Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
It feels repetitive to say at this point, but TV is rapidly changing. After the first cracks started to form in the streaming universe in 2022, things started to crumble rapidly in 2023, even in a scant six months. The Writers Guild of America went on strike, rightly calling out streaming services for their lack of transparency and byzantine pay system. HBO Max changed to Max, with significant hiccups. Netflix has taken the brunt of criticism and has rapidly changed how it reports metrics. And everyone from Disney+ to Paramount+ has started pulling shows from their services for, you know, tax reasons.
Faith in streaming, and its ability to lead entertainment into a lofty, bright future is at an all-time low. But at least for the moment, the shows themselves are at an all-time high (perhaps that’s why writers are striking? Just a thought). With that in mind, and the idea that maybe by the end of this year, there will be no more TV, let’s take a look at the best TV shows of 2023… So far.
How did Decider choose this list? I’m glad you asked. So I’ll tell you! Every member of the staff submitted their own personal list for the top 10 shows that aired at least one episode between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023. Those lists were then weighted, culled together, and after a little hand-wringing while everyone took enough time to watch The Bear, resulted in the list you see below.
Does that mean that a lot of deserving shows didn’t make the list? Absolutely. You won’t see Cunk on Earth here, despite it sneakily becoming a comedy darling in the first half of the year. Yellowjackets also missed the cut, even with a strong second season, and a third in the works. The Idol is also not on this list. FYI.
There are plenty of other excellent TV shows that didn’t make the cut, but enough about those total losers. Let’s get into the winners, because that’s what America is all about: winning!!! Just kidding. Here are the 24 best TV shows of 2023, so far.
‘The Horror of Dolores Roach’
Having served 16 years in prison after being framed by her drug dealer boyfriend, Dolores Roach (a fearless Justina Machado) returns to her beloved Washington Heights to find it gentrified. Reeling, she seeks solace in the only place she still recognizes: the Empanada Loca run by troubled Luis (a mesmerizing Alejandro Hernandez) who was obsessed with Dolores as a teen. The two join forces to defend what is theirs, taking deadly measures and using any means necessary (including the menu) to hide their crimes. As Dolores, Machado is simultaneously sympathetic, wrathful, vulnerable, fraught, and devious, and the audience eats out of her character’s “magic hands.” Taunt, bloody and compelling as hell, The Horror of Dolores Roach is a gripping eight-episode binge-watch. — Karen Kemmerle
‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’
Dearest readers, after more than one year without new Bridgerton content, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story came just in time to hold us over until the flagship show’s highly anticipated third season premieres. The six-episode-long Netflix series toggles between the present day and the past as it retells Queen Charlotte’s journey to the throne — and the turbulent love story between her and King George, who spends most of the season desperately trying to cure himself of a secret mental illness. It also offers a glimpse into Lady Danbury’s start among The Ton as well as Violet Bridgerton’s playful adolescence. Maintaining everything we love about the Bridgerton saga from steamy romances to the music’s classical twists on pop hits, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story will not disappoint. — Samantha Nungesser
‘I’m A Virgo’
Two words, and I cannot stress this enough: Giant. Baby. Boots Riley’s first venture into television was a good one! I’m A Virgo grapples with a 13-foot-tall Black man who struggles to assimilate into society after being shielded away from the world as a child. The absurdist comedy is a vivid, experimental burst of imagination that delivers strong commentary on capitalism and violence, while critiquing everybody’s favorite obsession: superheroes. The series is deliciously unapologetically and puts a great weight on its predominantly Black cast who are tasked with breaking down social justice issues that have been prevalent for ages, but are seemingly losing steam. Riley reminds us to open our eyes to our current world and what we’re becoming. — Raven Brunner
‘A Million Little Things’
The fifth and final season of the ABC drama definitely tugged at our heartstrings. The chemistry between each of the cast members was palpable and with each episode and obstacle they faced, their relationships become even more enriching to watch. James Roday-Rodriguez once again gave a stellar performance as Gary, who over the course of the show became the central figure of the intimate friend group the show circles around. Saying goodbye to Gary, Rome, Eddie, Regina, Maggie, Katherine, and the rest of the gang was tough, and the progressively more intricate storylines reminded viewers like myself of the “million little things” that friendship can be. — Alex Vena
‘Silo’
