Performing for television since the age of 15,Maggie Lawsonhas spent decades stunning audiences with her charming personality, witty sense of humor, and impressive range. She has proved time and again why she is one of television’s most beloved stars. From her early days in guest roles to leading major TV series, Lawson has adapted several characters, balancing each of them with humor and intelligence.
Lawson firststepped in front of the camera in the late ‘90swhen she landed roles in hit shows likeUnhappily Ever After,Cybill, andParty of Five. She quickly gained attention for her natural screen presence and unwavering dedication. However, it was her starring role as Juliet O’Hara inPsychthat propelled her into the mainstream market. Throughout her career, Lawson has taken on a variety of roles, from romantic leads to witty detectives.
Here’s a look at 10 of Maggie Lawson’s best TV roles.
10Liz Stoddard-Banks
‘It’s All Relative’ (2003 – 2004)
It’s All Relative
It’s All Relativeis a witty and heartwarming sitcom set in Boston, andthe cultural clash between two familiesmakes up the nucleus of the show. It follows Liz Stoddard-Banks, a smart, outgoing, and somewhat spoiled Harvard student raised by her two sophisticated adoptive fathers, Simon and Philip. She falls in love with Bobby O’Neill, the son of a working-class Irish Catholic family, and it leads to an uneasy union.
Refreshing Take on Family Dynamics
The series thrives on the comedic fiction between Bobby’s traditional upbringing and Liz’s progressive household. There are misunderstandings, prejudices, and reluctant compromises made, but in the end, the characters convey lessons about the meaning of family. Maggie Lawson playsLiz. She’s a warm and charming character, and her chemistry with Reid Scott’s Bobby is vital to the show’s romantic core.
‘Inside Schwartz’ (2001 – 2002)
Inside Schwartz
Inside Schwartzis an incredible juxtaposition of sports and romance. It revolves around Adam Schwartz, a minor-league sportscaster whose love life is narrated through sports metaphors and imaginary commentary from real-life athletes. After his longtime girlfriendEvebreaks up with him, he struggles to put himself out there, and his inner thoughts play out like a live broadcast.
A Playful Role in a Sporty Sitcom
Fans of sports will delight in the sitcom’s sports-themed humor because it’s so unique, entertaining, and clever at the same time. Lawson portrays Eve, a character who acts as the catalyst for Adam’s emotional journey. Even though her role is brief, she leaves a lasting impression, and her presence evokes genuine likability. Overall, Inside Schwartz has an unconventional premise, creative storytelling, and fun moments.
‘Unhappily Ever After’ (1996 – 1997)
Unhappily Ever After
Airing on The WB in the late 1990s,Unhappily Ever Afterputs a satirical twist on the classic family sitcom trope and follows the dysfunctional Mallow family. It is led by Jack, a bitter father who finds some solace while talking to his stuffed bunny, Mr. Floppy. Jennifer is the toxic mother, Ryan is the dim-witted eldest son, Tiffany is the gifted model daughter, and Ross is the “forgotten” youngest sibling.
A Quirky Cult Classic
The show cleverly parodies all the sitcoms that came before it by presenting a family that’s unabashedly politically incorrect. Their delusions and misadventures make up the core, with the eccentric ensemble injecting moments of levity and intrigue. Maggie Lawson appears in four episodes. It’s her first TV role, and she playsMadelyn, adding a fresh dynamic to the chaos.Unhappily Ever Aftergained a cult following for its unique comedic style.
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‘The Ranch’ (2016 – 2020)
Set against the backdrop of Colorado,The Ranchis a humorous Netflix dramedy that follows Colt Bennett, a former high school football player who returns home to his family’s ranch after a failed attempt at a professional sports career. As he navigatesthe challenges of small-town lifeand his strained relationship with his father, Beau, the show explores themes of family and redemption in a lighthearted tone.
A Sincere and Rustic Drama
Ashton Kutcher plays Colt with absolute precision, and Sam Elliot plays Beau. Maggie Lawson appears asJenin a bunch of episodes. She is an engineer who wants to build a pipeline underneath the Bennett Ranch. Plus, she’s romantically involved with Colt’s older brother, Rooster, for a brief period of time. Her presence is understated yet impactful, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast offers a contrast to the show’s rough-and-tumble atmosphere.
‘Santa Clarita Diet’ (2017 – 2019)
Santa Clarita Diet
A Netflix original series starring Drew Barrymoreand Timothy Olyphant,Santa Clarita Dietis a delightfully bizarre comedy. It follows real estate agents Sheila and Joel Hammond, who find their lives turned upside down when Sheila develops a craving for human flesh. This gruesome and dramatic transformation leads to certain deaths, but it also offers much-needed comic relief.
