Jason Ritter’s Shocking Career Pivot: From Beloved Sitcom Son To DC Universe’s Next Star In ‘Lanterns’ And ‘Matlock’ Season 2
Jason Ritter, an actor known for his blend of earnest charm and dramatic depth, is currently in one of the most dynamic phases of his career, balancing a high-profile network drama with a major upcoming role in the DC Universe. As of late 2025, Ritter is captivating audiences on the small screen while simultaneously preparing to enter the world of superheroes, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile performers. His latest projects are a testament to his range, moving from complex legal thrillers to the expansive mythology of the Green Lantern Corps.
This deep dive explores Jason Ritter’s complete filmography, from his breakout roles to his current work on the CBS drama Matlock and the highly anticipated HBO series Lanterns, giving fans a comprehensive look at the evolution of his career. The information provided here is current, reflecting the latest updates on his upcoming projects and Season 2 of his hit show.
Jason Ritter: Biography, Profile, and Career Highlights
Jason Morgan Ritter has carved out a distinct and successful career, stepping out of the shadow of his famous father, the legendary John Ritter, to become an Emmy-nominated actor in his own right. His work spans everything from critically acclaimed dramas to beloved animated series, showcasing a remarkable ability to inhabit diverse characters.
- Full Name: Jason Morgan Ritter
- Date of Birth: February 17, 1980
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Parents: John Ritter (Father, Actor) and Nancy Morgan (Mother, Actress)
- Spouse: Cristin Milioti (Actress, married in 2017)
- Notable Awards/Nominations: Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Mark Cyr in Parenthood.
- Breakout Role: Kevin Girardi in the CBS drama series Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005).
- Other Major Roles: Ethan Haas in The Class, Sean Walker in The Event, and the title character in Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.
The Latest Chapter: Matlock and the DC Universe's Lanterns
The most compelling part of Jason Ritter's current career trajectory is the simultaneous commitment to two major network projects, one a procedural drama and the other a massive superhero franchise. This duality highlights his appeal across different genres.
The Complexities of Julian Markston in Matlock (2024–2025)
Jason Ritter currently stars in the CBS revival of Matlock, a legal drama led by Emmy-winner Kathy Bates. Ritter plays Julian Markston, a high-priced, somewhat troubled attorney who is a key figure in the series. His character is introduced as the happily divorcing partner of Olympia Lawrence, but his professional life is far more complicated and morally ambiguous.
The series has been a success, with CBS renewing Matlock for a second season, which is set to premiere on October 12, 2025. The Season 1 finale delivered a major twist for Ritter's character, revealing that Julian was the one who hid the Wellbrexa study, forcing his ex-wife to question her professional and personal ethics. This storyline promises a darker, more intense arc for Julian Markston in Season 2, keeping Ritter at the center of the show's action.
Stepping into the DC Universe: Billie Macon in Lanterns (Upcoming)
Perhaps the most talked-about addition to Ritter's resume is his recurring role in the upcoming DC Universe series Lanterns, which is expected to debut on HBO in 2026. This series is a cornerstone of the new DC cinematic and television universe, based on the iconic Green Lantern comic books.
Ritter has been cast as Billie Macon, a character described as a "good-looking charmer" who works for his powerful father. Intriguingly, Ritter confirmed that his role has a comedic nature, suggesting a lighter, more character-driven element within the high-stakes sci-fi drama. Production is currently underway, and Ritter has already completed shooting several episodes, making this a truly fresh and high-profile project to anticipate.
A Look Back: Jason Ritter's Most Iconic Roles
While his current work is generating buzz, Jason Ritter's career is built on a foundation of memorable roles across television and film, demonstrating his versatility and consistent quality as a performer.
The Television Roles That Defined a Career
Ritter’s television career is marked by long-running roles in beloved series, often playing the kind-hearted, slightly awkward, or emotionally complex character.
- Parenthood (2010–2014) as Mark Cyr: Ritter earned his Primetime Emmy nomination for his role as Mark Cyr, a teacher and love interest to Lauren Graham’s character. His performance was lauded for its genuine warmth and emotional depth, becoming a fan favorite.
- Gravity Falls (2012–2016) as Dipper Pines (Voice): In a complete pivot, Ritter became the voice of the curious and adventurous Dipper Pines in the hit Disney animated series. This role introduced him to a new generation of fans and proved his talent in voice acting.
- Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005) as Kevin Girardi: This was his breakthrough role, playing the paraplegic older brother of the titular character, a performance that showcased his ability to handle heavy dramatic material early in his career.
- A Million Little Things (2020–2021) as Eric: A recurring role in the ABC drama, where he played a character with a complicated past, adding another layer to his resume of emotionally charged performances.
Key Film and Movie Appearances
Ritter has also maintained a steady presence in film, often choosing independent projects and genre-bending movies that challenge him as an actor.
- Frozen 2 (2019) as Ryder (Voice): His voice work continued with a role in the blockbuster Disney animated sequel, further cementing his place in major family-friendly franchises.
- The Tale (2018) as Bill: A powerful and disturbing drama that premiered at Sundance, where Ritter played a key supporting role, demonstrating his commitment to challenging, high-art cinema.
- Freddy vs. Jason (2003) as Will Rollins: An early career role in the iconic horror crossover, giving him a genre credit that remains popular with fans.
- The Intervention (2016) as Matt: A dramatic comedy that explores relationship dynamics, showcasing his talent for ensemble work.
The Enduring Appeal of Jason Ritter
Jason Ritter’s career is a masterclass in longevity and strategic role selection. Unlike many actors who get typecast, he has successfully transitioned from teen drama star to a critically respected dramatic actor and a beloved voice artist. His upcoming work in Matlock Season 2 and Lanterns demonstrates a conscious effort to keep his career diverse and relevant.
The entities that define his career—from the emotional resonance of Parenthood’s Mark Cyr to the youthful energy of Gravity Falls’ Dipper Pines and now the professional duplicity of Matlock’s Julian Markston—all point to an actor who prioritizes character over genre. As he prepares to join the DC Universe, fans are eager to see how his unique blend of charm and vulnerability will translate to the world of superheroes and intergalactic law enforcement. His continued success is a clear indication that Jason Ritter remains one of the most compelling actors working in television and film today.
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