Rotten Tomatoes ranks the BEST TV shows of 2023… so, how many have YOU seen?
- Rotten Tomatoes determined this year’s top 10 shows based on positive reviews
- The top show was on the air in the 2010s and returned for its final season in 2023
- Rotten Tomatoes’ list has series from genres including comedy and sci-fi
It may have been a tough year for TV with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but there were still some compelling series that kept viewers tuning in.
To help you with your viewing journey, DailyMail.com has turned to Rotten Tomatoes to wade through the plethora of options on streaming services and TV networks and reveal the very best offerings of the year.
Every series gets a ranking on Rotten Tomatoes; using the Tomatometer system, a percentage is determined based on critic and audience ratings.
Any series above 75 per cent and at least 20 reviews gets Certified Fresh status.
The TV shows that Rotten Tomatoes has determined to be the in the top ten have seasons that aired in 2023 with a 100 per cent rating and have the most positive critic reviews
The TV shows that Rotten Tomatoes has determined to be the in the top 10 have seasons that aired in 2023 with a 100 per cent rating and have the most positive critic reviews.
This means the most recent season of each of these shows didn’t receive one single negative review.
At the beginning of the year, The Last of Us, Poker Face and Shrinking sat at the top of the list.
Later on in the year, The Bear season two took the number-one spot.
However, the year is almost over and all of those series have since been knocked off of the top 10 list.
Some series that have made the cut at this point in time have just premiered this year, while others are on its fourth season.
The show that has earned the top spot on this list first aired in 2014, was canceled after two seasons and came back in 2023 for a third season.
Here are the top 10 TV shows in 2023, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
10. For All Mankind
For All Mankind season four aired on November 10 with a 100 per cent critic score and 21 critic reviews. Even though only four episodes of the season have aired, it has earned the 10th spot
For All Mankind season four aired on November 10 with a 100 per cent critic score, 21 critic reviews and an 87 per cent audience score.
Even though only four episodes of the season have aired, it has earned the 10th spot on this list.
The Apple TV+ series explores what the world would be like if the space race never ended.
Each season focused on a different decade of the race with season one covering the 70s and season four reaching the 00s.
The series had a slow start. Season one scored only 75 per cent among critics, but season two picked up a 100 per cent rating.
The Apple TV+ series explores what the world would be like if the space race never ended
Critics rave about the show’s ‘compelling storylines’ and ‘superb visuals’
The score dipped again with a 97 per cent for season three, but it clearly redeemed itself for season four.
Season four picks up after North Korea interferes with the US and USSR’s competition to take over Mars.
So far in the series, civilians on Mars’s Happy Valley base struggle with culture clashes and competition for resources.
Critics rave about the show’s ‘compelling storylines’ and ‘superb visuals.’
‘It remains one of the most compelling watches on television, infused with awe for the cosmos and faith in humanity’s ability to bridge gaps by working together,’ Nick Schager wrote for The Daily Beast.
Ready Steady Cut’s Adam Lock wrote: ‘This series encompasses everything that Apple TV+ is aiming for, with superb visuals and unique, enticing storylines.’
9. Deadloch
Deadloch is a new series in 2023 and premiered with a 100 per cent critics’ score, 21 critic reviews and an 88 per cent audience score
Deadloch is a new series in 2023 and premiered with a 100 per cent critics’ score, 21 critic reviews and an 88 per cent audience score.
The ninth TV series on this list is a crime parody that follows two female detectives who are initially at odds, but end up joining forces to solve crime in the fictional Tasmanian town Deadloch.
As the season goes on, Detective Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) come across an alarming amount of murders.
By the end of the season, the murderer’s identity is revealed and the two detectives learn how to work together.
The ninth TV series on this list is a crime parody that follows two female detectives who are initially at odds, but end up joining forces to solve crime in fictional Tasmanian town Deadloch
As the season goes on, Detective Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) come across an alarming amount of murders
The show premiered in June to rave reviews with critics praising its ‘unpredictable pace-propelling twists,’ cast and way it tackles misogyny.
‘It might sound a little cliche to say you’ll be guessing all the way to the end, but you really will, with unpredictable pace-propelling twists rolled out from go to whoa,’ Luke Buckmaster wrote for The Guardian.
‘Deadloch is better than any comedy-murder series has any right being,’ Paul Tassi penned for Forbes.
‘It’s great at creating a fantastic ensemble cast even outside of its leads, and the show grapples with misogyny in interesting ways that don’t come off as preachy.’
8. The Other Two
The Other Two season three premiered in May with a 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score from 22 reviewers and a 77 per cent audience score
The Other Two season three premiered in May with a 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score from 22 reviewers and a 77 per cent audience score.
The comedy follows the mediocre lives of siblings Brooke (Helene Yorke) and Cary (Drew Tarver) as their younger brother, Chase (Case Walker), becomes a celebrity overnight.
Season one kicked off with a 95 per cent and season two improved slightly with a 96 per cent score, but season three hit new levels with its perfect score.
The show’s creators, Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, revealed that season three would be the last.
