TV Shows with Emmett J. Scanlan- Emmett J. Scanlan has appeared in numerous television shows, including the gangster drama Kin, the Netflix crime thriller Fool Me Once, and the long-running soap opera Hollyoaks.
Recent and notable TV series
Kin (2021–2023): Scanlan plays Jimmy Kinsella in this Irish series about a Dublin crime family embroiled in a gangland war.
Fool Me Once (2024): In this Netflix crime thriller based on a Harlan Coben novel, Scanlan plays Shane Tessier, a military police officer and close friend to the main character, Maya.
The Tower (2021–2024): Scanlan stars as Inspector Kieran Shaw in this ITV police drama, which follows the fallout from two deaths at a London tower block.
Peaky Blinders (2019–2022): Scanlan played Billy Grade, a former footballer who is forced to help the gang with match-fixing.
The Deceived (2020): In this thriller series written by Lisa McGee, Scanlan plays Michael Callaghan.
Gangs of London (2020–2025): He appeared as Jack O’Doherty in this action-crime series.
Derry Girls (2022): Scanlan had a guest role as a character named “Mad Stab” in the final season of the comedy series.
Safe (2018): He featured in another Harlan Coben Netflix series as Josh Mason.
Butterfly (2018): He played Stephen Duffy in this miniseries, which centers on a family with a transgender child.
The Fall (2013–2016): Scanlan played D.C. Glenn Martin alongside Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan in all three series of this BBC psychological thriller.
Earlier television work
Hollyoaks (2010–2013): One of Scanlan’s most prominent early roles was as the villainous Brendan Brady, a character he also played in the spin-off Hollyoaks Later.
In the Flesh (2014): He appeared in this BAFTA-winning BBC series about zombie rehabilitation.
Constantine (2014–2015): Scanlan played Jim Corrigan, the DC Comics character who eventually becomes The Spectre.
Krypton (2019): For a few episodes, he took on the role of the alien bounty hunter Lobo.
Who is Emmett J. Scanlan?
Emmett John Scanlan, born on January 31, 1979, in Dublin, Ireland, is an accomplished actor with over two decades of experience. He began in theater and transitioned to television and film, gaining a reputation for his compelling portrayals of “bad boy” roles and morally complex characters. Scanlan is celebrated for his intense screen presence and versatility across genres ranging from soap operas and crime dramas to supernatural and thriller series.
His breakout role was in Hollyoaks as Brendan Brady, which not only won him critical acclaim but also multiple awards. Since then, he has continually expanded his filmography with diverse and challenging roles.
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Major TV Shows Featuring Emmett J. Scanlan
Hollyoaks (2010–2013)
Scanlan’s portrayal of Brendan Brady in the British soap Hollyoaks is one of his most iconic roles. Brendan is a complex anti-hero whose depth and troubled nature made him a fan favorite. Scanlan’s emotionally charged performance earned him several accolades, including National Television Award nominations and wins, establishing him as a prominent figure in UK television.
His character’s story arcs dealt with intense themes like abuse, violence, and redemption, which showcased Scanlan’s ability to handle difficult narratives sensitively and powerfully.
The Fall (2013–2014)
In The Fall, a critically acclaimed psychological thriller broadcast on BBC Two, Scanlan played DC Glenn Martin. Acting alongside Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, he was part of a gripping storyline involving a serial killer. His character brought law enforcement depth and realism to the tense drama.
The show’s success and his strong performance further validated Scanlan’s dramatic capabilities, expanding his reach to international audiences.
Peaky Blinders (2019–2022)
Emmett J. Scanlan appeared as Billy Grade in the later seasons (5 and 6) of the immensely popular gangster drama Peaky Blinders. The show chronicles post-World War I Birmingham’s criminal underworld, blending history with fictional drama.
Billy Grade, Scanlan’s character, added grit and tension to the storyline, interacting with lead characters and enhancing the complexity of the show’s criminal networks.
Safe (2018)
Safe is a British mystery drama where Scanlan portrayed Josh Mason, a key figure contributing to the suspenseful plot surrounding a missing child in a close-knit community.
The series was praised for its storytelling and character development, and Scanlan’s role demonstrated his knack for playing emotionally intense characters who navigate dark secrets.+1
Kin (2021)
In Kin, an Irish family crime drama, Scanlan took on the main role of Jimmy Kinsella. The series explores the dynamics and struggles of a criminal family involved in a turf war.
