Best of 2023 TV Episodes features spoilers from various shows. Please be advised if there’s something you don’t want to know.
It’s been a challenging year in the entertainment industry while the WGA and SAG AFTRA unions fought hard against networks and streaming sites trying to undercut the hard work that goes into creating the shows and movies we love. The unions thankfully came up victorious, allowing us to celebrate another year with amazing TV shows keeping us on the edge of our seats.
For more end-of-the-year coverage, be sure to check out our Best of 2023: Romance Novels, the Best of 2023: Scene-Stealers, the Best of 2023: Performances, the Best of 2023: Romantic Scenes, the Best of 2023: Found Families, and the Best of 2023: Romantic Relationships.
Connor’s Wedding
Succession
We called Succession’s “Connor’s Wedding” the best episode of the year—the “Ozymandias” of the show before the finale even aired, and we were right. While the series finale packs considerable punches in a satisfying form that makes the entire journey we’ve been on with these characters worth it, “Connor’s Wedding” evokes all sorts of hard-to-capture emotions. Good episodes keep you on the edge of your seat, but only epic, truly gut-wrenching spectacles force you to start pacing around the room with the sheer anxiety present in every frame. It’s bold of the series to take Logan Roy’s life during the third episode of the final season by choice, but what makes it so distinctive is that it’s more authentic than anything else the show has done. Death doesn’t wait for anyone, and how people navigate through grief isn’t something we see with this much raw shock.
So much of the episode is as gut-wrenching as it is because of the performances—how each actor shows us their emotions in their own unique way, true to the characters and through believable performances is a dizzying horror almost. The looming shadows lingering in every frame manage to hit like a ton of bricks, even for those who might not know the sheer heartbreaking that comes from losing a parent. It’s a masterclass in writing, performances, and directing, changing the series’ trajectory in a deeply arduous way not to subvert expectations or shock the audience but to tell a story through a jarring, intimately honest outlook. It’s vulnerable, frustrating, agonizing, and so innately gripping that the uncertainties that follow the credits could make even the most detached viewers care about what comes next.
“Long, Long Time”
The Last of Us
Episodes like The Last of Us‘ “Long, Long Time” are a rare treasure on TV. The concept of showcasing an entire beautiful life in a heartbreaking, profoundly vulnerable and emotionally compelling narrative is a craft not many know how to master or understand the value of either. Yet, that’s not the case here because the decision to divert from the video game canon allows two people a chance at happiness in a way that exhibits to viewers the utmost significance of love. “Long, Long Time” is a story about understanding one’s purpose, capturing agency, and taking the risks that will make life worth living. It’s incredibly romantic.
It’s full of breathtaking performances by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, as well as Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Anna Torv. It’s a narrative that highlights the vitality of humanity by revealing why it matters to have someone you care for, whether in a romantic sense or platonic. It’s quiet and gorgeously shot with a heart-wrenching original score that drives the story toward the satisfying message of hope that lingers. “Long, Long Time” isn’t an episode that throws wrenches for shock value; instead, it tells a love story that will carry on throughout the series to exhibit what celebrations of humanity look like. The Last of Us’ “Long, Long Time” isn’t merely one of the Best of 2023 TV episodes, but it’s one that future writers, directors, and actors will watch as a paradigm for how to tell a captivating, poignantly unforgettable episode that isn’t a Pilot or a finale, but the critical piece of the puzzle the series wouldn’t be the same without.
“Ad Astra per Aspera”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
There’s no sophomore slump for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and the second episode of the season, “Ad Astra per Aspera,” is proof of this fact. The episode is a stunning mirage from start to finish that encapsulates the importance of belonging on the Enterprise, and within this fictional world, using Una Chin-Riley’s Illyrian case as an allegory for how the world oppresses those who are even a little different. As it puts the character on the stand, it brings incredible performances from Rebecca Romijn, Anson Mount, Christina Chong, Yetide Badaki, and the entire cast to tell a deeply moving story that honors the franchise’s core themes exceptionally.
With emotions heightened and on full display throughout “Ad Astra per Aspera,” the series emphasizes the significance of hearing people out while simultaneously harnessing the show’s hook with an effective gut punch. It’s an episode about friendships and the unmatched loyalty between a captain and his number one officer. It places a single character centerfold and, at the same time, uses her vitality to show what it means to have empathy and heart. Trial episodes on most series tend to be gripping and anxiety-inducing, which is no surprise here. However, Strange New Worlds blends it seamlessly into its anthology format, setting the stage for what’s to come throughout the entire season, with tough decisions made easier by virtue of the people standing behind these characters. In truth, “Ad Astra per Aspera” isn’t just one of the Best of 2023 TV Episodes, but Strange New Worlds is one of the best shows.
