Pierce Brosnan TV Shows: Beyond James Bond - Essential Guide & Hidden Gems

Okay, let’s be honest. When someone mentions Pierce Brosnan, what instantly pops into your head? James Bond, right? That suave 007 persona with the tailored suits and killer one-liners. Totally fair. But here’s the thing – and I learned this the hard way after binge-watching one rainy weekend – Pierce Brosnan’s work on the small screen is a whole different beast. Seriously, it’s like discovering your favorite band has a killer B-sides collection.

I got curious about Pierce Brosnan TV shows after catching him in this intense AMC drama. Went down a rabbit hole, and wow, was I surprised. His TV journey spans gritty Westerns, clever detective capers, even sci-fi miniseries. It’s messy, fascinating, and way more diverse than most people realize. If you're hunting for something beyond Bond, this is your roadmap.

The Early Days: Before Bond, There Was Steele

Believe it or not, Brosnan was this close to missing out on Bond because of a TV role. Back in the '80s, before the martinis and Aston Martins, he was charming audiences weekly as the effortlessly cool private investigator in...

Remington Steele (1982-1987)

This show was lightning in a bottle. Brosnan played a former con man who assumes the identity of a fictional detective ("Remington Steele") created by Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist), a brilliant investigator clients wouldn't hire because she was a woman. The chemistry? Off the charts. It was part mystery-solving, part romantic comedy, all wrapped in '80s shoulder pads and snappy dialogue.

Why it mattered: This role made Brosnan a household name in the US. It’s also directly tied to his Bond casting. He was the frontrunner for 007 after Roger Moore... until NBC renewed Remington Steele, trapping him in his contract. Timothy Dalton got the role instead. Talk about irony.

Want to revisit it? Good luck finding it easily. It’s not widely streamed, which is a shame. You’ll mostly find DVDs or digital purchases on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. The pilot alone is worth it – watching Brosnan’s smooth-talking thief transform into Steele is pure fun.

Honest take? Some episodes feel painfully dated now. The fashion crimes alone could be a separate documentary. But the core dynamic between Brosnan and Zimbalist? Still holds up surprisingly well. Just skip the clip shows.

Nancy Astor (1982)

This one’s a deep cut. A British miniseries where a young Brosnan played Robert Gould Shaw II. It’s historical drama territory, focusing on the first woman to sit in Parliament. Brosnan’s role wasn’t huge, but it showcased his dramatic chops early on. Finding it is tricky – think specialty DVD retailers or niche streaming archives.

The Post-Bond TV Renaissance: Grit, Guns, and Family Secrets

After stepping down as Bond in the early 2000s... radio silence on TV? Hardly. Brosnan jumped back in with roles that were darker, more complex – a million miles from the polished spy.

The Son (AMC, 2017-2019)

This is where Brosnan truly stunned me. Forget Bond. He plays Eli McCullough, a ruthless Texas oil baron in a brutal generational saga spanning 1849 to the early 20th century. We see young Eli captured by Comanches, shaping the hardened man he becomes.

Brosnan is feral in this. It’s a raw, unflinching performance. The violence is graphic, the moral lines are blurred, and Eli is often deeply unlikeable.

Heads up: This isn't casual viewing. It’s heavy, sometimes bleak, and the pacing in Season 2 loses some steam. But Brosnan’s commitment? Unreal. It’s arguably his best dramatic work on TV.

DetailsInfo
Where to WatchAMC+ Subscription, Digital Purchase (Amazon, Apple TV, Vudu)
Total Seasons2 (Cancelled after Season 2)
His RoleEli McCullough - Patriarch of an Oil Dynasty
Best For Fans OfYellowstone, Bloodline, Historical Epics
Content WarningHigh Violence, Sexual Assault Themes

I remember watching the Comanche raid scenes – brutal, but you couldn't look away. Brosnan’s transformation into the older Eli, weighed down by trauma and ambition, is masterful. Not a comfortable watch, but a powerful one.

Our House (ITV, 2022)

A sharp pivot from The Son! This is a contemporary British psychological thriller. Brosnan plays neighborhood guy Bram Lawson, whose life unravels when his wife Fi (Tuppence Middleton) discovers strangers moving into their house – because Bram secretly sold it!

It’s a twisty, suburban nightmare fueled by secrets and betrayal. Brosnan plays Bram with this simmering desperation that’s genuinely unsettling. Less action, more creeping dread.

Where to StreamBritBox (US/Can), ITVX (UK), Acorn TV
Episodes4-Part Miniseries
Based OnThe novel by Louise Candlish
Perfect ForGone Girl fans, Domestic Thriller lovers
Binge TimeApprox. 4 hours

It’s a quick, addictive watch. Brosnan nails the charm masking panic. The ending? Divisive. Some loved the ambiguity, others wanted more closure. Personally, I enjoyed the ride, even if I yelled at the screen a couple of times.

Around the World in 80 Days (BBC, 2021)

Totally unexpected! Brosnan took a supporting role in this big-budget BBC adaptation as the stuffy, skeptical reformer Bellamy. David Tennant leads as Phileas Fogg.

