5 Must-Watch TV Shows With Zac Burgess: From Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe To The Artful Dodger Season 2
Zac Burgess has quickly become one of the most compelling young actors to emerge from Australia's television scene, transitioning from local dramas to major international streaming hits in a surprisingly short span. As of December 2025, his career trajectory is defined by a series of complex and often challenging roles that have showcased his versatility, most notably his recent work on Netflix and his major upcoming role on Hulu/Disney+. This article provides an in-depth look at the definitive TV shows of his career, highlighting the performances that have captivated audiences globally and cemented his status as a rising star.
The Australian actor's filmography is a testament to his ability to embody diverse characters, from the vulnerable Eli Bell in a gritty crime drama to the manipulative step-sibling in a high-stakes reboot. Fans eager to follow his journey will find that his most recent projects, particularly the highly anticipated second season of *The Artful Dodger*, offer the freshest and most exciting glimpse into his evolving craft and the complex characters he brings to life. His work is essential viewing for anyone tracking the next generation of global acting talent.
Zac Burgess: Complete Actor Profile and Biography
Zac Burgess is an Australian actor who has garnered significant attention for his lead roles in critically acclaimed television series. His career began in short films before he quickly secured major roles that brought him international recognition, particularly through streaming platforms.
- Full Name: Zac Burgess
- Nationality: Australian
- Date of Birth: August 15, 2002
- Birthplace: Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia
- Age (as of 2025): 23 years old
- Career Start: Professional acting debut in the short film *Bring Me Back* (2018)
- Notable Breakthrough Role: Eli Bell in the Netflix limited series *Boy Swallows Universe* (2024)
- Playing Age Range: 16–22 (according to professional profile)
- Affiliations: Member of Equity / MEAA (Australia)
- Known For: Portraying complex, emotionally layered characters in high-production Australian and international dramas.
The Definitive List of Zac Burgess's Major TV Show Roles
Burgess’s career is marked by a series of high-impact television roles, each one building on the last to showcase his range. The following five shows represent the cornerstone of his filmography to date, with a focus on his most recent and upcoming projects.
1. The Artful Dodger (Season 2) - Phineas Golden (Upcoming 2025)
This is Zac Burgess's newest and one of his most high-profile roles, confirming his continued ascent in the international television landscape. The second season of the historical crime drama *The Artful Dodger*, which is a Hulu/Disney+ series, is set to premiere in early 2026, with the trailer debuting in late 2025.
- The Role: Burgess joins the ensemble cast as the mysterious character Phineas Golden.
- Significance: His character, Phineas Golden, is teased to be a key new player in the high-stakes world of Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s Jack Dawkins, suggesting a major storyline for the season.
- Co-Stars & Entities: The series features a strong returning cast, including Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Maia Mitchell, and new additions like Luke Bracey and Jeremy Sims.
- Topical Authority: This role demonstrates Burgess's transition into period dramas and major US streaming productions.
2. Boy Swallows Universe (2024) - Eli Bell (Limited Series)
The Netflix limited series *Boy Swallows Universe* served as Zac Burgess's international breakout role, where he took on the demanding lead character of Eli Bell. Based on Trent Dalton's beloved Australian novel, the series is a gritty, magical-realist crime drama set in Brisbane's outer suburbs. Burgess's performance was lauded for capturing the emotional weight and resilience of a young man navigating a chaotic life.
- The Role: The older version of Eli Bell, the central protagonist and narrator of the story, who is searching for his missing father and trying to keep his family together.
- Co-Stars & Entities: Burgess starred alongside Australian heavyweights such as Travis Fimmel (as his stepfather, Lyle), Simon Baker (as his father, Robert), and Phoebe Tonkin (as his mother, Frankie).
- Impact: The show was a global success for Netflix in 2024, exposing Burgess's talent to millions of viewers worldwide and cementing his place as a leading man.
3. Cruel Intentions (2024) - Cecil "Cece" Caldwell (TV Series)
In a bold move, Zac Burgess took on a lead role in the television reboot of the iconic 1999 film *Cruel Intentions*. The series reimagined the classic story of manipulation and seduction within a modern, Greek-life setting at an elite Washington, D.C. college.
- The Role: Cecil "Cece" Caldwell, a highly privileged and manipulative step-sibling, taking on the role originally played by Ryan Phillippe.
- The Plot: The series followed Cece and her step-sister, Sarah Catherine Hook's character, as they vied for control of the family's empire, engaging in dangerous games of seduction and power.
- Current Status: Despite significant buzz and a high-profile cast, the series was canceled in March 2025 after one season. However, it remains a key entry demonstrating Burgess's ability to handle complex, darker material.
4. One Night (2023) - Role Details
Before his major Netflix success, Burgess starred in the Australian television series *One Night* in 2023. This series was a significant step in his career, showcasing his capabilities in a dramatic ensemble cast.
- The Series: *One Night* is a mystery-drama that explores the ripple effects of a traumatic event in a small coastal town, years after the fact.
- Significance: This project, alongside *Totally, Completely Fine*, helped establish him as a reliable and compelling actor within the competitive Australian television market, paving the way for his international roles.
5. Totally, Completely Fine (2023) - John
Another 2023 series, *Totally, Completely Fine*, saw Zac Burgess take on the role of John. The Stan Network Australia and AMC+ series is a dark comedy that tackles serious themes with a unique, grounded Australian sensibility.
- The Role: John, one of the supporting characters in the series.
- Topical Authority: This role is often cited as part of the trio of Australian dramas (*One Night*, *Totally, Completely Fine*) that solidified his reputation as a versatile working actor before his global breakthrough.
The Future of Zac Burgess: What’s Next for the Rising Star?
Zac Burgess’s career momentum is undeniable. With the highly anticipated release of *The Artful Dodger* Season 2, he is poised to capture a new audience and further demonstrate his acting prowess in a major franchise. His recent roles, including the intense portrayal of Eli Bell in *Boy Swallows Universe* and the high-society manipulations of the *Cruel Intentions* reboot, illustrate a keen interest in complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Industry speculation continues to link him to other major international projects, a natural progression for an actor who has successfully navigated the transition from Australian television to global streaming platforms. Fans should keep an eye on announcements regarding new series and films, as Zac Burgess is clearly prioritizing challenging roles that will further develop his topical authority and secure his legacy as one of the most exciting young talents of the decade.
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