Bergl is known for her roles as Rachel Lang in the supernatural horror film The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), Francie Jarvis on Gilmore Girls (2001–2003), Annie O'Donnell on the ABC series Men in Trees (2006–2008), Tammi Bryant on the TNT drama series Southland (2009–2013), Beth Young on Desperate Housewives (2010–2012), Sammi Slott on Shameless (2014–2015), Lilah Tanner on American Crime (2016–2017), and Tessie on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2018–2023).

Bergl began acting in theater, appearing in a production of Romeo and Juliet opposite Neil Patrick Harris at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre in 1998.

[5] She has appeared in episodes of the TV shows Gilmore Girls, CSI: Miami, Medium, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, NYPD Blue, Grey's Anatomy and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Her sensational show, "Kidding on the Square" may have played elsewhere, but arriving at the staid Oak Room it felt like a gust of fresh air that could knock you off your feet.

[10] Bergl was nominated for two Saturn Awards by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films: in 2000, for Best Performance by a Younger Actor/Actress for The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999); and in 2003, for Best Actress in a Television Series for Taken (2002).