The television landscape of 2023 presented a dazzling array of new shows, ranging from gripping dramas to innovative documentaries. HBO led the charge with its mixed offerings, including the acclaimed “Succession” and the less impressive “The Idol.” Amidst industry challenges like writers’ and actors’ strikes, the year still delivered a wide variety of content. New entrants like “Swarm,” “The Night Agent,” and “Gyeongseong Creature” added depth to the roster, although they didn’t quite reach the pinnacle of acclaim.
Reflecting on the year, it’s evident that 2023 was a year of eclectic tastes and groundbreaking storytelling. Highlights include:
– ‘A Small Light’ (National Geographic/ Disney+): This poignant series about Miep Gies, portrayed by Bel Powley, reinvigorated the harrowing tale of Anne Frank with new urgency and perspective.
– ‘Ahsoka’ (Disney+): Despite a shaky start, Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of the animated “Star Wars” character marked a pivotal expansion of the galaxy’s lore.
– ‘Beef’ (Netflix): A road-rage incident spirals into a complex narrative featuring stellar performances by Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.
– ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ (Amazon’s Prime Video): A nostalgic trip to the ‘70s rock scene, with Riley Keough and Sam Claflin capturing the era’s essence.
– ‘Gen V’ (Amazon’s Prime Video): This series successfully branched out from “The Boys” universe, offering a fresh take on superhero narratives.
– ‘Hijack’ (Apple TV+): Idris Elba shines in this high-stakes thriller set aboard a hijacked flight.
– ‘The Last of Us’ (HBO): Standing out for its commercial and critical success, this adaptation broke the curse of videogame-based shows.
– ‘Shrinking’ (Apple TV+): A comedic yet poignant series highlighting Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in unlikely roles.
Honorable Mentions
2023 was also a remarkable year for basketball documentaries, with productions like “Stephen Curry Underrated,” “Bill Russell: Legend,” “Goliath,” and “The Luckiest Guy in the World” offering deep dives into the lives and legacies of NBA legends.
In a year filled with exceptional television, 2023 stood out for its diverse offerings and high-quality content. While the industry faced its share of challenges, the creativity and resilience of filmmakers and actors shone through, delivering stories that captivated, entertained, and inspired audiences worldwide.
