From Sleek Spy To Crime Boss: Pierce Brosnan’s 7 Most Unforgettable Television Series Roles
Pierce Brosnan’s television career is a fascinating journey that spans five decades, showcasing a versatility often overshadowed by his iconic tenure as James Bond. While the Irish actor is globally synonymous with the 007 franchise, his work on the small screen—from the 1980s detective drama that launched him to stardom to his current role as a gritty crime patriarch—offers a richer, more complex view of his acting prowess. The latest updates, as of late December 2025, confirm his continued engagement with high-profile TV projects, proving the small screen remains a vital part of his legacy.
The arc of Brosnan’s television roles perfectly mirrors his evolution as an actor, moving from the charming, debonair lead in a groundbreaking detective series to the rugged, intense patriarchs of modern drama. This deep dive into his television series work reveals the key roles that defined his career, the series that almost cost him the role of a lifetime, and the fresh, new projects that are keeping him relevant today.
Pierce Brosnan: Full Biography and Profile
Pierce Brendan Brosnan is an Irish-American actor, film producer, and activist whose career has been marked by a smooth transition between television and film, embodying roles that range from romantic leads to intense dramatic figures. He has been recognized with an OBE for his services to drama and the Irish people.
- Full Name: Pierce Brendan Brosnan
- Born: May 16, 1953
- Birth Place: Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland (often associated with Navan, County Meath, where he spent his early years)
- Nationality: Irish and American
- Spouses: Cassandra Harris (m. 1980; d. 1991), Keely Shaye Smith (m. 2001)
- Children: Sean, Christopher, Charlotte (deceased), Dylan, and Paris
- Key Career Milestones: Star of the TV series Remington Steele (1982–1987), the sixth actor to portray James Bond (1995–2002), and a successful film producer.
- Notable TV Roles: Remington Steele, Eli McCullough, Conrad Harrigan.
The Breakthrough: Remington Steele (1982–1987)
The series that cemented Pierce Brosnan’s status as a leading man and put him on the global map was the NBC detective series, Remington Steele. The show ran for five seasons and remains one of the most culturally significant roles of his early career.
The Plot and Cultural Impact
The premise was revolutionary for its time: Laura Holt (played by Stephanie Zimbalist), a highly skilled private investigator, finds that clients won't hire her because she is a woman. To succeed, she invents a fictitious male boss named "Remington Steele." The comedy-drama begins when a charming, mysterious con man (Brosnan) assumes the identity of the fictional boss, forcing Holt to keep up the charade while solving cases.
Brosnan’s portrayal of Remington Steele was defined by his debonair charm, impeccable style, and subtle wit, essentially serving as a modern, Americanized precursor to his future role as James Bond. The show’s success was so profound that in 1986, when Roger Moore stepped down as 007, Brosnan was considered the front-runner.
The series’ contract obligations famously prevented him from taking the role of James Bond at that time, leading to Timothy Dalton’s casting. This dramatic turn of events is one of the most famous "what ifs" in Hollywood history, proving the immense power and impact of his television role.
The Post-Bond Return to Television Drama
After his four-film run as James Bond concluded, Brosnan made a conscious return to television for more complex, character-driven roles, proving his desire to explore new acting territory beyond the spy genre. These roles demonstrated a shift from the polished spy to rugged, often morally ambiguous anti-heroes.
The Son (2017–2019): The Texas Patriarch
One of his most significant post-Bond television projects was the AMC Western drama, The Son, based on the novel by Philipp Meyer. Brosnan replaced Sam Neill in the lead role of Eli McCullough, a powerful and ruthless Texas cattle baron and oil tycoon.
The series, which ran for two seasons, allowed Brosnan to delve into a character of immense complexity, exploring themes of legacy, power, and the brutal realities of the American West. Brosnan embraced the challenge of playing a Texan, a role he hadn't tackled before, showcasing a rougher, more grounded performance that was a stark contrast to his earlier work.
The Mini-Series Era and Early Appearances
Before and during his Bond years, Brosnan also starred in several notable mini-series, a format that allowed for extended character development and epic storytelling:
- Noble House (1988): Brosnan starred as Ian Dunross in this four-part mini-series based on the James Clavell novel. The role of a high-stakes business executive in Hong Kong capitalized on his sophisticated persona immediately following Remington Steele.
- Bag of Bones (2011): A return to the horror/supernatural genre, this A&E mini-series saw Brosnan star as Mike Noonan, a novelist haunted by his wife's death. The role, based on the Stephen King novel, was a powerful dramatic vehicle.
- Around the World in 80 Days (1989): Brosnan played the iconic Phileas Fogg in this television mini-series adaptation of the classic Jules Verne novel, further cementing his reputation as a debonair adventurer.
The Latest and Upcoming TV Series: MobLand (2025)
The freshest and most anticipated entry in Pierce Brosnan's television filmography is the upcoming crime thriller series, MobLand, which is set to premiere on Paramount+. This project marks a significant, gritty shift in his career and is a key piece of information for fans looking for his current work.
The Role of Conrad Harrigan
In MobLand, Brosnan plays Conrad Harrigan, the Irish-born patriarch of a powerful London crime family. The series, which co-stars Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren, is a major, high-profile drama that has generated significant buzz. Brosnan’s character, Conrad Harrigan, is described as a man with a brutal edge, leading a family immersed in the dark world of organized crime.
This role offers Brosnan a chance to play a character that is intense and morally complex, a departure from his more heroic or charming past roles. The series is a testament to his ability to continually reinvent his on-screen persona, moving from the polished spy to a ruthless crime boss, showcasing his range to a new generation of viewers.
History's Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan (2023)
Adding another dimension to his television work, Brosnan also stepped into the role of host and executive producer for the History Channel documentary series, History's Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan (2023).
This series explores some of the most elaborate and infamous real-life heists in history, with Brosnan lending his distinctive voice and sophisticated gravitas to the narration. It highlights his ongoing appeal and credibility, even in non-fiction programming.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on the Small Screen
Pierce Brosnan’s television series career is far more than a footnote to his Bond legacy. It is the foundation upon which his stardom was built, beginning with the revolutionary gender-role-challenging premise of Remington Steele. His subsequent roles in mini-series and his powerful turn as Eli McCullough in The Son demonstrated his enduring strength as a dramatic actor.
With the release of MobLand, Brosnan continues to prove that he is not content to rest on past successes. By taking on the intense role of Conrad Harrigan, he is actively shaping a fresh, new chapter in his career, ensuring his television work remains as compelling and relevant in the 2020s as it was four decades ago. His commitment to diverse and challenging television roles is a testament to his status as one of the most enduring and versatile actors of his generation.
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