Original, Witty, and Dark
Of course, Barrymore and Olyphant play each other off brilliantly in the show. Their business, the absurd premise, and the dark humor are what set the series apart. Lawson is an interesting addition to the fold. She playsChrista, a fellow realtor who, along with her husband Chris, infuses a competitive tone. Unlike the Hammonds, they have a cutthroat approach to work, and it’s fun to see them attempt to stay ahead of Sheila and Joel’s increasingly chaotic attempts to appear normal.
‘Party of Five’ (1994 – 2000)
Party of Five
Party of Fiveis a defining drama of the ‘90s, and it revolves around the Salinger siblings, who are trudging on with life after the devastating loss of their parents. Being the oldest of all siblings, 24-year-old Charlie struggles with accepting the responsibility of being the new head of the family. Meanwhile, Bailey, Julia, Claudia, and Owen help him run their family’s restaurant, which is called Salinger’s.
A Landmark Drama of the ‘90s
Thecoming-of-age narrative here is quite poignant and relatable. For its emotionally charged atmosphere and genuinely remarkable performances of the young cast,Party of Fivewon a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama and became one of the most impactful teen dramas of the era. As for Lawson, she appears asAlexa, a character whose presence intersects with the lives of the Salinger family and adds another dimension to their evolving relationships.
4Ms. McMartin
‘Two and a Half Men’ (2007 – 2015)
Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Menis a long-running sitcom about Charlie Harper, whose life is irrevocably altered after his recently divorced brother, Alan, moves in with him. The two are complete opposites, and surviving with each other is a huge task. In the final season of the show, Maggie Lawson steps into the role of Ms. McMartin, a social worker tasked with overseeing Walden’s adoption process.
A Scene-Stealing Performance in a Wild Sitcom
The beloved sitcom is known for its ever-evolving cast dynamics and irreverent humor. And when Walden decides to adopt a child, it takes a surprising turn because we get to see Walden and Alan attempt to prove their suitability as parents. Towards the end of the season, Walden even begins datingMs. McMartin. She serves as a voice of reason amidst the chaos and grounds the otherwise outrageous world of the show. WhileTwo and a Half Menwas often driven by crude humor, her character made it even more engaging.
3Terry Gannon Jr.
‘Back in the Game’ (2013)
Back in the Game
Back in the Gameisa critically acclaimed sports comedyled by Maggie Lawson’s character,Terry Gannon Jr.She is a former high school softball prodigy whose life takes an interesting turn when her marriage fails, and she moves back in with her estranged father, Terry “The Cannon” Gannon Sr., an ex-minor league baseball manager. Struggling to get back on her feet, Terry agrees to coach a misfit Little League team and re-enters the world of sports.
The series is a heartwarming exploration of family, second chances, personal growth, and the power of community. Its compelling narrative balances moments of humor and drama, with Lawson shining as Terry. Her performance is emotionally resonant and witty. She shares a beautiful chemistry with James Caan, who plays her gruff yet protective father. Back in the Game was short-lived, but it received a lot of praise for Lawson’s main character and managed to gain a loyal fanbase.
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2Natalie Flynn
‘Lethal Weapon’ (2016 – 2019)
Lethal Weapon
This action-packed television adaptation of the popularLethal Weaponfranchise spans three seasons. It follows ex-Navy SEAL Martin Riggs, who moves to California and is partnered up with Roger Murtaugh, an aging detective and family man. Both have different philosophies about crime solving, but as they tackle cases, they develop a mutual respect and understanding for one another.
Solid Chemistry Between the Leads
In the third season of Lethal Weapon, Maggie Lawson joins the cast asDr. Natalie Flynn, an ER doctor and the ex-girlfriend of Wesley Cole, who took on the lead role in the show after Martin Riggs’ departure. As the mother of Cole’s daughter, she plays a crucial role in his overall journey and offers much-needed emotional support. She also acts as the perfect counterbalance to the show’s otherwise high-octane, buddy-cop-focused narrative and makes it seem more realistic and sincere.
1Juliet O’Hara
‘Psych’ (2006 – 2014)
Created by Steve Franks,Psychis one of the most popular shows of the 2000s. It centers around Shawn Spencer, a police consultant, who uses hisbrilliant observational skills and impressive photographic memoryto solve cases. He’s so perfect that people believe he’s a psychic. The show thrives on his entertaining dialogue and his broad knowledge of pop culture. And, of course, James Roday Rodriguez, dissolves into the role with ease.
A Fan-Favorite Detective
One of Maggie Lawson’s most iconic roles,Juliet O’Harais introduced in Psych as a junior detective at the Santa Barbara Police Department. Over the course of eight seasons, she transforms into a genius investigator. She strikes the perfect balance between her professional career and her growing affection for Shawn. Lawson’s character is the show’s highlight, and it was consistently praised for both being integral to its longevity and success.
