Top 100 TV Shows Of 2023: The Ultimate Watchlist

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the absolute best TV that 2023 had to offer? We've compiled a list of the top 100 shows that you need to add to your watchlist. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies and mind-bending sci-fi, there's something here for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get started!

Why This List Matters

You might be wondering, "Why should I care about another top 100 list?" Well, this isn't just any list. We've meticulously curated these shows based on a combination of critical acclaim, audience reception, cultural impact, and, let's be honest, pure binge-worthiness. In a world overflowing with content, finding the real gems can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This list is your shortcut to discovering series that are actually worth your time.

We've taken into account various genres and streaming platforms to ensure a diverse selection. Whether you're a fan of prestige dramas on HBO, quirky comedies on Netflix, or groundbreaking sci-fi on Amazon Prime, you'll find plenty to love here. Plus, we've included a mix of brand-new shows and returning seasons that reached new heights in 2023. Think of this as your personal guide to navigating the ever-expanding TV landscape.

Moreover, this list isn't just about telling you what to watch; it's about sparking conversations. We want to encourage you to explore different genres, engage with compelling stories, and connect with characters that resonate with you. TV has the power to entertain, educate, and inspire, and we believe that these 100 shows represent the very best of what the medium has to offer. So, without further ado, let's jump into the countdown!

The Countdown: 100-81

Alright, let's kick things off with entries 100 through 81. These shows might not be topping every chart, but they're all solid contenders that deserve a spot on your radar.

100. "Shrinking" (Apple TV+): A therapist starts to tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Hilarity and heartfelt moments ensue.
101. "The Consultant" (Amazon Prime Video): A darkly comedic thriller about a consultant who takes over a gaming company with sinister intentions.
102. "Poker Face" (Peacock): Natasha Lyonne stars as a human lie detector solving crimes in this fun, episodic mystery series.
103. "Platonic" (Apple TV+): Old friends reconnect and navigate midlife crises together. Starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen.
104. "High Desert" (Apple TV+): A woman with an addiction decides to become a private investigator.
105. "The Power" (Amazon Prime Video): Teenage girls suddenly develop the power to electrocute people. A fascinating exploration of gender and power dynamics.
106. "Mrs. Davis" (Peacock): A nun goes on a quest to destroy a powerful artificial intelligence.
107. "Lucky Hank" (AMC): A college professor goes through a midlife crisis.
108. "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO): A woman returns to her hometown and finds connection and belonging in unexpected places.
109. "The Other Black Girl" (Hulu): Based on the acclaimed novel, this series explores the microaggressions and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace.
110. "Rap Sh!t" (HBO Max): Two estranged high school friends from Miami reunite to form a rap group.
111. "Survival of the Thickest" (Netflix): A plus-size Black woman navigates life, love, and career in New York City.
112. "Primo" (Amazon Freevee): A heartwarming comedy about a teenager growing up in a large, loving Mexican-American family in San Antonio.
113. "I'm a Virgo" (Amazon Prime Video): A coming-of-age story about a 13-foot-tall young Black man navigating the world.
114. "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off" (Netflix): An animated series based on the graphic novels, with the original cast returning.
115. "Beef" (Netflix): A road rage incident spirals into an all-consuming feud between two strangers.
116. "Rain Dogs" (HBO): A dark comedy about a single mother and her daughter struggling to survive in London.
117. "A Small Light" (National Geographic): The true story of Miep Gies, who helped hide Anne Frank and her family during World War II.
118. "The Diplomat" (Netflix): A career diplomat lands a high-profile job she's not suited for amidst an international crisis.
119. "Drops of God" (Apple TV+): A French woman and a Japanese man compete to inherit the world's greatest wine collection.

The Rise: 80-61

As we climb higher, the shows get even better. Get ready for some serious binge-watching material!

