Best of 2023 — TV

 Here are my top picks from our year of TV viewing. Our television viewing was not extensive but we discovered some that were pure gold. In no particular order.

I began my "Best of" lists way back in 2008. To see them, check the label cloud in the sidebar under "Best of ..." 

 

 

2023 BEST TV

The Romantics documentary series
The legacy of Yash Chopra and Yash Raj Films

A really excellent documentary. Well edited, conceived and executed. This series is one that Indians will enjoy and that true film fans will appreciate. Other than that, only people like us — a true minority of Indian film lovers who are not ourselves Indian — will appreciate.

(My review here.)

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Lee Yeon is a mythical nine tailed fox in this fun and exciting roller coaster of a K-drama. He works on earth for the the gods' Department of Immigration of Life After Death — hunting down mythical beings who kill humans. A lovely television producer, Nam Ji-Ah, whose show investigates the supernatural, suspects that he is involved in a murder case. She investigates him and he investigates her. Ji-Ah's looking for her long lost parents and Yeong's on the lookout for the reincarnation of his lost love. Naturally they will work together. Just as naturally, nothing is as it appears on the surface.

If you like this then go watch Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 which is the sequel (prequel). Although not quite as good as this, it is a lot of fun and still quite good.

(My review here.) 

Law School

Yang Jong-hoon, a prosecutor-turned-professor, teaches criminal law at a prestigious law school. He and his first-year law students get involved in an unprecedented case during a mock trial. During a mock trial class, the supervising professor is found murdered and Professor Yang is arrested as the main suspect. Showing on Netflix.

There was a refreshing lack of romance, aside from the occasional glance sent from one student to another while they weren't looking. This was a straight up drama that's wildly intricate and inventive in the plot's twists and turns. Somehow it had plenty of drama without being emotionally over-the-top, which we appreciated too.

(My review here.)

Only Murders in the Building
Season 3

If you've watched the first two seasons then you know what to expect. If not, please go find this series and begin with season one. I mention it because we were impressed with the way the show followed the new theme (murder at an off-Broadway musical) and held true to all the things that made it great in the first two seasons. We're looking forward to season 4.

Wellington Paranormal

Sergeant Ruawai Maaka of the Wellington Police enlists the aid of Officers Minogue and O'Leary to tackle paranormal events in New Zealand's capital city. The mockumentary follows these kiwi cops as they investigate cases such as the demon possession of a teenager, a noise complaint at a haunted house and a blood bank robbery.

Just plain fun.

(My review here.)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Follows Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the starship Enterprise in the 23rd century as they explore new worlds and carry out missions throughout the galaxy during the decade before Star Trek: The Original Series.

We enjoyed this quite a lot. It was an intriguing blend of faithfulness to the Star Trek sensibilities while containing character development and modern ideas.

(My review here.)