As part of our tradition each year, Kevin and I highlight our favorite movies and series of the past year and reflect on what impact each movie, film, and performance had. In our last post, we shared our favorite movies of 2023. Now, we’re excited to share our favorite series of 2023 with our personal reflections on each. This was a tough year as we continue to feel the effects of post-COVID times along with the writers’ strike, but unlike the past few years, we’ve been blessed with more quality productions. Without further ado, here are our favorite series of 2023!
Beef
“You know our body absorbs nutrients and then pisses and shits out all the bad stuff? What if we’re doing that to babies? But you know, parents, like they just, piss their trauma down.” – Danny Cho
Beef captures the epitome of what it means to be an Asian American trying to make it while figuring shit out. While there are so many memorable moments and lines throughout the series, this scene in the final episode where Danny talks about the trauma that parents pass down to their children resonates with me most, from its cleverly crafted analogy to the profound, emotional impact on what it means to inherit trauma.
When I finished watching Beef, I knew immediately this was going to be one of my favorite series of all time. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong’s captivating performances don’t just accurately depict the rage we often feel with ourselves and those around us, but their humanness, with the layers and layers of complexity and unraveling, takes us deeper into what it means to empathize with someone’s struggle. We all know what it feels like to be angry at the world, but this series does an incredible job of peeling back the layers of what goes on behind closed doors. What I love most about Beef is that it’s Asian without being “in your face” Asian. From the Shin ramen cups to the family obligations, there’s so much that resonates with me. But more importantly, it’s just a human story that anyone can relate to, whether you’re Asian or not. The Asian parts of it are just a little something extra to enjoy. It’s like when you understand the background and context of a story, you can enjoy it in more ways.
– Jess
The Bear
I’ll be honest, season 1 of The Bear set such an incredibly high standard that I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to do any better. But after finishing season 2, my immediate thought was “They just outdid themselves.” As the series continues to unfold, the depths of each character’s personal stories and development become more intricate and complex, allowing us to genuinely connect with their struggles, flaws, and triumphs. We cry along with their heartbreaks, cringe in the anxiety-induced moments, and cheer for their achievements.
For me, the most memorable episodes are “Fishes” and “Forks” for obvious reasons. While every episode has its own level of fervor and sense of importance, “Fishes” unlocked new levels of intensity. From the chaotic and clashing sounds and shots at different angles to each actor’s subtle yet powerful facial expressions, the unraveling of this family, like many others, is so relatable throughout the entirety of this event. As for “Forks,” this is the ultimate “GO, RICHIE!” moment; I know we all had the same undeniable feeling watching Richie’s transformation. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s authentic portrayal of Richie had us all rooting for him. From his reluctance to clean forks and asshole behavior at the beginning of the episode to guessing each ingredient correctly and the emotional car ride sing-along, Ebon did a phenomenal job of embodying Richie’s character. It wasn’t just fun to watch him win, but his excitement for himself as the episode progressed had us all cheering at the end. The Bear has been an emotional journey that resonates with the very essence of being human.
– Jess
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher is a mesmerizing masterpiece that has undoubtedly earned its place among my all-time favorites. As a literary nerd, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the storytelling and reimagination of Edgar Allen Poe’s classic short stories. This series takes Poe’s timeless classics and reconceptualizes them with a creative and modern twist, breathing new life into these haunting tales. From the very first episode, it’s evident that this series is a labor of love for Poe enthusiasts and literary nerds, like me. Each episode feels carefully constructed to convey layers of meaning, drawing viewers deeper into the dark and mysterious world of the Usher family. And what a family it is. The astounding performance by the entire cast is nothing short of breathtaking, with each member authentically embodying the complexities of the Usher children.
