7 David Harbour TV shows that prove he’s more than just Stranger Things’ Jim Hopper

Netflix is rolling out Season 5 of Stranger Things in three parts. The first part releases on November 26, followed by a Christmas installment on December 25, and the season finale arrives on December 31. In 1987, Hawkins, the shadow of Vecna looms over the town as Eleven and friends gather for their final stand. The Duffer Brothers promise an epic and dramatic finale that balances passion, fright, and nostalgia as they elevate Netflix's flagship series to cinematic heights.

David Harbour ventured far beyond Stranger Things. He showcased his talent in both live-action & voiceover work. His work has ranged from courtroom thrillers to animated heroes, giving him opportunities to explore diverse roles. These seven TV shows made fans realize Harbour was more than the gruff police chief.

Also see: Brand new look of Demogorgon in Stranger Things Season 5!

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

---

The list of 7 David Harbour TV shows that prove he’s more than just Stranger Things’ Jim Hopper:

7. Rake (2014)

Rake is a comedic legal drama series that incorporates humorous events with serious moments in reality. It is a spin-off of an Australian show of the same name. Peter Duncan designed both versions. On May 8, 2013, Fox put the American version in its schedule. It was broadcasted in the midseason between 2013 to 2014. In the same year, 2014, David Harbour also featured as David Potter on Rake. Following his appearance on Stranger Things as Jim Hopper, this character helped him appreciate his capacity to be versatile as an actor.

Viewers saw David navigate the quirky world of the lead lawyer. His part was not the main one, but it helped David portray a carefree, confident character on TV. One commentary by a viewer of Rake appeared on IMDb,

“I think this show has so much potential. It's funny, smart and it's entertaining.”

He became a representation of what people could identify with in the law firm due to his realistic character. This was not the performance he gave as Jim Hopper, who was tough and emotional in Stranger Things. Rake allowed Harbour to apply humor and warmth, demonstrating that he was not necessarily a strict police chief. Viewers of Stranger Things who have seen him in Rake can recognize his ability to adapt to different characters and narratives.

---

6. Law & Order (2002-2010)

Law & Order is a popular crime drama series that follows detectives and attorneys as they solve complex cases. The show was designed by Dick Wolf. It was produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. David Harbour appeared in Law & Order from 2002 to 2010 in various guest roles, helping establish his early career. The actor played various people in the distinct episodes that proved he was able to fit in aggressive & dramatic scenes. Law & Order wrote in their Facebook account that guest star David Harbour confronts Benson as well as Tutuola.

His performance in Season 4, Episode 7, displayed his ability to be emotive while engaging the audience. Fans of Stranger Things who watched Law and Order were already familiar with David's ability to convey emotion and reality in difficult situations. His performance in Law & Order proved that he has a solid background, which he had developed before fame.

---

5. Manhattan (2014-2015)

Manhattan is rooted in history and depicts the difficulties that the researchers faced while conducting a secret study. The drama was the first drama production by WGN America since the rebranding of the production arm of Tribune as Tribune Studios. David Harbour was the actor who played Dr. Reed Akley, a crucial physicist during the period of the atomic bomb project. David's character differs significantly from Jim Hopper's in Stranger Things in that Dr. Akley focuses on scientific leadership & ethical concerns.

During production, the show received overwhelmingly positive feedback. However, very few people watched the show. As a result, after two seasons, the show was canceled on February 2, 2016. The show was the first of the WGN America shows to be canceled. According to a viewer at IMDb,

“Terrific drama, riveting history, intense inter-relationships, great performances. Why is this show so unrecognized?”

Manhattan gave David a chance to show a different side of his acting. He played a smart man who sometimes struggled with inner conflict. Fans of the fearless police commander from Stranger Things can see how he excelled in historical plays that demanded a great deal of emotion and consideration.

---

4. Star Wars: Visions (2021)

David Harbour debuted his creative approach in 2021 with the animated anthology series Star Wars: Visions. As a result, it provided a variety of stories from the Star Wars universe. The show is based on episodes that are very short and full of fantasy and action. David played Tajin Crosser, a wise warrior who faced enormous trials and difficult wars. Harbour's character allows him to behave emotionally and boldly solely through his voice. The truth is that in Star Wars: Visions, David instilled wisdom and agony in his character without ever being onscreen.

Star Wars: Visions demonstrated that David does not simply show talent in the field known as live acting but is also capable of showing talent in voiceover that requires words to define emotions. Stranger Things fans will be thrilled with how he uses his voice to create a memorable and deep Star Wars protagonist who seeks loss and salvation.

---

3. Q-Force (2021)

Q-Force is an American adult animated comedy television series that was written by Gabe Liedman. The character Agent Rick Buck is voiced by David Harbour. The animated series is set around a group of non-hetero LGBTQ spies led by Agent Mary. Buck is a heterosexual agent sent in to monitor the group and enforce the agency's policies. Buck begins as a rival and, at times, an uncompromising one, but he gradually evolves into a more supportive member of the team. An IMDb user wrote.

“SO under-rated. As of today, only a 5 on imdb. Some funny stuff that they aren't getting credit for... gay jokes, lesbo jokes.”

Harbour employed his vocal acting to bring Buck's rugged personality to the mix of comedy and heart. Buck is less emotive than his lead actor role as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things.

---

2. What If…? (2021)

David Harbour voiced the Red Guardian in the Marvel cartoon series What If. Released in 2024, the show allows fans to imagine what might have happened if key events in the Marvel storyline had unfolded differently. David joined the show with his character from the Black Widow film and introduced the character of the Red Guardian to the world of cartoon animations through the use of his voice. Rather than in live-action, the character of David exists in imaginative tales presented in the form of animation.

What If shows David at his best, and he knows how to make comic book heroes live. He was as strong and funny as he demonstrated strong emotions to Red Guardian. Red Guardian sounds like a courageous, funny, and friendly voice, unlike Jim Hopper, who is serious and protective. What If illustrated how Harbour can fit into cartoon and superhero worlds. This TV show allowed viewers to see a different side to their beloved Stranger Things star.

---

1. Creature Commandos (2024-2025)

Creature Commandos is an adult cartoon television show. It includes superheroes and was directed by James Gunn. You can watch the show on HBO Max. David Harbour voiced Frankenstein, a heroic monster who goes on dangerous missions with a variety of odd animals. The show was released in 2024 and is part of the new DC Universe online. The character of Harbour is distinctive as he blends the monstrous appearance of Frankenstein with emotions of love and solitude. The character seeks his lost bride and meets burdensome challenges in his adventures. A viewer rating of 10 out of 10, and wrote,

“I honestly have no complaints, other than I wish the episodes were longer.”

David's voice acting injects fun and emotional depth into the show. The show has action, friendship, and comedy aplenty, allowing Harbour to reveal that he can mix fear and heart. Fans who saw Hopper in Stranger Things can observe him experiment in Creature Commandos.

---

Follow SoapCentral for more updates!