6 shows 2023 brought us that deserve all the hype

The later half of 2023 may have been quite interesting with the writers strike and actors strike in Hollywood affecting and delaying most movie and series productions. But, that doesn't mean we still didn't get some great new shows in 2023. Some of them have truly become fan-favorites, and my personal favorites. Below we shared the 6 shows 2023 brought us that deserve all the hype:

• Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
• Gen V
• Lessons in Chemistry
• The Last of Us
• School Spirits
• Found

Why do we think these shows deserve this recognition? What are they about? Read on below for all the details!

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Netflix)

Original release date: May 4, 2023

We’re eagerly waiting for Bridgerton season 3 to arrive. And honestly, I don’t think we could have gotten through the wait if we didn’t have Queen Charlotte, which debuted in May 2023 on Netflix. The franchise and this series in particular have gotten a lot of attention, and it definitely deserves it. The prequel series follows a young Queen Charlotte and how she came to power. Her becoming an addition to the royal family contributes to the societal shift that we see in Bridgerton.

The queen is an intriguing character, and I've always wondered more about her. I love that this show brought us the backstory of the royal, the beautiful but heartbreaking love story of Charlotte and George, and the portrayal of the challenges she had to face. The story is about love, perseverance, and finding your inner strength. And I loved every moment of it!

Gen V (Prime Video)

Original release date: Sept. 29, 2023

Like Queen Charlotte, Gen V was born from a flagship series - The Boys. The Prime Video superhero series is such a treat, and Gen V is just the same. The spin-off follows a group of superhero students at the Godolkin University School of Crimefighting who put their morals to the test for a chance to get into The Seven, aka Vought International’s “elite superhero team,” per the synopsis. But the school has dark secrets. How will this affect their character?

From cool superpowers, to characters with complex backstories, all the elements Gen V portrays is what brings the story together so well. I do think they should have focused more on the youngsters at school. This is what makes it stand out. But, it's definitely still worth watching if you haven't and it still deserves to be on our list. Gen V season 2 is also happening, so we have that to look forward to!

Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)

Original release date: Oct. 13, 2023

I mean anything Brie Larson is in, count me in! She is such a talent that showcases it in any project she does. And Lessons in Chemistry has definitely been no different. The show is set in the 1960s and is centered around Larson’s character Elizabeth Zott. She’s a chemist who faces a sexist workplace, only being able to be a lab assistant instead of the scientist herself.

When she’s fired, she lands a job as the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. Elizabeth uses her new platform to educate women about science. What I love about this period drama is that it’s unique and has a really interesting story and themes that it explores. Going into it, we know that sexism is an element. Elizabeth is a strong female character who wants to provide more for the fellow women in society, and she does so in a unique way. Also, the story covers many more themes as well. And it all just comes together so nicely.

The Last of Us (HBO)

Original release date: Jan. 15, 2023

I don’t think there’s anyone around who hasn’t at least heard of The Last of Us. The drama kicked off the new year when it premiered in January 2023 with a bang! Everyone has been talking about this show since it came out. It’s probably the most popular series to come out of 2023! And really, it’s for good reason. 

Post-apocalyptic themes aren't really a favorite of mine, I’ll be honest. Though The Last of Us just really pulls on your heartstrings, while also making your heart race. Constantly. There’s a good balance between the two, which makes for an intriguing story. Plus with the talent of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey headlining it, that's the cherry on top. The series has already been renewed for a season 2! The first season is currently streaming on Max.

School Spirits (Paramount+)

Original release date: March 9, 2023

School Spirits is geared towards a bit of a younger audience since it’s billed as a teen drama. But trust me. This is definitely a show anyone can enjoy. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend the supernatural production. With it now streaming on Netflix in addition to Paramount+, there’s two streaming options to choose from. And I think it's going to get a bigger boost in popularity! Teen dramas can be tricky to do well, but I think School Spirits is definitely a success.

The series follows Maddie, a high school student who’s been murdered and is now stuck in the afterlife. Now, Maddie has to figure out what happened to her and who was behind it. If you love a mystery, then this is definitely a show for you. There’s some twists and turns you don’t see coming, all the while you’re trying to solve this with Maddie. Plus, School Spirits season 2 is on the way!

Found (NBC)

Original release date: Oct. 3, 2023

Speaking of mysteries, one of the rare new broadcast shows we got in fall 2023 (because the Hollywood strikes delayed productions) was Found on NBC. The procedural drama puts a real twist on the lead and “heroic” character, which I think makes the series unique I’m not surprised it’s already renewed for a second season even though the first season hasn’t even finished airing yet. The season finale is Jan. 16, 2024. The series is also available to stream on Peacock.

Gabi, a former missing person herself, is a specialist who works to find missing people through her PR firm, which means she doesn’t necessarily have to play by the rules of the law. This leads to the character hiding her own secret - she’s found her kidnapper, Hugh "Sir" Evans, and is holding him captive in her basement. This is so she can get into his mind and he gives her insight to help her find the missing people she’s determined to find.

Talk about a twist you don’t see coming! When the two are in a scene, you're listening to every word carefully. The dynamic between the two characters is complicated, and you really get into the emotional center of who Gabi is and how she's still dealing with the trauma of being kidnapped when she was younger.