TELEVISION
The Best New TV Shows Of 2023 That Are Flying Under Your Radar
Static Media
BY AKOS PETERBENCZE/APRIL 30, 2023 7:15 AM EST
"2023 has brought so many intriguing television shows in its first quarter so far that we would need a time machine to be able to watch them all. Peak TV is as real as ever, and every streaming service tries to bring its best (in both quality and quantity) to compete in the overcrowded viewing landscape that television is these days. Besides the extremely popular fresh and returning works like HBO's "The Last of Us," or Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso," there's a surge of great new shows you might miss out on if you don't follow premieres closely enough.
Thankfully, Looper is here to bridge that gap and focus on shows that, despite getting praise from critics and carving out a decent fanbase, haven't received the kind of attention they would truly deserve. Whether in the category of underseen or underrated, we're here to recommend 12 new shows that might've been flying under your radar in 2023.
The Power
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime's sci-fi drama, "The Power," didn't exactly start out with rave reviews, but since its premiere at the end of March, it turned into one of the most electrifying (pun fully intended) shows on television today. "The Power" isn't subtle or mystical in the slightest; in fact, it's fast-paced and shamelessly on the nose, but its go-for-broke approach fits its source material perfectly. Created by Raelle Tucker, Claire Wilson, and Sarah Quintrell, the series is a loud celebration of female empowerment that's as unapologetic as it is bold in its narrative style.
The plot follows a group of women on multiple continents who develop the ability to create and control electric jolts through natural evolution. They have this dangerous yet life-changing power because they need it. And as we follow how Jos (Auli'I Cravalho), Allie (Halle Bush), Roxy (Ria Zmitrowicz), and other young women discover and learn to use this intriguing skill, we also see how the world and its political leaders react to it simultaneously. Let's just say that men and women in positions of authority around the world feel threatened by this new phenomenon, and they have every reason to do so.
Something as significant as this power (which not only turns up in most young girls but is also transferable) will shake the entire world to its core and completely change the dynamics of society as we know it. Besides the aforementioned young actors, the show also features such talents as Toni Collette, Eddie Marsan, and John Leguizamo in the main roles.
The Big Door Prize
Apple TV+
There's really no excuse for Apple TV+'s poor marketing of one of its most endearing and surprising shows this year, "The Big Door Prize." David West Read's half-hour dramedy series — based on M.O. Walsh's novel of the same name – is a thought-provoking take on life paths, fate, and human potential, which falls somewhere between feelgood and bittersweet when it comes to its deftly layered characters.
The series follows the everyday life of an American small town after a mysterious machine (branded with the name Morpho and a blue butterfly) turns up in a local grocery store. The device can determine the life potential of every individual in exchange for a few coins. Sounds fishy? Absolutely. Does it work? Unclear. After Morpho becomes a sensation among the locals, everyone visits the store to get their own stylish card with a word that might or might not be their life potential.
Alongside this sci-fi aspect, what drives the series is the heartfelt and deeply relatable characters who react vastly differently to their own possible potential. Some embrace it, some ignore it, and some change their whole lifestyle based on vague suggestions. Besides the top-notch writing, the heart of "The Big Door Prize" is the multifaceted cast that includes such familiar faces as Chris O'Dowd, Gabrielle Dennis, Damon Gupton, and many others.
Slip
Roku Channel
Created by Zoe Lister-Jones, Roku Channel's "Slip" takes a popular idea and combines it with well-established rom-com tropes. It's a sort of Marvel multiverse meets quirky romantic comedy premise that offers a comedic yet intriguing self-discovery through several alternate realities.
We follow Mae (played by Lister-Jones), a 30-something associate curator working in a museum in Canada. Despite leading a good life, however, she feels unsatisfied and bored. Mae is married to a thoughtful and considerate man named Elijah (Whitmer Thomas), yet she feels that something is lacking in her relationship and life, which became too predictable and tedious over the last few years. She needs something exciting. Well, after hooking up with a musician in a bar, she gets more than she can handle. The next morning Mae finds herself in a parallel universe where she's been married to the man she just met the previous night. And this is only the beginning of a mind-boggling journey that will lead her through multiple alternate realities while she's desperately trying to find out what's happening and how she can return "home" to her husband.
