The Beast in Me season 1 cast and characters: Meet the stars behind the series and the roles they play

The Beast in Me season 1 is a psychological thriller that debuted on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The series is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. The Beast in Me revolves around Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes), a Pulitzer Prize-winning author who is mourning the tragic death of her son.

Nile Jarvis, portrayed by Matthew Rhys, a wealthy real estate tycoon who was formerly suspected of killing his first wife, is her new neighbor and the object of her attraction. A complicated bond develops between them as Aggie looks into Nile's history. These characters are brought to life by the cast, which is led by Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys.

---

Full list of main cast of The Beast in Me season 1

1) Claire Danes as Aggie Wiggs

Netflix's "The Beast In Me" Los Angeles Tastemaker - Source: Getty

The Beast in Me season 1 stars Claire Danes as Pulitzer Prize-winning memoirist Aggie Wiggs. Aggie's marriage is failing while she grieves over her little son Cooper. She is intrigued by Nile Jarvis, a tycoon in real estate with a troubled past. Aggie looks into Nile's involvement in the disappearance of his first wife despite writer's block.

Claire Danes is renowned for her roles in classic television shows like Homeland, . In Homeland, she played Carrie Mathison and received numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Her early roles in Romeo and Juliet and My So-Called Life have also earned her recognition.

---

2) Matthew Rhys as Nile Jarvis

Netflix's "The Beast In Me" Los Angeles Tastemaker - Source: Getty

Matthew Rhys portrays Nile Jarvis, a successful but controversial real estate mogul, in The Beast in Me season 1. Nile has become a prime suspect since his first wife disappeared. His charisma and calculated demeanor conceal his past problems.

Rhys rose to fame for his portrayal of Philip Jennings in The Americans, a role that earned him an Emmy Award. He also starred in Perry Mason and appeared in films like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

---

3) Brittany Snow as Nina Jarvis

Netflix Hosts the New York Special Screening of "The Beast In Me" at The Paris Theater - Source: Getty

Brittany Snow portrays Nina Jarvis, Nile's second wife, who sticks by him despite his problems. Nina is intelligent, well-adjusted, and committed to establishing her husband's innocence in relation to his previous wife's disappearance.

Brittany is recognized for her roles in Pitch Perfect as Chloe Beale and Hairspray as Amber Von Tussle. More recently, she has appeared in Netflix's The Hunting Wives.

---

4) Natalie Morales as Shelley

Netflix's "The Beast In Me" Los Angeles Tastemaker - Source: Getty

In The Beast in Me season 1, Natalie Morales plays Shelley, Aggie’s ex-wife. Shelley, an abstract painter from Brooklyn, is composed and wise. As the novel progresses, Shelley's presence in Aggie's life serves as an emotional anchor despite their tense relationship following the death of their son.

Morales has established a solid reputation in television, with notable roles in Santa Clarita Diet, Dead to Me, and Grey’s Anatomy. She has also appeared in No Hard Feelings and Stuber.

---

5) David Lyons as Brian Abbott

Netflix's "The Beast In Me" Los Angeles Tastemaker - Source: Getty

David Lyons plays FBI Agent Brian Abbott in The Beast in Me season 1. Abbott has become obsessed with finding out what happened to Nile Jarvis's first wife. Because he is sure Nile is guilty, he won't stop working for justice.

Lyons is known for his work on E.R. as Dr. Simon Brenner and in Revolution, a post-apocalyptic drama in which he starred.

---

Other cast of The Beast in Me season 1

The other cast of The Beast in Me season 1 includes,

• Hettienne Park as Agent Erika Breton – Agent in the FBI's financial crimes division.
• Deirdre O'Connell as Carol McGiddish – Aggie’s literary agent and close friend.
• Tim Guinee as Rick "Wrecking Ball" Jarvis – Nile's loyal uncle and security detail.
• Aleyse Shannon as Olivia Benitez – New York City politician opposing Nile’s business plans.
• Will Brill as Chris Ingram – The brother of Nile's missing wife, Madison.

---

More about The Beast in Me season 1

The psychological thriller The Beast in Me season 1 investigates Nile Jarvis, a disturbed real estate billionaire. Grieving novelist Aggie Wiggs is attracted by Nile's story and lured into a web of suspense, mistrust, and unexpected personal ties. Aggie struggles with her demons while investigating Nile's first wife's disappearance.

The Beast in Me is directed by Howard Gordon, known for his work on Homeland. The show is produced by Jodie Foster and Conan O'Brien.

---

The Beast in Me season 1 is now available to stream on Netflix.