There was no particular reason to expect Apple TV+’s Silo would be as good as it is. Sure, it’s based on the beloved Wool novels by Hugh Howey about a society living inside a silo who don’t know how they got there, or how long they’ve been there; only that they can’t go outside. And it stars the always-reliable Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins, as well as David Oyelowo, Rashida Jones, Chinaza Uche, and Common. But there are plenty of post-apocalyptic sci-fi shows with an all-star cast that don’t work (and frankly, a fair amount of them seem to be on Apple TV+). But Silo works because it’s not afraid to take chances (check out those surprising narrative swerves in the first two episodes in particular), invest in some serious world-building, and never underestimates the speed at which the audience will figure out twists in order to stay, if not ahead, on pace with the viewers. Add in a wild ending, and you’ll be thankful that Apple TV+ walked up the chalkboard and wrote “SILO$” when showrunner Graham Yost’s crack team got greenlit for a Season 2. — Alex Zalben
‘Somebody Somewhere’
Somebody Somewhere‘s debut season was the feel-good watch of a feel-awful year, which makes Season 2’s triumph feel even more special. Instead of bringing the good vibes again, Somebody Somewhere dug deeper into each character’s inner life. Tricia struggled to find a new direction, the Miller sisters stood at odds with an increasingly lost mother, and the show even tested Sam and Joel’s instantly iconic friendship, giving us some of the most brutally honest scenes between Bridgett Everett and Jeff Hiller. But through all the strife, Somebody Somewhere still remained the most joyous, life-affirming comedy on TV. Now the question is, how the hell do you follow up a Season 2 like this one? — Brett White
‘Perry Mason’
Perry Mason’s sophomore season was the most radical level-up for a show in years. The HBO crime drama’s first season was solid stuff, full of gorgeous cinematography and gritty performances; but its second season was exquisitely groundbreaking. Now confident as a lawyer, but not comfortable with his sins, Perry (Matthew Rhys) is tasked with defending two Mexican-American laborers seemingly framed for the murder of a wealthy playboy. As Perry and partners Della Street (Juliet Rylance) and Paul Drake (Chris Chalk) delve deeper into the case, they realize all is not what it appears. Perry Mason Season 2 was simply phenomenal television and it’s a crime HBO pulled the plug on the series just as it was ascending to top-tier TV quality. — Meghan O’Keefe
‘Never Have I Ever’
Fans of “Crazy Devi’s” antics were initially upset to hear the show was entering its final season. But how it wrapped up left our hearts feeling warm and fuzzy, and most importantly, proud of our Sherman Oaks High star student. The final season, which took us through Devi’s senior year, navigated through the anxieties of crushes, stresses of college applications, and the ultimate difficulty of leaving home and embracing the future. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan keeps fans laughing while reminding us to keep our loved ones close and to never settle for less than what you deserve. — Alex Vena
‘I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson’
If you came away from the third season of I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson disappointed, I offer a humble suggestion: Watch it again. As always, the zany, off-beat sketches age like fine wine, and they only get better each time you revisit them. And, no, perhaps Season 3 wasn’t quite as iconic as the first two entries, but it did deliver gems such as “55 BURGERS!,” the zipline, and a pig in a Richard Nixon mask, as well as some choice guest stars including Tim Meadows, Will Forte, and the always-hilarious Patti Harrison. Once again, Robinson has given his audience a full season’s worth of totally unique, original laughs, and I, for one, am grateful. — Anna Menta
‘Party Down’
Gone too soon after just two seasons in 2010, Party Down was one of the (many, many, many) lucky shows to get a reboot this year. While we knew it wouldn’t be perfect without the captivating Lizzy Caplan to reprise her role as Casey, 2023’s Party Down was a treat nonetheless, with the charming addition of Tyrel Jackson Williams and callbacks to Season 1 like the P12A Symposium, which gave major California College Conservative Union Caucus vibes. And of course, a little star power from Jennifer Garner didn’t hurt. — Greta Bjornson
‘Vanderpump Rules’
Without a doubt, this season of Vanderpump Rules reinvigorated the reality TV genre. People who had never watched a second of Bravo’s stellar programming were talking about “Scandoval,” the name given to what ensued when chronically lame narcissist Tom Sandoval lit a match to his life by cheating on his girlfriend of almost a decade, America’s sweetheart Ariana Madix. What made it worse was that the other woman was their mutual bestie, washed-up beauty queen Raquel Leviss. Even if that cataclysmic event hadn’t occurred, this season still would have been full of juicy drama: the fallout from Katie Maloney’s and Tom Schwartz’s divorce; Lala Kent’s rebuilding her life after her horror show of an ex nearly destroyed her; and, and Scheana Shay’s triumphant wedding to Brock Davies. So raise your glasses high (as the Vanderpump Rules theme song commands) because these former SURvers will remain on our TV screens for years to come. — Karen Kemmerle