Unprisoned
Hulu
Hulu's "Unprisoned" came and went in March without making waves (apart from a handful of positive reviews), and that just isn't fair to a show filled with heart and culture to the brim. Tracy McMillan's series is based on her experience and relationship with his father who was in prison for most of her life. That estranged father-daughter relationship is the center of "Unprisoned," and the plot delves into second chances, childhood traumas, and faded memories with an analytic yet easily digestible approach that should be widely seen and celebrated.
The story revolves around Paige (Kerry Washington), a single mom and licensed therapist who tries to raise her teenage son, balance a career, and find a loving romantic partner at the same time. All of that is already overwhelming, but on top of everything, when her father Edwin (Delroy Lindo) is released from jail after 17 years, she's suddenly faced with a past she hasn't dealt with or processed the right way, and now it's inevitable. So we follow how she tries to rebuild a severely damaged connection with her dad while reconnecting with her inner child and discovering her roots. Alongside Washington and Lando, the cast includes acclaimed actors like Tim Daly, Brenda Strong, Marque Richardson, and a terrific newcomer child actress, Jordyn McIntosh.
Dear Edward
Apple TV+
Apple TV+'s "Dear Edward" comes from showrunner Jason Katims who brought us such beloved family-centered programs as "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood" before. His latest drama rides on similar themes, but its source material (based on Ann Napolitano's novel of the same name) is a little heavier and more melodramatic than we're used to from Katims. Thus it proved pretty divisive among critics but make no mistake — "Dear Edward" still delivers for genre fans.
The plot follows a young boy named Edward (Colin O'Brien), the only survivor of a devastating plane crash, who loses his entire immediate family due to the accident. After the tragedy, he's sent to his aunt Lacey (Taylor Schilling), who becomes his guardian, although she's not emotionally prepared to help her nephew with the trauma he's been through.
Alongside Edward, we're also introduced to a large group of characters, friends, and relatives of people who died in the crash, who meet in a grief group and try to connect to help each other process the disaster and its repercussions. Alongside O'Brien and Schilling, the cast also features Connie Britton, Brittany S. Hall, Anna Uzele, Ivan Shaw, and Jenna Qureshi.
Tiny Beautiful Things
Hulu
Created by Liz Tigelaar, Hulu's eight-part drama miniseries, "Tiny Beautiful Things," is based on Cheryl Strayed's book of the same name — a collection of personal essays she initially wrote anonymously for an advice column called Dear Sugar. Led by a vivacious and earnest Kathryn Hahn as Clare Pierce, the show focuses on a journey that dissects grief, childhood trauma, and dysfunctional family relationships. Although that might sound grave, "Tiny Beautiful Things" effectively mixes comedic and serious tones to find a balance in telling a heartbreaking yet uplifting story.
We follow Clare in her late 30s as her marriage and professional life simultaneously decline due to her poor decisions. She's kicked out of her home by her husband, Danny (Quentin Plair), because she gave their teen daughter's entire college fund to her irresponsible brother. As a result of that, the retirement community she works at in admissions also suspends her for breaking certain house rules. The writing career she aspires to have is also pretty much non-existent, but she's offered to take on an advice column by an old friend for an online magazine. Even though it doesn't pay, Clare accepts the job that ends up helping her process the loss of her mother alongside other unaddressed past traumas.
Hello Tomorrow!
Apple TV+
Apple TV+'s sci-fi dramedy, "Hello Tomorrow!," had high hopes and an excellent premise to live up to before it began airing in February. Although it might've failed to fulfill all that potential (critics haven't gone easy on it), the series did capture a charming vibe due to its likable characters portrayed by an excellently assembled cast. Led by a fantastic Billy Crudup (who was long overdue to land a leading role like this), the cast also includes Hank Azaria, Alison Pill, Matthew Maher, Jacki Weaver, W. Earl Brown, and many more familiar faces. Due to the mostly mediocre reviews from critics, the show hasn't gathered as much attention as it perhaps hoped for, but that doesn't mean it's not worth giving a chance.
