From a psychological thriller to a comedy crime series, these shows deserve to be part of the conversation.
These 15 New TV Shows Went Under the Radar in 2023
From a psychological thriller to a comedy crime series, these shows deserve to be part of the conversation.
2023 was, to put it lightly, a monumental year for television. Viewers journeyed across a dystopian landscape evading fungus-ravaged zombies in The Last of Us, solved clues within an extravagant Neoclassical theatre to catch a killer in Only Murders in the Building, and rubbed elbows with New York City’s 1 per cent in Succession – and that’s not even including other heavy-hitters such as The Bear, Yellowjackets, or The Fall of the House of Usher.
But while many of 2023’s greatest releases garnered massive attention and accolades, some equally fantastic series' somehow flew under the radar.
So, as we head into the holiday season when many of you will be enjoying time away from the office, take note of these lesser-known shows that’ll make for the perfect afternoon of leisurely binging at home. Ahead, fifteen to add to your watchlist for the remainder of 2023.
1. Drops of God
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV+
When a world-famous wine figure passes away, his estranged daughter unexpectedly becomes the heir to his massive wine collection – but there’s a catch: in order to secure her 148-million-dollar inheritance, she must travel to Tokyo to beat her father’s Japanese protégé in a competition that will test both of their senses. If you’re an oenophile (or simply love a dramatic thriller), pour a glass of your favourite red and curl up to enjoy this 8-episode series that is based on the hit Japanese manga.
2. Last Stop Larrimah
Where can I watch it? Prime Video
Crime junkies should add this documentary about a mystery murder to their watchlist, ASAP. It shares the story of a tiny Aussie outback town Larrimah and its 11 inhabitants. When one of them vanishes inexplicably, suspicions arise, and a hidden history of internal conflicts is revealed among the remaining residents. Everyone is considered a suspect.
3. Shrinking
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV+
If you’ve ever wondered what your therapist is really thinking about you, you’ll love this Emmy-nominated series starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. Shrinking follows a grieving therapist who is fed up with his patients’ inaction and begins to share his advice about what they should do (and even gets involved in their lives himself). Breaching a code of ethics? Sure, but it makes for great television. Plus, it was renewed for a second season so you’ll want to be caught up before it returns.
4. I’m a Virgo
Where can I watch it? On Amazon Prime
From the acclaimed filmmaker of Sorry to Bother You, this kitschy Afro-surrealist miniseries follows a tall – like, 13-foot tall – teenager named Cootie in Oakland, California who is shielded from the outside world as he’s raised by his protective aunt and uncle. Soon enough, however, Cootie ventures from the home and viewers get to ride along for this whip-smart (and at times, absurdist) coming-of-age journey.
5. The Big Door Prize
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV+
What would you do if you found out your destiny could be predicted? Better yet, you could receive said destiny through a mysterious machine that appeared at your local grocery store? If your interest is piqued, don’t miss The Big Door Prize, a show about a small town that reckons with the arrival of an apparatus that dispenses a card revealing its residents’ true life potential. The show’s writer and director previously worked on Schitt’s Creek, so expect a similar spirit of quirkiness to keep you hooked til the very last episode.
6. Dead Ringers
Where can I watch it? On Amazon Prime
Twin gynaecologists (played by the brilliant Rachel Weisz) are the stars of this psychological thriller about sisters scheming to open a new birthing centre, not without bending the rules of medical ethics along the way. This often unsettling and wickedly dangerous series is based on a 1988 film of the same name but with the genders reversed, resulting in a sharp commentary about women’s healthcare. With an exacting performance and themes that feel distinctly relevant right now, Dead Ringers is a must-watch.
7. Mrs. Davis
Where can I watch it? On Peacock
What happens when you take a nun and the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence? Mrs. Davis, of course. This refreshingly unique series catches up with Sister Simone on her voyage to confront and combat an A.I. named Mrs. Davis whom just about everyone else has embraced. Humorous but also dystopian, this oddball series is enjoyable to watch and well-suited for those who fell in love with Black Mirror.
