Representation matters and when it comes to Deaf characters on screen. For decades, hearing actors were cast in Deaf roles, often relying on exaggerated or inaccurate portrayals of Deaf culture and communication. Thankfully, that’s changing. More and more, TV shows are casting Deaf actors to play Deaf characters, bringing authenticity and lived experience to storylines.
This list celebrates that shift. From long-running favorites like Sesame Street and Grey’s Anatomy to newer hits like The Last of Us, these shows have made the choice to cast Deaf actors in Deaf roles and we are here for it!
You’ll also notice something else as you scroll through this list: there’s no single “Deaf experience.” Some characters communicate through American Sign Language (ASL), others through British Sign Language (BSL), and others rely on lipreading or spoken language. That range isn’t a coincidence. It reflects the real diversity within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, where communication styles vary widely from person to person.
A quick note: this blog was last updated in 2026, and we did our best to track down accurate information on where to stream each show. Streaming platforms change their offerings often, so availability may shift over time, we recommend double-checking before you settle in to watch.
Table of Contents
Drama
Switched at Birth
More Info: Switched at Birth (2011 – 2017) | Genre: Drama
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actors:
- Sean Berdy as Emmett
- Marlee Matlin as Melody
- Katie Leclerc as Daphne
- Ryan Lane as Travis
- Stephanie Nogueras as Natalie
- CJ Jones as Mr. Palmer | S2E4
Description: An American teen and family drama that premiered on ABC Family, the series is set in the Kansas City metropolitan area and follows two teenagers who were switched at birth and raised in vastly different environments. Notably, it was the first mainstream television series to feature multiple Deaf and hard-of-hearing series regulars and scenes filmed entirely in American Sign Language (ASL).
This Close
More Info: This Close (2018–2019) | Genre: Comedy‑Drama
Streaming: AMC+, Sundance Now
Deaf Actors:
- Shoshannah Stern as Kate | S1–2
- Josh Feldman as Michael | S1–2
Description: Created by and starring Deaf actors, this show centers on two Deaf best friends navigating their twenties in Los Angeles.
The L Word
More info: The L Word (2004-2009) | Genre: Drama
Streaming: Hulu, Showtime
Deaf Actors:
- Marlee Matlin as Jodi Lerner | Seasons 4 – 6
- Russell Harvard as Deaf Bartender | S5E7
Description: This long-running Showtime series features intertwined stories about the lives and loves of a group of lesbians and bisexuals in Los Angeles. The characters date, get into committed relationships, consider having families, hook up, break up, question their sexuality, stay in the closet, come out or sleep around, and sometimes all of the above.
Touched by an Angel
More info: Touched by an Angel (1994-2003) | Genre: Drama
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actors:
- Deanne Bray as Emma | S6E12
- Howie Seago as Joe | S3E7
- Terrylene Sacchetti as Rachel | S2E3
Description: A trio of angels travels the Earth, inspiring people at crossroads in their lives to turn to God. But the angels aren’t only teaching people, they are also learning lessons themselves.
Medical Drama
Grey’s Anatomy
More Info: Grey’s Anatomy (2005–present) | Genre: Medical Drama
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Shoshannah Stern as Dr. Lauren Riley | Season 16
Description: This high-intensity medical drama follows a team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital who are faced with life-or death decisions on a daily basis. Together they discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white.
New Amsterdam
More Info: New Amsterdam (2018–2023) | Genre: Medical Drama
Streaming: Netflix, Peacock
Deaf Actor:
- Sandra Mae Frank as Dr. Elizabeth Wilder | S4–5
Description: Dr. Max Goodwin is brilliant, charming and the new medical director at America’s oldest public hospital. While he’s set on tearing down the bureaucracy to provide exceptional care, the doctors and staff are not so sure.