The plot follows Jack Billings (Crudup), a lunar salesman selling timeshares in a retro-future, and his team of oddball agents traveling the country trying to convince simple folk to buy a place up on the Moon and move there one day. Although since none of them has been up there yet, they're rather selling hope than actual properties. Things become more complicated when Jack bumps into his son he abandoned a long time ago to pursue this job, who ends up becoming one of his agents without knowing that he's his actual father. As they grow closer, we also watch the truth slowly unfold and wreck the lives of agents and customers involved.
Lucky Hank
AMC+
After playing the fan-favorite lawyer, Saul Goodman, in the "Breaking Bad" universe for over a decade, Bob Odenkirk landed a vastly different role in AMC+'s new drama, "Lucky Hank." Paul Lieberstein and Aaron Zelman's series — adapted from Richard Russo's novel, "Straight Man" — observes academic life through a hilarious and satirical lens in a mediocre Pennsylvanian college's English department. Perhaps because of its subject matter, the show hasn't hit big yet (despite rave reviews), but thanks to its rich humor and superb cast, it's an undeniable gem of television.
We follow Hank (Odenkirk), the chairman of the English department, who's just as miserable in his personal life as he's in his professional. His deep-seated hatred for most people stems from his own failures. He's the son of an accomplished and narcissistic writer he hasn't spoken to in years, he's bored and irritated by his woke students, and his inspiration to work on his second novel (the follow-up to his debut book that almost no one read) is a dry well.
The tiny ounce of happiness that keeps him from fully diving into midlife crisis and career suicide is his lovely wife, Lily (the always welcome Mireille Enos), who helps him not to spiral too much and keep his sanity. But as unwanted changes slowly occur in their marriage and professional life, Hank gradually grows more insecure and desperate to stay in his comfort zone, which he adamantly refuses to leave.
Rabbit Hole
Paramount+
The spy genre in television is certainly on an uprise in recent years, and Paramount+'s "Rabbit Hole," created by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, is a promising contender to achieve great results. The fact that it's held together by a charismatic and fierce Kiefer Sutherland (who dominated this genre for almost a decade) is one of the best casting choices the creators could've possibly made. It's not in the zeitgeist yet, but with every new episode, the show draws in more and more viewers to strengthen its fanbase.
The intricate plot follows John Weir (Sutherland), a corporate espionage expert, who runs his own company with a group of savvy employees who excel at their jobs consistently. However, things take a turn for the worse when Weir is assigned to do a job by his childhood friend Valence, (Jason Butler Harner), and a catastrophic chain of events leaves him without a team and framed for murder.
From then on, the plot truly kicks in as Weir has to run from multiple authorities and mysterious individuals behind the scenes who want to obliterate him in one way or another. The intense and baffling twists are immense, yet "Rabbit Hole" smoothly combines seriousness with a refreshing sense of black humor throughout. Alongside Sutherland, the show features Meta Golding, Enid Graham, Rob Yang, and veteran character actor, Charles Dance.
Rain Dogs
BBC One
Created by Cash Carraway, BBC One's dramedy series, "Rain Dogs," comes right from London's gutter to deliver a genuine, brutal, and heartbreaking story about a working-class mother and her chosen family. Blended with an essential dark sense of humor, Carraway's series mines funny, hopeful, and uplifting moments where there are barely any. "Rain Dogs" isn't just the most sincere depiction of mental illness, childhood trauma, and dysfunctional family relationships in an English setting in recent years but a thought-provoking portrayal of privilege and poverty too.
The plot follows Costello Jones (Daisy May Cooper), a single mother and sex worker who gets evicted with her daughter, Iris (Fleur Tashjian), and has nowhere to go. Luckily, her best friend, Selby (Jack Farthing), a menacing gay man coming from wealth, just got released from a one-year prison sentence to save them from ending up on the streets. Not that Costello needs constant saving, but when things get to an all-time low, Selby never lets her down. Unfortunately, their turbulent love-hate friendship isn't sustainable long-term, and they both know the bad influence they have on each other.
However, for the sake of Iris, the two have to figure out how to create and maintain a healthy life together or without each other to give her a safe upbringing that won't leave her with the deep emotional scars they both have from their own childhood. Despite praise from critics, this tragicomedy is certainly an underseen gem that deserves more recognition from viewers.
