The Hottest TV Shows of 2023, from The Last of Us to Beef
Discover the most anticipated TV shows of 2023, from the highly-anticipated The Last of Us adaptation to the intriguing drama Beef HBO's track record is impressive with hits like Succession, but even their misstep with The Idol couldn't overshadow the excitement surrounding these upcoming series
HBO had an outstanding show in "Succession," but also had a disappointing collaboration with Sam Levinson and The Weeknd in "The Idol," which showcased the unexciting nature of supposed steamy scenes. Throughout the year, there was a mix of impressive and lackluster TV, made more complicated by strikes that forced networks and streaming services to adjust schedules to keep the content flowing.
New shows in 2023, both ongoing and limited, featured a diverse range of highlights and noteworthy programs. "Swarm" on Amazon, "The Night Agent," and the latecomer "Gyeongseong Creature" on Netflix were among the standouts that did not quite make the cut.
The year also saw a strong start, with many of the top new shows debuting in the first half of 2023. Here is an alphabetical list of these shows, as well as a special mention for the exceptional year for basketball-related documentaries.
Liev Schreiber, Ashley Brooke, Rudi Goodman, Amira Casar, Billie Boullet, Caroline Catz and Andy Nyman in 'A Smal Light.'
Dusan Martincek/National Geographic for Disney
A Small Light (National Geographic/ Disney+): This compelling limited series follows the story of Miep Gies (portrayed by Bel Powley), a courageous young woman who risked her life to protect Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis. The powerful performances, including Liev Schreiber as Otto Frank, breathe new life into a well-known story, making it feel relevant and impactful.
Rosario Dawson in 'Ahsoka.'
Suzanne Tenner/Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
Ahsoka (Disney+): While the series initially had a slow start and struggled with some awkward writing, the live-action portrayal of the animated character by Rosario Dawson not only connected to "Star Wars" history but also hinted at new areas of the galaxy that the franchise can and should delve into in the future. For those hoping for "Star Wars" to return to the big screen, "Ahsoka" could serve as a crucial bridge - a new hope, so to speak.
Steven Yeun and Ali Wong in "Beef."
Check out Beef on Netflix for a captivating show that takes a road-rage incident and turns it into a gripping story filled with great performances by Steven Yeun and Ali Wong. Their characters' excesses and anger pull them and others deeper into the abyss, making it one of the most twisty shows of the year.
'Daisy Jones and the Six'
Lacey Terrell/Prime Video
Daisy Jones and the Six (Amazon's Prime Video) pays homage to Fleetwood Mac. This series follows a 70s band that rose to fame and then fell apart, capturing the essence and sound of the era. Starring Riley Keough and Sam Claflin as the lead singers who are both in conflict and attracted to each other.
Jaz Sinclair and Lizze Broadway in 'Gen V.'
The Gen V series on Prime Video, produced by Brooke Palmer for Amazon Studios, follows a group of college-age superheroes striving to join the Seven. Despite initial doubts about being another spinoff of "The Boys" universe, the series skillfully incorporates elements from the flagship show while establishing its own compelling mystery and delivering enough shocking moments to rival its predecessor.
Idris Elba in 'Hijack.'
Apple TV+
Hijack (Apple TV+): Idris Elba stars in this tense and gripping thriller, playing a negotiator caught in the middle of a hijacking on a flight from Dubai to London.
Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal in 'The Last of Us.'
The Last of Us (HBO) has quickly become the standout show of the year, surpassing all others in terms of commercial appeal and buzz. Despite the typical challenges faced by video game adaptations and the over saturation of apocalyptic thrillers, this HBO series has managed to rise above with standout performances from Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and a talented cast of guest stars. The show follows the story of a potential savior in a world that's falling apart, and her tough protector.
Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in 'Shrinking.'
Apple TV+
Shrinking (Apple TV+): The series features a talented ensemble cast and centers around a grieving psychologist (Jason Segel) and the people in his life. Harrison Ford adds comedic flair to the show, resulting in genuine humor.
Stephen Curry at a university in Tokyo in 2019.
In 2023, a series of remarkable documentaries focused on the NBA legends emerged, each standing out on its own but also complementing each other when viewed together.
The "Stephen Curry Underrated" episode on Apple highlighted a modern player who has revolutionized the game with his exceptional long-range shooting. The other three episodes focused on legendary big men who once dominated basketball: Netflix's "Bill Russell: Legend," Showtime's "Goliath," a comprehensive three-part series on Wilt Chamberlain and his complex relationship with Russell, and ESPN's "The Luckiest Guy in the World," a four-part exploration of Bill Walton's life, career, and his transition into a basketball analyst. Chamberlain's famous quote "No one roots for Goliath" inspired the title of the series, and its success makes it clear that there is a strong demand for more content of this nature from sports fans.
