage to fellow actor Robbie Amell makes them a bit of a Canadian acting powerhouse, often supporting each other's projects behind the scenes.
Essential Watching: A Quick Checklist
Instead of a boring list, think of these as the "must-sees" if you want the full Italia Ricci experience:
- For the Feels: Chasing Life. Keep the tissues handy.
- For the Thrills: Designated Survivor. Start with Season 1 for the best pacing.
- For the Weirdness: The Imperfects. It’s quirky and deserved more than ten episodes.
- For the Fandom: Supergirl. Specifically the episodes "Solitude" and "Worlds Finest."
- For the Holiday Vibe: Catch Me If You Claus. It’s a bit more playful than the standard Hallmark fare.
If you’re diving into her catalog, start with Designated Survivor. It’s the best showcase of her ability to hold her own against veterans like Kiefer Sutherland. After that, go back to Chasing Life to see her raw emotional range. If you want to stay up to date with her 2026 projects, keeping an eye on her guest spots is the way to go, as she seems to be favoring high-impact episodic roles lately.
Check out The Confession when it hits the festival circuit or streaming—it’s her newest venture into the short film format and promises a more intimate look at her acting style.