Fleishman is in Trouble
FX on Hulu
Author Taffy Brodesser-Akner's drama miniseries, "Fleishman is in Trouble" – based on her novel of the same name — is probably the most likely show on this list that might've popped up on the radar of viewers. Its star-studded cast features such acclaimed actors as Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, Adam Brody, and Josh Radnor. It's no wonder why: as quirky and odd as it might be, the series delivers an outstandingly original depiction of culture, divorce, wealth, nostalgia, friendships, mental health, and parenting with beautiful poignancy and humor.
"Fleishman is in Trouble" follows Toby Fleishman (Eisenberg), a freshly divorced Jewish doctor with two kids, who tries to balance his career and personal life in Manhattan. As he pursues new romantic relationships, Toby soon realizes that his ex-wife, Rachel (Danes), seemingly disappeared without a trace. At first, he thinks she's just messing with him, but later on, he starts to worry that something bad happened to her that no one knows about. So to track her down, Toby attempts to find her using his relationships while balancing his demanding job, raising children, navigating the online dating scene, and reconnecting with long-lost friends from his youth. Brodesser-Akner's miniseries is truly "about everything," which is a grueling task for an eight-part TV show, but it somehow manages to find a satisfying narrative stability that delivers on all counts.
Mrs. Davis
Peacock
Peacock's "Mrs. Davis" has no other creators in its corner than Tara Hernandez ("The Big Bang Theory") and Damon Lindelof ("Lost," "The Leftovers"). Under their supervision, it's no surprise that this eight-part series combines sci-fi, comedy, and drama into an epic and bonkers trip that goes to surreal heights viewers surely can't anticipate. And it does that with a multifaceted cast that includes Betty Gilpin, Jake McDorman, Chris Diamantopoulos, Margo Martindale, David Arquette, Ben Chaplin, and more.
The plot follows Simone (Betty Gilpin), a fierce and attractive nun, who has to battle a society-threatening artificial intelligence called Mrs. Davis through extreme and dangerous challenges. In order to destroy the AI, though, she first needs to find and wreck the Holy Grail. It might sound crazy and silly, and that's because it is. But "Mrs. Davis" uses every bit of its weird story and strange characters to make this journey as fun as it can possibly get for the unassuming viewer.
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TELEVISION
TV Shows That We Can't Wait To Check Out In 2023
Disney+
BY BLAISE SANTI/UPDATED: DEC. 22, 2022 6:14 AM EST
2022 was an eventful year in television. Critically acclaimed prestige shows of the 2010s came to an end, including "Better Call Saul," "The Walking Dead," and "Atlanta." Other popular shows continued to gain more traction and attention with their subsequent seasons, including the second seasons of "Euphoria" and "Bridgerton," as well as "What We Do in the Shadows," "Derry Girls," and "Hacks."
Other shows that premiered during the year caught the attention of the general public and social media fandoms, such as the first of many "Game of Thrones" spin-offs, "House of the Dragon," as well as the Ben Stiller-directed science-fiction drama "Severance." In the comedy sphere, shows like "The Afterparty" turned the murder mystery on its head, while HBO's Nathan Fielder-led "The Rehearsal" garnered dozens of articles and think-pieces on the show's portrayal of reality versus fiction. Additionally, the world of genre television expanded, with new series exploring the worlds of "Star Wars" ("Obi-Wan Kenobi," "Andor"), Marvel ("Moon Knight," "She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law"), "The Lord of the Rings," and "The Sandman."
Heading into 2023, there's even more television to look forward to. Across the year, fans will get to explore their favorite universes and franchises more deeply while also being introduced to new characters and stories to become addicted to binge-watching. Whether they're the beginning of the next great show of the 2020s or a limited series certain to catch your attention, viewers should have their eyes on these series in the next year.
Mayfair Witches
AMC
In October 2022, AMC debuted "Interview With the Vampire," the first of many series that will adapt the novels of gothic author Anne Rice. The first season premiered to rave reviews, praising its adaptation of source material while also updating it for a modern audience by delving into the novel's queer subtext. Suffice it to say, the success of "Interview with the Vampire" has excited Anne Rice fans leading up to the premiere of AMC's next series: an adaptation of her trilogy "Lives of the Mayfair Witches."