This role highlighted Scanlan’s ability to embody complex family and gangster roles authentic to Irish culture, earning critical praise for his layered performance.
Fool Me Once (2024)
One of Scanlan’s recent leading roles is Shane Tessier in the Netflix thriller Fool Me Once. The show, blending psychological suspense with intense character study, saw Scanlan working alongside acclaimed actors like Michelle Keegan and Adeel Akhtar.
This role affirms his continuing relevance and adaptability in contemporary television, allowing him to explore new genres and deeper psychological terrains.
The Tower (2021)
In The Tower, an ITV crime drama, Scanlan portrayed Inspector Kieran Shaw, a role that solidifies his presence in police procedural storytelling. His character navigates the murder investigation amidst political and social tensions.
The show was well received for its suspense and complex narrative, with Scanlan’s performance central to maintaining the gripping atmosphere.
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What Makes Emmett J. Scanlan’s TV Roles Special?
Depth and Intensity
Scanlan’s characters are rarely one-dimensional villains or heroes. Instead, he brings emotional depth and intensity to roles that explore the darker sides of human nature. His ability to evoke empathy, even for flawed characters, sets him apart.
Versatility Across Genres
From soaps like Hollyoaks to gritty crime dramas like Peaky Blinders and psychological thrillers such as Fool Me Once, Scanlan adapts effortlessly. This genre flexibility enhances his appeal to a broad audience.
Authenticity and Realism
His Irish heritage and strong grounding in theatrical acting contribute to an authentic and naturalistic acting style, resonating well with both critics and viewers who seek believable portrayals.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Actors Inspired by Emmett J. Scanlan
Embrace a wide range of roles to build versatility.
Invest time in understanding complex characters beyond the script.
Develop emotional resilience for intense roles dealing with difficult themes.
Cultivate authenticity by drawing from own experiences or cultural background.
Continually hone craft through varied projects in both television and film.
Real-Life Insights on His Career Journey
Scanlan’s career path underscores the importance of perseverance. Starting with smaller parts and theater, he capitalized on breakthrough opportunities like Hollyoaks. His trajectory shows how consistent work, combined with choosing challenging roles, leads to long-term success. He also balances his personal life with public attention, advocating for causes like veganism and animal rights, which enhances his public trust and relatability.
Up-to-Date Insights on Emmett J. Scanlan as of 2025
Emmett J. Scanlan continues to work on high-profile projects such as MobLand (2025), where he stars alongside iconic actors in a British gangster series. His rising status in television is matched by growing cinema roles, showing a sustained upward trend in his career.
His recent performances are noted for their nuanced portrayals in a variety of contemporary stories, ensuring that Emmett remains a sought-after actor in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
Which TV show made Emmett J. Scanlan famous?
His role as Brendan Brady in the soap opera Hollyoaks (2010–2013) garnered him widespread recognition and multiple awards.
Has Emmett J. Scanlan acted in any crime dramas?
Yes, notable crime dramas include The Fall, Peaky Blinders, Kin, and The Tower.
What character did Emmett J. Scanlan play in Peaky Blinders?
He played Billy Grade in seasons 5 and 6.
Is Emmett J. Scanlan involved in any recent TV projects?
Yes, he stars in Fool Me Once (2024) and MobLand (2025), both critically acclaimed series.
What type of roles does Emmett J. Scanlan usually play?
He often portrays villainous or complex characters with emotional depth, frequently “bad boy” or anti-hero types.
Has Emmett J. Scanlan won any awards for his TV work?
Yes, particularly for his role in Hollyoaks, where he won multiple soap awards and the National Television Award for Best Newcomer.
Where can fans watch Emmett J. Scanlan’s shows?
His shows are available on various platforms, including ITV, BBC, Netflix, and other streaming services, depending on the series.
Final Thoughts
Emmett J. Scanlan stands out as a highly talented, adaptable actor whose career continues to flourish in television. His diverse roles—from soap operas to gritty crime dramas and psychological thrillers—demonstrate his range and commitment to his craft. Upcoming projects like Fool Me Once and MobLand confirm his ongoing relevance in the entertainment industry.
For fans and aspiring actors alike, his journey teaches the value of grounding performances in authenticity and embracing versatile roles. With a clear trajectory for growth, Emmett J. Scanlan remains a compelling figure to watch on screens in 2025 and beyond.
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