You’ve seen the hair. That messy, gravity-defying Scottish mane that somehow became the universal symbol for "this guy is about to say something very fast and very clever." Most people associate David Tennant with a blue box and a long coat. Honestly, that's fair. He basically redefined a cultural icon. But if you think his career starts and ends with Doctor Who, you're missing the most interesting parts of his filmography.
He isn't just a sci-fi hero. He’s a terrifying serial killer, a depressed detective, a flamboyant demon, and occasionally, just a tired dad. Tennant has this weird, elastic ability to go from manic energy to soul-crushing silence in about three seconds. It’s why he’s everywhere.
The Broadchurch Phenomenon and the "Grumpy Detective" Trope
When Broadchurch first aired, it felt like the entire UK stopped breathing for an hour every Monday night. Most tv shows with David Tennant rely on his charm, but Alec Hardy is different. He’s miserable. He’s rude. He has a heart condition that he treats with the same level of concern most people give a mild paper cut.
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His chemistry with Olivia Colman is the gold standard for television partnerships. They don’t flirt; they barely like each other. Yet, their shared exhaustion over the Danny Latimer case created a gravity that pulled in millions of viewers. If you haven't seen it, the first season is a masterclass in pacing. Just don't expect the American remake (Gracepoint) to hit the same way, even though Tennant plays the same guy with a different accent. It’s... a choice.
Why Good Omens 3 Still Matters in 2026
We have to talk about Crowley. As of early 2026, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for Good Omens. After a lot of behind-the-scenes turmoil and production shifts, the story of our favorite demon and angel is wrapping up with a 90-minute finale.
The internet is currently losing its mind because the official social media accounts just dropped that "1" teaser. It’s been a long wait since the heartbreak of Season 2. Tennant’s performance as Crowley—swimming in tight trousers and sauntering like he’s invented gravity just to spite it—is arguably his most "Tennant" role. It’s all swagger and vulnerability. Seeing him and Michael Sheen together is like watching two jazz musicians riff; they just get each other.
The Darker Side: From Kilgrave to Des
If you only know him as the "nice" guy, Jessica Jones will give you nightmares. Kilgrave isn't a mustache-twirling villain. He’s a petulant, spoiled child with the power of a god. It’s chilling because Tennant makes him feel humanly pathetic, which is way scarier than a monster.
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Then there’s Des.
Basically, he plays Dennis Nilsen, one of the UK's most notorious serial killers. He looks exactly like him. It’s uncanny. Tennant stripped away every ounce of his natural charisma for this role. He’s flat. He’s boring. He’s a civil servant who happens to have bodies under his floorboards.
Critics often point to Des as the moment he proved he could do more than just "fast-talking Scot." He’s a chameleon. A very, very creepy chameleon.
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The Hidden Gems You Probably Skipped
Everyone knows the big hits, but there are some absolute bangers in his back catalog that don't get enough love.
- There She Goes: This is a tough watch but a beautiful one. He plays a father raising a daughter with a severe chromosomal disorder. It’s based on the real-life experiences of writer Shaun Pye. It’s raw, funny, and deeply uncomfortable.
- Staged: Filmed during the pandemic, it’s just Tennant and Michael Sheen arguing over Zoom. It sounds like it should be boring. It’s actually genius. It captures that specific type of creative ego and boredom that we all felt in 2020.
- Litvinenko: This 2022 miniseries saw him playing the poisoned Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko. He spent most of the first episode in a hospital bed, barely moving, yet he commanded the entire screen.
What to Watch Right Now
If you’re looking for tv shows with David Tennant to binge this weekend, start with Broadchurch for the drama, Good Omens for the vibes, and Inside Man if you want something absolutely unhinged that makes no sense but you can't stop watching.
He’s also popped up in Rivals recently, proving he’s still the king of the "menacing but charming" archetype.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Good Omens Finale: Keep an eye on Prime Video for the 90-minute special dropping this year.
- Check out the "Staged" Specials: If you missed the later series of his Zoom-based bickering with Michael Sheen, find them. They are the perfect palate cleanser after his heavier dramas.
- Listen to his Podcast: David Tennant Does a Podcast With... is genuinely great. He’s a fantastic interviewer because he’s actually interested in people, not just promoting a project.
- Track his Stage Work: If you’re ever in London, he’s a theatre nerd first and foremost. His Macbeth and Hamlet are legendary for a reason.
David Tennant isn't slowing down. Whether he’s returning to the TARDIS for an anniversary special or playing a disgraced politician, he remains the most reliable actor in the business. You know that if his name is on the call sheet, the show is at least worth a look.