The series, simply titled "Mayfair Witches," is set to premiere in January 2023. Alexandra Daddario, who received acclaim for her TV appearances in "The White Lotus" and "True Detective," will star as Dr. Rowan Fielding, a woman who discovers her relation to a long lineage of witches. Daddario co-stars alongside Harry Hamlin, who plays the current Mayfair patriarch.
After a preview of the series at New York Comic Con in 2022, Daddario expressed her excitement about the show, as well as the show's portrayal of real-life witchcraft. Co-creator and producer Michelle Ashford also described the draw of "Mayfair Witches" as a show about a family, albeit a dysfunctional one that's hiding a lot of dark secrets. It may have a lot in common with "Interview With the Vampire," so fans of AMC's latest horror installment should definitely tune in to this spiritual successor.
The Last of Us
HBO
Easily one of the most highly anticipated and talked-about shows premiering in 2023 is HBO's adaptation of "The Last of Us," a video game originally released for PlayStation 3 in 2013. The game follows Joel, a post-apocalyptic survivor who forms an unlikely partnership with Ellie, a teenage girl he encounters who may possess the cure to the parasitic virus infecting humans. The series follows the same story, casting "Game of Thrones" alumni Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as the game's dynamic duo.
Despite the initial skepticism of the game's diehard fans, "The Last of Us" has wowed audiences through its first looks and trailers, which seem to be taking the job of adapting a video game seriously. The cinematography of the series truly resembles its source material, with Pascal and Ramsey perfectly embodying the characters as well as the in-game actors, Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, did. The show's other cast members include Nick Offerman, Gabriel Luna, and Anna Torv, as well as actors reprising their roles from the game, such as Merle Dandridge, Baker, and Johnson.
Given that "The Last of Us" received a video game sequel in 2020 ("The Last of Us Part II"), this series could last for a long time — that is, if fans of the original game are won over, which is not a guarantee when it comes to video game adaptations. Perhaps "The Last of Us" will break that tradition when it premieres in January 2023.
Poker Face
Peacock
Movie theater audiences have had a divisive response to Rian Johnson's work, whether it be his "Breaking Bad" bottle episode about a fly or his installment in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, "The Last Jedi." Johnson has more or less won a majority of audiences back with his 2019 film "Knives Out," an Agatha Christie-inspired whodunit starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, the world's greatest detective. The film's success led to a sequel, titled "Glass Onion," which premiered in 2022 and saw Craig reprise his role with a whole new ensemble cast.
Rian Johnson also plans to bring the murder mystery to the small screen in 2023 with "Poker Face," a case-of-the-week series led by "Orange Is the New Black" and "Russian Doll" star Natasha Lyonne (via Entertainment Weekly). The 10-episode series is set to debut on Peacock in January. Lyonne will play Charlie, a woman who has the ability to tell when people are lying. Its rotating cast every episode will include guest stars like Adrien Brody, Lil Rel Howery, Stephanie Hsu, Jameela Jamil, and Nick Nolte, among others.
Given the praise Rian Johnson has received for his whodunit work already, "Poker Face" is set to impress audiences with its subversion of the genre. Viewers will get to binge the series' first four episodes when they all premiere at once on Peacock, then return to follow Charlie's adventures for the remaining six across the early weeks of 2023.
The Walking Dead spin-offs
AMC
After 11 seasons, "The Walking Dead" finally concluded its run in 2022. The show premiered in 2010, becoming one of the most popular television dramas of the decade. Sadly, its viewership waned in its later seasons, particularly after the departure of longtime cast members like Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, and Danai Gurira. However, even before "The Walking Dead" ended, AMC debuted spin-off series that explored other characters in its universe, such as "Fear the Walking Dead" and the anthology series "Tales of the Walking Dead," the latter of which premiered in 2022.
However, fans of "The Walking Dead" characters don't need to worry about saying goodbye. In 2023, AMC plans to debut several spin-off series and TV movies centered on iconic characters from the franchise. In April, "The Walking Dead: Dead City" will premiere on AMC, following the adventures of Jeffrey Dean Morgan's infamous Negan alongside Lauren Cohan's Maggie after the events of the original series.
