As the curtain closed on 2023, the world of television was nothing short of extraordinary, achieving new milestones amidst the undercurrent of industry strikes. Streaming platforms experienced unprecedented viewership that bolstered their revenue, witnessing both stunning successes and unexpected cancellations. This year’s programming was a testament to the art of prestige television, with highly anticipated shows delivering surprise, drama, and heartfelt narratives, while some hyped projects fell short of expectations. With a trove of both returning and freshly-minted series stealing the spotlight, the following list encapsulates the finest English TV offerings of the year, with no regard to ranking.
‘Jesse Armstrong’s corporate juggernaut, ‘Succession,’ continued its reign over the television landscape. Intrigue and power politics within the Roy family kept audiences hooked across four remarkable seasons, culminating in a finale that skilfully subverted all predictions. With its brilliant blend of comedy and pathos, this magnum opus affirmed its standing as a genuine contender for the greatest TV drama ever crafted.
‘The Last of Us,’ a masterful adaptation of the acclaimed video game, emerged as a standout post-apocalyptic narrative. Helmed by Craig Mazin and the game’s creator, Neil Druckmann, the show invites viewers on a perilous journey with Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie, as they navigate a world overrun by a devastating fungal infestation. Displaying exceptional performances, razor-sharp writing, and immersive production design, the series exemplifies the perfect symbiosis of engaging storytelling and chemistry between its leads.
Meanwhile, ‘The Bear’ surpassed all expectations with its sophomore season, thoughtfully drawing its characters out of the kitchen to explore their individual paths. Upon its return to Chicago, the show offered an array of memorable moments punctuated by panic and complexity. With each cast member delivering transformative performances, ‘The Bear’ season 2 serves as a shining example of contemporary television that deserves to stand the test of time.
‘Beef,’ another Netflix offering, plunged viewers into a dark and biting social commentary, taking a simple road-rage incident and unwinding it into a multi-layered narrative that spans class differences and Asian-American immigrant experiences. Ali Wong and Steven Yeun provide standout performances, masterfully conveying their characters’ propensity for self-destruction.
Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij’s ‘A Murder at the End of the World’ reimagined the quintessential murder mystery with a modern twist. Set in Iceland amidst wintery isolation, the series weaves a complex web across dual timelines, featuring Emma Corrin and Clive Owen in a gripping tableau of suspense.
The animated superhero saga ‘Invincible’ returned with a split second season, continuing the aftermath of a ferocious father-son conflict that left the city of Chicago in tatters. Its vibrant animation and compelling voice performances, including Sandra Oh’s portrayal of Debbie, cemented the show as an insightful addition to the genre.
In the realm of unexpected delights, ‘Gen V,’ a spin-off from ‘The Boys,’ enraptured viewers with its heady mix of violence, mystery, and dark humor. Set in the Vought International-backed Godolkin University, this irreverent series follows the journey of its young characters as they navigate a world fraught with extraordinary challenges and corporate machinations.
Among the year’s other jewels, the animated re-envisioning of ‘Scott Pilgrim’ delighted fans with its voice cast reunion and fresh artistic perspective. Rachel Weisz’s tour-de-force performance in ‘Dead Ringers’ breathed new life into a twisted tale of twin gynecologists, showcasing psychological depth and unsettling drama.
2023’s television offerings also gave us a touch of cringing brilliance with Nathan Fielder’s collaboration with Benny Safdie, a show that examined reality TV’s most uncomfortable truths.
Amid numerous noteworthy mentions from the year, including ‘Jury Duty,’ ‘Silo,’ ‘Blue Eye Samurai,’ ‘Party Down’ revival, ‘Poker Face,’ and ‘Slow Horses,’ the year in television reflected a landscape of boundless creativity and refined storytelling. As we bid adieu to 2023, the rich tapestry of English television clearly left an indelible mark, etching its titles in the annals of cultural significance.
