They say the third time’s the charm. They also say, three strikes and you’re out. The latter is the better way to describe this year in television. Just as it managed to piece itself together following two years of the COVID pandemic, Hollywood came to an immediate halt enduring two labor strikes. The AMPTP’s failure to meet the WGA and SAG-AFTRA halfway on a litany of issues – specifically in the wake of AI – left broadcast networks and streamers scrambling for content. Some opted to withhold any new scripted programming, offering reruns and reality competitions ad nauseam. Others pulled series from their accompanying streaming service, introducing their linear network audiences to what they’ve been missing. And if a company was lucky, they managed to shift some filmed material early, allowing for a new show to find an audience in the desolate landscape.
Some things continued without a hitch. We witnessed the Roy family saga come to close and were introduced to HBO’s next award-eating drama, The Last of Us. And Netflix promised early on their bevy amount of content would sustain viewers as another delay kept Stranger Things’ final season at bay. Some networks made difficult cuts so the final seasons of Superman & Lois and Bob Hearts Abishola would see the light of day. And some shows that may have never seen a renewal were rewarded as there were just fewer new things to watch.
Fortunately, the year ended better than it began, and we have this list to prove it, extolling the best TV of 2023.
Honorable mentions
Reservation Dogs
While Sterlin Harjo’s sentimental comedy may have been ignored during major award seasons, Reservation Dogs’ critical acclaim and devoted fan base make it an unforgettable series and moment in TV history.
Following four American Indian teens on an Oklahoma reservation, the series is simultaneously refreshing and familiar in its universal focus on community and belonging. After finding solace in California, Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Elora (K. Devery Jacobs), Cheese (Lane Factor), and Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis) return with a new outlook and appreciation for the place they call home.
The third season does what the series has always done well: displaying the human connection in a culture and heritage long ignored on screen. From the devastating history lesson in “Deer Lady” to the Dazed and Confused-inspired “House Made of Bongs,” the show is a testament to what can happen when new voices are supported to tell their stories.
All three seasons of Reservation Dogs are available on Hulu.
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher is Mike Flanagan’s (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass) final Netflix Original series and premiered on the streaming platform on October 12. The series stars Carla Gugino (Spy Kids, The Haunting of Bly Manor), Bruce Greenwood (Gerald’s Game, The Resident), and Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica, The Closer). It is based on various works by Edgar Allan Poe (The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart), including the titular story. The plot follows the mysterious deaths of the members of the Usher family dynasty.
Flanagan masterfully spins multiple of Poe’s tales into the series, while also maintaining his personal style viewers are used to. The Fall of the House of Usher takes a story from 1839 and ties it into the modern world, showcasing the timeless temptations and terrors of humanity. Each episode is named after a different story or poem from Poe and features all kinds of references to the author and his work.
The Fall of the House of Usher is both terrifying and a lot of fun, with a mystery that is engaging throughout all eight episodes until it comes to a satisfying end. The story of the Ushers is exciting, haunting, and a cathartic meditation on greed and power. Audiences experience both horror and gratification while following the tragedy of the Ushers, as the characters are mostly all entertainingly awful people.
Flanagan’s farewell to Netflix is yet another gothic masterpiece that has impressed a wide audience, receiving a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Swarm
Prime Video’s unorthodox comedy, Swarm, captivated the pop culture zeitgeist with its tongue-in-cheek examination of stan culture. Centering a polarizing figure remarkably similar to Beyonce, we follow Dominique Fishback’s Dre, a young woman whose love for her favorite artist interferes with her ability to healthily cope with reality.
Akin to the fanatic obsession in the thriller classic, Misery, Dre struggles to maintain any form of normalcy outside of her relationship with her sister, Marissa (Chloe Bailey), and her die-hard love for the world’s biggest act, Ni’Jah (Nirine Brown). But when her anchor is tragically stolen, the grief sends Dre on a fatal trek to meet her queen bee.
