It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of TV shows available. From crime thrillers to sci-fi epics, there’s something for everyone. According to ExpressVPN, in 2023, viewers favored revisiting familiar TV series over exploring new ones, with a focus on catching up on new seasons. Notable shows in this trend included the second season of Ginny and Georgia, Shadow and Bone’s second season, the fourth season of You, and HBO’s series finale of Succession.
We’ve compiled a list of the best TV shows of 2023 that you absolutely cannot miss. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of dramas or prefer a good old-fashioned comedy, there’s a show on this list that will captivate you. So grab your popcorn, get comfortable on your couch, and let’s dive into the binge-worthy world of TV in 2023.
The Bear Season 2: A Culinary Thrill Ride
One of the most anticipated shows of 2023, The Bear season 2, takes us back into the chaotic world of Chicago cheffing. Following the success of its first season, this culinary drama continues to deliver high-stakes tension and mouthwatering dishes. Jeremy Allen White’s intense portrayal of Carmen Berzatto, a chef trying to open a Michelin star-worthy restaurant, keeps us on the edge of our seats. Season 2 introduces a sappy love story and a star-studded cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Paulson, and Will Poulter. With its frenetic energy and gripping storytelling, The Bear season 2 is a must-watch for any foodie or drama enthusiast.
Length of binge: 5 hours 59 mins
Succession Season 4: Capitalism’s Unpalatable Truths
If you’re a fan of biting satire and complex family dynamics, Succession season 4 should be at the top of your watchlist. This Emmy-garlanded show has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling. Season 4 is no exception. Creator Jesse Armstrong and the talented cast deliver a compelling exploration of power, wealth, and the dark underbelly of capitalism. The season’s gripping finale ties up loose ends. It leaves us eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Roy family saga. With its impeccable writing and stellar performances, Succession continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
Length of binge: 9 hours 49 mins
Top Boy Season 3: A Gritty Crime Drama
For fans of crime dramas, Top Boy season 3 is a must-watch. This gripping series takes us into the drug trade world in East London as friends-turned-rivals Dushane and Sully battle for control. Season 3 brings the story to a thrilling conclusion, with Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson delivering powerful performances. Adding Jasmine Jobson as the conflicted Jaq and Barry Keoghan as an Irish drug lord adds depth to an already compelling storyline. With its moody atmosphere and complex characters, Top Boy cements its place among the great crime TV shows.
Length of binge: 5 hours 6 mins
The Last of Us: A Desolate Journey
Based on the popular video game, The Last of Us brings the post-apocalyptic world to life in a grand spectacle. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey deliver standout performances as Joel and Ellie, two survivors, navigate a desolate America infested with zombies. The show’s emotional depth and intense storytelling make it a captivating watch. The third episode, in particular, is a heart-wrenching standalone that will leave you reaching for the tissues. With its stunning visuals and powerful performances, The Last of Us is a must-watch for game fans and newcomers alike.
Length of binge: 8 hours 45 mins
Poker Face: A Quirky Murder Mystery
Rian Johnson’s latest creation, Poker Face, is a tribute to the classic murder mystery genre. This clever and offbeat comedy series follows Natasha Lyonne’s human lie detector, Charlie, as she pieces together evidence and mutters “bullshit!” in the face of a parade of suspects. With a star-studded cast, including Benjamin Bratt, Chloë Sevigny, and Lil Rel Howery, this show is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. Poker Face is a refreshing take on the genre and a must-watch for fans of witty and unconventional crime dramas.
Length of binge: 9 hours 10 mins
Barry Season 4: Dark Comedy at Its Best
Bill Hader’s Barry has consistently delivered a unique blend of dark comedy and intense drama, and the fourth and final season is no exception. As the titular hitman-turned-actor faces the consequences of his actions, the show delves deeper into themes of despair and redemption. The balance between comedy and darkness remains precarious. Still, when Barry wants to be funny, it’s funnier than anything else on TV. Fred Armisen’s hilariously gory botched assassination attempt in episode 3 is a standout moment. Although it doesn’t quite stick to the landing, Barry is a captivating and unconventional show worth every minute of your time.
Length of binge: 4 hours 11 mins
The Fall of the House of Usher: A Gothic Horror Spectacle
The Fall of the House of Usher is a gloriously extravagant horror series that fuses Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic classic with a Succession-like story of a cursed billionaire family. Mike Flanagan’s masterful direction brings the macabre tale to life. Bruce Greenwood delivers a brilliantly evil performance as the Richard Sackler-like billionaire. The show’s operatic moments and moments of pathos make it a captivating watch. Mark Hamill’s sinister, husky-voiced portrayal of the family’s fixer adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Fall of the House of Usher is a dark and gripping series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Length of binge: 8 hours 16 mins
I’m a Virgo: A Quirky Blend of Genres
Boots Riley’s offbeat Amazon show, I’m a Virgo, defies categorization with its unique blend of coming-of-age drama, superhero adventure, and political manifesto. Jharrel Jerome’s portrayal of Cootie, a 13-foot-tall protagonist navigating his giant stature and a revolutionary cause, is a standout performance. The show’s sharp critique of capitalism and its underlying violence is thought-provoking and entertaining. I’m a Virgo is a visually stunning and politically charged series that will leave a lasting impression.
Length of binge: 3 hours 31 mins
Star Wars: Visions Volume 2: A Unique Anthology
Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 is a lightsaber-filled anthology that takes us beyond the Skywalker-centric universe. This series of non-canonical shorts, animated by various studios but blessed by Lucasfilm, offers a more global and visually varied approach. From Aardman’s cheeky stop-motion family race to Cartoon Saloon’s sublime hand-drawn mix of Celtic design and myth, each episode brings something unique to the Star Wars universe. With its diverse storytelling and stunning animation, Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 is a treat for Star Wars fans and animation enthusiasts.
Length of binge: 2 hrs 30 mins.
Conclusion
In wrapping up our guide to the best TV shows of 2023, it’s clear that this year has brought a diverse mix of entertainment for avid binge-watchers. From thrilling dramas to hilarious comedies, the small screen has delivered various options to suit different tastes. Whether you were hooked by suspenseful plotlines or found solace in the humor of well-crafted comedies, the shows of 2023 have kept us glued to our screens.