The television landscape of 2023 has been marked by the return of beloved series and the emotional farewells of iconic shows like “Succession,” “Barry,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Ted Lasso.” Amidst this, the first half of the year has brought forth an impressive array of memorable TV across various genres.
From dramas and comedies to limited series and docuseries, there has been something for every viewer’s taste. Here, we delve into the standouts of the year, providing a glimpse of the best TV offerings so far.
“The Last of Us” (HBO)
Adding ‘clickers’ and ‘shamblers’ to our daily vernacular, and leaving us eyeing up those moldy mushrooms in the veggie drawer with added suspicion, HBO’s adaptation of the monster-selling video game is the grand spectacle we’d all hoped it would be. And Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey bring more than enough humanity, humor and warmth to stop us weeping through every gripping moment of Joel and Ellie’s desolate, zombie-riddled trek through a desolate America. We still wept, though – especially during that heartbreaking standalone third episode. Linda Ronstadt is going to a tough listen from here on in.—Phil de Semlyen
“Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
From the creators of “Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking” is a winning comedy centered around a grief-stricken therapist, portrayed by Jason Segel, and his intricately woven circle of relationships. Harrison Ford’s noteworthy performance as a gruff colleague adds to the show’s appeal.
“Bill Russell: Legend” (Netflix) and “The Luckiest Guy in the World” (ESPN)
Basketball enthusiasts can relish two captivating docuseries that shed light on the lives of legendary players Bill Russell and Bill Walton. These chronicles provide valuable insights into the athletes’ athletic prowess, activism, and triumphs on and off the court.
“Daisy Jones & the Six” (Amazon’s Prime Video)
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s music scene, this adaptation of a Fleetwood Mac-like band’s rise and fall is a riveting and nostalgia-inducing soap opera. Riley Keough’s compelling performance as the new lead singer adds a layer of authenticity to the show.
“Swarm” (Prime Video)
Produced by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers, this limited series delves into the dark side of excessive fandom. Dominique Fishback delivers a captivating portrayal of a character whose obsession with a musical star leads her down a disturbing and violent path.
“The Night Agent” (Netflix) and “Hijack” (Apple TV+)
Thriller enthusiasts will find gripping narratives in “The Night Agent,” following an FBI agent’s pursuit of a terror threat, and “Hijack,” a real-time drama with Idris Elba as a skilled negotiator on a hijacked flight bound for London.
“Beef” (Netflix)
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun star in this addictive dark comedy series. A road-rage encounter between two strangers sets off a chain of darkly funny and sometimes tragic consequences, making it a must-watch contender of the year.
“The Bear”, FX
If this chef’s kiss of a Chicago restaurant drama had wrapped up after one season of grief and Italian beef, it would have been uniquely satisfying. But after becoming 2022’s breakout hit, a continuation was inevitable – a dicey proposition for a show that seemed to catch lightning in a carton of homemade Hi-C.
Somehow, season 2 exceeds those expectations, keeping the heat on in the kitchen and expanding the world outside it. Chefs Carmen Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) fast-track the opening of an upscale new restaurant, which turns out to be even more stressful than saving an old, greasy one. But the highlights are the several self-contained, character-focused episodes, including upstart baker Marcus’s (Lionel Boyce) excursion to Copenhagen, and a guest-star-laden flashback to a bygone Berzatto family Christmas.
Best of all is episode seven, in which perpetual loser ‘Cousin’ Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) attends a fine dining mentorship and receives a jolt of inspiration that turns him into the season’s MVP – and outs him as a major Swiftie.—Matt Singer
Succession season 4, HBO/Sky Atlantic
Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and co could easily have eked out another season or two of their Emmy-garlanded satire – this was not a writers’ room running short on inspiration or crushing put downs – and a less audacious show would have kept that big early-season twist for much later in the final run.
But Succession nailed the landing perfectly, delivering its ‘winner’ (though surely the most pyrrhic, short-term victory) and a multitude of losers at precisely the right moment, tying up its biggest question – what would happen to the kids without dad’s unique brand of sneering coercive control to rein them in? – in a brilliantly conceived and immaculately acted run of episodes. Succession makes capitalism’s most unpalatable truths into unmissable entertainment.—Phil de Semlyen
Conclusion
The television offerings of 2023 have been nothing short of remarkable, providing a diverse array of compelling stories and captivating performances. From thrilling docuseries to nostalgic dramas, viewers have had the pleasure of exploring a rich tapestry of genres and narratives, leaving them eagerly anticipating what the rest of the year has in store.
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By NewYork News9 and GPT
