Lara Rosales’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2023

2023 was a different year as the industry came together for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. While writers and actors fought for better contracts, as a viewer, I continued to enjoy their work and their talent on different shows that accompanied me through my pregnancy and maternity leave.

Dramas continue to take the lead on my list of favorites, but a cast of teachers and a group of football (or soccer) players made me laugh so much that they are worthy of a mention.

Narrowing down the best shows of the year to only ten is not an easy task, but in order to do so, I thought about TV shows that have been in my life for many years as well as the TV shows that, with only two seasons, have become particularly memorable.

In no particular order, here are my top TV shows of 2023.

1. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a record-breaking TV show that can always be found playing on TV no matter the day or the time. There will always be an episode on to remind us why the show has been a fan-favorite for so long.

For the last few years, it has felt as if the squad room of Manhattan SVU has a revolving door. Detectives come and go, not always allowing us to fall in love with them or even begin to get to know them.

However, what makes Law & Order: Special Victims Unit what it is, is Olivia Benson. She is the consistent heart and soul of the show that keeps us coming back for more.

2. Chicago P.D.

In 2023, fans of Chicago P.D. can say the show completely belonged to Kim Burgess. Not only did she grow as a cop, she also grew as a person and a mom.

The show gave us a glimpse of what it is like for a cop like Kim to deal with PTSD, being a mom, and being in love. Her storyline was an amazing display of the writers room’s talent.

Characters like Burgess are the ones that prove why Chicago P.D. has been around for over a decade and why fans love the Intelligence Unit so much.

3. Succession

When Succession started, it didn’t seem to be the kind of show that a multitude of people fell in love with and turned to social media to discuss week after week. But that’s exactly what happened by the time the show ended in 2023.

Succession Season 4 was a roller coaster of emotions that killed characters, put an end to the Roy dynasty, and gave Tom Wambsgans the power he always wanted.

Even though it is sad to watch a show end, it makes viewers happy when the ending is perfect, and no other alternative would fit. Succession definitely went out on a high.

4. Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary Season 2 was the perfect amount of episodes we needed to fall even more in love with the teachers at Abbott. It gave us a glimpse into who they are and what their lives are like outside the school.

Whether you are invested in the romance between Gregory and Janine or love to see the work wives (Barbara and Melissa) shenanigans, there is a bit of everything for everyone.

There’s always pressure on comedies to deliver the same kind of humor or more, and Abbott Elementary absolutely delivered, proving why they had won so many awards and the following of hundreds of viewers.

5. 9-1-1

When watching a show, most people have their favorite character — the one they tune in for. In the case of 9-1-1, for me it’s all about Athena Grant.

Season after season, Athena has proven to be a resilient and strong woman. She excels in her career, being one of the best cops on TV, while being in a loving marriage and raising her two children.

Every single character on 9-1-1 helps bring the storylines together, but the show wouldn’t be the same without Athena Grant.

6. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

I stumbled upon The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by accident, without knowing much about the show, the story, or the characters. It was a great accident.

Having shows that advocate for victims of domestic abuse and sexual harassment is extremely important. With each episode, the show helped give a voice to stories that are commonly shoved to the side and hidden.

These stories all come together with the flowers and what they each mean, giving a different perspective on pain and how to overcome the worst moments of one’s life.

7. The Last of Us

Sci-fi isn’t always my cup of tea, but The Last of Us is definitely the show that changed my mind. With Pedro Pascal’s great acting and Joel and Ellie’s journey, the show kept me captivated for an entire season.

Even though the show is based on a video game, a casual viewer without knowledge of the game can still enjoy the show. Every character is complex and well-rounded, making the storyline richer.

The bond between Joel and Ellie, their different pasts, and the journey they are on are what gives life to the show and what will have us tuning in for the next season.

8. The Gilded Age

One fear fans have when falling for a show is that the following season won’t be as good as the first. The Gilded Age Season 2 puts those fears to rest.

Even though there are many characters and several storylines, Mrs. Russell and Agnes Van Rhijn are the essence of the show. With their hunger for power and their sarcasm, they keep viewers on their toes week after week.

It is characters like them that remind us what good television is. The Gilded Age would absolutely not be the same without them.

9. Our Flag Means Death

LGBTQ+ representation is always needed but rarely delivered in a manner that makes the community feel seen and proud. Our Flag Means Death has consistently delivered what we were looking for.

Our Flag Means Death Season 2 showed us what queer love is and how it goes beyond a romantic relationship. It’s about companionship and finding others who are just like you and understand your journey.

The way in which these pirates created their own family and have each other’s back is the kind of representation that should be highlighted and rewarded for making such a large community visible.

10. Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso will always be remembered as the show that brought joy to people during the pandemic. It is the kind of show that brought hope and happiness to audiences around the world.

Ted Lasso Season 3 may not be everyone’s favorite season, but it must be remembered by yet another season that allowed Hannah Waddingham to showcase her talent. Rebecca Welton’s ending may be controversial, but Waddingham never stopped delivering a masterclass in acting.

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a show we love and the characters we fell for. Saying goodbye to Ted and everyone at Richmond wasn’t easy, but we will always remember them for the joy and the laughter they brought us.

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What were your favorite TV shows this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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