The comedy follows the mediocre lives of siblings Brooke (Helene Yorke) and Cary (Drew Tarver) as their younger brother, Chase (Case Walker), becomes a celebrity overnight
The first two season showed Brooke, Cary and even their mom Pat’s (Molly Shannon) careers taking off
‘It is bittersweet to say goodbye to the Dubek family after three seasons, but we always knew, both creatively and personally, that this was where we wanted to end their stories,’ Kelly and Schneider said in a joint statement to Variety.
‘And because we are quite literally out of ways to humiliate Drew Tarver, so what’s the point?’
While the first two seasons showed Brooke, Cary and even their mom Pat’s (Molly Shannon) careers taking off, season three took a darker turn — a creative decision fans and reviewers appreciated.
‘The satire is as sharp as ever — and the series is unafraid to take its characters into deep existential darkness,’ Jenna Scherer wrote for AV Club.
While writing for Collider, Tania Hussain penned: ‘With its laugh-out-loud writing, charming casting, and surprisingly tender undercurrent, there is no other show out there quite like The Other Two and we’re all the better for it.’
7. Primo
Primo proved that Freevee TV could have potential with its original content, prmering with a 100 per cent rating from 22 reviews and a 97 per cent audience score
Primo proved that Freevee TV could have potential with its original content, premiering with a 100 per cent rating from 22 reviews and a 97 per cent audience score.
The series, created by Shea Serrano and The Good Place’s Michael Schur, first premiered this May and sits at number seven on this list.
The multi-generational sitcom follows college-bound Rafa (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) trying to naviagte the world with the help of his single mother, Drea (Christina Vidal), and his five opinionated uncles.
The multi-generational sitcom follows college-bound Rafa (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) trying to navigate the world with the help of mother Drea (Christina Vidal) and his five uncles
While family sitcoms have gone with the way of network television in favor of streaming, Primo has emerged as a success due to its authenticity and diverse representation.
‘Authentic, feel good, and silly, Primo is about to be your new favorite comfort show,’ Kristen Maldonado wrote for Pop Culture Planet.
‘The show’s success is in the clear tenderness it extends to the Gonzales family, allowing each member to be more than a type and rejoicing in their bonds,’ Cristina Escobar said on RogerEbert.com.
6. Cunk on Earth
Cunk On Earth is a unique history mockumentary which initially premiered on BBC Two in 2022, but Netflix picked up the series in January 2023
Cunk On Earth is a unique history mockumentary, which initially premiered on BBC Two in 2022, but Netflix picked up the series in January 2023.
American viewers loved the British comedy so much that it landed number six on this list with a 100 per cent critics rating with 23 reviews and a 86 per cent audience score.
The series follows Philomena Cunk as she explores the evolution of earth from the prehistoric era to present day through comically delivered fake facts and interviews.
The series follows Philomena Cunk as she explores the evolution of earth from the prehistoric era to present day through comically delivered fake facts and interviews
Diane Morgan’s character Philomena Cunk originated from Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, which first aired in 2013.
She got her first mini series Cunk on Britain in 2018. While it didn’t make too many waves, the success of Cunk On Earth may pave the way for more specials in the future.
‘By seeming to take everything and nothing too seriously, mockumentary Cunk on Earth is one of the smartest shows on streaming,’ Wenlei Ma penned for News.com.au.
Boston Globe’s Matthew Gilbert penned: ‘Cunk on Earth is funny and fast, so that each episode gives us just enough giddy foolishness and not too much. The episodes are a great way to break up a night of more serious viewing.’
5. Drops of God
Apple TV+’s Drops of God premiered in April to a 100 per cent critics score with 25 reviews and a 93 per cent audience score
Apple TV+’s Drops Of God premiered in April to a 100 per cent critics score with 25 reviews and a 93 per cent audience score.
The new series follows Camille Leger (Fleur Geffrier) who is set to inherit her late father Alexander’s (Stanley Weber) wine guide. But before she takes on her father’s legacy, she’s told she must fly to Tokyo.
There, she must face off against his protégé (Tomohisa Yamashita) in a series of tests in order to claim her inheritance.
Drops Of God was based on a manga series of the same name and has received praise from readers on the comic books.
Critics praised creator Quoc Dang Tran, the ‘engrossing’ plot and unique visuals.
Newsday’s Verne Gay wrote, ‘Tran’s especially interested in his human characters. and he’s created a taut, elegant, flat-out fun series to explore what unites them. I love “Drops.” You will too.’
‘Drops of God is a unique and engrossing show that seems poised to be a full-bodied feast for your senses,’ Maddy Casale wrote for Decider.
4. Foundation
Foundation returned for its second season in July. While its first season received a 72 per cent from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, season two redeemed the series with a 100 per cent rating
Foundation returned for its second season in July.
While the first season received a 72 per cent from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, season two redeemed the series with a 100 per cent rating and reviews from 26 critics.
The Apple TV+ series, based on Isaac Asimov’s novel of the same name, follows exiles living in different planets throughout the Galactic Empire.