‘Ted Lasso’
The third (and final?) season of Ted Lasso didn’t quite capture the ineffable magic of the first two installments, but the Apple TV+ charmer still went out (maybe?) on top. From Nate’s redemption to the evolution of Jamie Tartt, the series once again delivered its signature warm-hug comedy with grace and precision. It’s the Lasso Way. Sorry, I mean it’s the Richmond Way. Now please give us that Jamie Tartt/Roy Kent BFF spinoff we never knew we always needed. — Josh Sorokach
‘Daisy Jones & The Six’
Daisy Jones & The Six gives us a backstage look at the chaotic creatives that make up ’70s rock band The Six. Based on Taylor Jenkin Reid’s best-selling novel, the Prime Video series uses a documentary/flashback style to illustrate how the lowly group rose to infamy when they joined forces with awe-inspiring musician Daisy Jones (Riley Keough). Daisy enhanced the band with star quality, powerful vocals, and meaningful lyrics; but not without the drama, as she falls for married lead singer Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin) throughout the process. Their intense chemistry becomes the thread that simultaneously holds the group together and threatens to unravel it all. Daisy Jones & The Six boasts infectious musical performances, sexy ’70s style, and an ending that sure didn’t “Let Me Down Easy”. — Emma Becker
‘Poker Face’
Who woulda thunk that a pandemic spent in quarantine rewatching old episodes of Columbo would lead to the funniest, sharpest, most unexpected hit of 2023? I guess Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne would think that since that’s exactly how Poker Face came to be. But don’t mistake Poker Face for a retread of a past hit. The show is a throwback for sure, from its episodic structure right down to its font choice. But it’s like Johnson and his team took all of the progress made in TV since Columbo ended its run, serialized storytelling and the increased diversity, and used 30 years of lessons learned to make the formula more fun than ever. Top it off with a dynamite, dynamic, career-best turn from the always unstoppable Natasha Lyonne, and it’s no mystery why Poker Face was such a blast. — Brett White
‘Beef’
Beef is the best Netflix original since the first season of Stranger Things. Creator and director Lee Sung Jin masterfully spun together the stories of two wildly different people: a wealthy businesswoman, played by Ali Wong, and a working-class immigrant, played by Steven Yeun, whose lives collide in a road-rage fueled incident. It’s both a quiet character study and a compelling thriller. You’ll be on the edge of your seat while contemplating the vast diversity of the Asian American experience. Plus, Wong and Yeun deliver some of their best-ever work, making you laugh and cry in spades. Beef is, without a doubt, must-watch TV. –Anna Menta
‘Abbott Elementary’
Hot looks, funny teachers, and memorable one-liners! For the second year in a row, Abbott Elementary has made it onto Decider’s Best Of… So Far list. It’s no surprise given the show’s comfortable venture into the mockumentary drama, coupled with its ability to tell fresh storylines showcasing its well-intentioned characters and important commentary. This season, the ABC comedy went full-speed at the battle between public and charter schools in a way that breaks down the longstanding duel so that even someone with the slightest knowledge on the subject could feel energized and involved. And that’s what makes the show such a standout. Not only does it bring forth unique and interesting characters, but it also feels like television that you can learn from, rather than be left with a mushy brain, anxiousness, or sadness. It also can’t go without saying that the latest season finally dipped its toe in its most exciting and popular relationship, which left fans craving more. — Raven Brunner
‘The Last Of Us’
If fans were worried about the HBO adaptation of the best-selling video game The Last Of Us, Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal’s stunning performances as Ellie and Joel likely put their nerves to rest. In this post-apocalyptic drama, Joel is a ruthless survivalist tasked with traveling across the country with a 14-year-old who could be the secret to humanity’s survival. The Last Of Us series drills directly into the moral conundrums at the center of the game’s story, forcing the viewer to contend with what is just and fair in a grim world like theirs. In addition to its stellar cast, the show is a masterclass in atmospheric tension and a refreshing return to practical effects. Who would have thought one of the best series of 2023 would be such a bleak one? — Radhamely De Leon
‘Shrinking’
On the surface, Shrinking is a comedy about therapy. When you look a little closer, you’ll find it’s so much more than that. Jimmy (Jason Segel) feels stuck in all aspects of his life following his wife’s death; things like being a good father to his teenage daughter Alice or a supportive best friend to Brian tend to fall to the wayside. When he finally decides to make a change, he goes rogue — instead of telling his patients what they want to hear, he’s blunt with them, pushing the boundaries of what a therapist can and can’t do — in the hopes that by helping them, he can also help himself. Shrinking has a top-notch ensemble, touching commentary on ongoing grief, and quippy dialogue that’s laugh-out-loud funny. But it also has Harrison Ford saying “raw dog,” Harrison Ford singing Sugar Ray, Harrison Ford on edibles, and Harrison Ford eating Fun Dip — all of that alone is enough to cement it as one of the year’s best so far. — Angela Tricarico