The Pitt
More info: The Pitt (2025-present) | Genre: Medical Drama
Streaming: Peacock
Deaf Actor:
- Becki Hayes as Sylvia | S1E12
Description: A realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes working in a modern-day hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
House
More info: House (2004-2012) I Genre: Medical Drama
Streaming: Peacock
Deaf Actor:
- Anthony Natale as Deaf Father | S5E9
Description: It features the life of Dr. Gregory House, an unconventional, misanthropic, cynical medical genius who, despite his dependence on pain medication, successfully leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.
ER
More info: ER (1994-2009) | Genre: Medical Drama
Streaming: Max
Deaf Actor:
- Howie Seago as Mr. Sanderson | S2E19
Description: Set in Chicago, this medical drama deals with the personal and professional crises of the doctors in the emergency room at County General Hospital.
Crime Drama / Police Drama
Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye
More Info: Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (2002–2005) | Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: Freevee, UP Faith & Family
Deaf Actor:
- Deanne Bray as Sue Thomas | S1–3
Description: One of the earliest Deaf‑led network dramas. Sue Thomas is a deaf woman who works for the FBI in Washington, DC. Using her ability to read lips and assisted by her dog Levi, she solves tough crimes that her hearing colleagues and listening devices can’t crack.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
More Info: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–2015) | Genre: Crime / Procedural
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actor:
- Marlee Matlin as Dr. Jillian Childs | S11
Description: Mixing deduction and character-driven drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation follows a team of crime scene investigators (CSIs) employed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as they use physical evidence to solve murders.
The Rookie
More info: The Rookie (2018-present) I Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Troy Kotsur as Truck Driver | S3E12
Description: Starting over isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan, who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of becoming an LAPD officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis.
Criminal Minds
More info: Criminal Minds (2005-2020) I Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actors:
- Troy Kotsur as Street Preacher | S7E9
- Stephanie Nogueras as Eliana | S14E6
Description: The series follows a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit using behavioral analysis and profiling to help investigate crimes and find the suspect known as the unknown subject.
Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders
More info: Criminal Minds; Beyond Borders (2016-2017) I Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actor:
- Daniel Durant as Ted | S2E7
Description: This series follows an elite team of FBI agents of the fictional International Response Team tasked with solving cases that involve American citizens on international soil.
The Mentalist
More info: The Mentalist (2008-2015) | Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: Max
Deaf Actor:
- Marlee Matlin as Julia | S3E4
Description: For years Patrick Jane has served as an independent consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, earning a reputation for unusual methods and disregard for protocol.
Walker, Texas Ranger
More info: Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001) | Genre: Crime / Action
Streaming: Peacock
Deaf Actor
- Russell Harvard as Deaf Teen | S8E15
Description: Texas Ranger Cordell Walker kicks posterior and usually in slo-mo. With the help of retired ranger C.D. Parker, partner James Trivette and A.D.A. Alex Cahill, Walker ruthlessly fights for justice.
Without a Trace
More info: Without a Trace (2002-2009) | Genre: Police Drama
Streaming: Max
Deaf Actor:
- Ryan Lane as Evan | S6E4
Description: A fast-paced procedural drama about the Missing Persons Squad of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York City.
CSI: NY
More info: CSI: NY (2004-2013) | Genre: Police Drama
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actor:
- Anthony Natale as Deaf Witness | S3E11
Description: The third permutation of the “CSI” franchise sets up shop in the Big Apple, where taciturn detective Mac Taylor and his new partner, Jo Danville, lead a crime-solving team.
9‑1‑1
More info: 9-1-1 (2018-present) I Genre: Procedural Drama
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Shoshannah Stern as Ellie | S2E12
Description: The series explores the high-pressure experiences of first responders including police officers, firefighters and dispatchers, who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations.
9‑1‑1: Lone Star
More info: 9-1-1 Lone Star (2020-2025) I Genre: Procedural Drama
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Stephanie Nogueras as Lena | S2E8
Description: This drama series follows members of Austin’s 126 Fire Department led by Capt. Owen Strand who, along with his adult son, T.K., moved to Texas to help rebuild the firehouse which had experienced a tragedy of its own.
