Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2023 (So Far)

Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2023 So Far

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2023.

For this list, we’ll be looking at shows that have wrapped up their seasons prior to the end of June 2023. We’re leaving off animated shows like “Unicorn: Warriors Eternal.”

What’s your favorite show of 2023 so far? Let us know in the comments.

#10: “Abbott Elementary” - Season 2

Airing the season’s final 12 episodes earlier this year, “Abbott Elementary” didn’t suffer a sophomore slump. Every member of this fine-tuned ensemble continues to bring their A-game with creator Quinta Brunson at the head of the class. Like the best workplace sitcoms, the writing derives relatable comedy from its setting. At the same time, the show has ventured beyond the classroom, which is where Janine and Gregory have come the closest to becoming more than work friends or just friends. Just as public schools can rise above charter schools, “Abbott Elementary” proves that network shows aren’t dead in the streaming era. Savor these episodes, though, because with the WGA strike underway, we’ll likely have to wait longer than usual to reunite with our favorite teachers.

#9: “Star Trek: Picard” - Season 3

Fans often say that “Star Trek: The Next Generation” had two rocky seasons before finding its voice in Season 3. You could argue that history repeated itself with “Picard,” but this series perhaps had an even more impressive turnaround. Season 1 was mixed at best and Season 2 might be the most hated entity in all of “Star Trek.” Season 3 is something of a miracle, delivering a farewell worthy of Jean-Luc Picard’s legacy. Not just Picard, but the rest of the “Next Generation” crew as well. With the return of several fan favorites, Season 3 was touching, rousing, and nostalgic in all the right ways. Starting weak but ending strong, we guess you could call this the bizarro “Star Wars” Sequel Trilogy.

#8: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” - Season 5

Like any respectable comedian, Midge Maisel knows when to take a bow while simultaneously leaving the audience applauding for more. With its last batch of episodes, Amy Sherman-Palladino’s creation delivers its strongest set since Season 1. Akin to another final season on this list, “Mrs. Maisel” makes impeccable use of a flashforward structure exploring Midge’s life after her big break. While much of the show still takes place in the 60s, the real meat of the story is in the future where Midge and Susie’s friendship is on the rocks. Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein somehow manage to outdo themselves with two comedic powerhouse performances for the ages. The punchline is the most essential part of any joke, and “Maisel” thankfully nails it.

#7: “Shrinking” - Season 1

Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein of “Ted Lasso” team with Jason Segel for another Apple TV+ series that’s surprisingly therapeutic. We suppose not that surprising, as “Shrinking” is about therapy. Sometimes, even therapists need therapy, as Segel’s Jimmy deals with the loss of his wife and a strained relationship with his daughter. This encourages Jimmy to get directly involved in the lives of his patients, delivering brutally honest advice with mixed results. Even when Jimmy’s actions backfire, “Shrinking” always delivers the proper dosage of comedy and pathos. The supporting cast ranges from breakout talents like Jessica Williams to seasoned vets like Harrison Ford, who reminds us what an underappreciated comedic talent he is. From the first episode onward, “Shrinking” just keeps growing on you.

#6: “Poker Face” - Season 1

In the spirit of “Columbo,” “Poker Face” isn’t a whodunit, but rather a “howcatchem.” Virtually every episode commences revealing how a murderer committed the crime with the suspense revolving around how Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie will bring them to justice. Where Columbo had a badge, Charlie is on the run and just can’t seem to maintain a low profile. While the show follows a formula, creator Rian Johnson keeps every episode fresh with a revolving door of A-list guest stars, unique settings, and rewarding twists. Lyonne is the glue that holds “Poker Face” together, crafting an instantly iconic TV gumshoe who places alongside Columbo, Jessica Fletcher, and Sherlock Holmes. We’d dare even say that Benoit Blanc may have competition as Johnson’s sharpest sleuth.

#5: “Yellowjackets” - Season 2

When the Yellowjackets soccer team crash-landed in Season 1, we knew that they’d have to take extreme survival measures. In Season 2, the characters finally sink their teeth into the unthinkable. The present-day events are equally engaging with the grown Yellowjackets confronting sins of the past, as well as newly committed ones. Just when you thought this vast ensemble couldn’t get more impressive, Elijah Wood pops up as a stranger who keeps us guessing. Likewise, Season 2 leaves you constantly wondering whether this show should be categorized as supernatural, phycological, or a mix of both. We’re not sure where the story is going, but we’re in it for the long winter. If you’re not caught up, see why it’s the buzziest mystery currently on TV.

#4: “Beef” - Season 1

It all starts with a bit of road rage. We won’t tell you how “Beef” ends, but to say that things escalate quickly would be an understatement. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong play two deeply flawed human beings who can’t let a little thing go, allowing it to snowball into a big thing. Although they come from different classes, both characters are losing control of their lives. By getting the last word, both feel that they regain some of that control. As matters continue to spiral, though, control emerges as an illusion and petty vengeance is all that remains. It’s unclear what the future holds for “Beef,” but if creator Lee Sung Jin keeps this tragicomedy self-contained, we’d be more than satisfied.

#3: “Barry” - Season 4

After last season’s cliffhanger, “Barry” set us up for a bleak final curtain. Throughout the series, we’ve watched Barry take on numerous roles: a soldier, an assassin, an actor. In his last act, Barry dives into another role as he pursues a new life. No matter what mask Barry dons, though, he can’t escape what he is. The same can be said about the other characters. Gene can’t escape his thirst for the spotlight, Hank can’t escape the violence that surrounds him, and Sally can’t escape the cruel twists that life keeps throwing her way. As tragic as all of these people are, “Barry” remains rooted in comedy, showing how both genres can be different sides of the same mask.

#2: “The Last of Us” - Season 1

This HBO series is based on one of the most compelling stories in video games. Being such a cinematic game, we were skeptical if a series could truly bring anything new to the equation. Fortunately, “The Last of Us” is a high point in what’s been easily the best year ever for video game adaptations. The show does justice to the game’s most iconic moments with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey turning in pitch-perfect performances as Joel and Ellie, respectively. The showrunners also expand upon the source material with more time dedicated to supporting characters like Bill and Frank. Can we just give Nick Offerman the Emmy already? It’s a rare adaptation that manages to be faithful while standing on its own.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Schmigadoon!” - Season 2
Out with the Rodgers & Hammerstein, In with the Fosse & Sondheim

“Party Down” - Season 3
Party Like It’s 2009

“Ted Lasso” - Season 3
We Still Believe

“Daisy Jones & the Six”
The Band Is Fictional, But The Characters Feel So Real

“The Other Two” - Season 3
It’s the Most Underrated Comedy on TV

#1: “Succession” - Season 4

We’d like to apologize to every other drama that’s aired in the past year because chances are you’re going to have to watch the “Succession” cast and crew pick up most of the Emmys. Can anyone blame the TV Academy? This is bound to go down as one of the finest final seasons of all time. Greed has always been at the forefront of “Succession,” but Season 4 is just as much about grief. In case you’ve somehow avoided spoilers, let’s just say that the season throws a curveball early on. This twist brings out the most humanity we’ve ever seen in each member of the Roy family. At the end of the day, though, are humanity and family destined to live in capitalism’s shadow?