As the empire falls apart, these exiles rally together to save society and rebuild civilization.
The Apple TV+ series, based on Isaac Asimov’s novel of the same name, follows exiles living in different planets throughout the Galactic Empire
As the empire falls apart, these exiles rally together to save society and rebuild civilization
Season two picks up a century later as religion has emerged as a powerful force in the Foundation as a queen plots to take down the Empire and the Empire’s true identity is revealed.
Critics not only praised the show, but noted the improvement between seasons one and two.
‘Season 2 shows why Foundation is such a revered work of fiction, exploring a layered and larger-than-life story with deep themes, all while presenting a blockbuster TV event with gorgeous visuals,’ Rafael Motamayor wrote for IGN Movies.
‘Showrunner David S. Goyer clearly read the notes. Season Two keeps the same epic scale of season one, but infuses the story with more warmth, humanity, and humor,’ Julia Glassman penned for The Mary Sue.
3. Reservation Dogs
Reservation Dogs season three aired in August and has since earned a 100 per cent critics rating with 33 reviews and an 88 per cent audience score
Reservation Dogs season three aired in August and has since earned a 100 per cent critics rating with 33 reviews and an 88 per cent audience score.
The FX series has proven that it has earned spot number three on this list with consistently good ratings. It earned 98 per cent in its first season and 100 per cent for its second.
Reservation Dogs follows four Indigenous teenagers as they steal in order to save enough money to travel from Oklahoma to California.
The FX series has proven that it has earned spot number three on this list with consistently good ratings. It earned 98 per cent in its first season and 100 per cent for its second
Reservation Dogs follows four Indigenous teenagers as they steal in order to save enough money to travel from Oklahoma to California
By season three, they finally make it out to California but after tragedy and a journey of self-realization, the crew ends up back home in Oklahoma.
In spite of the rave reviews, the show’s creator Sterlin Harjo revealed that season three would be the show’s final season.
‘It’s a story that had an ending,’ Harjo told Variety. ‘It’s a story about people going through transition, and specifically kids going through a very transitional moment and grief. I just don’t think that lasts forever.’
‘I think that we’re meant to be with them during this transitional time. To me, the show’s too important to drag out.’
2. A Small Light
A Small Light tells the story of Miep Gies, a real-life figure who helped house Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust
A Small Light tells the story of Miep Gies (Bell Powley), a real-life figure who helped house Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust.
While the Anne Frank story is one that has been told before, A Small Light did it with a unique perspective and did it well enough that it received a 100 per cent critic score from 34 reviews.
It also has an impressive 95 per cent audience score.
While the Anne Frank story is one that has been told before, A Small Light did it with a unique perspective and did it well enough that it received a 100 per cent critic score from 34 reviews
The miniseries aired on National Geographic in May to rave reviews
The miniseries aired on National Geographic in May to rave reviews.
‘Through earnest, un-preachy writing, formidable acting, and relentless pacing, A Small Light has cemented itself as a must-watch show,’ Gabriella Geisinger wrote for Digital Spy.
‘A Small Light is a handsome, literate and moving production; like the people it focuses on, it is honorable in its intentions and choices,’ Mike Hale penned for The New York Times.
1. Happy Valley
Happy Valley initially premiered on BBC One in 2014 and ran for two seasons. While the series was seemingly over for good, it was revived for season three in 2023
Happy Valley initially premiered on BBC One in 2014 and ran for two seasons. While the series was seemingly over for good, it was revived for season three in 2023.
Season three was seemingly worth the wait for viewers as it made the top of this list with a 100 per cent critic score and 42 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Catherine Cawood is a police officer in Calder Valley, known as Happy Valley, for its drug issues.
In the first season Catherine seeks revenge for her daughter’s death when her rapist, Tommy Lee Royce, is released from prison for drug-related charges.
While taking care of her daughter’s son Ryan, a product of the sexual assault, she realizes Tommy is involved with gang-related activity and stops him from kidnapping Anne Gallagher.
Season three was seemingly worth the wait for viewers as it made the top of this list with a 100 per cent critic score and 42 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Season three takes place seven years later. After initially planning to retire, she is called in to investigate remains that may be linked to Royce.
Meanwhile, her grandson Ryan, now 16, has been keeping in touch with his father Royce, who is still behind bars, behind Catherine’s back.
Happy Valley returned for its third and final season both on BBC and AMC+, for American viewers to dive in.
Reviewers had nothing but positive things to say about the crime drama, praising both creator Sally Wainwright and protagonist Catherine.
‘The best crime dramas pack an emotional as well as suspenseful punch. By that criteria, Sally Wainwright’s brilliant British hit Happy Valley is an instant classic, shattering and altogether satisfying,’ Matt Roush wrote for TV Insider.
The Atlantic’s Sophie Gilbert said: ‘With Happy Valley, we also got Catherine: fearless, moody, perceptive, abrasive, indispensable. The show makes no apologies for her… She’s flawed, and she’s riveting. One last outing with her is a gift.’
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