The Old Man is a thriller TV series based on a novel by Thomas Perry. It was created by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine. The first season came out on FX on June 16, 2022, with seven episodes. Due to its success, it was renewed for a second season, which premiered on September 12, 2024.
Dan Chase is the main character. He used to be a CIA agent and fought in the Afghanistan war. He has been living in hiding for 30 years, staying off the radar. He lives a quiet life in Vermont, until someone breaks into his house. Chase defends himself and kills the intruder, forcing him to run and hide again. He rents a room from a woman named Zoe McDonald. She gets caught up in his dangerous life and becomes his unexpected partner while they are on the run.
The FBI sends Harold Harper, the Assistant Director for Counterintelligence, to catch Chase. Harper has a long history with Chase that goes back to the Soviet-Afghan War.
The cast guide of The Old Man
Here's everything we know about the cast and characters of The Old Man
1) Jeff Bridges as Dan Chase
Jeff Bridges plays Dan Chase, a former CIA operative who has been in hiding for 30 years. He was living peacefully until an intruder forced him to act. After killing the intruder, he goes on the run again. Chase faces old enemies from his past, including a former colleague and a hitman.
Jeff Bridges is a famous actor. He’s known for his roles in films like The Big Lebowski, Iron Man, and Crazy Heart, which won him a Best Actor award. This is Bridges' first role since battling cancer, and it’s his first TV role in over 50 years.
2) John Lithgow as Harold Harper
John Lithgow plays Harold Harper. He is the FBI’s Assistant Director for Counter-intelligence and is assigned to track down Chase. Harper has a complicated past with Chase, as they both worked together during the Soviet-Afghan War. This shared history makes things more difficult for Harper.
John Lithgow is a well-known actor with a long career. He starred in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, The Crown on TV as well as Interstellar on the big screen. Lithgow brings tension to his role, making Harper a strong and dangerous character. His relationship with Chase adds suspense to the show.
3) Amy Brenneman as Zoe McDonald
Amy Brenneman plays Zoe McDonald. She rents a room to Dan Chase, not knowing who he really is. After finding out the truth, she becomes his ally.
Though reluctant at first, Zoe ends up being an important part of Chase’s life while they are on the run. Brenneman is famous for her roles in NYPD Blue, Heat, Judging Amy, and Private Practice.
4) Alia Shawkat as Angela Adams
Alia Shawkat plays FBI agent Angela Adams. She works under Harold Harper and is very loyal to him. Angela is young and eager to prove herself. She is determined to help catch Dan Chase, no matter the cost. However, as the series goes on, Angela learns more about Harper and his past with Chase. This makes her question where her true loyalties lie.
Shawkat is mostly known for her comedic roles in Arrested Development and Search Party. In this show, she shows her dramatic side, giving depth to Angela’s character as she faces difficult choices.
5) E.J. Bonilla as Raymond Waters
E.J. Bonilla plays CIA agent Raymond Waters. He works closely with Harold Harper and Angela Adams to track down Dan Chase. Waters is experienced and focused, and he plays a key role in the hunt for Chase. Bonilla has appeared in many TV shows, including Revenge, Unforgettable, and Bull.
6) Gbenga Akinnagbe as Julian Carson
Gbenga Akinnagbe plays Julian Carson, a highly skilled operative hired to capture Dan Chase. Carson is deadly and dangerous, but he would rather live quietly, taking care of his grandmother. However, his abilities make him a perfect match to hunt Chase.
Carson and Chase are alike in many ways. Both men are experts at what they do but don’t enjoy the violence. Akinnagbe brings depth to Carson’s character, showing his inner struggle between his deadly job and his desire for peace.
Akinnagbe is known for his work on The Wire and Modern Love. He has also appeared in movies like Edge of Darkness and Independence Day: Resurgence.
Supporting Characters
Bill Heck as Young Dan Chase
Bill Heck plays the younger version of Dan Chase. He is known for his roles in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and Locke & Key.
Leem Lubany as Young Abbey Chase
Leem Lubany plays the younger version of Dan Chase's deceased wife. Lubany has appeared in Condor and Baghdad Central.
Navid Negahban as Hamzad
Navid Negahban plays Hamzad, an Afghan warlord with ties to Dan Chase’s past. Negahban is famous for his role in Aladdin (2019) and Legion.
Pej Vahdat as Young Hamzad
Pej Vahdat plays the younger version of Hamzad. He is known for roles in Bones, Arrow, and Empire.
The Old Man is a thrilling and intense drama, led by strong performances from actors like Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow. The show keeps viewers on edge as it explores complicated relationships, hidden secrets, and deadly confrontations.