With dark comedic elements mined from writers behind FX’s Atlanta, the series makes slight commentary on the absurdity of celebrity and stan culture. However, in some instances, the clear mental duress the main character experiences overshadows the satire viewers were seeking. All in all, the series is the perfect breakout moment for Fishback, who has been eating scenery since HBO’s The Deuce and the criminally underrated The Last Days of Ptolemy Gray.
Now tell me, who’s your favorite actress?
Yellowjackets
Showtime’s Yellowjackets brought the genres of survival epics and psychological horror together to bring one of this year’s hottest series. Following its first season that debuted in 2021, the latest season came out this year and reached audiences with high praise and excitement to see where the story leads next. With a killer cast and several Emmy nominations, the second season of Yellowjackets is a television highlight from 2023.
Yellowjackets centers around a team of high-school girls soccer prodigies who are on their way to a tournament in Seattle from their home state New Jersey. In their trek to the tournament, they then experience and survive a plane crash in the snowy wilderness of Ontario. As they make their journey throughout the tundra, the team is tested as they descend from a well-bonded soccer team into hysterical cannibalistic clans. Alongside this narrative, we see the characters 25 years in the future as they are trying to piece together what exactly happened. The series cast Sophie Nélisse (The Book Thief), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Scream VI), Sophie Thatcher (The Boogeyman) and Sammi Hanratty (Shameless) as younger teenagers, and Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures), Tawny Cypress (The Blacklist: Redemption), Christina Ricci (Wednesday) and Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers) as the adult versions of themselves.
Not only did the story capture the viewer’s attention, but the ambiance, performances, and soundtrack all scored overwhelmingly positive receptions. The cover of No Doubt’s “Just A Girl” by Florence and the Machine created more buzz around the show as the season two debut single grew more in popularity. Yellowjackets not only did well commercially, with the season two finale scoring a hopping 1.5 million viewership count and several Emmy nominations including Outstanding Drama Series, but it also set a
great example of how to effectively tell an intense story. Yellowjackets was able to combine the genres of survival and physiological horror perfectly in a non-linear narrative to portray an epic story. Between having the story unfold both in the present and the past and having stellar performances alongside a killer script, season two of Yellowjackets had horror fans swarming to get more.
10. Ahsoka (Disney+)
Ahsoka is a spectacular series praised for its compelling story, engaging characters, and visually stunning effects. Rosario Dawson has returned to reprise her role as the titular character and follows the events from previous events of Star Wars Rebels. We see iconic characters brought to life, such as Sabine Wren, played by Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Day Shift), Hera played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Sky High), and Ezra played by Eman Esfandi (Red 11). Dawson and the rest of the cast did an excellent job representing their assigned characters.
The show’s premise follows Ahsoka and company trying to stop enemy forces from locating and releasing Grand Admiral Thrawn into the galaxy. The show excels in connecting to past installments of the franchise, such as Rebels and The Clone Wars. Episode 5 was a prominent moment, as we glimpse Ahsoka’s past with the return of her master, Anakin Skywalker, played by Hayden Christensen (Jumper) when he was still good. The fight that stood out the most throughout the entire series was Ahsoka vs Anakin, as it was a heartfelt moment of the master’s final lesson for his apprentice: to confront her fears and move forward.
Another special moment was the fight between Ahsoka and Morgan Elsbeth. The well-directed battle had fluid fight choreography, camera angles, and shots, all adding a sense of excitement to the scene. The significance of the fight was the two warriors’ history with one another, where only one can live. The fight ends with Ahsoka keeping her resolve, and swiftly defeating Morgan, which is a representation of good triumphing over evil.
The show expands on the Star Wars universe in several ways, introducing new planets, cultures, and characters. Ahsoka had stunning visuals, beautifully rendered landscapes, detailed character designs, and captivating lightsaber battles. New and old fans are waiting to see if a second season is rendered.
All episodes of Ahsoka are available to stream on Disney+.