The deliberate suspense that leads to the downfall of each character is delivered in a way that is both chilling and deeply satisfying. As one of my favorite characters, Carla Gugino’s portrayal of Verna, a character whose name itself is an anagram for Raven (a nod to Poe’s iconic poem), is nothing short of masterful with a sense of both vulnerability and menace that is compelling to watch. But perhaps what I love most about The Fall of the House of Usher are the little clues and tidbits scattered throughout each episode, connecting back to all things Edgar Allan Poe. Whether it’s a subtle reference to one of his real-life arch nemesis or a cleverly hidden Easter egg, these details serve to enrich the viewing experience, rewarding attentive fans with moments of revelation.
– Jess
A Murder at the End of the World
A Murder at the End of the World defies the conventional murder mystery label, and instead, offers an elevated narrative that transcends the typical whodunnit tropes. With a strong focus on social commentary, the series delves into the potentials and dangers of AI (which couldn’t be more relevant now), addressing pertinent issues such as violence towards women, capitalism, climate change, and nihilism. The storytelling is masterfully executed by intertwining two timelines and two crimes, with the murder mystery in the title being secondary. Instead, this series emphasizes the humanization of the victim—a rare feat in the genre.
Darby’s crusade for justice and the profound connection with Bill form the beating heart and soul of the series, leading to a heartbreaking yet impactful ending. Emma Corrin and Harris Dickinson deliver phenomenal performances, enriching the narrative with depth and emotion. I can’t effectively reflect on this series without highlighting its aesthetics; it is a beautifully filmed series. The stunning natural landscapes of Iceland combined with extended moments of silence create a mesmerizing atmosphere and evoke a sense of cold isolation. Watching these beautiful scenes gave me a sense of being there and wishing for time to stand still. A Murder at the End of the World is a captivating and thought-provoking series with a humanizing take on love, connection, justice, and the truth.
– Kevin
The Last of Us
The Last of Us is the most successful video game adaptation to date. This masterfully crafted series takes us on a cinematic journey marked by an immediate and flawless shot of the opening sequence. Right away, we are placed in a subjective perspective that immerses us in the confusion and chaos of the epidemic alongside Joel and his daughter. Throughout the series, the transformation of both Joel and Ellie deepens our connection and empathy with these characters. Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie, from her quirky puns and childlike presence to the gradual loss of her innocence and enduring trauma of their journey, is one of the most impactful and heartfelt performances of the year.
The series primarily revolves around Joel and Ellie, with guest characters making fleeting yet impactful appearances. It’s so well written and acted that all of their performances tug at our heartstrings, leaving us speechless and heartbroken. While the guest characters’ moments are brief, we cherish every minute of their presence, thinking of the imprint they’ve left long after their time on screen. The narrative finds a poignant sense of family between Joel and Ellie, showcasing Joel’s evolving care for Ellie as if she were the daughter he lost, bolstered by their genuine chemistry and moments infused with humor. While the story is set in an apocalyptic world with zombies, The Last of Us is NOT a zombie series, far from it. It’s a powerful story about humanity, for the real monsters aren’t the zombies…it’s us.
– Kevin
Succession
With four glorious seasons, Succession has unequivocally set the gold standard for television series, not just for the year but for all-time. This saga of money, power, and family dysfunction achieves the remarkable feat of making viewers deeply care about characters who are both unlikeable and despicable. It is a masterclass in acting, writing, delivering sophisticatedly degrading insults, and skillfully manipulating the audience’s emotions.
At its core, Succession reveals capitalism at its ugliest, portraying the brokenness of the Roy family as they dismantle each other, their company, and the fragile democracy of the United States. Simultaneously, the audience feels pity and sympathy for the Roy children, each desperately trying to gain acceptance from their unyielding father, echoing the poignant words of Logan Roy: “I love you, but you are not serious people.” The climactic and anxiety-inducing ending, determining the successor to the throne, leaves viewers breathless, and the aftermath of the show prompts a moment of reflection to fully absorb its profound impact. Succession is not merely one of the greatest series of the year but a timeless masterpiece in the history of television.
– Kevin