It’s pure, colorful Sunday-night adventure. Brosnan clearly had fun playing the pompous antagonist. Not a heavy lift for him, but he adds gravitas. Stream it on PBS Passport or buy digitally.

Worth it for the gorgeous production design alone. Kid-friendly too.

The Guest Spots & Hidden Treasures

Beyond the starring roles, Brosnan sprinkled his charm across TV for decades:

  • The Detectives (1993): A bizarre meta-comedy where Brosnan plays a hilariously exaggerated version of himself. Weird, but fascinating.
  • Murphy’s Stroke (1980): An early BBC role. Pure ‘70s UK TV vibes. Nearly impossible to find legally.
  • Noble House (1988): Big-budget miniseries based on James Clavell. Brosnan held his own alongside Ben Masters. Look for DVD box sets.
  • Death Train (1993): Pure ‘90s action cheese. Brosnan vs terrorists on a train. Patrick Stewart co-stars! Streams occasionally on Tubi.

Finding these feels like digging through a crate of old vinyl. Some are gems, some are just... interesting artifacts.

Where to Find Pierce Brosnan TV Shows Now (Your Streaming Guide)

Let’s cut to the chase. You want to watch? Here’s what’s actually available without jumping through too many hoops:

TV ShowBest Streaming Options (US/UK)Alternative WaysFree Options?
Remington SteelePurchased digitally only (Amazon, Apple TV)DVD Box Sets (Check eBay)No (Rare TV reruns)
The SonAMC+ subscriptionBuy on Amazon Prime Video/Apple TVNo
Our HouseBritBox (US/Canada), ITVX (UK)Acorn TV (Often has trials)No
Around the World in 80 DaysPBS Passport (US), BBC iPlayer (UK)Digital Purchase (Vudu, Amazon)Limited Free PBS Viewing
Death TrainTubi (Ad-Supported Free)Pluto TV (Rotating Free Channels)Yes (with ads)

Pro Tip: Use JustWatch.com. Search "Pierce Brosnan" and toggle the "TV Shows" filter. It scans dozens of streaming services in your region and shows exactly where you can watch legally right now. Saves so much time.

Why Brosnan’s TV Work Deserves Your Attention

Look, I love Bond as much as the next person. But reducing Pierce Brosnan to just that feels lazy after seeing his TV range.

Think about it. In The Son, he’s a savage survivor carving out an empire through blood. In Remington Steele, he’s pure charismatic charm with a secret past. Our House gives us a desperate man drowning in lies. That’s versatility studios often underused.

He brings weight even to smaller TV roles. His presence elevates material. And let’s be real – TV offers actors like him complex characters and long-form storytelling films rarely match.

His choice in TV projects feels deliberate. Often darker, character-driven, exploring flawed men. It’s a fascinating counterpoint to the heroic spy image.

Pierce Brosnan TV Shows: Your Burning Questions Answered (FAQ)

Okay, based on what people actually search, let’s tackle the common stuff:

Is Remington Steele streaming anywhere?

Sadly, no major subscription service carries all seasons consistently. Your best bet is digital purchase (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV usually have it). DVD box sets exist but are getting pricier. Reruns pop up on niche cable channels like Cozi TV occasionally – worth checking local listings.

How many seasons of The Son did Pierce Brosnan do?

He starred in both seasons (10 episodes each) of The Son on AMC. The show was cancelled after Season 2. While it wraps up the immediate oil conflict storyline, it definitely leaves larger character arcs open-ended. Prepare for some unresolved threads.

What was Pierce Brosnan's first major TV show?

Remington Steele (1982-1987) was his breakout role, making him a star in the US. Before that, he had smaller roles in UK productions like Murphy's Stroke (1980) and Nancy Astor (1982).

Is Pierce Brosnan in any new TV shows?

As of late 2023/early 2024, not immediately. Our House (2022) is his most recent TV miniseries lead. He has several film projects listed on IMDB. Given his recent TV success, though, another series seems likely. Keep an eye on trade news!

Why isn't Remington Steele easier to watch?

Ah, the million-dollar question! It likely boils down to music rights and distribution licensing. Old shows often used licensed songs that are prohibitively expensive to clear for modern streaming. Licensing across different regions (US/UK/International) is also a tangled mess. Studios sometimes don't see enough demand to justify the cost and hassle. Frustrating for fans!

How does Brosnan's TV work compare to his films?

It often feels riskier. Films lean on his charm and action chops (The Thomas Crown Affair, Mama Mia!). TV shows, especially recent ones like The Son, let him explore darker, more morally ambiguous territory. It showcases his depth beyond the leading man persona. Some TV performances (Eli McCullough) eclipse much of his later film work in intensity.

Final Thoughts: Digging Deeper into the Brosnan Catalog

Pierce Brosnan on TV is a revelation. It strips away the Bond iconography and shows the actor underneath – capable of grit, vulnerability, complexity, and yes, still that killer charm. Forgetting his TV work feels like ignoring half the picture.

Start with The Son for sheer dramatic power. Try Our House for a tense thriller. Seek out Remington Steele for pure ‘80s nostalgia charm. His TV journey is surprisingly rewarding.

Got an obscure Brosnan TV appearance I missed? Found a hidden streaming source? Let me know – this rabbit hole is always open.

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