9. The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Created by the brilliant mind of Jon Favreau (Spiderman: No Way Home), The Mandalorian is a spectacular spin-off that does well to connect with the other Star Wars movies and TV shows. The series follows the story behind Din Djarin, the Mandalorian played by Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), as he travels through the galaxy, completing bounties and protecting the Child. Pascal delivers an exceptional performance in capturing the stoic nature of the Mandalorian. The show has a spectacular cast and crew, and it is visually stunning, from the outstanding costumes to the top-notch special effects.
In the third season, the duo returns as they reunite with Bo-Katan, portrayed by Katee Sackhoff, to save their people and restore the planet of Mandalore. Just as in the first two seasons, the CGI and special effects created by the production team are spectacular, from the planet’s surface to the creatures. We also see the return of Moff Gideon, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), and the Empire, who are taking over Mandalore, leading our heroes to fight and reclaim the planet. Season three ends on a high note, with Mandalore taken back. Bo-Katan assumed the role of ruler of Mandalore, and Din Djarin adopted Grogu as his apprentice and renamed Din Grogu.
Overall, The Mandalorian is a well-made and entertaining show that will please Star Wars fans and others. The Mandalorian has exciting action sequences, from thrilling spaceship battles to intense hand-to-hand combat. The show never slows down, and it’s always entertaining to watch. Despite all the action, the show balances it out by having a glimpse of humor and heartfelt moments mixed in. It is easy to see why it is considered one of the best shows of 2023.
Stream all three seasons of The Mandalorian on Disney+. Seasons one and two are available for purchase on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD DVD.
8. Black Mirror (Netflix)
The suspenseful and psychological anthology series Black Mirror took audiences by storm upon its release in 2011. Embracing all things eerie and suspenseful added to the dark charm of the show. Every episode features a new storyline as well as a new grim setting to stimulate the audience’s minds.
The most recent season of Black Mirror, the sixth season, saw five episodes all released in June of 2023. From settings such as New England in 1979, all the way to alternate dimensions created by digital machines, the show was able to nab viewer attention with the outrageous concepts behind each episode.
The brilliant ideology behind the apprehension instilled into viewers through the foreboding and often dangerous situations that various characters find themselves in, the show was able to create a sense of wonder and amazement from fans around the world. Along with this, the show features witty dialogue in each scene to complement the creative ideas.
All seasons of Black Mirror are available on Netflix.
7. The Diplomat (Netflix)
Keri Russell delivers an Emmy-nominated performance in Netflix’s political thriller, The Diplomat. In one of her biggest TV roles since FX’s The Americans, Russell’s Kate Wyler is a clean slate from the calculated KGB agent disguised as an American 80s housewife.
Wyler is a smart and formidable political mind in the drama series by Debora Cahn. But she finds herself in unfamiliar territory after the bombing of a UK battleship sparks an international crisis. Plucked from her normal assignment, Kate is thrust into the forefront of the dilemma as the new US ambassador to the UK. But Kate’s biggest battle: juggling her failing marriage with former US ambassador Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell). If their romantic unpleasantries aren’t enough, she is constantly having to escape his professional shadow making deals behind her back.
The smart writing and steadily rising tension make for a taut, grown-up caper, leading to an unbelievable season finale. Russell and Sewell are joined by a stellar supporting cast including David Gyasi, Roy Kinnear, Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, Michael McKean, and Nana Mensah. And at a mere eight episodes, it’s quite easy to digest before the second season arrives.
6. Poker Face (Peacock)
Natasha Lyonne, who is known for Russian Doll and Orange Is the New Black, gives an Emmy-nominated performance for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for her role in the murder mystery Poker Face. Due to the outstanding performance of Lyonne and many others, the series also became the biggest premiere on Peacock. With so much success the series was
greenlighted for a second season.
Lyonne plays Charlie Cale, a casino worker who has the extraordinary ability to detect when an individual is lying. She finds herself running across the United States from her casino boss following the death of her friend and co-worker. Through these events, she meets many colorful characters and even solves various other mysteries and strange crimes.
