You’ve probably seen the face. Maybe it was on a massive Netflix billboard or while scrolling through Instagram, where he’s often seen looking effortlessly Parisian. Most people know Paul Forman as Nicolas de Léon—the smooth, somewhat polarizing JVMA heir who swept Mindy Chen off her feet. But if you think paul forman movies and tv shows begin and end with a croissant in hand and a designer suit, you're actually missing the most interesting parts of his career.
Honestly, the "overnight success" narrative is a bit of a lie here. While Emily in Paris made him a global name, Forman has been grinding in the industry for years, jumping between gritty indie films, period dramas, and even sci-fi. He isn't just a "pretty face" hire; he’s a bilingual actor with a degree in mathematics who spent years struggling to even get an audition.
That contrast is what makes his filmography worth a closer look.
The Roles That Defined the Early Years
Long before he was playing a billionaire nepo baby, Forman was taking on much darker, more psychological roles. It’s a side of him most casual fans haven't seen yet.
Nevrland (2019)
If you want to see Forman really act, you have to go back to this Austrian coming-of-age film. He plays Kristjan. It’s a surreal, often uncomfortable movie about anxiety and identity. It is about as far from the bright, sunny streets of Paris as you can get. His performance here is raw and vulnerable—proving early on that he has the range to handle heavy, experimental material.
Seagull (2019)
In the same year, he appeared in Seagull as Connor. These early indie projects are where he really cut his teeth. They weren't high-budget, but they required a level of emotional depth that a lot of commercial TV actors never quite reach.
Breaking Into the Mainstream: The TV Transition
The jump from indie film to major TV networks happened fast. Between 2020 and 2022, Forman seemed to be everywhere, often in roles that played on his dual British and French heritage.
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- The Spanish Princess (2020): He played King Francis, the King of France. It was a brief but regal appearance that hinted at his future as a go-to for "European charm" roles.
- Frank of Ireland (2021): This was a curveball. A slapstick comedy series where he played Stéphane. It showed he could do comedy, which is notoriously harder than it looks.
- McDonald & Dodds (2022): A classic British crime procedural. He played Marco Capone in the episode "A Billion Beats."
Then came Riches.
In this Amazon Prime series often described as a "British Succession," Forman played Luke. It was a pivotal role because it moved him away from the "period piece" box and into the world of high-stakes, modern corporate drama. It basically served as the perfect audition for what was coming next.
The Netflix Explosion: Emily in Paris and Beyond
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Nicolas de Léon.
When Forman joined Emily in Paris in Season 3, he wasn't just another love interest. He was a catalyst for conflict. As the heir to the JVMA fortune, he represented the "villainous" side of the luxury fashion world. Fans loved to hate him, especially during Season 4 when his relationship with Mindy (played by Ashley Park) hit some major turbulence.
"Redemption is rarely straightforward," Forman said in a recent interview while discussing Season 5.
It’s true. In the most recent episodes released in late 2025, we see a more "layered and vulnerable" side of Nico. He’s trying to step out from under his father’s shadow, which is something Forman seems to relish playing. The chemistry with Ashley Park is undeniable—largely because the two were a real-life couple for a couple of years, though reports in late 2025 suggested they might have moved on to being just friends and co-stars.
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Why Stags Changed Everything
If you think he’s gone soft, watch Stags on Paramount+. Released in late 2024, this show is a complete departure. It’s a "life or death" survival thriller set in a prison. Forman plays Hugo, and he spent ten weeks filming in intense, gritty conditions.
"Every day, you're filming scenes where it's quite literally survival," he noted during the press run. It’s a high-stakes performance that effectively killed any "pretty boy" typecasting.
The Doctor Who Cameo and Future Projects
One of the coolest entries in the list of paul forman movies and tv shows is his guest spot on Doctor Who.
In the 2024 episode "Rogue," he played Lord Barton. It was a Regency-era romp that combined his knack for period drama with the high-concept weirdness of the Whoniverse. It’s a fun, campy role that reminded everyone he doesn't take himself too seriously.
What is Paul Forman doing in 2026?
As of right now, the biggest news is the renewal of Emily in Paris for Season 6. Production is expected to continue into 2026, and Nico is confirmed to be a major part of the storyline.
But he’s also branching out.
Forman is a writer. He’s been working on a stage play, which he describes as his "actor's dream." He’s also taken a bit of a turn into the business world, being appointed as a Chair Designate for the company 4imprint, which is a wild pivot but shows the man has interests far beyond the red carpet.
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The Real Paul Forman: Misconceptions
People assume he’s a typical "nepo baby" because he plays one so well. He isn't.
He grew up in London with a British father and a French mother. He actually studied mathematics at university before deciding that acting was his true calling. He’s been very vocal about the "arduous" years of being unemployed and the struggle of the industry.
He’s also a massive cinephile. He and his mother have a tradition of attending the BFI London Film Festival and watching three films a day. That's where the passion comes from—not from a desire for fame, but a genuine love for the craft of storytelling.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to see the full scope of his talent, don't just stop at the Netflix hits.
- Watch Nevrland: It's available on several streaming platforms and shows his range as a dramatic lead.
- Catch Stags on Paramount+: This is essential if you want to see him in a gritty, high-octane environment.
- Follow his writing: Keep an eye on London theater listings. His upcoming play is likely to be his most personal project yet.
- Revisit Riches: If you liked the corporate drama of Emily in Paris, Riches offers a more intense, serious take on family dynasties.
Forman is currently at that rare stage where an actor moves from "the guy in that show" to a genuine leading man. Whether he's playing a king, a prisoner, or a billionaire, there's always something a little bit unexpected behind his eyes. He’s definitely one to keep watching as he moves into this next chapter of his career.