Top 5 critically acclaimed TV shows of 2023 according to Rotten Tomatoes
Discover the top-rated TV shows of 2023 according to Rotten Tomatoes From the intense drama of A Small Light to the thrilling action of Invincible Season 2, these series captivated viewers and earned a perfect 100% score Explore the best of television with this impressive lineup
In 2023, television viewers had a plethora of options and the following shows emerged as the highest-rated on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the desire to return to the movie theaters, television has continued to provide quality content over the past year.
In 2023, top-rated TV shows on Rotten Tomatoes include Squid Game: The Challenge, Virgin River, and Invincible. Even underdog series like Bodies and My Life with the Walter Boys managed to captivate viewers last year.
5. A Small Light – 100%
It might have flown under the radar for many, but limited series A Small Light comes in in fifth place in the highest-rated TV shows of 2023 on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show tells the true story of Miep Gies, who played a crucial role in hiding Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. A Small Light, starring Bel Powley, Liev Schreiber, Joe Cole, and Ashley Brooke, has achieved a perfect 100% score on the Tomatometer. Mira Fox of The Forward stated, "Featuring non-Jewish individuals in the Holocaust is a sensitive topic, and A Small Light is being released during a time of increasing Holocaust revisionism...Perhaps without the involvement of the Jewish people, we may never have learned about Miep and Jan."
The series can currently be streamed on Hulu and Disney Plus.
4. Happy Valley Season 3 – 100%
Sarah Lancashire reprised her role as Catherine Cawood in the highly anticipated third season of Happy Valley, which ranked as the fourth most-watched TV show in 2023. Created by renowned writer Sally Wainwright, the Yorkshire-based series follows the story of Catherine Cawood, a divorced police sergeant still grappling with the traumatic loss of her daughter eight years prior to the events of Season 1. The return of Tommy Lee Royce adds an intense layer of suspense as he seeks to complete his vendetta against Catherine.
Don't miss the final chapter of this groundbreaking British crime drama, Happy Valley Season 3, featuring the unforgettable performance of Sarah Lancashire. Despite Emmy snubs, the show has a 100% rating and can be watched on BBC iPlayer and AMC+.
3. Reacher Season 2 – 100%
It might have only just started unfolding, but Reacher Season 2 is already in bronze medal position for the highest-rated TV shows in 2023.
Reacher Season 2, now starring Alan Ritchson as the titular hero, reunited with his former army unit to uncover the mystery behind the murder of one of his former colleagues. With a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this action-packed and mysterious series is full of cliff-hangers and excitement. NPR's Eric Deggans describes it as "An entertaining ride that takes a compelling character through an adventure filled with wish fulfillment, fistfights, a dollop of romance and heroes crusading for justice."
Reacher Season 2 is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Reservation Dogs Season 3 – 100%
The third season of Reservation Dogs, co-directed by Next Goal Wins creator Taika Waititi, earns the second spot for the highest-rated TV shows of 2023 on Rotten Tomatoes. The show depicts the lives of four Indigenous teenagers, known as the Rez Dogs, in rural Oklahoma, as they encounter a conspiracy theorist named "Maximus" following the death of their friend Daniel who had hoped to move to California.
Dan Einav from The Financial Times praised Reservation Dogs Season 3, stating that it has matured into one of the best series in recent years. He also mentioned that the show does a good job of teaching the value of moving on. With a perfect Tomatometer score of 100%, Season 3 is now available for streaming on Hulu.
1. Invincible Season 2 – 100%
Unsurprisingly, the sophomore season of the superhero series Invincible takes the top spot as the highest-rated TV show of 2023 on Rotten Tomatoes, earning a perfect 100% certified fresh rating.
Fans are introduced to Mark Grayson in Season 1, a seemingly typical teenager except for the fact that his father Nolan is the most powerful superhero on the planet. After turning seventeen, Mark begins to develop his own powers with guidance from his father. In Season 2, Mark learns he has a half-brother and must confront a full-scale battle with the Viltrumites. Our five-star review hailed the show as "Invincible Season 2 surpasses all other superhero shows; it is compelling and unpredictable television that defies expectations in its own powerful way."
Invincible Season 2 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Check out our other upcoming hubs below:
Fantastic Four | Avengers: The Kang Dynasty | Avengers: Secret Wars | Marvel Zombies | The Marvels | Agatha: Coven of Chaos | Blade MCU | Captain America 4 | The Boys Season 4 | Avatar 3 | Batman: The Brave And The Bold | Beetlejuice 2 | Blade | Deadpool 3 | Dune 2 | Gladiator 2 | Mission: Impossible 8 | Mortal Kombat 2 | Beyond the Spider-Verse | Superman: Legacy | Thunderbolts | Venom 3 | Wicked | 1923 Season 2 | Citadel Season 2 | Daredevil: Born Again | Euphoria Season 3 | Severance Season 2 | Stranger Things Season 5 | The Last of Us Season 2 | The Mandalorian Season 4 | The Penguin | The Sandman Season 2 | The White Lotus Season 3 | Wednesday Season 2 | Yellowjackets Season 3
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of TV shows, I am thrilled to see such a diverse and critically acclaimed lineup of shows in 2023. From the heartwarming and inspiring story of "A Small Light" to the action-packed and suspenseful "Reacher Season 2," there is something for everyone. I am particularly drawn to shows that shed light on important historical events or social issues, and "A Small Light" does just that by telling the true story of Miep Gies and her heroic efforts during the Holocaust. The show's perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the incredible performances of its cast.
Another standout for me is "Reservation Dogs," which offers a unique and authentic portrayal of Indigenous life in rural Oklahoma. The show's third season has been praised for its maturity and its ability to teach valuable lessons about moving on and finding hope. With a perfect score of 100%, it is clear that "Reservation Dogs" has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Overall, I am excited to see the continued rise of quality television and the recognition of diverse and meaningful stories. These top-rated shows of 2023 have set a high standard, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the world of television.
