5 Jesse L. Martin movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist

Jesse L. Martin is one of those actors whose roles and a pattern emerge with every character he plays. He often brings a calm energy to the screen and mostly feels grounded. But let me tell you that his path into acting did not start on television or in movies. Martin trained on stage, where actors cannot hide behind edits or retakes.

Here are the best Jesse L. Martin movies and TV shows.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised

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Five Jesse L. Martin movies and TV shows

Law & Order

In this timeless series, Jesse L. Martin portrayed Detective Ed Green for eight years (Season 10-18), and we know that this show doesn’t keep actors that long unless they are worth the hype. He left a mark on the fans' minds even though he did not join the initial seasons.

Ed Green wasn’t loud or flashy, and he listened more than he spoke. Martin made the character feel grounded, especially during intense courtroom or crime scenes. Many fans still say this version of Law & Order hit its stride because of him. Even today, reruns with Ed Green feel solid and watchable.

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The Flash

In The Flash, Martin played Joe West. You know, Superhero shows often focus on action, but as a father figure to Barry Allen, this role needed emotional control. Joe West was the calm voice when everything went wrong, acting as a North Star for others.

Jesse L. Martin handled scenes about loss, fear, and responsibility with ease, and his performance helped balance the show when the storylines got too wild. That’s why fans noticed his absence when he appeared less often in later seasons.

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Rent

Jesse L. Martin portrayed Tom Collins in Rent. This was, in fact, his debut on Broadway. His background in theater and drama is a key highlight because Rent depends on emotion more than spectacle.

Collins is warm, thoughtful, and quietly strong. Martin leans into that. If you enjoy musicals that focus on people, not just songs, or the key differentiator of the genre. It’s also a reminder that Martin’s skill didn’t start on TV, and his performance feels honest, not staged.

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The Irrational

Finally, The Irrational gave Martin the much-deserved lead role, but it came to him much later in his career path, where he plays Alec Mercer, a behavior expert who studies how people think and react. This show is not much into action and is more based on logic and conversation. If we go by his character and profession, Mercer is the ideal protagonist.

Martin doesn’t rush scenes or overplay emotions. But this show did not get much hype and has mixed reactions from fans. Still, we cannot ignore his steady performance and how his career has shifted into more thoughtful roles.

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Puncture

Again, like The Irrational, Puncture is not a mainstream hit, but it is worth your attention. Here again, Martin plays Daryl King, a lawyer connected to the legal world surrounding the case. He is a supporting character, but equally important.

This film focuses on legal battles and corporate pressure, with characters that often need restraint, not drama. Martin understands that and brings seriousness without making the film feel heavy. If you are a fan of realistic dramas, you can watch this one.

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If you are building a watchlist and want consistent performances, Jesse L. Martin is a safe bet. His roles may not always dominate headlines, but they leave an impact on your mind. These five picks show the range of his career without overdoing it.