You probably remember the dreadlocks. When Samuel Larsen first stepped onto the screen during the inaugural season of The Glee Project, he wasn't just another guy who could carry a tune. He had this specific, magnetic cool that made everyone—including Ryan Murphy—take notice. Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape of Samuel Larsen movies and TV shows looks a lot more diverse than just a "guy from a musical show" resume. He's carved out a niche that blends mainstream heartthrob roles with gritty indie experiments.
Honestly, it's pretty rare for reality TV winners to maintain a steady career for over a decade. Most of them flame out after their mandated contract ends. But Larsen did something different. He leaned into his musician roots while picking roles that played against his "nice guy" image.
The Glee Era and the Joe Hart Identity
The jumping-off point for everything was, of course, Glee. Winning The Glee Project gave him a multi-episode arc as Joe Hart, the home-schooled Christian teen with a penchant for acoustic guitars and complex moral dilemmas.
It was a weird role. Joe Hart was introduced as a "New Direction" member who brought a different kind of spirituality to the show. He wasn't the stereotypical "preachy" kid; he was soulful. Larsen's performance in Season 3 and Season 4 gave the show some much-needed groundedness during its more chaotic years. You’ve likely seen the clips of him singing "Stereo Hearts" or "Higher Ground"—they still rack up millions of views on YouTube.
But Glee was just the training ground. While fans were obsessed with his relationship with Quinn Fabray on-screen, Larsen was already looking at how to pivot. He didn't want to be stuck in the "musical theater" box forever.
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Breaking Into Film: From Horror to After
If you look at the middle of his filmography, you’ll find some surprising choices. He didn't just go for rom-coms.
- The Remains (2016): This was a hard pivot into horror. Larsen played Tommy in a story about a haunted Victorian house. It wasn't a blockbuster, but it showed he could handle suspense and a darker tone.
- Recovery (2016): Another thriller. He played Logan in this "found footage" style movie about a group of friends using a smartphone app to find a lost device, only to find something much worse.
- The Sintern (2015): A TV movie that leaned into the drama genre.
Then came the After series. If you’re a fan of Anna Todd’s books, you know exactly who Zed Evans is.
When Larsen was cast as Zed in After (2019) and reprised the role in After We Collided (2020), it introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. Zed is the "other guy"—the one who provides a contrast to Hardin Scott’s brooding toxicity. Larsen played Zed with a specific kind of charm that made the love triangle actually feel like a contest. It’s arguably one of the most visible entries in the list of Samuel Larsen movies and TV shows, cementing his status in the "New Adult" genre.
Recent Work and the Indie Shift
Lately, things have gotten even more interesting. In 2023, he appeared in Beautiful Disaster as Jesse Viveros. It’s another adaptation of a popular book, but Larsen’s performance felt more seasoned. He’s moved away from the "teen" roles and into characters that feel like actual adults with real-world problems.
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There’s also his work in Shoulder Dance (2023), which is a much more intimate, character-driven piece. It deals with long-term friendships and the blurred lines of attraction. This is where you see the "expert" level acting come out. He isn't relying on a catchy song or a flashy costume; he’s just present in the scene.
A Quick Rundown of Key Appearances:
- Hawaii Five-0 (2015): He had a guest spot as Alfie Tucker. It was a "blink and you'll miss it" but showed he could fit into a standard procedural drama.
- When We Rise (2017): He played Young Gilbert in this Gus Van Sant miniseries. This was a high-prestige project about the LGBT rights movement, showing his range in historical drama.
- Disconnected (2022): A smaller project that showcased his ability to carry a narrative in a more modern, tech-focused setting.
The Music Connection
You can’t talk about his acting without talking about his music. Samuel is a multi-instrumentalist—drums, bass, guitar, you name it. His solo EPs like Vices and You Should Know often feel like soundtracks to the characters he plays.
In May 2025, he released the album Limerence, which many fans feel is his best work to date. It’s got this hazy, alternative R&B vibe that feels very "LA at 2 AM." He often uses his music to bridge the gaps between his acting roles, creating a cohesive brand that feels authentic rather than manufactured.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
The reason people are still searching for Samuel Larsen movies and TV shows isn't just nostalgia for the 2010s. It’s because he’s one of the few actors who seems genuinely uninterested in the "A-list" rat race. He picks projects that interest him, whether it's a massive franchise like After or a tiny indie film shot in a week.
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He also avoids the typical "influencer" trap. You don't see him doing cringey TikTok dances to stay relevant. He just works. And in an industry that feels increasingly fake, that's a breath of fresh air.
What's Next for Samuel?
Looking ahead, he’s rumored to be involved in a new project titled Relapse, which is currently in development. If his recent track record is any indication, it’ll likely be something that challenges his previous roles. He’s also been hinting at more live performances for Limerence, blending his two worlds even further.
If you’re looking to catch up on his work, start with Glee for the nostalgia, then move to Shoulder Dance to see how much he’s grown. He’s not just the kid with the dreads anymore; he’s a legitimate force in the indie scene.
To get the best experience of his range, try watching his performance in When We Rise back-to-back with After. The contrast is wild. It shows a guy who can go from a vulnerable activist to a cocky college student without breaking a sweat. Keep an eye on his official socials for tour dates, as seeing him live is usually where the "music vs. acting" debate finally makes sense—he’s both, all the time.