With 2023 just starting, many of us have set our New Year’s Resolutions. One of my resolutions for the coming year is to actually watch the many shows I’ve added to my list on various streaming services. The thing about me is that I’m kind of picky when it comes to what I watch, and I’m not going to start a show unless I’m pretty sure I’m going to like it. So, if you’re like me, this article is for you. Here are 5 shows you should watch in 2023.
- Abbott Elementary (Hulu)
Abbott Elementary is one that I did not expect to like as much as I did. This show, created by and starring Quinta Brunson, is a mockumentary sitcom about a group of teachers at a Philadelphia public school who work to help their students succeed despite the many challenges thrown their way. I’m usually hesitant to watch modern sitcoms because it’s very easy for the humor to cross the line between actually funny and cringey. But, there was never a point in watching Abbott Elementary where I thought the jokes were too much. In fact, there were times I would laugh so loud that my roommates would come to check on me (sorry guys). So, if you’re looking for a good laugh, definitely check out Abbott Elementary.
- Normal People (Hulu)
Normal People, based on the book by Sally Rooney, follows the relationship between Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron as they navigate through secondary school into their undergraduate studies. The two have a very complex, on-again-off-again relationship that features a lot of miscommunication, and as the audience, we get a front-row seat to all of it. The show’s realness in showing how complicated relationships can be makes it all the more heartbreaking to watch. Although it can be frustrating at times, I would recommend this show to anyone.
- The Recruit (Netflix)
The Recruit is about Owen Hendricks (played by Noah Centineo), a rookie CIA lawyer who gets caught up in massive international conflicts with extremely dangerous parties after a former CIA asset threatens to expose her relationship with the agency. This show is perfect for the action-lover, with eight action-packed, high-stakes episodes. If you have any doubts about Noah Centineo’s ability to play such a serious role (like I did), don’t! Centineo does a fantastic job playing the role of Hendricks and brings a more likable air to a fairly serious character. So, if you’re a fan of action/crime shows, check out The Recruit!
- Fleabag (Prime Video)
Fleabag (created, written by, and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge) is about a free-spirited, angry, and confused woman navigating her life following the tragic loss of her best friend. The show has two seasons, and I personally thought the first season was very slow and honestly, kind of boring. The second season, however, is one of the best pieces of media I’ve ever seen. The second season follows Fleabag’s tragic love story with the priest (Andrew Scott) officiating her father’s upcoming wedding. I can’t recommend this show enough, and getting to experience the second season is definitely worth pushing through the first.
- That ‘90s Show (Netflix)
That ‘90s Show is a newly released That ‘70s Show reboot that follows Leia Forman (Callie Haverda), daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti as she forms bonds with other teenagers while staying with her grandparents Red & Kitty Forman in Point Place, Wisconsin during the summer. This is another show that I liked much more than I thought I would. There have been many shows about teenagers that just aren’t very well done, and I kind of expected this to be one of them, but I was very pleasantly surprised! The characters act like actual teenagers, which is cringey sometimes, but overall it is really refreshing. That ‘90s Show was a great way to pass the torch from the popularity of That ‘70s Show, and I’m excited to see if it gets renewed for a second season.
That brings us to the end of my show recommendations. Hopefully, you found a new show that looks interesting to watch! I thoroughly enjoyed all of these shows and think you will too. Happy watching!