80. "Hijack" (Apple TV+): A thriller that unfolds in real-time, as a plane is hijacked during a flight from Dubai to London.
81. "Based on a True Story" (Peacock): A dark comedy about a couple who start a true crime podcast.
82. "Reservation Dogs" (FX on Hulu): A group of Indigenous teenagers in Oklahoma commit crimes and try to find a way to leave their hometown.
83. "What We Do in the Shadows" (FX): A hilarious mockumentary about a group of vampire roommates living in Staten Island.
84. "You" (Netflix): Joe Goldberg returns with his creepy stalker tendencies.
85. "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (Amazon Prime Video): Midge Maisel continues her stand-up comedy career.
86. "Ted Lasso" (Apple TV+): The feel-good comedy about an American football coach leading an English soccer team.
87. "The Morning Show" (Apple TV+): Drama behind the scenes of a morning news show.
88. "Succession" (HBO): The Roy family battles for control of their media empire. A must-watch for drama lovers.
89. "Barry" (HBO): A hitman tries to become an actor.
90. "Abbott Elementary" (ABC): A hilarious and heartwarming mockumentary about teachers at an underfunded elementary school.
91. "Ghosts" (CBS): A young couple inherits a haunted house.
92. "Our Flag Means Death" (HBO Max): A comedy about a wealthy landowner who becomes a pirate.
93. "Sex Education" (Netflix): A British comedy-drama about teenagers exploring their sexuality.
94. "Never Have I Ever" (Netflix): A coming-of-age story about an Indian-American teenager.
95. "The Bear" (FX on Hulu): A chef returns to his hometown to run his family's sandwich shop.
96. "Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu): Three true crime enthusiasts start a podcast while investigating a murder in their apartment building.
97. "Wednesday" (Netflix): Wednesday Addams attends Nevermore Academy.
98. "Yellowjackets" (Showtime): A group of high school soccer players survive a plane crash in the wilderness.
99. "The Peripheral" (Amazon Prime Video): A young woman discovers a connection to an alternate reality.
100. "Severance" (Apple TV+): Employees undergo a procedure that separates their work and personal lives.

The Elite: 60-41

We're getting closer to the top! These shows are truly exceptional and have captivated audiences worldwide.

60. "Foundation" (Apple TV+): A sprawling sci-fi epic based on Isaac Asimov's novels.
61. "Andor" (Disney+): A Star Wars prequel series about Cassian Andor.
62. "House of the Dragon" (HBO): A prequel to "Game of Thrones," set 200 years before the original series.
63. "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" (Amazon Prime Video): A prequel to "The Lord of the Rings," set thousands of years before the events of the films.
64. "Slow Horses" (Apple TV+): A group of MI5 agents who have made career-ending mistakes work in a dumping ground department.
65. "Bad Sisters" (Apple TV+): A group of sisters plot to kill their abusive brother-in-law.
66. "Happy Valley" (BBC): A police sergeant investigates a kidnapping in a small town.
67. "Blue Lights" (BBC): Three rookie police officers navigate the challenges of policing in Belfast.
68. "The Last of Us" (HBO): A smuggler escorts a teenage girl across a post-apocalyptic United States.
69. "Shadow and Bone" (Netflix): A young woman discovers she has magical powers and is drawn into a world of intrigue and danger.
70. "Perry Mason" (HBO): A reimagining of the classic legal drama, set in 1930s Los Angeles.
71. "Bosch: Legacy" (Amazon Freevee): Harry Bosch continues his career as a private investigator.
72. "Breeders" (FX): A British comedy about the challenges of parenting.
73. "Trying" (Apple TV+): A British comedy about a couple trying to adopt a child.
74. "Extraordinary" (Hulu): In a world where everyone develops superpowers, a young woman struggles to find her own.
75. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" (Paramount+): A prequel to "Star Trek: The Original Series," following the crew of the USS Enterprise.
76. "Yellowstone" (Paramount Network): A family of ranchers fights to protect their land in Montana.
77. "1923" (Paramount+): A prequel to "Yellowstone," set in the 1920s.
78. "Tulsa King" (Paramount+): A New York mobster is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
79. "The Crown" (Netflix): The later seasons of the british monarchy and the problems between them.
80. " Lupin" (Netflix): A gentleman thief seeks to avenge his father's death. Intrigue and suspense!.

