If you’ve been glued to your screen watching some of the biggest British and international TV shows of recent years, chances are you’ve already spotted Josh Finan, even if you didn’t quite catch the name. From gritty Merseyside crime dramas to Netflix global hits, this quietly compelling actor from the Wirral has had one of the most remarkable rises in British entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know about Josh Finan, his movies and TV shows, and why he’s one of the most exciting talents to watch right now.
Who Is Josh Finan?
Josh Finan is a British actor born and raised on the Wirral Peninsula in Merseyside. Far from the usual London drama school pathway, Finan took a slightly unconventional route into acting, first studying English Literature at the University of Sheffield before going on to train at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, one of the most respected acting conservatoires in the UK.
His early career was rooted firmly in theatre. He appeared in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, including Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, as well as West End work at the Bridge Theatre (Southbury Child) and Hampstead Theatre (Peggy For You, opposite the brilliant Tamsin Greig). Those theatrical foundations gave Finan something many TV actors lack, namely, a depth and physical precision that makes every performance feel grounded and lived-in.
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Josh Finan Movies and TV Shows: A Complete Overview
The Responder (BBC One, 2022 & 2024)
This is the role that put Josh Finan firmly on the map. Written by Tony Schumacher and starring Martin Freeman as a crisis-ridden Liverpool police officer, The Responder quickly became one of the most talked-about British dramas in years. Finan played Marco, a young drug addict caught up in the chaos of night-shift policing on Merseyside’s streets.
His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, being raw, heartbreaking, and utterly believable. The industry agreed. Finan received a BAFTA Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Series 1, a huge recognition for a relatively early career TV role. He reprised the role for Series 2 in 2024, cementing his place as one of the show’s emotional anchors.
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Baby Reindeer (Netflix, 2024)
One of the most talked-about shows globally in 2024, Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer swept awards ceremonies and broke streaming records. Finan appeared as Diggsy, a supporting character in this darkly compelling, semi-autobiographical drama about stalking and trauma. His performance, though not a lead role, was noted for its warmth and naturalism, making it a smart, well-judged turn in a show full of exceptional acting.
The Gentlemen (Netflix, 2024)
Guy Ritchie‘s The Gentlemen, a sharp, stylish British crime comedy series, gave Finan yet another opportunity to shine. He appeared as Jethro, slotting into the show’s brilliantly chaotic ensemble with ease. It’s the kind of role that showcases a different side of his range: quick, funny, and utterly watchable.
Say Nothing (Disney+, 2024)
Perhaps his most ambitious and demanding role to date. Say Nothing, based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s acclaimed non-fiction book about the IRA and The Troubles in Northern Ireland, is a sweeping, emotionally complex drama series. Finan was cast as the young Gerry Adams, a role he has described as probably the biggest thing I’ve ever gone up for. Playing a real, living, and deeply controversial political figure required extraordinary preparation and sensitivity, and by all accounts, Finan delivered.
Waiting for the Out (BBC One, 2026)
His most recent and perhaps most significant step yet is landing a lead role. Waiting for the Out, broadcast on BBC One in January 2026, sees Finan play Dan, a philosophy teacher navigating a personal crisis. Moving from acclaimed supporting actor to lead protagonist is the mark of an actor whose talent the industry trusts completely.
Other Credits
Finan’s earlier film appearances include Hellboy (2019) and The Current War (2017). He has also appeared in Black Mirror, Guerrilla, and the 2026 Netflix comedy drama How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, further expanding his already impressive range.
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A Career Worth Watching
In an era of manufactured celebrity, Josh Finan represents something refreshingly real. He comes from a working-class background on Merseyside, trained through discipline and craft rather than connections, and has earned every single step of his rise. His characters, often vulnerable, complex, and drawn from the margins, reflect a Britain that feels authentic rather than polished.
Whether you’re watching him tear your heart out as Marco in The Responder, or holding your breath as he embodies Gerry Adams in Say Nothing, one thing is certain: Josh Finan is one of the most important British actors of his generation, and the best is very likely still to come.
Sources and References
- Wikipedia: Full career overview including The Responder, BAFTA nomination, and 2024 Netflix projects
- IMDb: Official filmography, full credits list, and award nominations
- Screen Daily (Stars of Tomorrow 2024): Source for his direct quote about Say Nothing and details about his BAFTA nomination reaction
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (Alumni): Confirms his training background and RSC stage work
- Numero Netherlands (In Conversation with Josh Finan): In-depth interview covering Waiting for the Out, his theatre-to-screen process, and his approach to Dan’s character
- Man About Town (Josh Finan Is New in Town): Covers his lead role transition, Martin Freeman mentorship, and working with Guy Ritchie
- Manchester Independent (Josh Finan Complete Guide): Detailed breakdown of all his roles, including The Responder, Say Nothing, and The Gentlemen
- Country & Town House (Josh Finan Interview): Covers How to Get to Heaven from Belfast and Waiting for the Out in depth
