The 25 best TV shows of 2023: cos.lv/Ajme50QfyKk
25. Blue Eye Samurai One of the year’s best surprises, this exceptionally graphic (in terms of both sex and violence) series also delivered some of 2023’s most beautiful animated sequences. Set in Edo period Japan, Blue Eye Samurai depicts a time when the presence of white people was outlawed, meaning that someone like the titular mixed-race Samurai was considered an abomination. That’s a big factor in their quest for vengeance which runs throughout the series, resulting in a lot of dismemberment and death, sometimes accompanied by an anachronistic but otherwise very appropriate hard rock soundtrack. Also worthy of note is the voice cast, with Ming-Na Wen getting to show her steel as a ruthless madam and an unexpected villain turn from Randall Park. See our full list of the 25 best TV shows of 2023: cos.lv/hgWo50QjIHe
24. Daisy Jones and the Six It was always going to be a tall order adapting Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel, especially considering the book’s emphasis on inexpressible emotion, Rumours-esque conflict, and original songs beloved in an alternate version of the ’70s. Still, Daisy Jones and the Six’s creators managed to physicalize the fictional band’s heyday in an inspired fashion. The relationship arcs between bandmates are more developed and dynamic, and the show’s breakout performer, Camilla Morrone, absolutely nails a meaty, comprehensive role. Oh, and the original songs are a true delight — one listen to Aurora and you’ll be transported straight to the Pacific Coast Highway in 1978. See our full list of the 25 best TV shows of 2023: cos.lv/hgWo50QjIHe
23. What We Do in the Shadows (Season 5) FX’s vampire comedy continues to bite with both fangs in its fifth season. Guillermo’s wish to become a vampire finally comes true — sort of — and the fallout from that half-committed decision creates new wrinkles in the vampire residence’s fragile social fabric. While the show occasionally coasts on its pitch-perfect cast (who have never been better), this season had heaps of highlights, from Colin Robinson running for local office to Laszlo’s ongoing science experiments. Sometimes, it’s okay for a show to just hang out for a bit, especially when its essential ingredients deliver so very consistently. See our full list of the 25 best TV shows of 2023: cos.lv/hgWo50QjIHe
22. History of the World, Part II There’s no better sign of how revered Mel Brooks is than his 1981 film History of the World, Part I getting an eight-episode sequel series, packed with what feels like every notable comedy actor working today. Not every sketch is a laugh-out-loud banger, but there are also no shortage of standouts, from the Jesus-centric parody of The Beatles: Get Back to (a terrified) Zahn McClarnon’s stand-up routine: “You might be a colonizer!” Even if we never get a Part III, we’ll always have Part II as a loving tribute to one of comedy’s most iconic voices. See our full list of the 25 best TV shows of 2023: cos.lv/hgWo50QjIHe
21. Welcome to Wrexham (Season 2) Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney knew they were taking a big risk by buying Wrexham, but it certainly appears to be paying off: After 15 years in the fifth tier of English football and a record-breaking, mind-blowing rivalry with Notts County this season, Wrexham AFC finally gained promotion out of the National League. The euphoric finale of Welcome to Wrexham is definitely satisfying, but the journey to get there is equally rich — not only are we given a great first look at Wrexham’s women’s team, we’re taken deep into the lives of these footballers, supporters, and the people that keep this club running. There isn’t another show quite like Wrexham right now, and its novelty is rewarding. See our full list of the 25 best TV shows of 2023: cos.lv/hgWo50QjIHe