Political / Legal Drama
The Practice
More info: The Practice (1997-2004) | Genre: Legal Drama
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Howie Seago as Carl | S3E10
Description: Dylan McDermott stars in a one-hour ensemble drama as Bobby Donnell, a passionate lawyer in a Boston law firm whose instincts tell him important cases are not always about money.
The West Wing
More info: The West Wing (1999-2006) | Genre: Political Drama
Streaming: Max
Deaf Actor:
- Marlee Matlin as Joey Lucas | Season 1
Description: Cutthroat presidential advisers get their personal lives hopelessly tangled up with professional duties as they try to conduct the business of running a country.
The Guardian
More info: The Guardian (2001-2004) | Genre: Drama
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actor:
- Deanne Bray as Rachel | S2E3
Description: Hotshot lawyer Nick Fallin must perform community service at a child advocacy office or risk being disbarred when he’s arrested for using drugs.
Comedy
Scrubs
More info: Scrubs (2001-2008) I Genre: Medical Comedy
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Troy Kotsur as Deaf Patient | S6E15
Description: The series follows the lives of employees at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital, which is a teaching hospital.
Glee
More info: Glee (2009-2015) I Genre: Musical comedy
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- John Autry II as Deaf Choir Member | S1E11
Description: Set at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, the series follows the members of the New Directions, a glee club competing in the show choir circuit, as they navigate social issues regarding sexuality, gender, race, family, relationships, and teamwork.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
More info: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (2020-2021) I Genre: Musical Comedy
Streaming: Roku Channel, Peacock
Deaf Actor:
- Sandra Mae Frank as Abigail (Max’s Deaf sister) | S2E6
Description: Zoey Clarke, a software developer who discovers she has the ability to hear the innermost thoughts of people as songs. Each episode features multiple song-and-dance numbers that develop the storyline, with each cast member singing their own character’s songs.
Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Horror
The Walking Dead
More Info: The Walking Dead (2010–2022) | Genre: Post‑Apocalyptic Horror
Streaming: Netflix, AMC+
Deaf Actor:
- Lauren Ridloff as Connie | S9–11
Description: The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television series developed by Frank Darabont, based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard.
Supernatural
More Info: Supernatural (2005–2020) | Genre: Fantasy / Horror
Streaming: Netflix
Deaf Actor:
- Shoshannah Stern as Eileen Leahy | S11–15
Description: This haunting series follows the thrilling yet terrifying journeys of Sam and Dean Winchester, two brothers who face an increasingly sinister landscape as they hunt monsters. As old tricks and tools are rendered useless and friends betray them, the brothers must rely on each other as they encounter new enemies.
The Last of Us
More Info: The Last of Us (2023 – present) | Genre: Post-apocalyptic
Streaming: HBO
Deaf Actor:
- Keivonn Woodard as Sam | Season 1
Description: Based on the video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog, the series is set decades after a mass fungal infection causes the collapse of society, transforming its hosts into zombie-like creatures.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
More info: Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) I Genre: Sci-Fi
Streaming: Paramount+
Deaf Actor:
- Howie Seago as Riva | S2E5 (“Loud as a Whisper”)
Description: Set in the latter third of the 24th century, when Earth is part of the United Federation of Planets, it follows the adventures of a Starfleet starship, the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), in its exploration of the Alpha quadrant and Beta quadrant in the Milky Way galaxy.
The X‑Files
More info: The X Files (1993-2002) | Genre: Sci-Fi
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- Howie Seago as Handler | S5E5
Description: A sci-fi/paranormal drama following FBI agents Fox Mulder (believer) and Dana Scully (skeptic) as they investigate cases involving aliens, monsters, and government conspiracies.
Superhero / Action
Hawkeye
More Info: Hawkeye (2021) | Genre: Superhero-Action
Streaming: Disney+
Deaf Actor:
- Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez (Echo) | S1
Description: Hawkeye (Clint Barton) is a founding Avenger and elite S.H.I.E.L.D. agent known for his unparalleled marksmanship, using a bow and trick arrows to defend the world. As a highly skilled, non-superpowered human, he relies on expert combat, tactical, and piloting skills, often acting as the grounded, relatable heart of the team.
