My Top 20 TV Shows of 2023
I saw 104 TV shows from 2023. Everything from comedy, drama, limited series, documentaries, stand-up, travel & nature, specials, reality & game shows, and more. These TV gems made 2023 fly by. These were my favorites.
1. THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Limited)
Based mostly on the story of the same name by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, the series also blends in a number of his other works. Created and directed by Mike Flanagan & Mike Fimognari, the show is filled with suspense, incredible acting, and gorgeous cinematography worthy of cinematic proportions. Starring Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, & Mary McDonnell.
2. FELLOW TRAVELERS (Limited)
Based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon, this political thriller grabs you from the first moment. It is lavishingly set during the McCarthy era when gays were being persecuted in Washington, D.C. Two men fall in love and must endure living their lives in hiding for fear of retribution. The writing is top notch and the performances from Matt Bomer & Jonathan Bailey are nothing short than a display of excellence.
3. STANLEY TUCCI: SEARCHING FOR ITALY (S2)
World-renowned Italian American actor Stanley Tucci goes to Italy with a focus on food and culture. In each episode of this fascinating documentary series Tucci takes you to an Italian province showcasing a Mchelin star restaurant, a high end eatery, street food, a local winery/farm/food maker, and a friend who invites him for a home-cooked meal. The setting is stunning and it’ll make you buy a ticket to Italy pronto!
4. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (S5-Final)
The final season of this groundbreaking comedy series brings this groundbreaking show to a magnificent end. The forward and backward in time periods in this season add to the dramatic effect that highlights the hardships and rise of female comedians. The costumes, sets, and production are better than ever. The result is s feast for your eyes with brilliant comedic timing and acting.
5. SUCCESSION (S4-Final)
The final season of the Roy family saga was so tense I had to keep remembering to breathe. The unexpected twists and turns made for the kind of television that will be remembered for decades to come. I definitely did not see the surprises of this season coming. The Roy family ate what they served with plenty to go around.
6. THE LAST OF US (S1)
You would never know this show was based on a 2013 video game of the same name, as it doesn’t have the vibe of what we usually think of when it comes to video game adaptations. The dramatic effects and storytelling here redefine what can be done with mood, landscape, and script pacing. In a post-apocalyptic world a man and a girl find themselves at odds against a devastating virus and the madness of mankind. You can’t take your eyes off the two main actors, Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey.
7. BEEF (Limited)
Created by Korean director Lee Sung Jin, the show centers around two people who after a road rage accident begin a feud that escalate to unimaginable heights. With a brilliant cast starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, the show makes you think twice before flicking someone off in the road. It also explores the complicated bonds that can form in love/hate relationships.
8. MH370: THE PLANE THAT DISAPPEARED (Limited)
This British documentary series recounts the dramatic events that surrounded the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 that disappeared without a trace along with its 239 passengers. The show digs into the conspiracy theories and gathers all the known facts that make this one of the, if not the, biggest unsolved mysteries of all time.
9. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (S2)
This hilarious comedy series has been pulling out gargantuan laughs out of my belly! Season 2 is even funnier the the first. The faculty of Abbott Elementary is back for more shenanigans and unconventional teaching. If you haven’t been watching, then you must not be laughing. This is crazy fun!
10. THE BEAR (S2)
The intense pursuit to hold on to a relic of a restaurant in Chicago has the Berzatto family having to pull even harder stunts and longer hours. Oliver Platt & Jamie Lee Curtis join the fabulous cast adding even higher stakes to this gripping drama. The Christmas episode, “Fishes,” is without a doubt the best single episode of any show I’ve watched this year.
11. SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE (S1)
This reality series, based on the award-winning and highly acclaimed drama of the same name, is just as emotionally enticing. It has a record-breaking number of contestants and prize money with 456 players competing for $4.56 million. The show follows the original format with plenty of surprise games, while changing the rules of the iconic competitions, keeping players guessing and manipulating each other to win. Once you begin watching you won’t be able to stop.
12. QUEER EYE (S7)
This reality series has its new season bringing the Fab 5 to New Orleans, LA. The episodes are packed full with moving stories and beautiful tales of rebirth. I will say that this is surprisingly the best season of this show so far. They managed to dig deep and change people’s lives, while inspiring mine in the process.
13. RICKY GERVAIS: ARMAGEDDON (Stand-Up Special)
This all-new special is not for the faint of heart. The clip released as the official trailer does not do it justice. Gervais pushes boundaries and redefines stand-up, while reminding us all of the whole reason comedy exists to begin with. I literally stood up at home and clapped at the end of it. The set is tight and is the most freeing comedic stunt I’ve watched in a long while.
14. TED LASSO (S3-Final)
The final season of this heartwarming comedy series has coach Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, questioning his life choices in the pursuit trying to balancing his work and private lives. The AFC Richmond team members and staff all find themselves fighting for the opportunity of a lifetime. This was a beautiful way to end the series, though fans of the show are hopeful for a spinoff & a return down the road.
15. BARRY (S4-Final)
Bill Hader does his best acting yet in the final season of this acclaimed comedic and terrorizing series. Barry has been imprisoned and it has changed his life, making him reconsider all his relationships. There are plenty of surprises and unexpected turns to this suspenseful season.
16. THE MORNING SHOW (S3)
Joh Hamm & Julianna Margulies join the cast headed by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston in this balls to the wind season. The UBA network is falling apart and a high stakes bid to buy the company sends everyone scrambling to gather all the crumbs they can get their hands on.
17. GHOSTS (S2)
This show is so silly it tickles me to even think about it. As Samantha and Jay, and all of the ghosts of the country house, open up their bed and breakfast, excitement is high. But the unforeseen circumstances will have them fighting for the business in hilarious ways!
18. PEPSI, WHERE’S MY JET?
This documentary series follows the dramatic events that followed after PepsiCo aired their infamous commercials in the 90s that promised a fighter jet to consumers that could collect enough points. Claiming they thought it was impossible to collect them, PepsiCo never put a disclaimer. One person proved them wrong, launching a legal battle for the ages.
19. PLANET EARTH III (Limited)
The award-winning series returns for another installment. The cinematography and the editing are a show all of their own. The episodes are jaw dropping and intriguing. I travel a lot and still it made me feel like I haven’t seen nearly enough of the world. A beautiful show that celebrates life at every corner of the planet.
20. AND JUST LIKE THAT… (S2)
This season finds Carrie, Miranda, & Charlotte reconfiguring their romantic relationships and redefining their lives in New York City. This season is more in touch with our current world and sheds new layers to these beloved characters. Some cast members from Sex and the City return, including Aidan Shaw played by John Corbett. It also has the short, but much-awaited return of Samantha Jones.