You’ll Be Shocked How Many Shows James Van Der Beek Has Done—here’s The Best-to-worst Guide

Okay, so picture this: James Van Der Beek. You probably think of him, right? The guy from that show. The one with the crying. It's an iconic image. But did you know he’s been… everywhere? Like, seriously, everywhere.

We're talking a LOT of shows. More than you’d ever guess. It’s almost a national sport trying to keep up. So, naturally, we’ve done the tough work for you. We’ve ranked his television endeavors. From the absolute, undeniable, tear-jerking best to… well, let’s just say the ones that made us scratch our heads.

Get ready to be surprised. And maybe a little amused. This is our totally official, completely subjective, and highly entertaining guide to James Van Der Beek's TV legacy. Buckle up, buttercups!

The Peak of Peak Van Der Beek

1. Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)

Let's be honest. This is why we're all here. This is the one. Dawson Leery. The aspiring filmmaker. The sensitive soul. The master of the melodramatic sigh.

This show was James Van Der Beek for a generation. It defined teen dramas for years. The angst, the friendships, the confusing love triangles. It was all there.

And that crying scene? Iconic. We’ve all been there, right? Maybe not with the same dramatic flair, but the feeling? Universal. This is his masterpiece, no question.

2. What Would You Do? (2008-2019) - Special Guest Host

Okay, hear us out. This might be an "unpopular opinion." But Van Der Beek brought a certain… gravitas to this hidden camera show. He wasn't just a host; he was a concerned citizen.

He’d look into the camera, his brow furrowed, asking the tough questions. It was surprisingly compelling. He made you think. About society. About ethics. About why people are the way they are.

It showed a different side of him. A more thoughtful, grounded James. Plus, who doesn't love a good social experiment? It was unexpectedly brilliant.

3. Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012-2013)

This one was a revelation. James Van Der Beek playing himself. But a hilariously flawed, self-obsessed version of himself. It was pure genius.

He was the perfect foil to the chaotic June. His desperate attempts at relevance were comedy gold. He leaned into the absurdity. And it paid off.

This show proved he had incredible comedic timing. And a fantastic sense of humor about his own fame. We were not ready for how funny he could be.

The Solid Middle Ground

4. Friends with Better Lives (2014)

A short-lived gem. James played a successful but jaded doctor. He was part of a group of friends navigating their thirties. The premise was fun.

His character was witty and a little cynical. It felt like a more mature Dawson, but with fewer tears. The ensemble cast had good chemistry. It was a nice, easy watch.

Too bad it didn't get more time to shine. It had potential. Definitely a pleasant surprise in his post-Creek career.

5. Pose (2018-2021) - Recurring Role

This was a big one. A critically acclaimed series. James played a powerful, albeit morally questionable, lawyer. He was a significant player in the ballroom scene's drama.

His character brought a different kind of intensity. It was a departure from his earlier roles. He showed he could handle complex, darker characters.

Pose was important television. And James was a solid addition to its star-studded cast. He held his own.

6. Sex, Love & Secrets (2005-2006)

Before Apartment 23, there was this. A more mature, drama-filled series. James played a musician with a complicated personal life. It was a darker tone than Dawson's Creek.

He was exploring different facets of his acting. The show delved into adult themes. It was trying to be edgy.

It didn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor. But it was a step in the right direction for him. Experimentation is good!

The "Did That Even Happen?" Tier

7. Modern Family (2013) - Guest Star

Ah, the classic guest star spot. James popped up in an episode of Modern Family. He played a guy Claire was briefly interested in. It was fine.

He was funny, as always. But it was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role. Not exactly a career-defining moment. More of a fun cameo.

Still, seeing him in that suburban setting was a little jarring. A nice little detour.

8. The Good Wife (2011-2012) - Recurring Role

He played a love interest for Alicia Florrick. A lawyer, naturally. It was a well-regarded show. He fit right in.

His character was charming and a bit mysterious. It was a solid performance. But it wasn't a role that screamed "James Van Der Beek." He was good, but not transcendent.

It's easy to forget he was even on it. That's how subtle his presence was. No tears required here.

9. Mercy Street (2016-2017)

A historical drama. Set during the Civil War. James played a doctor. It was a serious role.

The show itself was a bit uneven. And his character, while important, didn't quite have the spark. It felt like he was trying to make a dramatic statement. But it didn't quite land.

It's a show that exists. And he was in it. That's about all we can say. Bless his heart.

The "Wait, He Was In That?" Category

10. Dancing with the Stars (2019)

Okay, so this isn't a show he acted in, technically. But it's a TV appearance. And a memorable one. He danced. He cried. Of course he cried.

It was a chance for him to be vulnerable again. To connect with audiences. He gave it his all. Even if the dancing wasn't always perfect.

The journey was the story. And his emotional exit? Peak Van Der Beek. A true TV moment.

11. Arrested Development (2019) - Guest Star

He showed up in the revival. Playing a rival actor. It was a bit meta. He played himself playing a different character.

It was a quick gag. A fun nod. But not exactly a starring turn. More of a quirky cameo for the fans.

Did we need James Van Der Beek in Arrested Development? Probably not. Was it amusing? Sure.

12. The Mindy Project (2016) - Guest Star

He played a new doctor at the practice. A brief stint. He was charming, as usual.

Mindy Kaling's shows always have great guest stars. James fit the bill. He brought his typical comedic flair.

It was a solid guest spot. But ultimately forgettable. Just another face in the revolving door of characters.

And The Rest...

Look, James Van Der Beek has a career that spans decades. There are other appearances. Cameos. Voice roles. Documentaries he’s been in. He’s been busy!

We could go on and on. But the point is this: the man is a television chameleon. He’s been a teen idol. A dramatic actor. A comedic genius. A historical figure. And a dancer.

So next time you see him on screen, remember this list. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be a little shocked. And hopefully, you’ll smile. Because James Van Der Beek has given us a lot to watch. And a lot to talk about.