The past year was an aberration for television.
Thanks to the now-resolved WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, scads of programming was delayed, with the monthslong work stoppages leading to big series including “Yellowstone,” “Stranger Things” and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” being pushed into 2024 (or longer).
But, the show must go on, and there were still plenty of impressive offerings in 2023, from light comedies to intense dramas, from “Succession” to “The Diplomat” to “Fargo,” to keep viewers riveted to their television sets (or computers) and hungering for more.
Here, without further ado, are the Top 10 TV shows of the year as chosen by Post TV reporter Lauren Sarner and TV Editor Michael Starr. The list is subjective, to be sure — there are a lot of shows out there — but these are the series that managed to hit a home run week after week without any letdowns in their story arcs or performances.
“A Murder at the End of the World” (Hulu)
A serial killer, a mysterious writer (played by “The Crown’s” Emma Corrin), a sinister billionaire (Clive Owen), the unique setting of a luxury hotel in Iceland and a multilayered mystery: this Hulu show was full of juicy ingredients, and it used them well. It also mixed prescient big-picture topics (AI, the climate crisis) with more intimate relatable character drama (Corrin’s character, Darby, having unresolved feelings for her ex-boyfriend, played by rising star Harris Dickinson). Although the title implies that it’s a straightforward thriller, the series had a deeper and more psychological element — everything, in fact, but the kitchen sink. Somehow, though, it didn’t feel overstuffed. It can be hard for a murder mystery to feel unique, but “Murder at the End of the World” managed to infuse the age-old genre with new blood. It was an engrossing watch. — Sarner
“The Diplomat” (Netflix)
It’s been a long time since a political series has felt like a romp — usually, they’re intense (“Homeland,” “The Americans”) or they err toward wacky comedies (“Veep,” “The Politician”). This series starring Keri Russell was the kind of breezy ride we haven’t had since “Scandal.” Its tone isn’t humorous, but it managed to convey a sense of fun and didn’t take itself too seriously. The premise wasn’t terribly unique (or plausible) — as Russell’s character got into improbable quandaries in her role as the US ambassador to the UK — but viewers were willing to wave off a few, “But that’s not how anything works!” plot holes. It’s no wonder audiences tuned in. — Sarner
“Daisy Jones & the Six” (Prime Video)
Shows set in the music world are often disasters – see HBO’s “Vinyl” or Showtime’s “Roadies.” But, this series following a Fleetwood Mac-esque rock band in the ‘70s was a rare exception to the tricky genre that offers more misses (“Vinyl,” “Roadies”) than hits. It wasn’t flawless — the wigs were questionable (especially for Timothy Olyphant) and the rock ’n’ roll antics too tame. But the performances from Golden Globe-nominated leads Riley Keough and Sam Claflin were great, the music was good and, despite being trite, the story was entertaining. The series nailed how to make the fictional band’s concerts vibrant and compelling on-screen, especially in the finale. — Sarner
“Class of ’09” (FX on Hulu)›
This drama didn’t earn as much buzz as it deserved. Featuring stellar performances from Kate Mara and Brian Tyree Henry, the story followed a class of FBI recruits through three timelines: the past, the present and the future, where a controversial AI program is used to predict when people might commit future crimes. It deftly wove these timelines together in a way that was not confusing or convoluted, and built a sense of mystery and suspense around big questions (like the crime and tech parts of the plot) and quieter character drama (what happened between characters dating in one timeline who were shown being estranged in a later timeline). — Sarner
“The Other Two” (Max)
This relentlessly silly comedy wrapped up this year, after a three-season run following often delusional millennial siblings Brooke (Helene Yorke) and aspiring gay actor Cary (Drew Tarver), who felt lost in the shadow of their famous singer teen brother, Chase (Case Walker). The series was rounded out by a stellar supporting cast: Molly Shannon as their mom; Ken Marino as Chase’s manager, Wanda Sykes as a record exec and Josh Segarra as Brooke’s sweet-natured ex. Throughout its run, “The Other Two” retained its deft balance of oddball humor and sly digs at showbiz. — Sarner
MICHAEL STARR
“Succession” (HBO)
The dysfunctional-family drama riveted viewers throughout its four-season run, slyly mixing comedy with high drama, and its final episodes did not disappoint. Patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox) was killed off in the third episode, only heightening the suspense regarding who among his bickering children would inherit his keys to the Waystar Royco kingdom — and it turned out to be none of them, but GoJo CEO Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgard). Touche. — Starr
“The Last of Us” (HBO)
The apocalyptic sci-fi series starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey was a breakout hit from its opening frame and never missed a beat in providing a nonstop melange of horror, dread and excitement at breakneck speed — earning an early Season 2 renewal and a passionate fan base buzzing about its weekly watercooler moments. — Starr
“Fargo” (FX)
Season 5 of Noah Hawley’s trademark anthology series is rife with the expected surrealistic weirdness in telling the riveting tale of Minnesota housewife/mother Dot Lyon (Juno Temple), who’s hiding a violent, tragic past in the form of nipple-ring-wearing, Bible-thumping, sadistic North Dakota sheriff Roy Tillman (Jon Hamm). Nice supporting turns from Sam Spruell (as, just what, we’re not quite sure), Jennifer Jason Leigh, Joe Keery and Dave Foley (with the typically “Fargo”-ish name of Danish Graves). — Starr
“Poker Face” (Peacock)
Rian Johnson’s throwback to ’70s-era cop/detective shows was an unexpected delight — and it made me laugh out loud in spots, something I rarely do, thanks to Natasha Lyonne’s delightful, take-no-prisoners performance as Vegas casino worker Charlie Cale, who has her own special powers. Each episode flies by seamlessly; “Poker Face” will return for a second season in 2024. Can’t wait. — Starr
“What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)
This under-the-radar comedy has been an understated gem since its 2019 premiere and continued to offer laughs and satire a-plenty in its story of a group of vampires sharing a mansion (of sorts) in Staten Island and dealing with mundane — and otherworldly issues — with a top-notch cast: Matt Berry (Laszlo), Natasia Demetriou (Nadja), Mark Proksch (energy vampire Colin Robinson), Kayvan Novak (Nandor) and Harvey Guillen (Guillermo). Honorable mention to Kristen Schaal as the Guide. — Starr