David Harewood Lands First Lead in New Channel 4 Series ‘Pierre’

Variety

by Marta Balaga

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Veteran actor David Harewood, best known for his roles in *Homeland*, *Supergirl*, and *Sherwood*, has achieved a significant milestone in his 40-year career by landing his first lead role in Channel 4’s new series *Pierre*. Known primarily as a supporting actor, Harewood expressed how fulfilling it was to finally take center stage, describing the experience as “extraordinary” and “an exciting place to be.” In *Pierre*, he plays a West London duty solicitor named Pierre, whose life is shaken when his young black client, Michael, dies under suspicious circumstances. The role allows Harewood to showcase his full range as an actor, blending humor, seriousness, and wit while portraying a character who balances being a husband, father, and public servant. Harewood’s portrayal of Pierre is particularly meaningful due to the character’s relatability and moral compass. Pierre is described as a “wonderfully human” figure who selflessly stands up for others, even when it means putting himself at risk. The actor emphasized how duty solicitors, often overlooked or misunderstood, play a vital role in society by advocating for vulnerable individuals. He also highlighted the importance of representing such characters on screen, noting that they are often on the margins but deserve recognition for their contributions to justice and public service. In *Pierre*, Harewood’s character is surrounded by quirky yet compelling supporting characters, including

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026