Must-Watch TV Shows of 2023: The Ultimate Guide

2023 has been a year filled with uncertainty for the future of television. However, despite this, there have been a number of TV shows that have showcased the importance of quality over quantity. In recent years, the quality of several shows has caused a resurgence in must-see TV, generating extensive discussions within pop culture. For those who appreciate remarkable television, 2023 is shaping up to be another exceptional year for the small screen.

Interestingly, shows associated with major franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and DC have seen a decline in their presence on "best of the year" lists. While these programs still have dedicated fanbases, there is a notable selection of new and ongoing shows deserving of positive recognition. Screen Rant's editors and management have compiled a list of what they consider to be the top 10 TV shows of 2023, based on the collective nominations.

10 Shrinking

Kara Hedash, Jr. Lead Features Editor

If you're in search of a heartwarming series that is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings, look no further than Shrinking. This comedy-drama on Apple TV+ was co-created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel. Segel himself takes on the lead role of Jimmy, while Lawrence and Goldstein, who have previously worked on the successful Apple hit Ted Lasso, bring their brilliant minds to this project. Much like Ted Lasso, Shrinking stands out for its incredible ensemble cast, delving into the complexities of loss, change, and unexpected life opportunities. While Segel's portrayal of a therapist coping with the loss of his wife is challenging, the highlight of the series is the captivating relationship between him and his colleague and mentor, Paul.

9 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Shrinking boasts an impressive ensemble, but it is Harrison Ford's portrayal of Paul that truly steals the spotlight. Through his interactions with the central characters of Shrinking, Paul's transformation from a grumpy and rigid individual to someone more open and vulnerable becomes the highlight of the show. As he navigates his own personal challenges, the series delves into deeper emotions, refusing to shy away from life's difficult obstacles. With the conclusion of Ted Lasso, fans can turn to Shrinking to fill the void, and Apple's quick renewal of the show for a second season demonstrates their confidence in its potential.

Rose Graceling-Moore, Evergreen Lead Editor

The fifth season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel wraps up Midge's story in a satisfying way, proving that a female-centered series doesn't require a love story to achieve a happy ending. The show begins with Midge, a 1950s housewife, discovering that her aspiring comedian husband is cheating on her, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Throughout the series, Midge navigates the world of stand-up comedy, strip clubs, and even spends a few nights in jail, all while staying true to herself and her unique fashion sense. Unlike typical period dramas, Midge's romantic relationships take a backseat to her blossoming career and her enduring friendship with her initially reluctant manager, Susie. The final season skillfully jumps between different timelines, showing Midge's work as a writer for a talk show in the 1960s, while also exploring her relationships and experiences in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and ultimately concluding in the early 2000s. Writer and creator Amy Sherman-Palladino handles these time jumps expertly, bringing closure to each character in a subtle and nuanced way, avoiding the common trope of forced "where are they now" endings that many series finales fall prey to.

8 Poker Face

From the very beginning, fans are aware that Midge achieves success. However, the final season manages to maintain unpredictability by introducing a rift between Midge and Suzy. This not only keeps the plot intriguing but also highlights the vital importance of their friendship to the essence of the show. Unlike many series that tend to punish their determined female protagonists with heartbreak, death, or a desolate ending, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel creates incredibly likable characters who are flawed yet nuanced. These characters are brought together by brilliant comedy and a believable friendship that borders on love. Thus, it seems that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is ultimately a love story - but a love story between women who live beyond society's imposed boundaries, who fall in love with themselves as they are, and who uplift each other in the process.

Kara Hedash, Jr. Lead Features Editor

Natasha Lyonne's entry into the world of TV and streaming series is not a new one. However, in 2023, she found a new home at Peacock, where she took on the leading role in Rian Johnson's Poker Face to great acclaim. In the show, Lyonne delivers an exceptional performance as Charlie Cale, a former casino worker who embarks on detective-like adventures inspired by Columbo. Unlike other detectives who rely on substantial training and support, Charlie depends on her intuitive ability to detect when someone is lying, making her investigations unique and intriguing.

Instead of having a fixed supporting cast, Lyonne is teamed up with a fresh group of actors in each episode of Poker Face. Guest stars such as Adrien Brody, Chloë Sevigny, Judith Light, Nick Nolte, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Stephanie Hsu bring their own flair to the show, ensuring that every week presents a new mystery for Charlie to solve in an exciting and dynamic setting. The stakes are high, keeping the audience engaged, while the constantly changing backdrop prevents any sense of monotony. Despite the time limitations of Charlie's investigations, she encounters individuals who leave a lasting impact, adding an undeniable emotional depth to the series that captivates viewers.

