My Top 11 Series From 2023
So I’ve seen over 100 live-action series in the year 2023. This is a list of titles I enjoyed the most through the year and gave them a rating of four stars or more (out of 5). They are in no particular order, but the 4.5/5 stars are listed first, followed by the 4-star titles. If your favorite show didn’t make it to my list, I probably am yet to see it!
Click on the images for full reviews.
1. The Fall of the House of Usher – Horror/Thriller.
Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s famous gothic short story, the eight-episode limited series created by Mike Flanagan follows the downfall of a wealthy billionaire family, with each of their members dying a brutal death, one by one.
What I loved about it – This has all the horror elements you expect from a horror classic and more! Flanagan and team set the story in the 2020s, and yet make all the supernatural happenings very relevant to the present. It’s not like other modern horror tales, where even if the story is set in the times of advanced technology, the creators put the characters in an isolated place to make it scary.
Where to stream – Netflix
The Fall of the House of Usher Review – Ode to Poe
2. Beef – Black Comedy
Directed by Lee Sung Jin, the series follows the rivalry between the two Asian-Americans who lock horns in a road-rage incident and let the event consume their lives.
What I loved about it – The unhinged anger and frustrations portrayed by its lead characters is far too relatable for anybody who has ever said or done things they regretted. That should cover a lot of people!
Where to stream: Netflix
Beef Review – Deliciously Deranged!
3. Eighth Sense – College Romance
Directed by Werner du Plessis and Inu Baek, the ten-episode series follows Jae Won after he returns to his Seoul campus after completing his mandatory military service and begins to fall for a freshman.
What I loved about it – In a year that saw a deluge of gay Asian romances, most of which were filled with done to death tropes, “Eighth Sense” stood out due to its cinematography, music and protagonists who are honest about their feelings.
Where to stream: Viki
The Eighth Sense – Surfs Through Love, Trauma & Campus Conflicts
4. Heartstopper Season 2 – High School Romance
Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, “Heartstopper” follows the love story of rugby lad Nick with his shy classmate Charlie.
What I loved about it – Almost everything about this show is too cute and sweet! In a time where most teen shows are about sex, drugs, betrayal and violence, “Heartstopper” focuses on the joys of first love.
Where to stream: Netflix
Heartstopper Season 2 – Brings Back Butterflies!
5. Gen V – Action/Superheroes
Set in the same universe as “The Boys”, this show follows the blood-laden adventures of a new generation of super-heroes who are yet to learn the ways of the world.
What I loved about it – It’s weird to list “Gen V” after “Heartstopper”, but ahem, while I love fluffy-cute romances, I also love blood, gore, and violence. And “Gen V” has lots of it!
Where to stream: Prime Video
Gen V Season One Review – A Bloody Good Mess
6. Kaala Paani – Dystopian drama/thriller
Directed by Sameer Saxena and Amit Golani, “Kaala Paani” spans seven episodes and follows the spread of a mysterious deadly disease on the Andaman islands in India.
What I loved about it – This is a rare Indian title that’s focused on a epidemic and unfolds like a post-apocalyptic tale of death, desperation, and survival. It’s atmospheric, with a gritty pace and morally grey characters.
Where to stream: Netflix
Kaala Paani Review – Dystopian Getaway
7. One Piece Season One – Action Fantasy
Monkey D. Luffy wants to become king of the pirates! And he goes on a wild adventure to find a crew who will fight for his dreams.
What I loved about it – I haven’t read the manga or seen the anime, so as far as a fantasy series goes, this was a super-fun live-action series filled with larger-than-life characters. The loyal friendships between the characters stood out best.
Where to stream: Netflix
One Piece Episode 1, 2 Review
8. Class of 07 – Survival comedy
Directed by Kacie Anning, the eight episode show follows a group of former classmates who are stranded in their school after a reunion party. And it might just be the end of the world.
What I loved about it – This was like “Lord of the Flies” (a classic still!), but with grown-up bitchy women, most of whom don’t even like each other. It’s hilarious.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Class of ’07 – Lord of Flies’ Fun-Farcical Version
9. Trial By Fire – Drama based on real incidents
Created by Kevin Luperchio and Prashant Nair, ‘Trial by Fire’ follows a couple fighting for justice for their two kids who perished in the 1997 Uphaar cinema blaze.
What I loved about it – The cast is fantastic and the story astutely exposes a flawed system that is rigged in favor of the rich.
Where to stream: Netflix
‘Trial by Fire’ Review – Fiery No-Frills Series
10. My School President – High-School Romance/Musical
Directed by Au Kornprom Niyomsil, this Thai romance follows a nerdy school president’s efforts to woo his crush – the lead singer of his school’s music club.
What I loved about it – This series is consistently sweet, silly, cheesy and comedic, and has a bubbly soundtrack. And all the cheesiness works well since the protagonists are high-school students.
Where to stream: YouTube
‘My School President’ Review – Wholesome!
11. Scoop – Drama/Thriller based on real incidents
Created by Hansal Mehta, the six-episode limited series follows the trials of an ambitious crime reporter who is falsely accused of having links to the underworld.
What I loved about it – It’s almost pitch-perfect in pace. And despite it’s primary focus of a headline hungry reporter who gets caught up in the web of Mumbai’s mafia, the series doesn’t succumb to usual Bollywood theatrics or sensationalism.
Where to stream: Netflix
Scoop Review – Karishma Tanna’s Go-Getter Act Is A Winner
