I've got no 'BEEF' with you
I've got no 'BEEF' with you
But I've got mad love for the Ali Wong/Steven Yeun series. Find out what else I chose for the Best TV Shows of 2023 … so far
I gotta admit that I’ve been so busy trying to catch up with shows in general that I’m nowhere near up-to-date with those dropping new eps in the first six months of this year. Not to worry. As you can see, I still managed to compile a list of my top picks. Spoiler alert: They are alphabetical, not ranked. I’ve been wanting to switch it up, so I decided to go ahead. Find your faves below or something new for your queue!
Awkafina Is Nora from Queens (Comedy Central)
Three seasons in, this show is still as funny, heartfelt, and irreverent as ever. From Nora’s quest to find her path to Wally and Brenda’s romance to Grandma becoming a weed queenpin, everything seems organic despite the off-the-rails feel to it. Whatever happens next you’re along for the ride — one that’s wild, quirky, and thrilling in a way that leaves you feeling alive and even, dare I say, optimistic. The core trio of Awkwafina, Lori Tan Chinn, and BD Wong are comedy gold.
BEEF (Netflix)
A case of road rage turns into an operatic tale of revenge in this insanely entertaining tale from Lee Sung Jin. Danny and Amy (Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, the pair a sensational one-two punch) can't get the other out of their heads after that shocking initial encounter and fate seems to delight in finding ways to throw them back together. As the duo become obsessed with each other, their friends and family get sucked into their storm of annihilation. Absolutely worth sinking your teeth into.
Dead Ringers (Amazon)
Based on the book Twins by Jack Geasland and Bari Wood, which also inspired the 1988 film Dead Ringers with Jeremy Irons, this adaptation has a feminine twist. Rachel Weisz is magnetic as twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle, whose desire to revolutionize how women give birth rivals their devotion to each other. An intimate look at the sisterly bond and the intricacies of female relationships, as well as a scathing social commentary on the state of women’s healthcare, creator/writer Alice Birch delivers a horror series with jaws that bite and claws that catch.
Endeavour (PBS)
For nine series, this crime drama prequel — tracking Endeavour Morse in his early years with the Oxford police — has engrossed fans by tickling their little grey cells, raising their pulses, and giving their emotional attachment to the characters quite the workout. Endeavour as a young man (played to perfection by Shaun Evans) is decidedly clever yet far from perfect. The crimes he and his curmudgeonly mentor DI Fred Thursday (a wonderfully pragmatic Roger Allam) investigate are downright diabolical thanks to the brilliant writer Russell Lewis.
Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre (Netflix)
Horror fans, as well as those enamored with Ito’s work, should check out this imaginative yet fantastically disturbing animated anthology. It’s enough to give you nightmares — and if that’s not a selling point, I don’t know what it is. A creepy little boy attempting to drive his brother mad. Huge floating balloons that look like missing friends. Invasive mold in a house. The stories are brilliant; the animation divine. If you love Japanese horror or are simply bored of The Walking Dead universe being synonymous with television horror, take a step into the darkness.
Kung Fu (The CW)
With their network in freefall, the showrunners didn't leave fans hanging: they made sure their writers crafted a satisfying final season. This terrific supernatural action series never shied away from wearing its heart on its sleeve as the Shen family remained the nucleus, the soul of the show throughout all three seasons. This last run was filled with sensational stunt work, fantastic performances from an A+ cast led by Olivia Liang, and well-written scripts that offered a treasure trove of moments to remember.
The Last of Us (HBO)
Apocalyptic drama with a heavy dose of humanity is nothing new. When handled with care and sensitivity, however, it can feel fresh and exciting. Based on the Naughty Dog games, this adaptation benefits from the deft touch of showrunners Neil Druckmann, who also wrote the games, and Craig Mazin. From a phenomenal cast led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to a sensational crew, this is one horror series that delivers on all levels.
Marie Antoinette (PBS)
This historical drama tells the story of the famous French queen and is a bawdy, addictive delight. While not quite the dark comedy that Hulu's The Great is, it does have a barbed sense of humor that underlies the harshness of its milieu. Don't let the gorgeous costumes and production design fool you: Versailles was a dangerous place — especially for a queen who wasn't French. Emilia Schüle and Louis Cunningham shine as Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, respectively .
Single Drunk Female (Freeform)
While this gem has been cancelled — What is up with that, Freeform? — I will cherish the second and final season of this acerbic, astute, and, at times, wrenching comedy. Sam and her sobriety retain an uneasy alliance as she dives into a new romantic relationship, adjusts to a new job, and deals with a betrayal by her mom Carol. The series' exceptional ensemble features Sofia Black-D'Elia, Sasha Compère, Lily Mae Harrington, and the incomparable Ally Sheedy.
Swarm (Amazon)
Donald Glover's latest magnum opus following the outstanding Atlanta takes aim at fandom, as well as media and social media's part in fueling unhealthy relationships with fame and celebrities. The excellent Dominique Fishback takes center stage as Dre, a young woman whose lifelong obsession with her music artist idol takes her down an unexpected path. Glover and co-creator Janine Nabers have crafted a dark fairy tale that rings with truth and understanding.