24 Years Before His Sci-Fi 'Mercy,' Chris Pratt Stole the Show in This Forgotten Family Drama

Whether he is shooting across space as the Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy or sifting through oddball jobs as Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, everyone has a certain character that they hold dear to them when they hear the household name, Chris Pratt. He'll be adding another character to his already diverse repertoire in the upcoming film, Mercy, where we'll get to see a grittier side to him again as he plays a detective on trial for murder in a futuristic world of rampant AI technology. But before we dive headfirst into the future, we should look back to the past when Pratt played a curly, blond-haired teenage boy with the charm and vulnerability we would later associate him with in the timeless family drama, Everwood.

Chris Pratt Played a Jock in the Beloved Family Drama 'Everwood'

The 2002 show revolves around the father-son relationship between renowned neurosurgeon Andy (Treat Williams) and his teenage son Ephram (Gregory Smith). After the abrupt death of Andy's wife, he decides to move his family from the bustling streets of New York to the small town of Everwood, ensconced by mountains and lovable locals. However, this move strains their already tense bond, and the show follows their attempts and failures at connecting. Amidst the family drama is a hefty dose of melodramatic teenage chaos, which is where Pratt comes in and showcases his talent as an emerging young actor.

Even though the show is primarily about family tensions, the high school drama makes up a huge part of the story that adds color to the show's world. When Ephram moves to the new school in Everwood, he meets Amy Abbott (Emily VanCamp) and her older brother, Bright (Pratt). While Ephram feels an undeniable pull towards Amy, he becomes the butt of immature pranks by Bright and his jock friends. Ephram's budding romance with Amy also paints a larger target on his back, as Bright takes on the role of an older protective brother, despite having a classic sibling rivalry with her. Pratt's character may begin as a stereotypical jock, out to impress his athletic friends, but he slowly wins us over throughout the four seasons.

Despite his antagonistic beginnings, Bright's redemption arc makes him a main character in the show, and it's his growth and relationships that make his story compelling. Throughout the series, Bright has to lose everything to find peace with himself and his friends and family. Slowly, his tough, sarcastic exterior is shed for moments of vulnerability, where we realize how alone and desperate for companionship he really is. On top of that, his on-and-off relationship with Hannah (Sarah Drew) is a tumultuous yet adorable arc that endears us more to him. He may not get as much screen time as other characters in the show, but he is always a welcome face, especially as the character grows.

'Everwood' Showcases Chris Pratt's Charm We Love From 'Parks and Recreation' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

One of the reasons Bright's character works so well in Everwood is Pratt's evolving performance. He begins by embodying the guffawing jock we're used to seeing on screen, then ruffles our feathers with unexpectedly smooth dialogue delivery. We can see the roots of Pratt's ability to charm and sweet-talk in this role, especially as he gains confidence throughout the series. In Season 3, Episode 7, in particular, we watch Bright inadvertently flirt with Hannah for attention, then face the repercussions for leading her on. The switch from charming to vulnerable is impressive, laying out the groundwork for how Pratt merges the two in his future roles.

This blend of jerk-exterior and teddy-bear-interior is almost a staple in Pratt's roles, like his gruff and sarcastic, but secretly sweet Owen in Jurassic World. Even in Guardians of the Galaxy, where Star-Lord uses humor and goofiness as a defense mechanism to hide his emotions, this can be traced back to the skills Pratt employed in Everwood. His iconic dialogue delivery and charm are definitely more pronounced now, but it is satisfying to see their humble beginnings in this family drama. Everwood is also widely considered Pratt's breakout role, and watching his performance, which grew in confidence over each season, is a must for every fan of the actor.

Considered one of the best family dramas of all time, Everwood needs to be on your watch list either way, but Pratt's role in the show is an added bonus. He is a hidden gem in the successful show, one that kick-started his career and foreshadowed the talented and versatile actor he is today. If anything, there's nothing quite like seeing a man who usually either has rough-and-tumble stubble or a close-shaved cut rock some beach-blonde curls as a small-town heartthrob.