Rose Byrne Reveals the TV Role She Feels Deserved More Recognition
Rose Byrne opens up about her experience on Damages, a series she believes was overlooked during the rise of prestige television, despite its strong cast and critical acclaim.
Australia has given the world plenty to talk about, from iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef to a roster of actors who have made their mark in Hollywood. Margot Robbie is a household name today, Hugh Jackman dominated the previous decade, and stars like the Hemsworth brothers, Cate Blanchett, and Nicole Kidman have all left their stamp. Among them, Rose Byrne stands out as a true chameleon, moving seamlessly between horror, comedy, and blockbuster franchises. In 2025, she drew attention for her role in the psychological drama If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, but when she looks back, there’s one project she feels never got its due.
In a recent interview with Slant, Byrne reflected on her time starring in the TV drama Damages. The show might not be top of mind for most viewers today, but for Byrne, it represents a missed opportunity for greater recognition.
“Damages is fascinating, because we came out the same year as Mad Men,”
she recalled.
“Shortly after that was Breaking Bad. HBO had set the bar with The Sopranos and Six Feet Under. It was the beginning of this ‘golden age of TV’ and prestige television. And I look back now and think, ‘Wow, what a time to be launching that show!’ People derive a lot from that show! A lot of shows after were Damages-lite, and it never got the credit.”
Breaking Down the Impact of Damages
Premiering on FX in 2007, Damages cast Byrne as a young attorney learning the ropes from the formidable Patty Hewes, played by Glenn Close. Each of the five seasons centered on a complex legal case, testing the boundaries of their mentor-mentee relationship. The series drew praise from critics and attracted a lineup of notable guest stars, but as the seasons went on, ratings began to slip, keeping it from reaching the heights of its contemporaries.
There are several reasons why Damages didn’t quite break into the upper echelon of prestige TV. One factor was its structure: each season focused on a single storyline stretched across up to 13 episodes. If viewers weren’t hooked from the start, they were unlikely to stick around. Maintaining momentum for one plot over an entire season proved challenging, especially when the next season would start fresh with a new case.
Why Damages Was Overlooked
Another element that may have held the show back was its focus on two female leads at a time when most acclaimed dramas were driven by male ensembles. Byrne pointed out that every other series she mentioned—Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos—centered on men, while Damages put women at the forefront. Back in 2007, that was still a rarity, and the industry wasn’t always ready to take such stories seriously. While things have improved since then, the show’s timing may have worked against it.
Despite never becoming a mainstream hit, Damages has built a loyal following over the years. More than a decade after its finale, fans and critics alike still discuss its influence and unique approach to storytelling. For Byrne, the show’s legacy is proof that even overlooked projects can leave a lasting mark.