With an incredible array of villains and a twist at every turn, the mystery series keeps audiences on their toes while still delivering a few comedic moments through the suspenseful episodes. The series cast has various stars including Simon Helberg, Adrien Helber, Joseph Gorgon-Levitt, Tim Blake Nelson, Benjamin Bratt, and many others.
Season one of Poker Face is available to stream on Peacock.
5. Loki (Disney+)
The second season of Disney+ and Marvel’s Loki was filled with suspenseful episode endings and high-stakes action sequences, where one wrong move could cost billions of lives. Across six episodes, each averaging about 40 minutes, Tom Hiddleston (Crimson Peak), who plays Loki, has managed a complete transformation as a character. Previously known for his villainous tendencies, Loki’s growth and shift are evident throughout the season.
Loki, who initially entered the TVA alone and defensive, undergoes a remarkable transformation into a hero, leaving a permanent mark on friends and admirers within the TVA. In the aftermath of the season finale, Tom Hiddleston appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, reflecting on the extensive 14-year journey of portraying the God of Mischief. During the discussion, he expressed admiration for his castmate Owen Wilson (Cars), describing him as “the best ever.”
Throughout the second season, the duo collaborates closely to save the temporal loom from destruction. Even when Wilson’s character, Mobius, is brought back to his original life and has no memory of Loki, they still put their trust in each other.In the first episode of the second season titled ‘Ouroboros,’ Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) joins the cast, delivering a marvelous performance as the intelligent, dedicated, and enchanting Ouroboros or O.B. His character quickly becomes endearing, showcasing unintentional comedy and a willingness to help those he barely knows within seconds of his introduction.
Loki proved his selflessness in the last episode of season two, as he volunteered himself to sit alone on a throne overseeing all of the timelines. From starting his journey in season one as an outsider and isolated figure, Loki evolved into a character who was not only cared about within the TVA but also emerged as the hero of the story. Loki season three has not been confirmed, but it is speculated that this is where The God of Mischiefs story concludes.
Watch both seasons of Loki on Disney+. Season one is also available to purchase on Blu-Ray and 4K HD DVD.
4. Beef (Netflix)
There is a specific stomach strength one should have while watching Netflix’s Beef. The Emmy-nominated series follows Amy Lau, a high-class businesswoman, wife, and mother, portrayed by Ali Wong (Always Be My Maybe, Big Mouth), and Danny Cho, a misguided contractor, portrayed by Steven Yeun (Minari, Invincible). These two characters live in anger and let it out on each other, starting with a road rage incident that turns into a prolonged feud; both Lau and Cho’s lives then go haywire. Little inconveniences here and there turn to the extreme.
Beef tips its hat to the adults who still have yet to grow up, the ones who let their anger run their lives, so much so that it begins to trickle into the lives around them. There’s something about Wong and Yeun’s performance in this series that just works, and they’re both equally entertaining by themselves and with each other.
As the story progresses, a glimmer of humanity and some character development emerge, and the series takes some unexpected turns. After all, humans are complex. On that note, we start to see more sides of different characters, such as the comic relief, Issac, Danny’s cousin, played by David Choe (The Choe Show, LA Originals), and the hustler mentality that gets him into trouble. We also see more of the cold exterior of Fumi Nakai (Amy’s mother-in-law and the mother of George Nakai, Amy’s questionable husband), played by Patti Yasutake (Gung Ho, Dangerous Intentions), and how she seems to soften up a bit. There is some character development with George, played by Joseph Lee (The Miracle We Met, A New Life), and Amy alike; it’s subtle initially but done well. All of the pieces of this complicated puzzle connect at the right moment. Beef shows us how sometimes life falls apart to come back together; in this case, it falls apart again.
Beef can sometimes be lighthearted and heartwarming, with a dark comedy flair–like a reverse sour patch kid–sweet then sour and even, during some moments, sweet again. It’s somewhat gutwrenching, and some moments are not for the faint of heart. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and is a show that won’t have you reach for your phone. These are the many reasons this series is one of the best; it’s unique, fresh, and real. No one has done anything like it before, and let’s not forget about the opening title cards for every episode; talk about creativity! Beef is a MUST watch! With a great soundtrack, a compelling storyline, a memorable ending, and an Asian-centric cast, what’s not to love?