The Flash
More info: The Flash (2014-2023) I Genre: Superhero Action
Streaming: Netflix
Deaf Actor:
- Ryan Lane as Deaf Teen | S2E10
Description: The TV series is based on the Barry Allen incarnation of DC Comics character the Flash, a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to move at superhuman speeds.
Mystery
Only Murders in the Building
More Info: Only Murders in the Building (2021–present) | Genre: Mystery / Comedy
Streaming: Hulu
Deaf Actor:
- James Caverly as Theo Dimas | S1–2
Description: A comedic murder-mystery series on Hulu starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as eccentric neighbors in a posh New York City apartment building, the Arconia. They launch a true-crime podcast while investigating murders that occur within their building.
The OA
More info: The OA (2016-2019) I Genre: Mystery / Drama
Streaming: Netflix
Deaf Actor:
- Sharon Pierre‑Louis as Deaf Teen | S1E5
Description: The series follows Prairie Johnson, an adopted young woman who resurfaces after having been missing for seven years. Upon her return, Prairie calls herself “the OA” (for “original angel”), has scars on her back, and can see, despite having been blind when she disappeared.
Children’s Educational
Sesame Street
More Info: Sesame Street (1969–present) | Genre: Children’s Educational
Streaming: Max (HBO), PBS Kids
Deaf Actor:
- Linda Bove as Linda the Librarian | 1971–2003
- Note: One of the earliest recurring Deaf characters on children’s TV!
Description:
A longtime favorite of children and adults, and a staple of PBS, “Sesame Street” bridges many cultural and educational gaps with a fun program. Big Bird leads a cast of characters teaching children numbers, colors and the alphabet. Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch and Grover are just a few of the other creatures involved in this show, set on a city street full of valuable learning opportunities.
British Series
Code of Silence
More Info: Code of Silence (2025) | Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: ITVX
Deaf Actor:
- Rose Ayling‑Ellis as Alison
Description: Alison Brooks’ lipreading skills pull her into the police’s investigation of a dangerous gang, but her undeniable connection with criminal Liam Barlow threatens everything.
Reunion (BBC)
More Info: Reunion (BBC) (2025) | Genre: Drama
Streaming: BBC iPlayer
Deaf Actors:
- Matthew Gurney
- Jude Powell
- Julian Peedle‑Calloo
- Cherie Gordon
Description: A four-part BBC One thriller focusing on Daniel Brennan, a deaf man seeking redemption and revenge after being released from a 10-year prison sentence.
The Chelsea Detective
More Info: The Chelsea Detective (2022–present) | Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: Acorn TV
Deaf Actors:
- Sophie Leigh Stone as Ashley Wilton
- Jude Powell as Barman
Description: London’s Chelsea neighborhood is a beautiful borough for beautiful people, but it has a dark underside of deception, violence, greed and murder. Bodies have a way of showing up, and things are rarely what they seem.
The Silence
More Info: The Silence (2010) | Genre: Crime Drama
Streaming: BritBox, Amazon (purchase), BBC iPlayer (UK availability varies)
Deaf Actor:
- Genevieve Barr as Amelia Edwards | Miniseries (4 episodes)
Description: A British drama about an 18‑year‑old Deaf woman adjusting to a new cochlear implant while staying with her aunt and uncle, both police officers. Amelia becomes the key witness to a murder, forcing her into a dangerous investigation.
EastEnders
More Info: EastEnders (1985–present) | Genre: Soap Opera
Streaming: BBC iPlayer
Deaf Actor:
- Rose Ayling‑Ellis as Frankie Lewis
Description: Residents of Albert Square in London’s East End deal with life, love and loss. The long-running and popular soap opera focuses on family relationships and a sense of belonging in the community, and has been known to tackle hard-hitting topics.
More to Watch!
At Inclusive Communication Services (ICS), we love celebrating and supporting Deaf culture, community, and learning. Through our sign language interpreting, captioning, and accessible media services, we help make communication more accessible to everyone.
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