2023 brought us the sophomore seasons of some huge hits, like The Bear, Yellowjackets, Loki, and The Wheel of Time. It also wrapped up some buzzy shows, from Riverdale to Succession (and maybe Ted Lasso).
But among these returning giants, 2023 also debuted plenty of excellent new series. In particular, it was a banner year for successful adaptations, from HBO’s take on The Last of Us video game to Disney’s exploration of the YA book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Check out our list of the best new shows that premiered in 2023 below.
The Last of Us
HBO series The Last of Us adapts the popular video game of the same name. And among game-to-screen adaptations, it proved a rare gem. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey give fantastic performances in this post-apocalyptic drama, which garnered praise for keeping human emotion front and center in a world full of zombies. You can stream it on Max now.
Read our full review of The Last of Us.
Daisy Jones and The Six
Daisy Jones and The Six follows the rise and fall of a fictional Fleetwood Mac-esque band in ‘70s Hollywood. And when Prime Video brought Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel to life as a limited series this year, they went all-out. In addition to bringing the novel’s characters to life with on-point casting, the show committed to producing a full album of original (and genuinely good) music from the fictional band as well. You can stream the series on Prime Video now.
Read our full review of Daisy Jones and The Six.
Silo
Silo is one of the most underrated shows to drop in 2023; though it hardly seemed to generate any buzz, it’s easily one of the best new series to debut this year. Based on books by Hugh Howey, the immersive sci-fi mystery follows the last living population of Earth, surviving the toxic world outside by living in (you guessed it) a silo. It’s a captivating tour-de-force post-apocalyptic mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat. You can stream the series on Apple TV+ now.
Ahsoka
One of Star Wars’ most iconic animated characters finally made the jump to live-action this year. And the wait for Ahsoka didn’t disappoint. The series brought twists, turns, and plenty of dual-wielding lightsaber action, along with the sort of character cameos Star Wars fans love to sink their teeth into. You can stream the series on Disney+ now.
Read our full review of Ahsoka.
Mrs. Davis
I’ll admit I dropped the ball on this one. I didn’t watch Mrs. Davis right when it came out this year. But when I got around to it months later, suffice it to say I was thoroughly impressed! This show is difficult to explain because it’s so deeply weird, but that’s what makes it so addicting. This list features primarily adaptations and projects based on existing IP… but Mrs. Davis is a wholly original concept, something people online love to demand we see more of. If you’ve been asking for more original stories, check out Mrs. Davis over on Peacock.
Gen V
Prime Video launched its collegiate spinoff of The Boys this year. And Gen V proved just as over-the-top, raunchy, bloody, gutsy, gory, and funny as its predecessor. In some ways, Gen V goes even further, diving into the stigma, shame, pressures, and expectations that come tangled up with superpowers. The series sucks you into an unexpected emotional rabbit hole that will have you eagerly clicking “next episode.” You can stream the series on Prime Video now.
Read our full review of Gen V.
The Fall of the House of Usher
Mike Flanagan once again struck spooky season gold for Netflix with The Fall of the House of Usher. The limited series draws on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, weaving a sinister tale brought to life by an incredible ensemble cast. Though maybe more straightforward and predictable than other Flanagan shows, Usher’s visual poetry, unique style, and solid pacing make this one a must-watch for fans of the macabre. You can stream the series on Netflix now.
Read our full review of The Fall of the House of Usher.
Blue Eye Samurai
Who could have guessed Netflix would deliver the perfect “ramen western” this year? Blue Eye Samurai goes all-out with bloody, gory, intense samurai action, and does it all with an incredible female protagonist. The show is the perfect blend of stylish action, hilarious comedy, and dramatic romances, bringing together the best of Western and chanbara cinema into one anime. You can stream the series on Netflix now.
Read our full review of Blue Eye Samurai.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Though the series just launched last week, Percy Jackson fans already agree the Disney+ show is the adaptation they’ve been waiting for. The adventures of the 12-year-old demigod inspired by classic Greek mythology are ripped right from the pages of Rick Riordan’s books. From its cast to its monster effects to its balance of both silly and scary, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is undoubtedly the kind of show to rally a fandom around. Other adaptations take note: this is how you do it. You can stream the series currently in progress on Disney+ now.
Read our full review of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
