Eva Longoria’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Eva Longoria movies and TV shows each highlight her charm and comedic timing no matter the role. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1975, Longoria first gained widespread recognition for her role as Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives in 2004. Her time as Gabrielle earned her a Golden Globe nomination and cemented her as a household name. However, her career extends far beyond Wisteria Lane, as she has successfully navigated comedy, drama, and even voice acting on both the big and small screens.

Outside her career as an actor, Eva Longoria has made a mark as a director and producer, championing diverse storytelling. From her early work in The Young and the Restless to her recent appearances in Only Murders in the Building and Land of Women, she has continued to captivate audiences. Whether leading a telenovela satire or voicing a rebellious animated mother, her performances demonstrate a rare blend of charisma and depth. The best Eva Longoria movies and TV shows each showcase a different side of her talent and are spread across multiple genres and eras of her career.

Eva Longoria other roles desperate housewives

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10

The Young And The Restless (2001-2003)

Eva Longoria Plays Isabella Braña

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The Young And The Restless

Release Date

March 26, 1973

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Eric Braeden

    Eric Braeden

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    Sharon Case

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Melody Thomas Scott

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Peter Bergman

Creator(s)

William J. Bell, Lee Phillip Bell

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Eva Longoria made one of her earliest TV appearances in The Young and the Restless, the long-running soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell. She played Isabella Braña, a mysterious woman who arrives in Genoa City with a hidden agenda, eventually becoming entangled in a dramatic love triangle. Longoria’s performance stood out in a show known for its high-stakes melodrama.

Eva Longira’s role as Isabella was pivotal both to The Young and the Restless as a show, and to her future career, as it perfectly showcased her ability to portray complex characters, which later became a staple of her career. Although she wasn’t a series lead, she left a significant mark during her two-year stint. The Young and the Restless served as an early stepping stone toward bigger roles, proving Longoria’s potential.

9

Decline And Fall (2017)

Eva Longoria Plays Margot Beste-Chetwynde

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Decline and Fall

Comedy

Drama

Release Date

2017 – 2016

Network

BBC One

Directors

Guillem Morales

Writers

Evelyn Waugh

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Eva Longoria

    Eva Longoria

    Margot Beste-Chetwynde

  • Headshot Of Stephen Graham In The British Independent Film Awards in London

    Stephen Graham

    Philbrick

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Tim Pigott-Smith

    Sniggs

  • Headshot Of Jack Whitehall

    Jack Whitehall

    Paul Pennyfeather

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This BBC miniseries Decline and Fall, based on Evelyn Waugh’s 1928 novel, features Eva Longoria as Margot Beste-Chetwynde, a glamorous and wealthy socialite who takes an interest in the protagonist, Paul Pennyfeather (played by UK comedian Jack Whitehall). As the story of Decline and Fall unfolds, Margot’s mysterious and morally ambiguous nature adds layers of intrigue – and serves as a demonstration of Eva Longoria’s abilities.

Eva Longoria’s performance brought humor and charisma to the period drama, balancing Margot’s charm with her calculating nature. Under the direction of Guillem Morales, the adaptation retained Waugh’s satirical bite, and Eva Longoria’s portrayal of the enigmatic femme fatale Margot was a highlight for critics and audiences alike. Decline and Fall’s mix of comedy and drama allowed her to explore a different kind of role, and helped boost Eva Longoria’s career outside the US.

8

Telenovela (2015-2016)

Eva Longoria Plays Ana Sofia Calderon

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Telenovela

TV-PG

Comedy

Drama

Release Date

2015 – 2015

Network

NBC

Directors

Ken Whittingham

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Eva Longoria

    Eva Longoria

    Ana Sofia Calderon

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jencarlos Canela

    Xavier Castillo

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Diana Maria Riva

    Mimi Moncada

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jose Moreno Brooks

    Gael Garnica

Creator(s)

Robert Harling, Chrissy Pietrosh

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Created by Chrissy Pietrosh, Robert Harding, and Jessica Goldstein, NBC’s Telenovela was a short-lived but well-loved sitcom starring Eva Longoria as Ana Sofia Calderón, the lead actress of a fictional Spanish-language soap opera. The show hilariously explored the behind-the-scenes drama of the industry, with Ana Sofia struggling to maintain control amid workplace chaos.

