If you’ve spent any time on The CW or binged high-budget period dramas lately, you’ve definitely seen her. Maddison Jaizani. She has this look—totally striking, British-Iranian, and somehow perfectly suited for both 17th-century French courts and spooky American towns. Honestly, it's rare to see an actress transition so seamlessly from "oppressed royal ward" to "motorcycle-riding warrior" to "posh socialite with a secret."
She's good. Really good.
But if you try to find a massive list of Maddison Jaizani movies and tv shows, you might be surprised. Her filmography isn't miles long. It’s curated. She doesn't just take every role that comes her way, which is probably why the ones she does pick end up becoming cult favorites.
From Versailles to the Badlands: The Early Breakout
Most people first clocked her in Versailles. She played Sophie de Clermont. It wasn't just a background role; she was the Duchesse de Cassel. If you haven't seen it, the show is basically a fever dream of silk, wigs, and political backstabbing. Jaizani held her own against some heavy hitters. She played Sophie with this quiet, simmering intelligence that made you think she was always three steps ahead of the King.
Then things took a sharp left turn.
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She joined Into the Badlands as Odessa. Talk about a 180. Gone were the corsets, replaced by leather and post-apocalyptic grit. She played a former "doll" who became a formidable fighter and a love interest for Tilda. It was physical. It was intense. It proved she wasn't just a "period piece" actress. She could throw a punch—or at least look like she could while the world was ending around her.
The Bess Marvin Era (And Why It Changed Everything)
Then came the big one. Nancy Drew.
When The CW announced they were doing a gritty, supernatural reboot of the classic detective stories, fans were skeptical. I was skeptical. But the "Drew Crew" worked. Maddison was cast as Bess Marvin, and honestly? She stole the show.
She took a character that could have been a one-dimensional "rich girl" trope and gave her actual baggage. Bess had the mysterious past, the yearning for family, and that impeccable, slightly over-the-top fashion sense. Jaizani played Bess for all four seasons, from 2019 until the finale in 2023. It’s the role that really cemented her as a household name for a certain generation of TV fans.
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What’s interesting is how she handled the character's development. Bess went from being a bit of an outsider to the heart of the group. Jaizani’s chemistry with the rest of the cast—especially Kennedy McMann—felt real. It didn't feel like "TV acting." It felt like watching a group of friends actually deal with ghosts and trauma.
Every Maddison Jaizani Role You Need to Know
If you're looking to binge-watch her entire career, here is the roadmap. It’s a short list, but there isn't a single "skip" on here.
- Tyrant (2014): This was the start. She played the teenage version of Leila. It was just one episode ("State of Emergency"), but it was her foot in the door.
- Versailles (2015–2018): This is where she spent most of her early career. She appeared in 25 episodes. If you like Bridgerton but wish it had more murder and darker lighting, this is for you.
- Into the Badlands (2017–2019): She joined in Season 2 and stayed until the end. This is peak "cool Maddison."
- Nancy Drew (2019–2023): The main event. 62 episodes of Bess Marvin.
Currently, as we move through 2026, the big question is what’s next. After Nancy Drew wrapped, she’s been more active in the fashion world, signing with Elite Model Management. There’s a lot of chatter about her returning to a major streaming series, but she’s been notoriously picky about her next move.
The Modeling Side: More Than Just a Side Quest
You can't talk about her career without mentioning the modeling. She isn't just an actress who takes a few headshots. She’s signed with major agencies like Elite in London. This crossover is part of why she stays so relevant even when she doesn't have a show on the air.
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She has this "it factor" that brands love. It’s that blend of her British roots and her Iranian heritage—she’s mentioned in interviews (like with Vogue Australia) how much her background influences her perspective. She isn't just a face; she’s a brand.
What to Watch First?
If you're new to her work, start with Nancy Drew. It’s the most accessible, and you get to see her range across dozens of episodes. If you want something more "prestige," go for Versailles. Just be prepared for a lot of subtitles if you aren't watching the dubbed version, and a lot of palace drama.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Binge Nancy Drew on Max: It’s the best way to see her comedic timing and emotional depth.
- Check out her early work on Tyrant: It’s a fun "before they were famous" moment.
- Follow her photography: She often shares behind-the-scenes or stylized shots that give you a better sense of her aesthetic than any IMDB page ever could.
She’s only 30. For an actress with this much presence, the "best" role is almost certainly still ahead of her. Whether it’s a jump into a major film franchise or a leading role in a new HBO-style drama, Maddison Jaizani is a name that’s going to keep popping up on your "Recommended for You" list for a long time.