Later in 2023, two more shows will premiere: one that centers on Norman Reedus' crossbow-wielding Daryl Dixon, the other a mini-series centered on departed characters Rick and Michonne, with Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira reprising their roles. While the premiere date of these last two spin-offs is undetermined, "The Walking Dead" fans will have lots to look forward to in 2023 and beyond. If there's anything to be learned from "House of the Dragon," it's that audiences are still hungry for more of their favorite TV universes.
Secret Invasion
Disney+
Samuel L. Jackson has been a veteran of the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since he made his first appearance as Nick Fury in the post-credits scene of "Iron Man" all the way back in 2008. Since then, he's popped up frequently throughout the movies, most prominently in 2012's "'The Avengers" and 2019's "Captain Marvel." However, for the first time, Jackson will star as the lead in an MCU project with the upcoming Disney+ series "Secret Invasion."
The series, based on the comic book arc of the same name, picks up many of the storylines set up by "Captain Marvel," surrounding Fury's relationship to the shape-shifting Skrulls. As Earth faces an invasion from a group of rebel Skrulls, Fury is the only one who can stop them, enlisting the aid of his right-hand woman, Maria Hill (played by Cobie Smulders), and the Skrull leader Talos (played by Ben Mendelsohn). New cast members joining the MCU in "Secret Invasion" include Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke, and Kingsley Ben-Adir.
During a Comic Con preview, Smulders teased fans by claiming that "Secret Invasion" is a darker thriller than many other Marvel projects, returning to the tone of previous entries like "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Knowing that the Skrull invasion has dire consequences on the Marvel universe in its comic counterpart, one can expect this miniseries to take the Marvel Cinematic Universe to places it's never been, setting up for the rest of Phase 5.
Agatha: Coven of Chaos
Disney+
Plenty more Marvel Cinematic Universe projects are set to hit Disney+ in 2023. Alaqua Cox will reprise her role as Maya Lopez in "Echo," starring alongside Vincent D'Onofrio and Charlie Cox as Kingpin and Matt Murdock, respectively. Meanwhile, Dominique Thorne will return as Riri Williams from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in her own series, "Ironheart," which co-stars Anthony Ramos as the supervillain The Hood.
One of the most interesting MCU projects currently puzzling fans is the solo adventure of Kathryn Hahn's Agatha Harkness. Agatha made a grand debut in 2021's "WandaVision," complete with a Billboard-charting theme song. The character had played a minor supporting role in the comic books as a mentor to Wanda Maximoff, as well as a nanny for the Fantastic Four. Now, Agatha will be leading her own series, "Agatha: Coven of Chaos," set to debut in late 2023, or possibly early 2024. Recent casting news has excited fans even more, with newcomers including Aubrey Plaza, Eric Andre, Sasheer Zamata, and Joe Locke.
It's unclear how "Agatha: Coven of Chaos" will fit into Phase 5 of the MCU. Perhaps it will give fans some closure on Wanda's fate after the end of "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," or perhaps it will just be a fun romp with Hahn doing what she does best. Either way, it will be an interesting series to watch to see if it recaptures the magic and praise that the MCU surprisingly found with "WandaVision."
Ahsoka
Disney+
"Star Wars" fans also have plenty to look forward to in 2023. 2022 was a fruitful year for the franchise, with the debuts of "Obi-Wan Kenobi," as well as "Andor," the latter of which has been praised as one of the best shows of the year. In 2023, "Star Wars" will be expanding with a third season of "The Mandalorian" premiering in February, as well as live-action shows like "Skeleton Crew" starring Jude Law and "The Acolyte."
Longtime "Star Wars" fans are especially eager for "Ahsoka," a series centered on the titular fan-favorite character from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Rosario Dawson was given the honor of carrying the character's live-action debut in season 2 of "The Mandalorian," appearing again in "The Book of Boba Fett." With "Ahsoka," Dawson will be starring alongside many other characters from the worlds of "Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," with Sabine Wren confirmed to be appearing, and rumors of Ezra Bridger making his live-action debut.
Furthermore, "Ahsoka" will also promise fans more of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, after he reprised the role in "Obi-Wan Kenobi." For fans of "Clone Wars," getting to see Ahsoka and Anakin share the screen will be quite the spectacle in 2023. Hopefully, Dawson is able to live up to fans' expectations, but with Dave Filoni as co-creator, she shouldn't have much to worry about.