“Exeunt”
Endeavour
The series finale of Endeavour stands as a poignant, bitter hug-of-love letter to an exceptional detective show. In “Exeunt,” all players leave the stage—a nod to Shakespeare and the Classicism that is a series hallmark—with Fred, Winifred and Sam Thursday heading this way, Joan and Jim that, and Jakes to Big Sky Country. While Morse remains, standing still, just as he confesses to Bright: “I suppose I thought things would just go on. But then they don’t.” Over the last decade, we’ve put back pints with Morse at the Eagle and Child, listened—feet up and drink in hand—to the scratch of Tosca on vinyl, and become a loyal part of the Oxford City constabulary. The brilliance of “Exeunt” is that it encompasses all of this warm, familiar history while staying true to all, which makes Endeavour itself: We are asked what is right and why does it matter? Who matters? Can one’s heart hold both light and dark at once? We also see the last, pernicious cracks that make Morse the sharp-edged Detective Inspector of the original series—the disillusionment and loss of his mentor and father figure, the sacrifice of love for a career and moral crusade, and the fracturing of the small family he’d cobbled together.
But perhaps the finest aspect of this conclusion are the threads that tug at previous series—Blenheim Vale, Thursday’s sacrifice to brother Charlie, the fate of Big Pete—and how elegantly and roughly, in true Endeavour style, they are pulled together. After 11 years, it feels like letting out a breath, like being suspended in the same inertia as Morse: where do we go from here?
“Is that it?” Morse asks in his final line.
“That’s it.” Exeunt. Farewell, Morse. Mind how you go. [BY: Sarah Tompkins]
“Forks”
The Bear
Opinions might differ regarding which episode of The Bear’s second season is the best, but with the intricate character study occurring in “Forks,” it’s a no-brainer for us. Ebon Moss-Bachrach is at his best as Richie, giving more insight into every little heartache the character has gone through. It’s significantly calmer than the chaos that comes before it in “Fishes,” but what works astutely boils down to the idea that isolated, contained episodes can sometimes be more effective in telling memorable stories. That seems to be a theme with our Best of 2023 TV episodes list, holding more stories about solitary character journeys than before. The episode is a game changer for Richie, but the best part lies in its subtly and the serenity Olivia Colman evokes in a way no one else could.
Terry and Richie’s single conversation while peeling mushrooms and discussing the idea of spending a little time on things sets up a theme that’s hard to ignore. Comprehending why such a conversation and experience affects Richie becomes easier because it exhibits the very understanding human beings are constantly searching for. And as a grieving man with still a lot of heart left to show, it becomes abundantly clear that Richie wants to be valued for everything he puts out. There’s something tremendously innocent about his behavior throughout the episode that comes from sincere conversations, ultimately exhibiting how vital simple communication can be in both telling and showing. Pair an excellent screenplay with performances featuring a full range of emotions, and you have something truly gripping.
“Fifteen Minutes”
Shrinking
From beginning to end, Apple TV+’s Shrinking is a winner, bringing to our screens one glorious episode after another while it thoughtfully digs deep into the complexities of grief and how human beings navigate their trauma. Because of this season and the show’s astute humor from the creative minds of Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, nearly every episode deserves a nod or two. But it’s Season 1, Episode 3, “Fifteen Minutes,” that stands out in our Best of 2023 TV episodes list, giving us something so tangible that led to a number of great conversations on social media.
There’s no foolproof method to getting over grief—every person, no matter how similar, will have a different way of coping. There’s no right or wrong way either, but Shrinking’s “Fifteen Minutes” not only reminds viewers that you don’t and can’t get over grief, but you must go through it. And ultimately, going through grief means allowing oneself to feel the pain it brings on, even when it’s too hard. We can’t numb ourselves to these heartaches, but we have to push through them to come out on the other side, even if that means cursing Phoebe Bridgers’ name for having such relatable songs. The episode brings characters together and pushes boundaries to allow the audience to understand the dynamics more while perhaps learning something ourselves in the process. We all have that one song that’ll make us wail like a baby, don’t we? The one we have to press play on, cry our way through, then pick ourselves up and go on with the rest of the day.
“Science/Fiction”
Loki
Loki Season 2 is a solid, brilliant run in more ways than one. As clunky as the MCU timeline has gotten because of the multiverse, showrunners chose to focus the series on a character journey instead, and with it, something utterly fascinating is born. All individual films and TV series are character journeys in a nutshell, but with Loki Season 2’s penultimate episode, “Science/Fiction,” it becomes something even more significant. It turns into an enamoring showcase of vulnerability full of sensational performances and a thrilling, distinct narrative. Normally, finales hold this much weight, and while Loki’s certainly does, taking us back to the beginning to show us how far we’ve come, it’s how the penultimate sets everything up that makes it hard to top.
