We watched a lot of television in 2023. Here are the Streaming Now staff favorites in television for the year.
‘The Bear’ Season 2
Like a fine multi-course meal, The Bear‘s return stuffs its runtime to the brim with filling content that is at once challenging and satisfying. The same kind of gripping tension and anxiety-inducing power from the first season tames with wholesomeness and scars the viewer with its potent, traumatic drama.
The Bear‘s sadistic genius creator, Christopher Storer, wrings career-best performances from stars Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Characters played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Abby Elliott also get more investment in this season. Moving supporting performances and an array of recognizable guests round out a diverse yet perfected form of The Bear, resulting in a show that viewers cannot stop thinking about.
-Cory Cogley
The Bear is streaming now on Hulu.
‘Shrinking’
Shrinking wasn’t even a series I anticipated. In fact, in January I was still of the opinion that Apple TV+ was pretty much useless, except for Severance, which was a little overhyped. Somehow, Apple TV+ ended the year as my favorite streaming service for original series, and Shrinking is the absolute best of the lot.
With stellar performances from the usuals, Harrison Ford and Jason Segel, as well as the scene-stealing arrival of the mostly unfamiliar Jessica Williams, Shrinking manages to be the most moving drama – and the funniest comedy – in all of 2023. It made moisture come to my eyes, and I don’t admit to tears too often. That’s the highest recommendation I can give.
-Zach Grey
Shrinking is streaming now on Apple TV+.
‘Vanderpump Rules’ Season 10
Every reality TV lover belongs to at least one fandom, and all can agree that being a dedicated fan isn’t always worth the effort. There are seasons that drag, favorites who get fired, and storylines that are either so contrived or ridiculous that it’s painful to watch. But some seasons make up for all the downturns, the ones like Season 10 of Vanderpump Rules.
Vanderpump Rules Season 10 had everything there is to love about reality TV: clear villains and heroes, messy side characters stirring the pot like it’s their job (which it is), and rampant online discourse rife with hilarious memes. The season was great before Scandoval broke, and then Bravo fans were given the extra special gift of watching the drama unfold in real time. It was a rare experience, and while nothing as surprising or intense will likely happen again, we still have more of the fallout to watch in 2024. There’s never been a better time to watch Bravo.
-Acacia Deadrick
Vanderpump Rules is streaming now on Peacock.