7 Bluey

Simon Gallagher, Managing Editor

In a landscape dominated by intense drama, high-concept sci-fi, and big-budget productions usually reserved for blockbuster movies, the standout television show of 2023 is a cartoon centered around dogs. And it's not just any cartoon about dogs, but one where the dogs seem to emit their own names through farting during the opening credits. However, Bluey goes beyond its canine characters and bodily functions, exploring deeper themes that resonate with audiences. Bluey has become a cultural phenomenon, offering a unique and personal perspective on the human condition that surpasses the appeal of mushroom-faced zombies or anxiety-ridden chefs.

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Bluey and Bingo are not stereotypical children in the Australian animation. Despite being blue Heeler puppies, they are refreshingly ordinary and relatable. They enjoy playing and connecting with their parents, and their struggles revolve around self-discovery, moral decision-making, and the challenges of growing up. Although it may sound like a clichéd after-school special, Bluey is far from it and can be considered a form of high art.

Bluey offers an honest and positive portrayal of parenthood that surpasses anything seen before. Even in its third season, it remains remarkably brilliant. It goes beyond the familiar themes found in Pixar's movies, delving into "real" issues while maintaining a level of silliness that brings joy to my 6-year-old son. The show does not promote anything other than the essence of being human (albeit through dogs), and if you don't shed a tear at least once – possibly when facing the reality of your own mortality – you may already be emotionally detached. I watch Bluey with my son every night, and nothing else compares.

6 Yellowjackets

Rachel Foerstch, Talent Acquisition Lead, PR Writer, & Interviewer

While the season 1 finale resulted in a significant change in tone, Yellowjackets season 2 stands out among the 2023 TV lineup. This gripping show seamlessly combines fiction and reality, leading viewers to question themselves just like the soccer team. Are the characters falling victim to the forces of nature, or is there a supernatural presence lurking in the woods?

5 Silo

5 Silo

Andrew Dyce, Comics Lead Editor

At first glance, Silo may appear to be the perfect 'high concept' formula: it combines the prestige and budget of the latest Apple TV+ original with the promise of a new thriller-mystery from Graham Yost, the creator of Justified. This intriguing tale of 'the last sheriff on Earth' is sure to attract a large audience. However, the decision to cast Rebecca Ferguson as the lead may be seen as excessive.

Considering Ferguson's recent involvement in successful projects like Mission: Impossible and Dune, her participation in the adaptation of the Silo book series should have been enough reason to anticipate something extraordinary. Surprisingly, from the show's opening premise to its early twists and powerful turns, Silo manages to captivate viewers' curiosity long before Ferguson even appears on screen. This aspect may prove to be the show's greatest defiance of expectations: presenting the world of Silo, with its power brokers near the surface and hidden secrets buried at the bottom, and leaving the audience to ponder how the most unlikely resident could ever rise to the top.

Yes, Silo may be another dystopian sci-fi. However, it is important to recognize that not all Westerns are set in the desert. The creators of this series were well aware of the potential dangers of making assumptions, especially when placed in the hands of someone as talented as Ferguson and the remarkable cast supporting her. As a result, the genre is left stunned and unsure of what just hit it.

4 Inside No. 9

Alex Leadbeater, Content Director

For almost a decade, Inside No. 9 has been a hidden gem in British television. Each 30-minute episode is a delightful blend of horror and comedy, crafted by the talented duo Reese Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. Being an anthology series, it is no surprise that some episodes hit the mark better than others. However, the penultimate Series 8 proves that Shearsmith and Pemberton still have an abundance of ideas.

The first four episodes showcase the vast range of Shearsmith and Pemberton's talent. From a chilling ghost story ("The Bones of St Nicholas"), to a thrilling gangster tale ("Mother's Ruin"), and even a comedic take on Friday the 13th fears ("Paraskevidekatriaphobia"), complete with a clever Jason joke. There is also a compelling murder mystery ("Love Is A Stranger"), cleverly told through a series of remote blind dates. Each episode has its own merit and is deserving of a recommendation.

The final two episodes of Inside No. 9 were its peak. "The Last Weekend" began by invoking "Long, Long Time" from The Last of Us, but ended with a social media age twist reminiscent of The Last House on the Left. However, the standout episode was "3 by 3." Disguised as a cheesy family quiz show hosted by Lee Mack, it only reveals its true nature as Inside No. 9 in the final credits. The episode perfectly captures the clichéd questions and meaningless small talk characteristic of the genre, which enhances the growing sense of unease and delivers a mind-blowing payoff.

