From eerie Cronenberg adaptations to thrilling Cold War spy dramas, 2023 delivered an abundance of fantastic television. Dive into these shows and binge-watch them all.
Even if you think we’ve moved from Peak TV to Trough TV, where the number of shows released in a year is overwhelming, don’t worry; you’re not alone. With the multitude of shows on major networks, cable channels, and streaming services, it’s easy to miss out on your next binge-watch. But fear not! We’ve got you covered. Check out our recommendations for the best TV shows you might have missed in 2023.
Table of Contents
1. A Spy Among Friends
Lewis is surprised to discover that his close friend and co-worker, Kim Philby (played by Guy Pearce), has been undercover for the KGB for three decades. As Philby defects to the Soviet Union, suspicion arises regarding how much Elliott may have been aware of. The responsibility falls on Elliott to extract a confession from Philby, uncovering the extent of his collaboration with Russian counterparts. Lewis and Pearce deliver compelling performances in this intelligent espionage thriller, adapted from Ben Macintyre’s 2014 book that chronicles the true story of these two individuals.
2. The Big Door Prize
FUnderstanding your life’s purpose is one thing, but having your destiny dictated to you is another. The quiet town of Deerfield experiences a sudden stir when a mysterious “Morpho” box appears in the local general store, claiming to unveil the true destinies of its residents. Amidst the chaos of people reshaping their lives based on Morpho’s predictions, Dusty Hubbard (played by Chris O’Dowd), a local school teacher, remains the seemingly last sane person resisting the machine’s influence. O’Dowd, true to form, delivers an outstanding performance in this delightful series that seamlessly transitions between laughter and profound contemplation about one’s potential. Apple TV+ has greenlit a second season, expected to grace screens in mid-2024.
3. Class of ’07
After enduring public humiliation on a TV dating show, Zoe Miller (played by Emily Browning) opts to disconnect from the world for several months. However, a peculiar weather occurrence prompts her to seek refuge, leading her back to her old high school, where she unexpectedly stumbles upon her 10-year reunion in full swing. As a catastrophic weather event isolates Zoe and her classmates, they must navigate survival while confronting the insecurities and petty conflicts they believed were left in the past. Set in Australia, the apocalyptic comedy “Class of ’07” (not to be confused with “Class of ’09”) offers a richly layered narrative, making it the perfect choice for those moments when you’re feeling nostalgic.
4. Dead Ringers
While David Cronenberg’s eerie body-horror classic may not have required an update, the gender-swapped miniseries brought a fresh perspective that was widely appreciated. Rachel Weisz, a powerhouse, takes on the dual role of Beverly and Elliot Mantle, twin gynecologists determined to revolutionize childbirth, disregarding medical ethics in the process. Weisz delivers a captivating performance, showcasing her mastery at portraying characters who are utterly unhinged and clearly relishing every moment of it. Behind the camera, the miniseries benefits from the direction of indie auteurs such as Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Karyn Kusama (Jennifer’s Body).
5. Deadloch
As the winter “feastival” descends upon the tranquil town of Deadloch on Australia’s Tasmanian coast, the festivities take an unexpected turn when a man’s lifeless body is discovered on the beach. To swiftly uncover the identity of the killer, two detectives with vastly different approaches to their work must forge an unlikely partnership. Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins (played by Kate Box), a by-the-book investigator, joins forces with the unpredictable Senior Investigator Eddie Redcliffe (portrayed by Madeleine Sami). Together, they navigate the complexities of the case, further complicated by the comedic contributions of junior constable Abby (Nina Oyama) and the notably laid-back Sven (Tom Ballard). In this blend of confusion and humor, the team must collaborate to solve the mystery at hand.
6. Drops of God
Camille Léger (played by Fleur Geffrier) hasn’t seen her father, a renowned wine expert and the creator of the Léger Wine Guide, since childhood. However, when news of his passing reaches her, she is suddenly whisked away to Tokyo for the reading of his will. Despite their strained relationship, Camille is taken aback to discover that, along with a wine collection worth over $100 million, she must compete against Issei Tomine (Tomohisa Yamashita), her father’s protege, to secure the inheritance. The series is visually striking, skillfully balancing moments of humor with genuine emotions of sadness and anger. Ultimately, it serves up a satisfying blend of emotions in this captivating series.
7. The Gold
Dubbed the “crime of the century,” on November 26, 1983, a group of six men executed a daring heist at the Brink’s-Mat warehouse near Heathrow Airport. In an unexpected twist, they stumbled upon £26 million worth of gold bullion, equivalent to over $130 million today. This remains one of England’s largest robberies, and a significant portion of the stolen gold remains unrecovered. On the 40th anniversary of this audacious theft, a six-episode series unfolds the events, with Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey portraying DCI Brian Boyce, the detective assigned to unravel the crime, which, to this day, remains unsolved. Reflecting the intrigue surrounding the historical event, the BBC has greenlit a second season of the series.
8. Silo
While technically labeled a science-fiction series, Silo unfolds more like a murder mystery set in a dystopian future. In a colossal underground bunker spanning hundreds of stories, around 10,000 people navigate their daily lives, sheltered from the toxic world outside. They believe this carefully constructed community is for their own protection. However, when a resident begins to challenge the Silo’s numerous rules, he meets an untimely demise. Juliette (played by Rebecca Ferguson), an engineer, becomes convinced that it was murder and initiates an investigation, only to unearth shocking revelations about the lives of the Silo’s inhabitants.