6 best Kristen Bell TV roles, from Veronica Mars to The Good Place
By Taylor Gates
Kristen Bell is an iconic actress with a huge range. In addition to starring in films like Frozen and Bad Moms, she’s had an excellent television career as well. From her breakout role as Veronica Mars to her newest project — Netflix crime comedy The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window — let’s break down her six best TV roles.
Best Kristen Bell TV roles: Veronica Mars
You can’t make a list like this without including Veronica Mars. Bell is charismatic and captivating as the titular character of this teen mystery-drama. Witty and smart, it’s impossible not to root for her as she solves crimes happening throughout the town of Neptune. Not only was there a 2014 movie after the beloved series wrapped the first time, but the show was also revived for another season by Hulu in 2019.
Where to watch: Hulu
Best Kristen Bell TV roles: House of Lies
Co-starring Don Cheadle (who was nominated for an Emmy for this role in 2012) and Ben Schwartz, House of Lies is a Showtime comedy about a group of ruthless management consultants. Bell stars as Jeannie Van Der Hooven, an ambitious and flirtatious up-and-coming member of the firm.
Where to watch: Showtime
Best Kristen Bell TV roles: The Good Place
The Good Place will go down in history as one of the smartest, most innovative sitcoms of all time. With pitch-perfect writing, acting, and directing, Bell’s performance is crucial to this whacky, heartfelt show working. Starring as Eleanor Shellstrop — an unethical pharmaceutical representative who finds herself in The Good Place by accident — Bell has never been more hilarious or relatable.
Where to watch: Netflix
Best Kristen Bell TV roles: Gossip Girl
This one may be a little surprising considering Bell is only actually seen in one episode of this show for a meta-cameo. However, her voice is one of the most crucial elements of the teen soap. Come on, tell us you’ve never tried to say “XOXO, Gossip Girl” in her tone of voice.
Where to watch: HBO Max
Best Kristen Bell TV roles: Burning Love
Burning Love is one of the most underrated comedies of all time. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, June Diane Raphael, Adam Scott, Michael Cera, and Adam Brody (among many others!), the show is a laugh-out-loud parody of The Bachelor. Running three seasons, each installment is more hilarious and absurd than the last.
Where to watch: Pluto TV
Best Kristen Bell TV roles: The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
Let’s face it: the crime drama has become a little predictable lately. With movie adaptations of The Girl on the Train and The Woman in the Window, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is clearly meant to parody the genre. Using all the tropes — copious amounts of wine, nosy neighbors, and no-nonsense detective — if there’s one person who can shine in a satire like this, it’s Bell.
Where to watch: Netflix
What’s your favorite Kristin Bell TV role? Comment below!