For longtime fans of Shearsmith and Pemberton since The League of Gentlemen, Inside No. 9 remains a must-watch. However, even for those who haven't watched their previous work, there is plenty of joy (and terror) to be found in the series before it fittingly concludes with series 9.

3 Succession

James Hunt, Deputy Lead Features Editor

The unexpected events of Succession season 4, episode 3 left audiences in complete shock. The actions of Brian Cox's character, the patriarch of the Roy family, went against all predictions and created a sense of uncertainty as the show reached its finale. However, this twist proved to be a brilliant move, elevating the series to new heights in terms of humor, drama, and overall quality. Despite the characters facing challenging situations, the show managed to end on a positive note.

The cast of Succession in season 4, including Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Jeremy Strong, delivered exceptional performances. The show skillfully blended dark comedy, family drama, farce, and tragedy, creating a unique experience. The characters were well-developed, evoking both repulsion and empathy from the audience. While the question of who would win in Succession had long been discussed, the show's ending proved to be much deeper and more intricate. Ultimately, the true winner was the viewer.

2 The Bear

The Bear season 2 haunts me with nightmarish memories. It reminds me of my teenage years when I worked at a Sonic Drive-In, during the time when five hamburgers were sold for five dollars on Tuesdays. Since most of the staff consisted of high school students, Tuesdays were always the busiest days of the week, resulting in a majority of employees calling in sick. The intense editing style of The Bear, characterized by rapid cuts, zooms, and choppy edits, captures the overwhelming experience of standing in front of a grill with numerous burgers at different cooking stages, while the fryers beep in the background and the sounds of someone's boom box desperately try to drown out the impatient voice of the drive-thru customer. This unique portrayal is unmatched by any other show or film.

Every actor in The Bear season 2, including even the cameo characters in The Bear's exceptional “Fishes” episode, portrays authentic individuals. It is rare for shows with such a large cast to allocate time for each character to have something interesting to contribute, but The Bear takes extended detours to showcase the dynamics of characters like Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) and Marcus (Lionel Boyce), which serves as a remarkable contrast to the intense atmosphere of the kitchen. Season 2 of The Bear not only exceeds the duration of season 1 but also takes a more calculated approach, delving deeper into the history behind the meal's ingredients rather than just the cooking process itself.

Throughout my experience, I have worked in various types of restaurants such as German, Thai, and French establishments, ranging from fast food to fine dining. I have been responsible for dishwashing in upscale hotels, operated tableside omelet stations, and catered lavish weddings. For several years, I even provided catering services for film productions. In comparison, the movie Chef appears as a fictional creation, a plastic representation of a meal positioned enticingly on a counter to lure customers while gathering dust. In contrast, The Bear season 2, unlike any other artistic expression I have encountered, offers an authentic portrayal of the realities of the restaurant industry. It is akin to the Chicago Beef sandwich itself - densely packed, occasionally messy, but undeniably genuine and incredibly satisfying.

1 The Last Of Us

Kazden Risk, Social Media Manager

The HBO series of The Last of Us successfully brings the captivating narrative of the video game to a fresh audience, while also delivering an exciting experience for longstanding fans. It appeals to newcomers who have yet to discover the gripping tension of the Cordyceps infection, as well as gamers who are eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of beloved characters. The series is enhanced by exceptional performances from a talented cast, stunning cinematography that magnificently showcases a post-apocalyptic world reclaimed by nature, and the atmospheric music of Gustavo Santaolalla, reminiscent of the game.

My love for Joel and Ellie's story began even before the original release in 2013. As a fan of Naughty Dog's previous work, the Uncharted series, I was already a devoted follower of their exceptional storytelling and action-packed games. I was so deeply invested in their world that I even made a fan-made trailer for an official PlayStation contest. To my delight, I emerged as the winner, earning the honor of being a canon Firefly soldier in the game itself. If you explore Pittsburgh, you may stumble upon my pendant hidden behind a dumpster (as seen on Twitter). Sadly, it's safe to assume my character has met an unfortunate fate. Nevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope for a cameo in the second season, as David makes mention of my group in the HBO adaptation. Perhaps I sought refuge on Catalina Island.

Given my years of passion for The Last of Us, I held reservations and apprehensions about the series. Rarely does a video game adaptation manage to match the excellence of the original, let alone find ways to enhance it. However, co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have surmounted this daunting challenge. Leveraging the creative liberties of television, they have ingeniously deviated from the source material in ways that elevate the story while remaining true to its essence. I could delve further into my adoration, but ultimately, I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone experience The Last of Us in one form or another. Whether it's through the TV show or the video game, you simply can't go wrong.