Stream Beef only on Netflix.
3. The Bear (Hulu)
Christopher Storer’s ability to create a poignant, yet fast-paced story has only been amplified with the second season of FX’s The Bear. Upon the first episode, we jump straight into action as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, played by the award-winning Jeremy Allen White, and the rest of the staff have decided to turn The Original Beef of Chicagoland into the new and improved The Bear.
A recurrent phrase this season is “Every Second Counts,” and that is encapsulated throughout the series as every single shot is purposeful and necessary. Although this season focuses greatly on the business side of restaurant life, the message that food itself is art is not forgotten. We see Carmy and Sydney Adamu, played by Emmy-nominated Ayo Edebiri, work diligently to create an imaginative menu filled with perfected dishes. They are certainly not the only ones perfecting their craft as there are numerous episodes dedicated to other characters who we watch find purpose and gain confidence.
Season two also contains the longest episode in The Bear’s history. A flashback episode titled “Fishes” showcases Christmas time at The Berzattos. The Berzatto siblings and the rest of the guests, including Fak (Matty Matheson) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), try to maintain the holiday spirit as Donna Berzatto (Jamie Lee Curtis) struggles with making a seven-fish dinner. This episode, which is relatable to many, suggests that food has fostered a sense of tension and dysfunction for the Berzattos in the past. Through this, we better understand the overall motivation behind the creation of The Bear restaurant, which is to preserve a space where food makes people feel safe, connected, and heard.
Although it culminates with the grand opening of The Bear, the second season does not allow things to end too easily. As we await the arrival of the third season, all episodes of The Bear can be streamed on Hulu. Let it rip.
2. The Last of Us (HBO)
The Last of Us took the world by storm when it came out on Max in January. The apocalyptic series was well-received by both avid fans of the 2013 Naughty Dog video game and newcomers to the franchise. This can be attributed to the collaboration between the creator of the game, Neil Druckmann (Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Uncharted: Eye of Indra), and two-time Emmy-winning showrunner Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, The Hangover: Part II), who worked together to not only depict a live-action adaptation true to the game but also expanded on several storylines from the game.
The show brings forth the complex dynamic between central characters Joel and Ellie, portrayed by Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones) and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones, Hilda) respectively. Their tumultuous relationship is the heart of the story as the protagonists travel across the country and fight against the Infected and dangerous people alike, hoping to find a cure for the Cordyceps virus that has devastated the world. The Last of Us, now the most-watched show in Max’s history, has captivated viewers and left them wanting more. Fortunately for fans, the second season is slated to start production in 2024 and will cover the events of the 2020 game The Last of Us Part II.
Stream season one of The Last of Us on Max.
1. Succession (HBO)
The final season of Jesse Armstrong’s satirical drama took some of its darkest turns in the tragic Roy saga. With battlelines drawn, Kendall, Roman, and Shiv sought to claim their stake in the family business. But when tragedy strikes, alliances are tested and souls are shaken as desperation leads to severe measures.
Viewers have always found joy in these characters’ demise since they all belong to the horrible elite. From eldest brother Connor’s (Alan Ruck) dubious presidential aspirations to the way a single squiggly line ruptured the other siblings’ trust in each other. As much as we found pleasure in their suffering, we also wanted to hug these trauma-bonded kids. Nothing spoke to that sentiment more than the incredible episode, “Connor’s Wedding,” where we experience the news of Logan’s passing along with each offspring. Those tears of grief are soon wiped with fear when this microcosm of capitalism delivers a macro perspective in “America Decides.” We remember how eerily similar the narrative is to reality.
Succession has been nothing but prestige since its initial season run, and the multiple acting and writing nominations at this year’s Emmys are proof it is the title to beat. Long live Logan Roy.
All seasons of HBO’s Succession are available to stream on Max.