You probably know him as the hot-headed fisherman with a heart of gold. Since 2017, Shahar Isaac has become a household name for fans of faith-based drama, essentially redefining how we see one of history's most famous figures. But if you think his career begins and ends with a boat and a net, you’re missing out on a massive chunk of what makes him one of the most interesting actors working today.
Honestly? Most people just call him "Peter." That's the power of a breakout role. But the reality of shahar isaac movies and tv shows is a lot more varied than a single Sunday school character. From high-stakes political dramas on CBS to gritty Shakespearean adaptations in London, he’s been building a quiet, high-quality resume long before he ever stepped onto the set of a Texas-based historical epic.
The Early Days: Before the Net and the Boat
Shahar didn't just stumble into acting. He’s a product of the Rutgers University acting conservatory—specifically the Mason Gross School of the Arts. If you know anything about acting schools, you know Mason Gross is a grind. It’s intense. It’s where he sharpened the "intensity and vulnerability" that critics always talk about.
He even spent time at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. You can see that classical training in the way he carries himself. It’s not just about saying lines; it’s about a specific kind of physical presence. He played Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice for Shakespeare and Company, which is about as far from a modern TV set as you can get.
Before he was leading disciples, he was doing the "actor rounds" in New York. We’re talking guest spots on major network procedurals. You might have spotted him in:
- Madam Secretary (2014): He played a character named Salman. It was a small role, but it was his entry into the world of big-budget American television.
- Person of Interest (2015): He popped up as Tariq Al Juhani. It was one of those "blink and you'll miss him" roles that every great actor has on their IMDB page.
- The Good Fight (2017): He played Zev Beker in this CBS All Access (now Paramount+) legal drama. This was arguably his first taste of a "prestige" TV environment.
The Global Phenomenon of The Chosen
We have to talk about it. Shahar isaac movies and tv shows are dominated by his portrayal of Simon Peter. It’s unavoidable. The show started as a crowdfunded project and turned into a literal global movement.
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What's wild is that he almost didn't do it. There’s a story—kinda legendary among fans now—that he was basically ready to give up on the industry. He was doing photography, traveling, living out of a van. Then the script for the pilot arrived.
Why his Peter is "Different"
Most portrayals of Simon Peter are... well, they're a bit stiff. They feel like statues. Shahar’s version is a guy with gambling debts. He’s a guy who argues with his wife. He’s a guy who gets angry and makes mistakes.
He recently talked at MIPCOM 2025 in Cannes about how he approaches the role. He mentioned that even though the "audience" knows how Peter’s story ends (the crucifixion in Rome, the sainthood), he has to play it like he doesn't. He plays a man following a leader into the dark. That's a specific kind of acting choice that makes the show feel grounded rather than just "religious."
As of 2026, he’s still deep in this world. With Season 5 recently hitting Prime Video and Season 6 in the works, his life is pretty much tied to this character for the foreseeable future. They've been filming in places like Texas and even Italy to get that authentic 1st-century Mediterranean look.
The Theater Roots and "Salomé"
If you really want to see him flex his muscles, you have to look at National Theatre Live: Salomé. This was a 2017 production directed by Yael Farber. It wasn't a movie in the traditional sense, but it was filmed for cinemas globally.
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He played Bar Giora. This wasn't a "safe" play. It was a revisionist, feminist retelling of the biblical story. It was dark, dusty, and incredibly physical. Watching him in Salomé compared to The Chosen is like watching two different people. It proves he isn't just a "faith-based actor." He’s a theater kid at heart who happens to be in a massive TV show.
A Quick Look at the Filmography (The Real List)
- National Theatre Live: Salomé (2017) - Bar Giora
- The Chosen (2017–Present) - Simon Peter
- The Good Fight (2017) - Zev Beker
- Person of Interest (2015) - Tariq Al Juhani
- Madam Secretary (2014) - Salman
- Price for Freedom (2015) - Sepu
The "Other" Career: Shahar Photo
You can’t talk about his work without talking about his camera. Shahar is a legitimately talented photographer. He doesn’t just take "on-set selfies." He shoots film. He has a whole separate business called Shahar Photo where he sells professional prints and books.
In fact, his photography often informs his acting. He’s mentioned in interviews that he looks at scenes through a lens, even when he’s in front of it. He captures the "behind the scenes" of his life in a way that feels very raw—lots of black and white, lots of grain. It’s a side of him that most casual fans of his TV shows never see, but it’s arguably where his most personal work lives.
What's Next?
So, what’s the deal with his future projects? Right now, it's all about the "Long Walk." The Chosen is planned for seven seasons. We’re currently in the middle of that journey. Because the filming schedule is so grueling, he hasn't had much time to jump into other major feature films.
However, rumors always swirl about him taking on more gritty, independent roles once the series wraps up. He’s expressed interest in more theater and perhaps even moving behind the camera in a more official capacity.
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Tips for Watching His Work
If you’re new to his stuff, don't just binge the latest season of his show. Go back.
- Start with the early stuff: Try to find his episodes of The Good Fight. It’s a completely different vibe—clean-cut, modern, and legalistic.
- Watch the stage work: If you can find a recording of Salomé, do it. It explains why his Simon Peter feels so "weighted" and physical.
- Follow the photography: It gives you a sense of his aesthetic. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a career.
Shahar Isaac is one of those rare actors who managed to find a role that defined a generation of viewers while still maintaining a sense of mystery. He isn't a "celebrity" in the way we usually think of them. He’s a craftsman. Whether he’s holding a fishing net or a Leica camera, he’s clearly more interested in the "truth" of the moment than the fame that comes with it.
To get the most out of his work, start by watching the "In My Words" series on YouTube where he breaks down his process. It’s the best way to see the man behind the beard before the next season drops.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out his official photography site at shaharphoto.com to see his visual storytelling style.
- Look for the "Salomé" National Theatre Live archive if you want to see his range outside of the "Peter" persona.
- Follow the production updates for Season 6, as the filming locations in Italy suggest a much larger cinematic scale for his upcoming work.