9 Best David Tennant Roles to Watch Right Now

✦ Edited and fact-checked by Managing Editor Mike Strayer, our editorial lead with over 10 years of experience covering TV and entertainment.

Whether he’s saving the universe, terrorizing superheroes, or swimming in a vault of gold coins, the Scottish actor brings an undeniable charisma to every character he embodies.

I’ve rounded up the best David Tennant roles you need to see, expanding on our TikTok countdown with a few extra gems that showcase his incredible range. Allons-y!

1. Doctor Who (2005)

Is he the 10th Doctor? The 14th? Honestly, it doesn’t matter which number he’s wearing—David Tennant is the definitive Doctor for an entire generation. His tenure in the TARDIS balanced manic energy with deep, ancient sorrow, giving us a Time Lord who could be your best friend one minute and a terrifying god the next. You can catch his classic run (and his glorious 60th-anniversary return) streaming right now on Disney+.

2. Good Omens (2019)

I’d get in huge trouble if I didn’t mention everyone’s favorite fallen angel, Crowley. He didn’t really fall; he just sauntered vaguely downward into one of the best David Tennant roles of the last decade. His chemistry with Michael Sheen’s Aziraphale is electric, creating a buddy-comedy dynamic that anchors the show’s apocalyptic stakes. Check out Good Omens on Prime Video.

3. Jessica Jones (2015)

Coming in with a major creep factor is Kilgrave from Jessica Jones. The hair, the skin, the mind control—it’s all terrifyingly effective. Tennant plays this Marvel villain with a petulant, spoiled-child demeanor that makes his murderous actions even more unsettling. It’s a performance that stays with you long after the credits roll, proving he can play pure evil just as well as he plays the hero. Stream Jessica Jones on Disney+.

4. Broadchurch (2013)

If you only know Tennant from sci-fi, you need to see him as the grumpy, ailing Detective Inspector Alec Hardy. Paired with the brilliant Olivia Colman, he investigates a tragic murder in a small coastal town where everyone has a secret. It’s a gritty, emotional crime drama that strips away the theatrics and lets Tennant deliver a raw, grounded performance that anchors the entire series. You can watch Broadchurch on Prime Video.

5. DuckTales (2017)

Let’s move on to something lighter: Scrooge McDuck. Just listen to what he gets to say: “Hey, Janice! Get that jalopy out of my driveway this instant, you deadbeat!” Tennant’s Scottish brogue is a perfect fit for the richest duck in the world, bringing a surprising amount of heart to the adventure-loving billionaire. It’s a spirited voice performance that honors the original while adding a fresh layer of energy. Don’t miss the reboot of DuckTales on Disney+.

6. Much Ado About Nothing (2011)

This can be no trick: Tennant’s turn as Benedick in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is legendary. Performing alongside his frequent collaborator Catherine Tate, he brings a modern, physical comedy style to the Bard’s witty text. It’s laugh-out-loud funny and proves that his stage presence is just as commanding as his screen time. You’ll need a subscription to Digital Theatre to watch this filmed version of the play starring Tennant.

7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Though his screen time was short, Tennant’s role as Barty Crouch Jr. was impactful enough to haunt the wizarding world. The wild tongue flick—an improv choice by Tennant—became the character’s defining trait. It’s a manic, unhinged performance that perfectly sets the stakes for Voldemort’s return. The Harry Potter universe is always streaming on HBO Max.

8. Staged (2020)

In this meta-comedy born out of the pandemic, Tennant plays a heightened, insecure version of himself trying to rehearse a play over Zoom with Michael Sheen. It’s hilarious, surprisingly poignant, and features a rotating door of A-list guest stars mocking the two leads. If you want to see Tennant’s comedic timing in its purest form, this is the show to watch. You can stream Staged on Prime Video.

9. Ahsoka (2023)

Tennant returned to the Star Wars universe to voice the ancient droid Huyang, a role he earned a Daytime Emmy in The Clone Wars. As the professor who taught Jedi younglings—including Yoda—how to build lightsabers, he brings a fussy, knowledgeable warmth to the galaxy far, far away. It’s a delight to hear his voice guiding the next generation of heroes in live action. Most of the Star Wars universe, including Ahsoka, is on Disney+.

David Tennant roles FAQ