If you have watched any major Irish or British drama in the last decade, you have almost certainly seen Peter Campion, even if you know him better as Art Campion. The name change is a bit of a thing with him, but the talent? That is unmistakable. From the gritty, cocaine-dusted streets of Dublin in Love/Hate to the absurdly funny (and slightly stressful) world of Derry Girls, Campion has become one of those "hey, it's that guy!" actors who eventually forces you to go look up his IMDB page.
Honestly, it is hard to pin him down. One minute he is playing a terrifying thug and the next he is a soft-spoken priest or a bumbling expat in London. His range is kinda ridiculous. If you are looking for tv shows with Art Campion, you are basically looking at a highlight reel of the best Celtic television of the 2010s and 2020s. He doesn't just show up; he anchors the scenes he's in, often with a dry, understated wit that feels incredibly authentic.
The Roles That Put Art Campion on the Map
Most people first got a real taste of his work in Love/Hate. He played Stephen "Stumpy" Doyle. If you haven't seen it, Love/Hate was basically Ireland’s answer to The Wire or The Sopranos. It was brutal. Campion’s Stumpy was a key player in the early seasons, involved in the chaotic and often violent power struggles of the Dublin underworld. It wasn't a "nice" role, but it proved he could handle heavy, dramatic weight.
Then everything changed with London Irish.
This show was polar opposite. It was a Channel 4 sitcom about four friends living in London who were, to put it mildly, a total mess. Campion played Packy. He was sort of the "sane" one of the group, which isn't saying much considering the company he kept. The show was foul-mouthed, fast-paced, and hilarious. It didn't last as long as it should have, but it developed a cult following that still talks about it today.
That Priest from Derry Girls
You cannot talk about tv shows with Art Campion without mentioning Derry Girls. Even if you only watched a couple of episodes, you remember Father Peter. With his perfectly coiffed hair and his earnest—if slightly misguided—attempts to connect with the youth, he was the perfect foil for the cynical students at Our Lady Immaculate College.
The "Stations of the Cross" episode? Classic. Campion played the "cool priest" trope with such a specific blend of vanity and genuine kindness that it never felt like a caricature.
Recent Hits and Hidden Gems
If you have been keeping up with the BBC lately, you probably spotted him in Blue Lights. He plays Sully. The show is a relentless, high-pressure look at probationary police officers in Belfast. It is miles away from the comedy of Derry Girls, proving once again that he can pivot back to gritty realism whenever he wants.
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He's also been a staple in:
- Faithless: A more recent comedy-drama where he plays Cormac.
- Domina: A big-budget historical drama about Ancient Rome (he played Libo).
- Dead Still: A wonderfully macabre period piece about memorial photography in Victorian Dublin. He played Henry Vickers.
- Peaky Blinders: He had a recurring stint as Mickey Gibbs in Series 5.
It is worth noting that he is often credited as Peter Campion. If you’re searching for "Art Campion" and coming up short on some platforms, try Peter. He’s the same guy, just using a different professional handle depending on the project or the year.
Why He Stands Out
There is a specific "lived-in" quality to his performances. Whether he's in a Roman toga or a North Dublin tracksuit, he doesn't look like he's "acting." He looks like he just walked off the street and into the frame. This is likely why directors like Michael Lennox and Anthony Byrne keep bringing him back. He provides a groundedness that allows the more eccentric elements of a show to breathe.
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He also narrates the Irish version of First Dates. If you've ever sat through an episode of that show, his voice is the one guiding you through the awkward silences and the occasional romantic sparks. It’s a completely different side of his career, but it’s one that has made him a literal household voice in Ireland.
What’s Next for Art Campion?
As of 2026, Campion shows no signs of slowing down. He’s recently been linked to the project How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, which reunites him with Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee. Given their history, expectations are sky-high. He’s also continuing his work in theater, having performed in heavy hitters like The Lonesome West and The Pillowman over the years.
If you want to catch up on his best work, start with London Irish for the laughs and Love/Hate for the drama. You’ll see exactly why he’s become a cornerstone of modern TV.
To keep track of his upcoming appearances, follow these steps:
- Check the BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 streaming apps; they house the majority of his most famous roles like Blue Lights and Derry Girls.
- Search for "Peter Campion" on Netflix or Acorn TV to find his international co-productions like Dead Still or his film work in Brooklyn.
- Watch "Faithless" on Virgin Media or streaming equivalents to see his most current comedic timing.