Eva Longoria’s comedic timing was a standout among the cast of Telenovela, proving she could lead a sitcom with ease. What’s more, because Telenovela followed a single-camera format, every scene pushed Longoria’s skills to their limit, and she more than rose to the challenge. Though it only lasted one season, Telenovela was praised for its meta-humor and Longoria’s ability to poke fun at the genre that helped launch her career. Her performance was full of energy, making the show a must-watch for fans of her lighter work.

7

Mother Up! (2013-2014)

Eva Longoria Plays Rudi Wilson

Eva Longoria's character Rudi in the animated series Mother Up

One of the most unusual projects among Eva Longoria’s best movies and TV shows is Mother Up!, though it’s also the best demonstration of her skills as a voice-actor. In the 2013-2014 animated comedy series, Eva Longoria voiced Rudi Wilson, a former music executive who transitions to suburban motherhood with little experience and plenty of misadventures. The show, co-created by Marnie Nir and Katherine Torpey, blended satire and adult humor, making it a fun departure from Longoria’s live-action roles.

Eva Longoria’s voice acting showcased her comedic range, bringing Rudi’s reckless but well-meaning nature to life. Though Mother Up! didn’t gain a massive following, it highlighted Longoria’s ability to carry a show in different formats. The humor and absurdity of the series added to her diverse body of work, making it one of her more unique movies or TV shows.

6

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2014-2015)

Eva Longoria Plays Sophia Perez

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Brooklyn Nine-Nine

TV-14

Comedy

Crime

ScreenRant logo

8/10

33

9/10

Release Date

2013 – 2020

Network

FOX, NBC

Showrunner

Michael Schur, Dan Goor

Writers

Michael Schur, Dan Goor

Cast

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    Stephanie Beatriz

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    Melissa Fumero

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While she wasn’t a member of the main cast, a four-episode appearance in one of the most popular sitcoms of the last few decades manages to rank among the best Eva Longoria movies and TV shows. Eva Longoria had a memorable guest arc in Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Sophia Perez, a defense attorney who briefly dates Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg). Her character brought a fresh dynamic to the show, challenging Jake’s laid-back attitude with her sharp wit and legal expertise.

Appearing in Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 2, Longoria’s performance was praised for its charm and comedic chemistry with Samberg. Though her character’s relationship with Jake was short-lived, it provided some hilarious moments and emotional depth to his arc. Brooklyn Nine-Nine was already a critically acclaimed show, and Longoria’s presence both added to its appeal and significantly boosted her visibility.

5

Empire (2017)

Eva Longoria Plays Charlotte Frost

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Empire

Music

Drama

10/10

Release Date

2015 – 2019

Network

FOX

Showrunner

Danny Strong

Directors

Danny Strong

Writers

Danny Strong

Cast

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Ta’Rhonda Jones

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Trai Byers

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Like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a handful of episodes of Empire inarguably represent one of Eva Longoria’s best performances, even if she’s not a main member of the cast. Eva Longoria made a striking guest appearance in Empire during Season 3, playing Charlotte Frost, the head of the Las Vegas Gaming Commission. As a powerful figure in the world of casinos, Charlotte has the ability to make or break Lucious Lyon’s (Terrence Howard) expansion plans. Longoria brought sophistication and menace to the role, portraying a woman who could match Lucious in cunning and influence.

The gritty Fox show Empire, created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, was known for its high-stakes drama and powerhouse performances. Longoria’s turn as Charlotte Frost was brief but impactful, showcasing her ability to command attention across a handful of episodes. The clash between her character and the Lyon family added an exciting layer to the show’s Las Vegas arc, and while Empire was already filled with intense power struggles, Longoria’s role elevated the stakes further.

4

Dora And The Lost City Of Gold (2019)

Eva Longoria Plays Elena Marquez

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Dora and the Lost City of Gold

PG

Adventure

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

August 8, 2019

Runtime

102 minutes

Director

James Bobin

Writers

Nicholas Stoller

Producers

Eugenio Derbez, John G. Scotti, Julia Pistor

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Isabela Merced In World Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' 'Madame Web'

    Isabela Merced

    Dora

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jeffrey Wahlberg

    Diego

  • Headshot Of Madeleine Madden

    Madeleine Madden

    Sammy

  • Headshot OF Eugenio Derbez

    Eugenio Derbez

    Alejandro Gutierrez

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Dora and the Lost City of Gold is inarguably deserving of a spot among the best Eva Longoria movies and TV shows, and is the perfect example of her appeal to younger as well as older viewers. In this live-action adaptation of Dora the Explorer, Eva Longoria played Elena Márquez, Dora’s loving and adventurous mother. Directed by James Bobin, the film took a fresh approach to the iconic children’s series, turning it into a fun action-adventure.