The Idol
HBO
Sam Levinson has taken the social media world by storm with his stylish TV series "Euphoria," which follows a group of teenagers and their troubles with drugs, sexuality, and relationships. The show is HBO's standard fare cranked up to 11, as has resulted in plenty of meme-able moments, as well as Emmy wins for star Zendaya. It's also brought stardom to its ensemble cast, which includes the likes of Sydney Sweeney and Angus Cloud. Naturally, this makes fans of the series excited to check out Levinson's next project on HBO.
"The Idol" sees Levinson teaming up with Abel Tesfaye, known to the public as pop and R&B singer "The Weeknd." Tesfaye himself has seen great success in the 2020s, particularly with his critically acclaimed album "After Hours" and its lead single "Blinding Lights." In "The Idol," Tesfaye stars as a self-help guru/cult leader who forms a peculiar relationship with Lily-Rose Depp's character, an up-and-coming pop star. Its supporting cast includes Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, and Suzanna Son.
Though little is known about the series or its premiere date (rumors have suggested November 2023), viewers can probably anticipate what they're in for given Sam Levinson's track record. The show will likely be perfect for the age of social media, with as many iconic moments as "Euphoria" has had in just 2022 alone. Hopefully, this time around "The Idol" will be free from some of the controversy that "Euphoria" has garnered over its past two seasons.
Orphan Black: Echoes
AMC
"Orphan Black" was one of the most critically acclaimed shows of the 2010s, starring Tatiana Maslany as Sarah, a woman who discovers she is one of many clones created via in vitro fertilization. The science-fiction series attracted a passionate and loyal fan base, particularly during the many years when Maslany failed to nab Emmy nominations for her performance. She eventually was nominated three times, winning in 2016. The show came to an end in 2017, but ever since, AMC has made plans to return to the universe of "Orphan Black."
While Tatiana Maslany is off hulking out over on Disney+, AMC continues their plans to revive "Orphan Black," this time with the spin-off series "Orphan Black: Echoes," set to premiere in 2023. In Maslany's place, the show will star Krysten Ritter, widely known for her work in the second season of "Breaking Bad," as well as the Netflix MCU series "Jessica Jones." Ritter will appear in the spin-off alongside Keeley Hawes and Avan Jogia, though who will be the clone this time around remains to be known.
In fact, very little is known about "Orphan Black: Echoes" at all, particularly its connection to the original AMC series. However, given how much acclaim and fan support "Orphan Black" had during its run, "Echoes" will probably find its audience, however big or small. Perhaps this time, Krysten Ritter will be rightfully acclaimed for her performance.
Straight Man
AMC
Speaking of AMC, Bob Odenkirk had an incredibly acclaimed bow on the network in 2022 with the sixth and final season of "Better Call Saul." By the end of the season's 13th episode, Odenkirk had not only proved he's one of TV's greatest dramatic actors, but his performance also capped off almost 15 years of television that began in 2008 with Vince Gilligan's critical darling "Breaking Bad."
However, Odenkirk is far from done with AMC, as he'll return to the network in 2023 to star in a brand-new series. "Straight Man" is an adaptation of Richard Russo's novel of the same name, which centers on the mid-life crisis of an English professor facing threats to his job, marriage, and reputation. Odenkirk's co-stars on the series include Diedrich Bader and Suzanne Cryer, who, like Odenkirk, have prior experience in television comedy. "Straight Man" may take the place of "Breaking Bad" or "Better Call Saul" as an AMC drama with intense stakes but many brilliant comedic moments.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly about the new series, Odenkirk confirmed as much, calling the show a blend of drama and comedy that he predicts will interest fans of "Better Call Saul." At the very least, "Straight Man" will be a great new show to tide fans over as they wait for new projects to come from Rhea Seehorn, Giancarlo Esposito, and Michael Mando.
Love and Death
HBO
In the past few years, Elizabeth Olsen has completely captured the attention of television audiences. After years of starring in indie movies between stints as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Olsen starred in "Sorry For Your Loss," a drama following a young woman's life following the sudden death of her husband. Olsen then took her MCU role to Disney+ with "WandaVision," a series that garnered critical acclaim for its similar story of Wanda processing a life of trauma and grief.