The CGI is gorgeous for the small screen, Natalie Holt’s score is otherworldly, and the revelations are simple yet entirely captivating. “Science/Fiction” is Loki’s character journey, and it’s an acute exhibition of how far he’s come and how much he’s learned. The man who once believed he wanted to rule the world is begging for equals by his side. He’s choosing to allow himself to be vulnerable, showcasing that what the show set up from the beginning is coming to fruition effectively. The TVA might’ve started as a place to protect time, but it evolves into a place to protect others, and we see all of this unravel thematically within the episode, resulting in the kind of cliffhanger revelation that forces us to sit in our seats for a little while longer, pondering what’s to come. And if that’s not a solid penultimate, then I don’t know what is.
Return to Ithaca
Blindspotting
Blindspotting has been a rare, beautiful gem on our screens for two seasons, combining poetry and heart to tell thoughtful stories about womanhood, parenthood, friendships, and love. And as a series that doesn’t fall under the sophomore slump, even while it challenges its characters to the bone, no episode deserves more praise than its season (series) finale, “Return to Ithaca.”
In more ways than one, Blindspotting is a love letter to Ashley Rose and her perseverance as a mother, as well as the family every character finds in unlikely places. It’s where the Turner house feels like a home for everyone in it, which is why a New Year celebration leading to a reconciliation full of immense heart and thoughtful character growth works wonders to create something deeply memorable. Much of it comes down to the conversations Jasmine Cephas Jones and Rafael Casal have in silence while they solidify Ashley and Miles’ adoration and trust in each other. It’s loud downstairs and quiet upstairs, creating juxtaposing scenarios where both promise each other the same thing—loyalty, love, and undying partnerships. It’s a poetic showcase of warmth and the kind of homecoming that subtly tells viewers everything they need to know without spelling anything out for them.
“Book of Calvin”
Lessons in Chemistry
Written by Elissa Karasik and directed by Tara Miele, Lessons in Chemistry’s penultimate episode, “Book of Calvin,” shifts perspectives to show a different point of view to a story that’s already familiar to us. In doing so, it gives Lewis Pullman more intricate material to work with in showcasing the trajectory of Calvin’s life up until his tragic fate, allowing both the character to feel closer to the audience and inadvertently, adding layers to Elizabeth’s life, too. Flashback episodes like this don’t always work, but when the story feels contained and is delivered with nuances that add to the series as opposed to taking away, then it can certainly be deemed something deeply significant.
“Book of Calvin” is a flashback that relies heavily on ensuring that the audience cares enough to understand the character’s journey we’re put through. While something like this works as an episode, placing it as the penultimate is a bold move. It never once feels off or jarring to go from the future to the past like this, yet as you’re watching it, the secrets that come to light add so much depth to the character’s history. It’s easy to miss Calvin as a character, but this makes us adore Calvin even more—understand his role in this story. It also adds nuance and depth to Madeline’s traits as his daughter, as well as to the decisions Elizabeth makes by the end of the series.
“Rock ‘n Roll Suicide”
Daisy Jones and the Six
Like in the book, Daisy Jones and The Six becomes an ideal read toward the end of the story. It’s how it all wraps up and shows us where the stars are today that allows it to feel natural, grounded, and a little wholesome amid all the chaos. And like it, the limited series’ finale, “Rock ‘n Roll Suicide,” evolves into a near-perfect episode, full of artful performances, a plethora of vulnerability, and all the heart necessary to give viewers something to hold onto. It’s a spectacular vision from director Nzingha Stewart and undeniable poetry from writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber.
The episode makes the series feel complete, leaving characters in a satisfying place that encapsulates far more than just the final performance during the Aurora tour. It’s a story about forgiveness, redemption, and agency, ensuring that the characters come out on top of circumstances designed to make them fail. In most regards, we want a happy ending to prevail, but the finale tells a story that feels both honest and full of heart without trying to undermine the hardships they’ve crossed. It makes every beat of the story feel earned, and the cast puts on one hell of a final show that feels so realistic that it’s still a little jarring to think about.
Honorable Mentions: “International Break“ (Ted Lasso), “Four Minutes” (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), “The Ghost Light” (Only Murders in the Building), “Buffalo Chicken Pizza” (Mythic Quest), “I Accidentally. Vaporize My Pre-Algebra Teacher” (Percy Jackson and the Olympians).