Eva Longoria brought warmth and humor to her role in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, portraying Elena as a supportive but slightly exasperated parent to the fearless Dora (Isabela Merced). The 2019 movie was praised for its balance of nostalgia and new storytelling, and Longoria’s performance added a heartfelt touch. Dora and the Lost City of Gold was a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations with its charm and sense of adventure.

3

Only Murders In The Building (2024)

Eva Longoria Plays Herself

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Only Murders in the Building

PG-13

Comedy

Mystery

Crime

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8/10

36

9.4/10

Release Date

August 31, 2021

Showrunner

Steve Martin, John Hoffman

Directors

Cherien Dabis

Writers

Steve Martin, John Hoffman

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Michael Cyril Creighton

    Michael Cyril Creighton

  • Headshot Of Aaron Dominguez

    Aaron Dominguez

Creator(s)

Steve Martin, John Hoffman

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Few stars can claim that playing fictionalized versions of themselves led to career-defining performances, but Eva Longoria definitely can thanks to one of her best recent TV shows. Eva Longoria appeared as herself in the highly acclaimed mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building, which follows three amateur detectives – played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez – as they investigate crimes in their upscale apartment complex.

Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez as Oliver, Charles, and Mabel in Only Murders in the Building season 4 (2024)

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Eva Longoria’s presence and involvement in the plot of Only Murders in the Building season 4 was a delightful surprise, and showcased her comedic ability to poke fun at herself. As a celebrity drawn into the show’s ongoing mysteries, she delivered a charismatic and self-aware performance. Only Murders in the Building, created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, is known for its witty writing and star-studded guest appearances, and Longoria fit right in with the show’s playful yet suspenseful tone.

2

Land Of Women (2024)

Eva Longoria Plays Gala

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Land of Women TV Show Featuring Eva Longoria, Carmen Maura, and Victoria Bazúa walking down a street with baggage

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Land of Women

Drama

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

6/10

Release Date

2024 – 2023

Showrunner

Ramón Campos

Directors

Carlos Sedes

Writers

Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, Paula Fernández, Marina Velázquez

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Eva Longoria

    Eva Longoria

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    Carmen Maura

Creator(s)

Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, Paula Fernández

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While not as widely known as the likes of Desperate Housewives or Only Muders in the Building, 2024’s Land of Women still stands as a highlight of Eva Longoria’s filmography – especially when it comes to recent projects. Eva Longoria stars as Gala in Land of Women, a drama series based on Sandra Barneda’s novel La Tierre de las Mujeres. Land of Women follows Gala as she flees to a small town in Spain with her mother and daughter after her husband’s financial troubles put them in danger. As she tries to rebuild her life, long-buried family secrets begin to unravel.

As both the lead actress in the Land of Women cast and an executive producer, Eva Longoria plays a complex role, blending drama, suspense, and humor. Created by Ramón Campos, Teresa Fernandez-Valdes, Paula Fernandez, and Gema R. Neira, Land of Women allows Eva Longoria to shine in a layered and emotional role. What’s more, the show also proves that Longoria can carry a dramatic series while also influencing its creative direction.

1

Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)

Eva Longoria Plays Gabrielle Solis

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Desperate Housewives

Drama

ScreenRant logo

9/10

Release Date

2004 – 2011

Network

ABC

Showrunner

Marc Cherry

Directors

Marc Cherry

Writers

Marc Cherry

Cast

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  • Cast Placeholder Image

    marcia cross

  • Headshot Of Felicity Huffman IN The A New Way Of Life 2022 Gala

    Felicity Huffman

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Eva Longoria has come a long way since her time on Wisteria Lane, but this doesn’t stop Desperate Housewives remaining her best TV show (and better than her movie appearances too). The role that made Eva Longoria a household name, Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives, remains her most iconic performance. Created by Marc Cherry for ABC, the drama-comedy series follows the lives of women in suburban Wisteria Lane, uncovering scandals, betrayals, and secrets.

Eva Longoria’s portrayal of Gabrielle, a former model navigating an unhappy marriage and later evolving into a strong, independent woman, was widely praised. She balanced comedy and drama effortlessly, making Gabrielle one of the most beloved characters in the series. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and Desperate Housewives became a defining show of the 2000s. Eva Longoria’s charisma and sharp comedic skills made the show unforgettable, solidifying her status as a TV star.

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