‘The Other Two’
Turns out The Other Two’s sharp critique of showbiz was a little too informed from personal experiences, as we learned after a particularly scathing expose from The Hollywood Reporter that not only revealed some behind-the-scenes drama, but also broke the news that one of TV’s smartest comedies would be ending with its third and current season. The Other Two began as a sleeper hit and became a comedy powerhouse, with cameos from Simu Liu, Kiernan Shipka and Lukas Gage in Season 3 (we should have known that Alessia Cara finale bit was only a sampling of what was to come). And while we’re sad to see the show go — and can’t really view it the same way after hearing showrunners Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider described as “destructive” — we’ll always love it for giving us one of the funniest musical numbers of the TV season and introducing us to down-on-their-luck anti-heroes Brooke and Cary. — Greta Bjornson
‘Dead Ringers’
Prime Video’s reimagining of David Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers is a triumph on every visceral level. Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz plays twins Elliott and Beverly Mantle, two doctors who are as brilliant and ambitious as they are devastatingly co-dependent. When the two achieve their dream of opening a birthing center, the cracks in their relationship aren’t just exposed; they explode. Dead Ringers is a monumental work of art that examines gender, motherhood, classism, and the very meaning of self. It is a triumph. — Meghan O’Keefe
‘Barry’
Perhaps slightly lost amid the slew of high-profile TV finales this past half-year, Bill Hader’s Barry ended in devastating style with its final season. Expertly directed by Hader, it brought the story of his titular hitman turned actor turned jailbird to a close in a surprising and controversial way (though has a finale ever pleased everyone?), from the engrossing visuals to the razor-sharp Hollywood satire — I will never forget Sian Heder’s pained expression directing a generic superhero movie — Barry went out on top. Anthony Carrigan’s iconic Noho Hank, Stephen Root’s transformed Fuches, Henry Winkler’s pathetically devastating Gene, and Sarah Goldberg’s Sally, the only character to truly make it out (mostly) okay — as well as Hader’s sad clown Barry, will live on in TV history. — Alex Zalben
‘Succession’
The final season of Succession cemented the HBO series as an all-time great. The propulsive nature of the final 10 episodes had viewers reexperiencing the bygone joy of “appointment viewing,” delivering a bevy of buzzy “water cooler” moments (the vicious exchange of invective between Shiv and Tom from “Tailgate Party” comes to mind) that dominated Monday morning chitchat. Season 4 continuously topped itself by gifting us with a number of episodes (“Connor’s Wedding” and, well, basically the entire second half of the season) that will live forever in the form of various “best of” lists. Some shows end with a whimper, but Succession concluded with a defiant roar. — Josh Sorokach
‘The Bear’
Chris Storer’s critically acclaimed dramedy The Bear is the show of the summer for two years straight. Season 2 of the sizzling FX series features 10 tasty episodes that challenge Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and our other favorite Season 1 chefs to renovate their restaurant while pursuing personal growth. By taking us out of the kitchen and shining the spotlight on a fiercely talented ensemble cast, The Bear introduces new sources of stress, serves up jaw-dropping cameos, and delivers yet another standout episode that will stay with you long after the end credits roll. Through intimate storylines, palpable tension, pacing that varies from meditative to frantic, and powerful performances, The Bear’s profound sophomore season brings you on an emotional roller coaster and leaves you hungry for more. — Nicole Gallucci
‘Jury Duty’
Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky’s innovative docu-style series Jury Duty snuck up on us in the best possible way. A meticulously-planned fake case and a courtroom full of actors — including James Marsden, tasked with playing an asshole version of James Marsden — successfully convinced one unsuspecting man, Ronald Gladden, that he was serving on America’s most chaotic jury. But as the epic prank show filmed over the course of 17 days, Gladden surprised cast, crew, and viewers alike by becoming the wholesome real-life hero we didn’t know we needed. Free from the malice of typical reality TV hoaxes without sacrificing an iota of humor or unpredictability, the playful, clever, lightning-in-a-bottle series understandably took over TikTok and captured hearts, bringing viewers to tears with an emotional finale and making them cackle again with hilarious cast commentary episodes. Amazon Freevee hit the jackpot with Jury Duty, the most ambitious, masterfully orchestrated, original series of the year (so far). — Nicole Gallucci