The Pinnacle: 40-21

These are the shows that defined 2023. Get ready for peak television!

81. "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" (Netflix): A prequel to "Bridgerton," focusing on the early years of Queen Charlotte's reign.
82. "Bridgerton" (Netflix): The steamy romance returns with new couples and scandals.
83. "Wednesday" (Netflix): Wednesday Addams continues her studies and mysteries at Nevermore Academy.
84. "The Witcher" (Netflix): Geralt of Rivia returns to slay monsters.
85. "Stranger Things" (Netflix): The kids from Hawkins face new and terrifying threats.
86. "Black Mirror" (Netflix): New episodes of the anthology series exploring the dark side of technology.
87. "The Boys" (Amazon Prime Video): The satirical superhero series returns with more violence and dark humor.
88. "Gen V" (Amazon Prime Video): A spin-off of "The Boys", focusing on young adult superheroes in college.
89. "Reacher" (Amazon Prime Video): Jack Reacher continues to solve crimes and kick butt.
90. "Bosch" (Amazon Prime Video): Harry Bosch continues to solve crimes in Los Angeles.
91. "Silo" (Apple TV): A dystopian drama set in a giant underground silo.
92. "For All Mankind" (Apple TV): An alternate history of the space race.
93. "Hijack" (Apple TV): Idris Elba stars in this real-time thriller about a hijacked plane.
94. "The Night Agent" (Netflix): An FBI agent answers a call that plunges him into a deadly conspiracy.
95. "Bodies" (Netflix): Four detectives in different time periods investigate the same murder.
96. "The Fall of the House of Usher" (Netflix): A horror series based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
97. "Loki" (Disney+): The God of Mischief returns for more time-bending adventures.
98. "The Mandalorian" (Disney+): Din Djarin and Grogu continue their journey through the galaxy.
99. "Ahsoka" (Disney+): Ahsoka Tano continues her quest for Grand Admiral Thrawn.
100. "What If...?" (Disney+): The animated series explores alternate realities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Top 20: The Best of the Best

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for! These are the top 20 TV shows of 2023, the ones that truly stood out from the crowd and left a lasting impact.

20. "Severance" (Apple TV+): A mind-bending thriller that explores the consequences of separating work and personal lives.
21. "The Bear" (FX on Hulu): A raw and intense drama about a chef running his family's sandwich shop.
22. "Beef" (Netflix): A darkly comedic exploration of rage and revenge.
23. "Succession" (HBO): A brilliant and ruthless portrayal of a dysfunctional family dynasty.
24. "The Last of Us" (HBO): A post-apocalyptic masterpiece with compelling characters and a gripping story.
25. "Better Call Saul" (AMC): A prequel to "Breaking Bad" that is just as brilliant and compelling.
26. "Dark" (Netflix): A mind-bending German series about time travel and interconnected destinies.
27. "Mr. Robot" (USA Network): A hacker fights against corporate greed and explores his own mental health issues.
28. "Watchmen" (HBO): A superhero series that tackles complex social and political issues.
29. "Fargo" (FX): An anthology crime series with dark humor and memorable characters.
30. "True Detective" (HBO): An anthology crime series with gripping mysteries and complex characters.
31. "Chernobyl" (HBO): A harrowing portrayal of the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath.
32. "When They See Us" (Netflix): A devastating true story about the Central Park Five.
33. "Unbelievable" (Netflix): A gripping true story about a young woman who is accused of lying about being raped.
34. "Mindhunter" (Netflix): FBI agents interview serial killers to understand their motives.
35. "Ozark" (Netflix): A family gets involved in money laundering for a drug cartel.
36. "Squid Game" (Netflix): A South Korean survival drama that became a global phenomenon.
37. "Pachinko" (Apple TV+): A sweeping saga about a Korean family who immigrates to Japan.
38. "Station Eleven" (HBO Max): A post-apocalyptic drama about a traveling troupe of actors.
39. "Atlanta" (FX): A surreal and thought-provoking comedy-drama about the Atlanta rap scene.

So there you have it, folks! The top 100 TV shows of 2023. What are you waiting for? Start watching!