Hollywood Reporter Unveils Best TV Shows of 2023 According to Critics
As we bid farewell to 2023, the TV scene goes through some real magic. Hollywood Reporter’s top critics, Daniel Fienberg and Angie Han, ride the wild waves of television, laying out a collection of the best shows that really left their mark on the small screen. In a year full of plot twists and industry shake-ups, TV fans got a taste of a diverse menu that broke the rules and kept us glued.
1. Reservation Dogs (FX/Hulu)
Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi’s Reservation Dogs wraps up its three-season journey with style. What started as a loud comedy about Indigenous teens evolves into a deep dive into community values. The show’s standout ensemble cast leaves an unforgettable impression.
2. Succession (HBO)
Jesse Armstrong’s razor-sharp take on family and corporate chaos, Succession, holds us tight through a finale that mixes unexpected sweetness with the show’s trademark bleakness. Navigating the rollercoaster of grief, it reminds us that family can hurt like no one else.
3. Beef (Netflix)
Lee Sung Jin’s Beef captures the scattered discontent of 2023 with a punch of intensity, empathy, and humor. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong’s road rage incident becomes a cultural snapshot, digging into the questions of anger in today’s America.
4. Wrestlers (Netflix)
Greg Whiteley’s Wrestlers blurs the line between reality and theatrics in this documentary series on Ohio Valley Wrestling. It’s a rollercoaster of laughter and tears, exposing painful truths about dreams and the pursuit of the American Dream.
5. I’m a Virgo (Amazon)
Boots Riley’s I’m a Virgo weaves an urban fairy tale, superhero origin story, and Marxist critique into a visually stunning tapestry. Jharrel Jerome’s portrayal of a sheltered young man in modern Oakland, combined with the show’s righteous anger, makes it a cultural touchstone.
6. Dark Winds (AMC)
AMC’s Dark Winds, after a season of setup, steps up with a tight and resonant mystery. Zahn McClarnon’s on-screen charisma shines, solidifying him as a rising star.
7. Blue Eye Samurai (Netflix)
Michael Green and Amber Noizumi’s animated thriller, Blue Eye Samurai, grabs attention with its boldness, beauty, and nods to Japanese culture. Visually stunning and culturally respectful, it’s one of the most exciting TV experiences of the year.
8. The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Christopher Storer’s culinary pseudo-comedy, The Bear, polishes its ensemble formula in season two. Balancing humor and purpose exploration, it shows that it thrives as a true ensemble.
9. Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
Padma Lakshmi’s Taste the Nation takes us on a journey through America’s diasporic communities, celebrating immigrants and food traditions. Lakshmi’s warmth sets the tone for a narrative blending political messaging with sentimental memories.
10. The Last of Us (HBO)
Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann’s adaptation of The Last of Us sets a new bar for video game adaptations. Seamlessly blending terror, fast-paced action, and poignant moments, it earns its spot among the year’s best.
Honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): Bupkis, Cunk on Earth, Dave, Dead Ringers, Deadloch, Fargo, Happy Valley, How To With John Wilson, Telemarketers, Welcome to Wrexham
11. The Other Two (Max)
In its final season, The Other Two serves up savagery, surreality, and hilarity, with an unexpected sense of heart. The Dubeks might lose themselves, but the series doesn’t, ending on a high note.
12. Mrs. Davis (Peacock)
Mrs. Davis, a bizarre blend of urban fairy tale and sneaker ad, showcases human creativity. In a year of mainstream generative AI, Mrs. Davis proves humans can still deliver something delightfully bonkers.
13. Last Call (HBO)
Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York defies true crime norms by highlighting the beauty of lives over gruesome ends. It expands the scope by exploring the communities left behind and the histories they represent.
14. The Bear (FX/Hulu)
The Bear’s second season raises deep questions about purpose, serving a tastier and more thrilling second course. As the Original Beef gang relaunches, they grapple not just with practical challenges but also with existential queries.
15. Scavengers Reign (Max)
Scavengers Reign stands out as one of 2023’s most original sci-fi works, reflecting on how humans engage with foreign environments. The animated series transforms its characters and encourages viewers to see their surroundings with fresh eyes.
16. Killing It (Peacock)
Killing It delivers a gut punch of scathing analysis on the miseries of a capitalistic hellscape. Its side-splitting hilarity doesn’t dilute its astuteness about the system that grinds some down while insulating others.
17. Somebody Somewhere (HBO)
Somebody Somewhere offers a comedic balm in a TV landscape dominated by dark tales. Bursting with love and anchored by Bridget Everett’s voice, the show celebrates the richness and depth of reality.
Honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): Barry, Blue Eye Samurai, The Curse, Dreaming Whilst Black, How To With John Wilson, I’m a Virgo, The Last of Us, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, Poker Face, Slip
Final Thoughts
In a year of TV transitions and uncertainties, the best shows of 2023 stand tall as beacons of creativity and storytelling. From Reservation Dogs’ soulful community exploration to Succession’s biting family satire, each series on this list weaves into the diverse TV tapestry. As we eagerly await the TV evolution in 2024, these shows remind us of the enduring power of storytelling in the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
