Still don’t have a favorite show? Here are the best of 2023 - so far

It's hard to believe that less than three months have passed since we concluded our intense deliberations on the Best TV of 2022. Now, we've been assigned the task of selecting our top picks for the best shows of 2023, given that we're only at the end of May, there wasn't much debate. It would be crazy to exclude Abbott Elementary from our list, and I trust Adrienne's judgment when it comes to Star Trek and TV adaptations of classic Victorian novels.

So, let’s be honest now. Although there are some technicalities involved, we had to include Succession's phenomenal premiere episode on this list, given the impact it had on the show's final season. Additionally, while Netflix's Beef isn't yet available for streaming, we've had the pleasure of watching Steven Yeun and Ali Wong's outstanding performances in the series, so we couldn't omit it. Hopefully, the write-up below will get you excited about its upcoming release. The rest of the shows on our list have met our standards, and we're confident you'll enjoy them. Without further ado, here are the top ten shows of the year so far, according to Brady Langmann.

Succession

It's with a heavy heart that we announce the end of television's most well-crafted drama, as Succession concludes with its fourth season. However, the show is going out with a bang, delivering its signature excellence. In Season Four, the Roy siblings must form a fragile alliance against their father, a media tycoon who plans to sell the family business, including their inheritance. Despite years of infighting, they must band together to outsmart the patriarch who has always plagued them. As Succession approaches its final moments, it remains as witty, clever, and devastating as ever. Don't miss out on this amazing show.

The Lying Life of Adults

The Elena Ferrante craze continues with Netflix's latest offering, The Lying Life of Adults, a six-episode miniseries adapted from the author's latest novel. After the success of My Brilliant Friend on HBO and The Lost Daughter on Netflix, this series is sure to delight Ferrante's fans. Set in 1990s Naples, the story follows a moody teenager who rebels against her bourgeois parents by turning to her estranged Aunt Vittoria, a crass and enigmatic woman who resides on the wrong side of the tracks. As Giovanna navigates between the influences of her parents and her aunt, she discovers a dark family history and some surprising insights into what it takes for a girl to mature into a woman. With gripping tension and outstanding performances, The Lying Life of Adults captures the complexity and vulnerability of the female coming-of-age experience.

Beef

Beef, a new Netflix dramedy series, features 30-minute episodes that center around two individuals who can't seem to shake off the impact of a road rage incident that has consumed their every thought and action. If that pitch didn't capture your attention, allow me to persuade you. Based on the screeners I've seen, Beef is likely to secure a spot on the year-end lists. And, if you need more incentive, mark April 6 on your calendar for a Steven Yeun performance of an Incubus cover that's sure to be unforgettable. Get ready to enjoy this fantastic new show!

Abbott Elementary

Quinta Brunson's school-based sitcom consistently delivers hilarious and entertaining episodes. For those of you feeling down from watching somber shows like The Last of Us, just one 22-minute-long Abbott Elementary episode is all it takes to lift your spirits and cure your cordyceps infection. Let's raise a toast to this great show.

Poker Face

Have you had the pleasure of seeing Natasha Lyonne's poker face in action? If not, now's the time to tune in to Peacock's latest hit, courtesy of Lyonne and director Rian Johnson. Poker Face is refreshingly free from an overarching plot, making it incredibly enjoyable to watch, and visually stunning to boot. Don't believe me? Check out this interview with Steve Yedlin, the show's talented cinematographer, for an inside look at why Poker Face looks so darn good.

Star Trek: Picard

Star Trek: Picard has finally hit its stride in its third and supposedly final season, bringing the beloved Enterprise-D crew back together. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard reunites with William Riker, Deanna Troi, Geordi LaForge, Beverly Crusher, and Worf to face a new danger rooted in their shared history, spanning The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. As they confront old conflicts both intergalactic and interpersonal, Picard embraces nostalgia at the finish line, creating a truly memorable viewing experience. It's further proof that Paramount+’s Star Trek Renaissance is producing some of the best science fiction on television today.