Jason Bateman’s career is full of unique and interesting roles, but his TV show characters are some of his very best.Jason Bateman’s best TV shows and moviesdemonstrate just how much range the actor has, beginning his career inLittle House on the Prairieas a young child and later becoming renowned for his dark role inOzark.
Bateman is one of the fewchild stars who have had huge Hollywood careerslater in life, and over the last couple of decades, he’s proved himself as an equally brilliant comedic and dramatic actor. FromArrested DevelopmenttoThe Outsider, Jason Bateman’s TV characters are incredible, but there is one role that stands out from the rest.
7Matthew Burton
It’s Your Move (1984-1985)
One of Bateman’s earliest roles is in theforgotten 1980s sitcomIt’s Your Move, in which he portrays the main character, Matthew Burton. While Matthew is just a typical teenager in a lot of ways, he isn’t exactly the same as the rest of his peer group; he’s a scam artist. However, his life turns upside down when his mother starts dating a new neighbor.
Bateman is only around 15 years old when he appears inIt’s Your Move, and it’s impressive what a good fit he is as the lead at such a young age. His comic timing is great, and it’s easy to see why he has been so successful in other comedies because of his performance as Matthew Burton.
Strangely, the premise ofIt’s Your Movechanges massively in the last few episodes of its only season. As Matthew’s perspective shifts, he gives up his scams, and he begins supporting his mother’s new relationship. However, it’s worth noting that Bateman has explained that the reason why the show was canceled was due to viewers copying Matthew’s “antics” (viaSmartLess Podcast).
6Himself
Murderville (2022-)
Even though Bateman plays himself in the Christmas special ofMurderville, the actor isn’t exactly known for having a boisterous personality, so it’s great to see more of the man himself, rather than just another fictional character. It’s hilariousevery time the cast breaks character inMurderville, but with Bateman alongside hisArrested Developmentco-star Will Arnett as Terry Seattle, it’s even funnier.
His rapport with fellowMurdervilleguest star Maya Rudolph is brilliant to watch, too. Bateman is an actor, so naturally he would find himself forming a character in his mind, but deep down, it’s more than likely that this fictional figure is a way for him to focus on the mystery at hand, rather than being distracted by Arnett.
5David Hogan
The Hogan Family (1986–1991)
Another of Bateman’s earlier roles is as David Hogan inThe Hogan Family(which is originally calledValerieand later renamed toValerie’s Family).The Hogan Familycenters on Valerie Hogan (Harper), a mother of three teenage boys who grapples with her career as an auction house buyer while her pilot husband disappears for work for stretches at a time.
Valerie,orThe Hogan Family, is one of the titles from Bateman’s younger years that actually goes the distance. Throughout the show’s 6-season run, Bateman’s character is at the forefront of several important storylines. For example, when David considers losing his virginity in the very special installment “Bad Timing,” which is also the first ever prime time TV episode to use the word “condom.”
Even thoughThe Hogan Familyis aTV show with an ensemble cast, Bateman is a standout in the sitcom. While still a teen himself, Bateman gives a fantastic performance as David Hogan that is both dramatic and funny.
4James Cooper Ingalls
Little House On The Prairie (1974-1983)
Jason Bateman’s acting debutinLittle House on the Prairieas James Cooper Ingalls is one of his most notable roles, despite starring in several other projects since his TV career began at only 11 years old. James arrives in season 7 alongside his sister, Cassandra (Melissa Francis), who are left orphaned and are later adopted by Charles (Michael Landon) and Caroline (Karen Grassle).
For a first role, it’s astounding what happens to Bateman’s character during his limited time inLittle House on the Prairie. Before Caroline and Charles adopt the siblings, the first set of adoptive parents only want Cassandra, which is heartbreaking for James. James also ends up in several shocking situations, like getting caught in a bear trap and running away after breaking a razor.
Bateman delivers a deep and powerful performance as a young child. Considering the experiences James has throughout the show, it’s no surprise that Bateman has such a great range of acting talents under his belt, even all these years later.
3Terry Maitland
The Outsider (2020)
Jason Bateman’s role in HBO’sThe Outsideris very dark compared to his other characters. Bateman portrays Terry Maitland in the Stephen King adaptation, a Little League baseball coach who finds himself as the main suspect in a murder investigation of a young boy. Several pieces of evidence make it apparent that Terry is guilty, but he also has an airtight alibi, too.
Bateman is gritty, unsettling, and a scene stealer inThe Outsider. His performance as Terry is fascinating, and he very much deserves the praise he receives for his body language and facial expressions in this role. Even when Terry isn’t at the center of the narrative (which isn’t often) he still manages to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
2Michael Bluth
Arrested Development (2003-2019)
While Bateman is known for playing various characters in TV shows and movies, his most notable project following the revival of his career in adulthood isArrested Development. Bateman portrays the middle child ofArrested Development’s Bluth family, Michael, who serves as the voice of reason among his unhinged relatives.
Michael is supposed to be the straight man, but this doesn’t mean he isn’t funny. From his general attitude towards Ann (Mae Whitman) to his reactions over his family’s ridiculous antics, Michael Bluth’s overall manner is hilarious. The character isn’t perfect, but compared to his family, he is undoubtedly the most morally sound.
However, he frequently proves that he is a Bluth at heart, and he gets into a few sticky situations of his own. For example, he falls in love with Gob’s (Arnett) girlfriend, often fails to listen to George Michael (Michael Cera), and even makes a move on Lucille Two (Liza Minnelli) at one point. If there’s any Bateman character viewers will remember, it’s Michael Bluth.
1Marty Byrde
Ozark (2017-2022)
Jason Bateman has many great TV characters, but his best by far is Marty Byrde inOzark.Bateman’s performance inOzarkis one of his darkest, and afterArrested Development, it proves he isn’t just a comedic actor. Marty is a money launderer who is way in over his head, and while he keeps his cool most of the time, the pressure gets to him.
Acrossall 4 seasons ofOzark, Marty grows and changes. Over time, he tackles his world of crime and corruption with more and more ease, but this means we also see him flip between his generally stoic demeanor and emotional outbursts more often. Bateman’s portrayal of Marty is stellar.
His dramatic prowess and emotional range in the gripping crime drama is perfect, especially during his scenes opposite Laura Linney as Marty’s wife, Wendy. However, consideringJason Batemanis an executive producer and director onOzark, and as he understands the material so well, it’s no surprise his performance as Marty Byrde is incredible.
