Now that my top ten movies of 2023 are out of the way it’s time to look at content that’s slightly longer form, no I am not talking about video games just yet; instead I am looking at my top ten TV shows that I watched in 2023. I didn’t get a chance to check out everything I wanted (who has the time anymore right?).
There are only a couple of Netflix shows in here as I find it a massive struggle to get into anything Netflix pushes out anymore due to them being far to cancel happy (RIP SHADOW AND BONE, I’ll never forgive Netflix for that one). For full disclosure, I haven’t got into Succession yet and I haven’t watched Boiling Point or The Bear season two – I plan to watch all of those during the Christmas break but haven’t as of writing or I am sure they would make an appearance. Let’s get cracking!
10) The Fall of The House of Usher
A gothic horror drama miniseries created by Mike Flanagan, it is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s works. The story revolves around a corrupt pharmaceutical company’s CEO, whose children start dying mysteriously, uncovering dark family secrets. Notable characters include Tamerlane Usher, Victorine LaFourcade, and Rufus Griswold, each bearing names from Poe’s literature.
9) Black Mirror
Black Mirror, the acclaimed techno-thriller anthology series from creator Charlie Brooker, made a much-anticipated return in 2023 after a four year hiatus. The sixth season features five new standalone stories that delve into various contemporary fears across a range of genres.
The cast for this season includes notable stars like Salma Hayek, Michael Cera, Annie Murphy, Zazie Beetz, Aaron Paul, and Josh Hartnett. Each episode explores unique and thought-provoking themes:
“Joan is Awful” follows Joan, played by Annie Murphy, who discovers her life has been adapted into a prestige TV drama, with Salma Hayek portraying her.
“Loch Henry” centers on a couple creating a nature documentary in a small Scottish town, uncovering its shocking history.
“Beyond the Sea” is set in 1969, focusing on two men dealing with the fallout of a tragedy during a high-tech mission.
“Mazey Day” features a troubled starlet, played by Clara Rugaard, fleeing from a hit-and-run incident.
“Demon 79” revolves around a sales assistant who is informed she must commit terrible acts to prevent a disaster.
8) Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
The main cast from the film returns to lend their voices, including Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers, Kieran Culkin as Wallace Wells, and Chris Evans as Lucas Lee. Their performances, particularly Evans’ gruffness and Culkin’s sardonic drawl, add a new dimension to the characters.
One of the significant changes in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is the reduced screen time of Scott Pilgrim himself, especially after his fight with Matthew Patel. This twist led to some initial criticism, but the series addresses this by recasting Ramona as the protagonist, adding depth to her character and giving her more agency.
7) Doctor Who
I absolutely adored the most recent Doctors but with what has felt like bad writing since the days of Matt Smith, it has been refreshing to see a true return to form in Doctor Who.
6) Cunk on Earth
This mockumentary series stands out for its satirical take on historical events. It’s a hilarious journey through time, packed with witty commentary and absurdities that offer a refreshing break from conventional documentaries.
5) Good Omens 2
The delightful continuation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s fantasy world. Good Omens 2 brings back the angel-demon duo in a new chapter full of wit, humor, and celestial intrigue. The blend of the fantastical and the mundane is as charming as ever.
David Tennant fans have been eating well in 2023.
4) Gen V
Gen V is basically more of The Boys. That’s sort of all I need to say about Gen V.
3) Taskmaster (Series 16)
TASKMASTER IS BACK BABY. Returning with its best series since its 11th, I went into series 16 expecting nothing. I didn’t really care about the cast when it was announced, but as the series went on I came to love every single member of the ensemble. We, as humans, need to protect Sue Perkins until our dying breath.
2) It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
The 16th season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia delivered its signature blend of irreverent humor and outlandish scenarios. With episodes exploring the gang’s quirky solutions to inflation and a memorable encounter with Chase Utley, the season exemplified the show’s enduring charm. The character dynamics, combined with absurd yet hilarious storylines, contributed to its positive critical reception, maintaining the series’ cult status in the realm of dark comedy.
1) The Last of Us
The Last of Us, an adaptation of the acclaimed video game, has been lauded for its remarkable execution. The series shines through the stellar performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, who bring the complex characters of Joel and Ellie to life with depth and nuance. Its success is further bolstered by the authentic adaptation of the game’s narrative, a meticulously crafted post-apocalyptic setting, and a deeply emotive score. These elements combine to create a television experience that not only respects its source material but also stands on its own as a compelling narrative. This exemplary adaptation sets a high bar in a genre that often sees mixed results, demonstrating a profound understanding of storytelling in both gaming and television mediums.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below and I will try and make some time in 2024 to check something out.
Written by Luke.
Edited by Alexx.