5 Tom Cavanagh movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist

A Canadian actor with immense variety, Tom Cavanagh has appeared in a number of shows and movies. The actor appeared in Canadian TV shows and commercials from the late 1990s and eventually took on more wide-ranging roles in American shows like Ed, Scrubs, The Flash, and more.

Tom Cavanagh has also appeared in movies like Heart of the Storm and romantic comedies like Gray Matters and Alchemy. He has also been on Broadway with roles in A Chorus Line, Grease, and more.

However, the actor is most fondly remembered for his earliest American TV show, Ed, where he played the lead role of Ed Stevens, who is a lawyer in New York. Tom Cavanagh displays his comedic timing as the comedy drama focuses on Ed relocating back to his hometown and trying to reconnect with his childhood friends.

The actor has continued to work in a variety of genres in movies and TV shows and has showcased his versatility. Here’s a list of 5 of his movies and TV shows that one must watch.

5 Tom Cavanagh movies and TV shows that are a must-watch

1. The Flash

Based on the DC Comics character, this superhero series was developed by Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, and Andrew Kreisberg. Featuring Grant Gustin, Tom Cavanagh, and others, the show is about Barry Allen, who decides to fight against evil after he gets the power to move at extremely fast speeds after an accident. Cavanagh played the role of Eobard Thawne/Reverse-Flash and Harrison Wells.

Not only was the show a success but Cavanagh’s villainous performance as Wells was also appreciated. The actor gives a complex performance and he even developed a distinct speech cadence for his character. An iconic performance.

2. Ed

Tom Cavanagh is in the show (Image via Getty)

Starring Tom Cavanagh, Julie Bowen, and others, this comedy drama from the early aughts proved that Cavanagh can take on lead roles and handle both comedy and drama. Created by Jon Beckerman and Rob Burnett, Cavanagh played the titular character, who is a lawyer in New York but has to move back to his hometown in Ohio after he is fired from his job and his wife has an affair.

Back in his hometown, Ed decides to start his own law firm while also winning back his childhood crush. The show is one of the most memorable performances by Cavanagh and the actor even got nominated at the Golden Globes for his performance.

3. Eli Stone

Still from the show (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Created by Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, this legal musical comedy and drama series featured Jonny Lee Miller, Tom Cavanagh, Victor Garber, and others. The show only has two seasons and can therefore be easily binge-watched.

The series is about Eli Stone (Miller), who is a lawyer in San Francisco. He begins to have hallucinations and believes that either this is happening to him because of his brain aneurysm or because he is destined for something bigger. Cavanagh played the role of Jeremy Stone, who is Eli’s deceased father. Even though it is not a primary role, the actor brought emotional depth to the series.

4. Breakfast with Scot

Still from the movie (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Directed by Laurie Lynd, this Canadian comedy movie features Tom Cavanagh, Ben Shenkman, and others. Based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Michael Downing, the movie is about Eric McNally (Cavanagh), who is a gay, retired hockey player and now a TV sportscaster. He lives with his partner Sam (Shenkman), who is sports lawyer.

However, the duo’s lives change when Sam has to become the guardian of his brother’s stepson, Scot. The movie is hilarious and also tackles important topics like sexuality and gender dysmorphia. Cavanagh imbibes the role with comic timing and emotional gravitas, proving he can handle sensitive characters with complexity.

5. Alchemy

Still from the movie (Image via Romance Movie Central)

In the early aughts, Tom Cavanagh appeared in a few romantic comedies and this one by Evan Oppenheimer is one of them. Starring alongside Sarah Chalke, Cavanagh plays the role of Mal Downey, who is a computer scientist. The movie focuses on Downey’s efforts as he tries to make Samantha Rose (Chalke), fall in love with him through his interactive computer.

The movie is a breezy watch and fans of the actor can check out this light-hearted work of his. Even though it is not an acclaimed hit, the movie showcases the actor’s ability to take on a variety of roles.