The best Netflix TV shows of 2023 include The Fall of the House of Usher, Black Mirror, Emmy winner Beef, an animated series, and more.
Netflix might be facing increasing competition from a growing number of quality shows offered on other streaming services, but it continues to deliver exciting shows of its own across every genre. From dramas to thrillers, documentaries to sitcoms, shows that were surprise hits to ones that are finally coming to an end, there was so much to watch on Netflix this year.
Which were the best shows? They feature high-profile actors like Aaron Paul, Keri Russell, and Michael Cera, as well as relative newcomers like Gabriel Basso. They include a docuseries, gothic horror film, dystopian speculative fiction, and a political thriller, among others. If you haven’t yet watched any of these eight shows, they’re all worth your time. Once you work your way through these series, check out the best shows on Netflix.9. The Crown (2016-2023)
It’s the end of an era for The Crown, with the predetermined six-season run coming to an end. Delivered in two parts, the sixth season of the historical drama about the Royal Family and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II covers the time period between 1997 and 2005. The most pivotal moments depicted include Princess Diana’s romance with Dodi Fayed, as well as her tragic death. There’s also Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s budding relationship and Prince Charles’ (now King Charles’ wedding to Camilla.
It’s a bittersweet end to the series that has been lauded for its costumes, acting, writing, and more. The Crown is one of those shows that even people who aren’t fans of the Royal Family find fascinating. While season 6 doesn’t cover some of the more recent events, including Prince Harry stepping down and leaving England and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it remains one of the best TV shows of the 21st Century.
Stream The Crown on Netflix.8. The Diplomat (2023-)
The Diplomat marks Keri Russell’s return to the small screen. In the political thriller that’s like The West Wing meets The Night Agent, she plays Kate Wyler, a career diplomat who is suddenly thrust into a position of higher power after being asked to work as U.S. ambassador to the U.K. There’s an international crisis and the president and his staff believe she’s the best person for the job.
The series is heavy on complex dialogue as Kate navigates challenges in this new position, including learning that there are even bigger plans for her. Her husband Hal, brilliantly played by Rufus Sewell, is a former U.S. ambassador who has rubbed some people the wrong way. He tries to remain at arm’s length while his wife shines, but it’s not so easy for the man who is used to calling the shots. Created by Debora Cahn, who previously worked as a writer and producer on The West Wing, The Diplomat is a fast-paced, politically charged story. Sure, the story takes liberties compared to what could happen during a real-life geopolitical crisis, but the characters and shocking twists have made it a hit.
Stream The Diplomat on Netflix.7. YOU (2018-)
A delicious guilty pleasure, YOU has taken serial killer Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) in so many directions through its first few seasons. The fourth season moves the story all the way to London, where Joe has assumed a new identity and secured a job as an English professor at a prestigious school. He has even made some high-society friends, despite his distaste for their way of life, materialistic attitude, and lack of academic and, in his eyes, even basic intelligence.
Seeing Joe’s sadistic need to control and obsess over someone or something new plays out beautifully in the latest season. The massive twists and turns, delivered in two parts released one month apart, increased the intensity when it first premiered.
