Top 5 shows to watch of Richard Chamberlain, ranked

George Richard Chamberlain, an American actor and singer who rose to fame with the television show Dr. Kildare (1961–1966), where he played the protagonist, passed away on March 29, 2025. Given the number of mini-series he was a part of, Chamberlain gradually achieved the nickname of King of the Mini-Series.

Besides starring in acclaimed mini-series like Centennial (1978), The Thorn Birds (1983), and Shōgun (1980), Chamberlain also featured in musical theatre projects and various stage roles. He was also part of The Three Musketeers (1973), The Four Musketeers (1974), and The Return of the Musketeers (1989) and played the character of Aramis.

Chamberlain played the character of Allan Quatermain in both King Solomon's Mines (1985) and Lost City of Gold (1986). He was also the first to play the role of Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity (television film).

As the actor passed away at the age of 90, let us now explore 5 of his best TV shows that fans should make sure not to miss.

The following article is based on the author's own opinions.

Top 5 Richard Chamberlain shows

Dr. Kildare (1961 – 1966)

The show that made Chamberlain a household name was Dr. Kildare. Running for five seasons, the show focused on Dr. James Kildare, an intern at Blair General Hospital, played by Chamberlain. The show followed his journey as he juggled his personal and professional life while learning to be best at what he did.

The role brought him widespread acclaim, and he received around 12,000 letters from fans every week. It also won him a much-deserved Golden Globe award.

Centennial (1978)

A mini-series consisting of 12 episodes, Centennial aired on NBC and is one of Chamberlain's notable TV series roles. The official synopsis of the show reads,

“The evolution of a Colorado town and the people who call it home for various reasons: money, freedom or crime.”

Chamberlain played the role of Alexander McKeag, a Scottish trader. It is his and French trapper Pasquinel’s arrival at Centennial that marks the beginning of the story. The show tells the story of how the arrival of various other settlers eventually makes things complicated in this fictional land and how everyone fights to survive. Chamberlain received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his role in Centennial.

The show can be streamed on STARZ.

Shōgun (1980)

While the recent adaptation of Shōgun has been making and breaking records, Chamberlain starred in the 1980 one and won a Golden Globe and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his portrayal of John Blackthorne.

As a whiteman, Blackthorne was developed as the key character in this earlier adoption of James Clavell's 1975 novel, and Chamberlain nailed it, and every scene with him in it is a treat in itself, as his performance was the perfect balance of heroism and charisma. Following Blackthorne’s experience in 17th-century feudal Japan, Shōgun was well received by the critics and viewers alike.

The show can be streamed on Paramount+.

The Thorn Birds (1983)

The next on the list is The Thorn Birds (1983), based on Colleen McCullough’s book by the same name, where Chamberlain played the role of Ralph de Bricassart. A 4-episode-long mini-series, the official synopsis of the show reads,

“Four-year-old Meggie meets Father Ralph after her father takes up a job on his sister's farm. She grows up loving the handsome priest but finally marries a ranch worker after he refuses her proposal.”

Chamberlain’s portrayal of the key character of the Cleary family’s priest, Father Ralph de Briscassart, won him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. He also bagged an Emmy nomination for the role.

Island Son (1989–1990)

25 years after Dr. Kildare, Chamberlain returned to regular TV shows with Island Son. The official synopsis of the show reads,

“Dr. Daniel Kulani, a prominent internist, returns to Hawaii to give back to the culture he was raised in. He joins a health group that includes surgeon Kenji Fushida, clinic manager Margaret Judd, plus residents Metzger and McGrath.”

Chamberlain plays the protagonist, Dr. Daniel Kulani, and similar to his character in Dr. Kildare, here also, he had to juggle his stressful professional life and the various aspects of his personal life, involving his parents, his son, and his romantic partner.