If you’ve spent any time watching TV over the last twenty years, you’ve definitely seen Jason Ritter. He’s that guy. The one with the kind eyes and the chaotic energy who somehow makes every scene better just by being there. Honestly, it’s hard to pin him down because he’s everywhere—from voice-acting a pre-teen ghost hunter to playing a terrifyingly intense dad in a superhero drama.
Most people know him as the son of the legendary John Ritter, but Jason has built a massive, weird, and incredibly impressive resume all on his own. He doesn’t just "play" characters; he inhabits them with this specific brand of sincerity that’s honestly pretty rare in Hollywood. Whether he’s in a big-budget sequel like Frozen 2 or a tiny indie film nobody saw, he never phones it in.
The Highs and Lows: Jason Ritter Movies and TV Shows You Need to See
It’s easy to get lost in his filmography because he’s done nearly 100 projects. If we’re talking about the heavy hitters, you have to start with Parenthood. His turn as Mark Cyr—the high school English teacher who falls for Sarah Braverman—is basically the blueprint for the "perfect but complicated boyfriend." He actually snagged an Emmy nomination for it back in 2012.
But then, look at something like Gravity Falls. If you grew up in the 2010s or have kids, his voice is probably burned into your brain as Dipper Pines. It’s arguably his most famous role, even if you never saw his face. He brings this frantic, nervous intellectualism to a cartoon kid that makes the whole show work.
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The Recent Hits (2024-2026)
Lately, Ritter has been leaning into some really interesting, high-profile stuff. If you’re keeping up with current TV, here’s where he’s been popping up:
- Matlock (2024–2026): He’s playing Julian Markston, a high-powered attorney and the son of the firm's boss. It’s a great role because it lets him play someone a bit more buttoned-up and stressed, which is a fun departure from his usual "lovable mess" persona.
- Lanterns (2026): This is the big one. He’s been cast as Billy Macon in the DC Universe series. Fans are losing their minds over this because it’s a massive step into the superhero big leagues.
- Poker Face: He showed up in the second season as Rodney Schomburg. If you know Rian Johnson’s work, you know he only casts people who can handle sharp, witty dialogue, and Ritter fits that perfectly.
- The Last of Us: This was a "blink and you’ll miss it" moment, but he actually played a Clicker in an uncredited stunt role. He literally went to "zombie school" to learn how to move like a monster just to be in the show with his wife, Melanie Lynskey. That’s commitment.
The Indie Darling Era
Before he was a mainstay on CBS and Disney, Ritter was the king of the "friend group" indie movie. You know the ones—five or six people go to a cabin or a funeral and talk about their feelings for 90 minutes.
About Alex (2014) is probably the best example of this. He plays the titular Alex, who has just survived a suicide attempt and is being watched over by his college friends. It’s heavy, but Ritter makes it human. He also did The Education of Charlie Banks (directed by Fred Durst—yes, that Fred Durst), which is way better than it has any right to be.
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Then there’s the weird stuff. Bitch (2017) is a movie where his wife (Lynskey) starts acting like a dog, and he has to manage the household. It’s bizarre. It’s uncomfortable. And yet, he sells the frustration and eventual growth of the character so well you almost forget the premise is totally insane.
Voice Acting and Animation
He’s not just Dipper Pines. Ritter has a massive career behind the microphone.
- Frozen 2: He voiced Ryder, the Northuldra member who bonds with Kristoff over reindeer.
- Captain Fall: He leads this adult animated series as Jonathan Fall, a naive captain on a ship run by a cartel.
- Skylanders Academy: He took over as Dark Spyro.
- Krapopolis: A guest spot as "Goose" in the Dan Harmon-led series.
Why People Love Him (The E-E-A-T Factor)
Critics and fans generally agree on one thing: Jason Ritter is a "safe bet." When you see his name in the credits, you know the acting will be solid. There’s a nuance he brings to roles that could easily be flat. Take Raising Dion on Netflix. He plays Pat, a tech nerd who starts as the hero’s mentor. Without spoiling anything, the way he shifts the character’s energy over two seasons is a masterclass in subtlety.
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He’s also incredibly transparent about his life and career. He’s been open about the pressure of following in his father’s footsteps and the "imposter syndrome" that comes with being a "nepo baby"—though most fans would argue he’s long since earned his keep. He doesn't just take leading man roles; he takes interesting roles. That's the difference.
What to Watch First
If you’re new to the Ritter-verse, don't just dive into the 91+ credits randomly. Start here:
The "Must-Watch" Starter Pack:
- Parenthood (Seasons 2-6): For the emotional stuff.
- Gravity Falls: For the comedy and mystery.
- The Event: If you like short-lived, high-concept sci-fi thrillers.
- Matlock: To see him in a modern, sharp legal drama.
Honestly, the guy is a workhorse. He’s survived the "teen heartthrob" phase of the early 2000s (Freddy vs. Jason, Swimfan) and emerged as one of the most reliable character actors in the business.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to catch up on his latest work, head over to Paramount+ or CBS to see him in the latest episodes of Matlock. It's probably his most refined performance to date. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something darker, look for The Tale on HBO—it's a tough watch because of the subject matter, but it's arguably the best acting he's ever done. Keep an eye out for Lanterns later this year; it’s likely to be the project that officially makes him a household name for a whole new generation.