Looking at Bailey’s trajectory, her future outside of starring in Outer Banks seems bright. Since she broke out onto the acting scene, Bailey has managed to have steady work by appearing in consecutive projects. As her career has continued, Madison Bailey’s movies and TV shows have been more high-profile and seen the actress in larger roles. While every actor has to start somewhere, and some of Bailey’s early work isn’t as good or as memorable as her later projects, it’s clear in everything she’s in that Bailey has always had the making of a star.
Swamp Murders (2013-2017)
Swamp Murders is a true-crime series released by Investigation Discovery. The entire premise of the show is to investigate the story behind dead bodies found in swamps using interviews with those involved and reenactments. While Swamp Murders ran for multiple years, the show never developed more than a niche following. Bailey appeared in Swamp Murders season 3, episode 6 “Murder in the Badlands” as Mary Hold Bear, the acquaintance of a woman who is found murdered. While she only has a couple of scenes in the episode, Bailey’s portrayal of a mean girl is top-notch.
Supercool (2022)
In Supercool, Neil (Jake Short) is a high school student who wishes that he could be more popular. When he wakes up, he finds that he is living in a new reality where his wish came true. However, even with its unique premise and underrated cast, it did not make that much impact when it was released. Bailey appears in Supercool as Emily, Neil’s classmate and a friend of his romantic interest, Summer (Madison Davenport). Of Madison Bailey’s best movies and TV shows, Supercool isn’t her very best, but it’s one of her first supporting roles in a major feature film.
Council of Dads (2020)
Though Council of Dads was canceled after just one season, it showed potential with its heartfelt premise. In the show, Scott (Tom Everett Scott) and his wife Robin (Sarah Wayne Callies) ask their friends to be a “council of dads” to their children after Scott dies from cancer. Bailey plays Jules, a new friend of Scott’s son Theo (Emjay Anthony) who has also lost a parent, and she helps Theo adjust to his change. Bailey appeared in three episodes of Council of Dads, and her role as Jules showed her acting skill with heavy material.
Constantine (2014-2015)
Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, Constantine ran on NBC for one season before it was canceled, despite positive reviews. However, John Constantine actor Matt Ryan was able to play Constantine again throughout the Arrowverse on The CW. Bailey appears in the Constantine season series finale, “Waiting for the Man”, as a kidnapped child bride named Caroline. Madison Bailey’s appearance in Constantine marked her first role in a TV series, and it proved to be an impressionable launch of her career.
Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020)
Impractical Jokers made a name for itself as an improvised reality show starring comedians James “Murr” Murray, Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, and Brian “Q” Quinn. The film is based on the comedians’ friendship and their show, and it also stars, Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith, and Will Ferrell. Impractical Jokers: The Movie is different than the show in that it’s half-scripted, but it’s still the same humor fans know and love. Bailey appears as an unnamed character who high-fives Joe at a bowling alley. Madison Bailey’s role in Impractical Jokers: The Movie marked her first time appearing in a movie that was widely distributed.
Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019)
Mr. Mercedes is a crime series based on the Stephen King books Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch. The show stars Brendan Gleeson as retired detective Bill Hodges and Harry Treadaway as antagonist Brady Hartsfield, and received positive reviews during the three seasons it ran on Audience. Bailey appears in Mr. Mercedes season 1 episode 4, “Gods Who Fall” as Chloe, and she has a scene in the diner where Jerome (Jharrel Jerome) notices Brady. While her work in Mr. Mercedes isn’t the most memorable of Madison Bailey’s movies and TV shows, it demonstrates her ability to seamlessly fit into a series for a single episode.
Creepshow (2019-present)
Based on the 1982 horror-comedy film and comic book of the same name, Shudder’s Creepshow is an acclaimed anthology series, and has starred several popular actors including Justin Long, Giancarlo Esposito, Reid Scott, and D’Arcy Carden across different episodes. Bailey appears as Carla in the second part of Creepshow season 1, episode 3 “All Hallow’s Eve/The Man in the Suitcase.” Instead of playing a horror victim as might be expected, Bailey’s Carla does not shy away from greed or torture, and the role proves that the actress can get dark.
American Horror Stories (2021-present)
Bailey appears in another horror anthology series called American Horror Stories, a companion spin-off to Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story franchise. While not as popular as its parent series, American Horror Stories season 3 is set to return, and fans are hoping for more familiar faces, as the show has featured many Murphy collaborators including Matt Bomer, Billie Lourd, and Naomi. Bailey stars as Kelley, one of the leads of American Horror Stories season 1 episode 3 “Drive In” alongside Rhenzy Feliz as Chad. The actress carries the episode as the protagonist, and American Horror Stories is among the best of Madison Bailey’s movies and TV shows.
Black Lightning (2018-2021)
While the DC Extended Universe struggles at the box office and with critics, The CW has found success with its DC Comics Arrowverse shows, which includes Black Lightning. In the show, Cress Williams plays the titular vigilante hero after being brought out of superhero retirement. Bailey appears in six different episodes of Black Lightning as Wendy Hernandez, a young girl with the superhuman ability to manipulate air. In an era of seemingly endless superhero fare, it can be hard for an actor to make their mark in the genre, but Bailey stood out while making her portrayal of Wendy grounded and realistic.
Outer Banks (2020-present)
Outer Banks is a hugely popular Netflix show with a large fan following. While it starts as a mystery involving lost treasure, the teen drama also deals with classism, friendship, and romantic relationships. In Outer Banks, Bailey plays Kiara “Kie” Carrera. Even though Kiara comes from money and is considered to be part of the wealthy “Kooks,” she primarily hangs out with the working-class “Pogues.” Kie’s social standing is often contrasted with what she desires, and this serves as one of her main conflicts in the series. Bailey’s performance as Kie highlights the complexity of her character, making Outer Banks the best of Madison Bailey‘s movies and TV shows.
