You’ve probably seen the face. Maybe it was the chaotic energy of a South London paramedic or the surprisingly tender voice of a crime-syndicate bear. Honestly, if you haven’t fallen down the rabbit hole of Samson Kayo movies and tv shows yet, you’re missing out on one of the most organic rises in British comedy.
He didn't go to some fancy drama school. He actually stumbled into an audition for Youngers while he was out buying an iron for his mum. That’s the kind of luck—and raw talent—we’re talking about here. He’s a Peckham boy who went from almost being an ambulance driver to becoming a BAFTA-nominated powerhouse.
The TV Breakouts You Need to Catch Up On
If you want to understand why everyone is obsessed with him, you have to start with the small screen. TV is where Kayo really built his brand of "relatable but slightly unhinged."
Bloods (2021–2022)
This is the big one. Kayo didn’t just star in this; he co-created it. He plays Maleek, a tough-talking, overcompensating paramedic paired with the legendary Jane Horrocks. It’s a workplace comedy that feels real because Kayo actually trained as an ambulance support driver before his acting career blew up. The chemistry is weirdly perfect. It’s basically a masterclass in how to make a "mismatched partners" trope feel fresh again.
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Our Flag Means Death (2022–2023)
If you’re on the internet, you know this show has a cult following that would walk the plank for it. Kayo plays Oluwande, who is arguably the most sensible person on a pirate ship full of idiots. While Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby are doing the most, Kayo provides the heart. His relationship with Jim (Vico Ortiz) is one of the most grounded, sweetest things on television.
Famalam (2017–2020)
This sketch show is where most people first realized he was a chameleon. Whether he’s playing a Nigerian dad or a baffled office worker, his timing is surgical. It earned him his first BAFTA nomination for Best Male Comedy Performance. You can find clips of his sketches all over social media, and they still hit just as hard today.
Samson Kayo Movies: From Pirates to Puss in Boots
Movies came a bit later, but he’s been making up for lost time. He’s managed to jump from indie British comedies to massive Hollywood blockbusters without losing that specific South London charm.
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- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022): This movie was way better than it had any right to be. Kayo voiced Baby Bear, part of a "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" crime family. Working alongside Florence Pugh and Olivia Colman, he held his own. His Baby Bear was hilarious, aggressive, and somehow vulnerable all at once.
- The Bubble (2022): Look, Judd Apatow’s Netflix movie about filming during a pandemic was polarizing. But Kayo’s performance as Bola was a standout. Even when the script felt a bit thin, he brought a level of energy that kept the scenes moving.
- F1 (2025): This is the massive Brad Pitt racing movie. Kayo plays a character named Cashman. Being part of a high-budget Apple Original Film like this proves he’s firmly in the "A-list character actor" category now.
What Makes Him Different?
A lot of actors try too hard. You can see the "acting" happening. With Kayo, it feels like he’s just there. He has this ability to play the "straight man" in a comedy while still being the funniest person in the room. It’s a rare skill.
He’s also been vocal about staying true to his roots. In interviews, he’s mentioned that while the US offers huge opportunities, he’s committed to telling Black British stories. He created Sliced, a comedy about pizza delivery drivers, specifically because it felt like a world he knew. It’s that authenticity that keeps people coming back to Samson Kayo movies and tv shows.
The Full Watchlist (For the Completionists)
If you’re trying to do a deep dive, don’t skip these earlier or niche projects. They’re shorter but usually where he’s at his weirdest.
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- Timewasters: A jazz quartet travels through time. Kayo is brilliant as Horace.
- Truth Seekers: He stars alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in this paranormal comedy. It only got one season, but it’s worth it for the vibe.
- S6: Death to 2020 / Death to 2021: He plays a character named Pyrex Flask in these Charlie Brooker mockumentaries. It’s very "Zoom-era" humor, but he kills it.
- House of the Dragon (2024): Yes, he even popped up in Westeros as Mujja. It shows he can do the high-fantasy drama thing too, even if he's known for laughs.
Where He’s Going Next
The momentum isn't slowing down. With F1 hitting theaters and talks of more creator-led projects, he’s becoming a bit of a mogul. He’s moved past just being "that guy from the sketch show."
If you want to start watching, I'd suggest starting with Bloods if you like sitcoms, or Our Flag Means Death if you want something with a bit more of a narrative arc. Both show off exactly why he’s one of the most exciting actors working right now.
Practical Steps to Explore More:
- Check out Bloods on Sky/Now TV or Hulu depending on where you live.
- Watch Famalam clips on YouTube for a quick hit of his range.
- Follow his social media for updates on his upcoming project Voltron, which is currently in production.