From Soap Star To Crime Fighter: Jordana Brewster's 7 Most Unforgettable TV Shows, Including Her Latest 2025 Appearance

Jordana Brewster is a name instantly recognizable to millions as Mia Toretto from the globally dominant Fast & Furious film franchise, yet her career is built on a surprisingly diverse and successful foundation in television. As of today, December 10, 2025, her small-screen resume is a fascinating journey that spans from the intense drama of daytime soap operas to high-stakes police procedurals and critically acclaimed true-crime anthologies, demonstrating a versatility often overshadowed by her blockbuster film work.

Her recent appearances, including a notable guest spot on a popular CBS procedural, prove that even with a multi-billion dollar movie franchise demanding her time, Brewster remains a compelling and active force in the television landscape. This deep dive uncovers her most significant and unforgettable TV roles, highlighting the projects that truly define her career beyond the world of fast cars and family.

Jordana Brewster: Biography and Profile

Born in Panama City, Panama, on April 26, 1980, Jordana Brewster’s early life was a blend of cultures, spending time in London and her mother's native Brazil before eventually settling in New York City. Her mother, Maria João, was a former Brazilian swimsuit model, and her father, Alden Brewster, is an American investment banker. This international background set the stage for a globally recognized career.

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Brewster’s education is as impressive as her filmography; she attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York and later graduated from Yale University in 2003, showcasing a dedication to academics alongside her burgeoning acting career. She made her professional acting debut in 1995, immediately diving into the demanding world of television, which quickly paved the way for her breakthrough film role in The Faculty (1998) and, of course, her iconic turn as Mia Toretto in The Fast and the Furious (2001).

The Foundation: Daytime Drama and Early Guest Roles

Many stars get their start in the intense, fast-paced world of soap operas, and Jordana Brewster is no exception. Her initial television work provided the rigorous training ground necessary for her future success in both film and prime-time TV. This foundational period solidified her ability to handle complex, long-running storylines and demanding production schedules.

All My Children (1995)

Brewster’s professional debut was a brief stint on the iconic ABC daytime soap opera, All My Children. This early role was a crucial first step, introducing her to the mechanics of a professional set at a young age.

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As the World Turns (1996–2001)

Her most significant early TV role was on As the World Turns (ATWT), where she played the recurring character Nikki Munson. Nikki Munson was a classic daytime soap character, providing Brewster with years of experience in emotional drama and character development. Her time on ATWT overlapped with her early film career, demonstrating her commitment to balancing both mediums.

Chuck (2008–2009)

Following her initial success in films like The Fast and the Furious and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Brewster returned to television for a guest arc on the popular spy-comedy series Chuck. She appeared as Jill Roberts, a former girlfriend of the titular character, Chuck Bartowski. This role allowed her to showcase a lighter, more action-oriented side of her acting, blending comedy, romance, and espionage.

High-Stakes Reboots and Critical Acclaim: Jordana’s Major TV Series

The 2010s saw Jordana Brewster taking on major, long-running roles in high-profile television series, often reboots or adaptations of established franchises. These roles moved her from guest star to a main cast member, solidifying her status as a prime-time television staple.

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Dallas (2012–2014) as Elena Ramos

One of Brewster’s most prominent TV roles was as Elena Ramos in the TNT revival of the classic soap opera Dallas. Elena was a central figure in the new generation of the Ewing family drama, entangled in a complex love triangle with Christopher and John Ross. As the daughter of the Ewing family's cook, Elena represented a modern twist on the classic family feud, blending ambition, romance, and loyalty. Her character was a main cast member for all three seasons of the show’s run, marking a significant commitment to a long-form series.

American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson (2016) as Denise Brown

Perhaps her most critically lauded television role was her part in the Emmy-winning FX true-crime anthology series, American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson. Brewster played Denise Brown, the sister of the murdered Nicole Brown Simpson. This five-episode arc was a departure from her usual roles, requiring a profound emotional depth to portray a family member dealing with a public tragedy. The role demonstrated her ability to handle serious, non-fictional drama and contributed to one of the most talked-about television events of the decade.

Lethal Weapon (2016–2018) as Dr. Maureen Cahill

Following her success in American Crime Story, Brewster jumped back into the action-procedural genre with the FOX series Lethal Weapon, based on the film franchise. She starred as Dr. Maureen Cahill, a police psychologist and hostage negotiator for the LAPD. Dr. Cahill served as the emotional anchor for the show's main characters, providing therapy and guidance to the volatile partnership of Riggs and Murtaugh. Brewster was a main cast member for the first two seasons, with her character’s departure marking a shift in the show’s dynamic.

The Latest TV Appearance: Staying Fresh and Current in 2025

While her film career continues with the Fast & Furious saga, Jordana Brewster still makes time for select, high-quality television projects, ensuring her resume remains current and diverse. Her most recent confirmed appearance showcases her ability to integrate seamlessly into established, successful television universes.

Elsbeth (Season 2, Episode 13) as Chloe

The most recent and current television role for Jordana Brewster is her special guest-starring spot on the CBS procedural comedy-drama Elsbeth, a spin-off of The Good Wife and The Good Fight. In the Season 2 episode titled "Tearjerker," Brewster portrays Chloe, a lifestyle consultant. This role, which aired in the 2024/2025 television season, confirms her continued interest in the procedural drama format, albeit in a one-off, high-impact capacity. It keeps her name fresh in the minds of prime-time audiences and adds another prestigious title to her growing list of television credits.

Furthermore, industry buzz suggests potential future television work, with titles like the unconfirmed series One Last Sin and Siko Siko mentioned in connection with her 2025 projects. While details remain scarce, these potential projects indicate that Jordana Brewster's small-screen career is far from over.

The Enduring Appeal of Jordana Brewster on Television

Jordana Brewster’s television career is a testament to her longevity and range as an actress. She began in the tough, demanding world of soap operas, mastering the craft of emotional storytelling. She then transitioned smoothly into prime-time, tackling everything from the high-octane action of a police drama to the nuanced, real-life tragedy of a true-crime anthology. Her ability to inhabit characters like the ambitious Elena Ramos, the professional Dr. Maureen Cahill, and the grieving Denise Brown demonstrates a depth that complements her global fame as Mia Toretto.

For fans of Jordana Brewster, her TV shows offer a richer, more varied exploration of her talent than her film work alone. Whether you’re interested in classic family sagas, procedural crime-solving, or critically acclaimed historical drama, there is a Jordana Brewster TV role waiting to be discovered or revisited. Her continued selection of quality projects, such as her recent appearance on Elsbeth, ensures that her television legacy will remain as compelling and dynamic as her blockbuster film career.

Jordana Brewster’s Key Television Roles

Here is a list of Jordana Brewster’s most significant and unforgettable television roles:

• As the World Turns (1996–2001) as Nikki Munson (Daytime Soap Opera)
• The 60s (1999) as Sarah Weinstock (Miniseries)
• Chuck (2008–2009) as Jill Roberts (Guest Arc, 4 episodes)
• Dallas (2012–2014) as Elena Ramos (Main Cast, 40 episodes)
• American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson (2016) as Denise Brown (Guest Arc, 5 episodes)
• Secrets and Lies (2016) as Kate Warner (Pilot Episode)
• Lethal Weapon (2016–2018) as Dr. Maureen Cahill (Main Cast, Seasons 1-2, 33 episodes)
• Magnum P.I. (2021) as Hannah (Guest Role)
• Elsbeth (2024/2025) as Chloe (Special Guest Star, Season 2)