"Love and Death," Olsen's next television project, will be quite a departure from these previous two performances. The HBO mini-series will star Olsen as Candy Montgomery, a real-life housewife-turned-axe murderer in 1980s Texas. There's plenty to be mined from the story in a TV adaptation, although it's technically already been done with the Jessica Biel-led Hulu series "Candy," which released in 2022. However, given Olsen's acclaim in recent years, audiences are excited to see this new take on the story.
It also helps that Elizabeth Olsen has quite the supporting cast in "Love and Death." Jesse Plemons plays Allan Gore, Candy's neighbor, with whom she begins an affair that eventually leads to her alleged murder of his wife. The show also stars Elizabeth Marvel and Krysten Ritter as other figures in Candy's doomed neighborhood. When "Love and Death" finally premieres in 2023, viewers can expect it to become a future Emmy nominee.
Velma
HBO Max
In television's current age of reboots, audiences are often drawn by new interpretations of classic properties. This is certainly the case with the upcoming HBO Max animated series "Velma," which finds the glasses-wearing know-it-all of the "Scooby-Doo" franchise taking center stage. The iconic character will be voiced by "The Office" alumni Mindy Kaling and feature an entirely new design. The rest of Mystery Incorporated has also received a modernized makeover, as the series follows the gang prior to their beginnings as a mystery-solving team.
It may seem like sacrilege to create a series in the "Scooby-Doo" franchise that, noticeably, doesn't feature Scooby-Doo. However, fans may be surprised by how endearing this new Mystery Inc. team will be, especially with great comedic voice talent behind them. Shaggy will be voiced by "Detroiters" star Sam Richardson, while Daphne and Fred will have the voices of Constance Wu and Glenn Howerton, respectively. The first season's guest stars even include talent like Nicole Byer, Stephen Root, and "Weird Al" Yankovic.
While some diehard "Scooby-Doo" fans were initially skeptical of this new series, it has the full support of "Scooby-Doo" legends. Matthew Lillard voiced his support for the new cast, which means a lot coming from him after he expressed disappointment with not being cast in the 2021 animated film "Scoob" (via Alternative Press).
Clone High
MTV
"Clone High" originally debuted on MTV all the way back in 2002, as one of the first projects of writing and directing duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. It takes place in an American high school populated by clones of various historical figures, including Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Cleopatra, with voice actors including Will Forte, Michael McDonald, and Nicole Sullivan. The show aired for one season of 13 episodes before it was abruptly canceled by MTV following controversy surrounding their portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi, prompting protests in India.
Despite its short tenure on the air, "Clone High" gained a cult following and retrospective acclaim, eventually leading to conversations about a reboot as early as 2014. Since the series, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have gone on to more success in the animation world, with films like "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," "The Lego Movie," and "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs." Finally, after almost 10 years, two seasons of a revival series of "Clone High" were picked up at HBO Max.
Christopher Miller confirmed via Twitter that the reboot would premiere sometime in 2023, though an official release date hasn't been confirmed. Gandhi will likely be absent from this reboot, but most fans of the show can probably live with this change. It's even possible the show will feature an entirely new cast of historical clones and voice actors.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Netflix
Speaking of reboots, there's plenty of interest in Netflix's upcoming live-action reboot of "Avatar: The Last Airbender." The original animated series premiered on Nickelodeon in 2005, running for three seasons and spawning a spin-off with the highly successful "The Legend of Korra." The series takes place in a world where people can control one of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Aang, the series' bald-headed protagonist, is the only remaining Airbender in the world. He's hunted by the vengeful Fire Nation.
Given the fact that "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is regarded by many as one of the greatest animated series of all time, a Netflix reboot is subject to lots of scrutiny — especially on the heels of the last live-action adaptation of the series, a film directed by M. Night Shyamalan that was universally panned. Fans were even more concerned about Netflix's series when the original creators of the Nickelodeon series, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, left the project due to creative differences with the streaming service (via Variety).
Nevertheless, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" has also shown promise for diehard fans of the franchise. It features a diverse cast from Asian and Native-American communities, which Shyamalan's film notably lacked. Little is known about what will be different in its version of the series, but casting rumors have suggested that Aang may not be the only Avatar in this iteration.
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