8. Poker Face
Where can I watch it? On Peacock
Once referred to as “always the coolest person in the room,” it’s no wonder Natasha Lyonne’s Poker Face has a nearly-perfect approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The premise is perfection: a case-of-the-week murder mystery series with Lyonne’s character Charlie Cale as the through line helping to solve crime along the way. (Side note: she can somehow always tell when a person is lying.). And as if that weren’t an addicting enough concept, each episode begins at the ending (called ‘the inverted detective story format’) making the conclusion of each mystery all the more satisfying to arrive at.
9. Deadloch
Where can I watch it? On Amazon Prime
Set in a fictional sleepy Tasmanian town, this black comedy crime series begins with a mysterious dead body discovered on the beach (as many great murder mysteries do). It’ll take two female detectives with hilariously contrasting investigative styles to solve the case, Sergeant Dulcie Collins and Detective Eddie Redcliffe. This series has it all: clever writing, sharp performances, and an immersive setting. Take all that and team it with a strong dose of irreverent humor and you have all the makings of a binge-worthy show.
10. Class of ‘07
Where can I watch it? On Amazon Prime
Generally speaking, high school reunions are fodder for excellent television, but Class of ’07 elevates the premise with its over-the-top storyline and big production budget to match. Picture this: An apocalyptic tidal wave strikes smack dab in the middle of an all-girls high school 10-year reunion, only to leave the group of young women (many of whom have unresolved drama) left to survive on their alma mater with limited resources and no idea what’s to come. With a hilarious cast and a buzzy soundtrack, this show is entertaining the whole way through.
11. Extraordinary
Where can I watch it? On Hulu
In a landscape of endless superhero movies that often feel overdone, the arrival of Extraordinary feels remarkably refreshing. This television series follows Jen, a 25-year-old costume shop employee who lives in a world where everyone over 18 has superhero powers – except her. Grappling with being the only ‘ordinary’ person around, Jen’s existential crisis unfolds as she teams up with friends to try and induce a power that may be hiding within.
12. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
Where can I watch it? On Amazon Prime
This Australian production is based on the beloved Holly Ringland novel of the same name, which follows a young girl, Alice, who escapes a horrific family situation to live with her grandmother on a flower farm, discovering more about her life and family history in the process. The cast for this powerful series is incredible: Alycia Debnam-Carey stars as Alice, with Sigourney Weaver as her grandmother June. Plus, there’s Asher Keddie, Leah Purcell and Tilda Cobham-Hervey, just to name a few. With stunning visuals and a propulsive, moving story, this show is a must-watch.
13. All The Light We Cannot See
Where can I watch it? On Netflix
Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer-Winning World War II novel All The Light We Cannot See was a winner, and we’re glad to say the TV adaptation is finally with us! Louis Hofmann and newcomer Aria Mia Loberti star in this epic drama that is at once a war story, philosophical fable, and coming-of-age classic. It tells the story of a blind French girl and a German soldier boy who converge during the 1944 Battle of Saint-Malo, and try to survive the devastation of World War II.
14. Love & Death
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV+
If you watched the true crime series Candy on Disney+ last year, the story of Love & Death might be familiar. Both miniseries follow the real-life murder of a Texan housewife by her best friend, who was always having an affair with her husband. What makes this crime even more compelling, however, is the fact that Candy (Elizabeth Olsen) pleaded self-defence and was found not guilty. Olsen is fantastic in this series, which comes from David E Kelley of Big Little Lies and The Undoing fame. A must-watch.
15. The Last Of Us
Where can I watch it? On Prime Video
We know this was a hit, but in case you missed it The Last Of Us is a must-watch for all TV-lovers. The story goes far beyond the zombies and post-apocalyptic terror that the marketing relies on. At the heart of the television show is the story of an unlikely pair: Joel, still grieving the death of his teenage daughter Sarah on the first day of the outbreak, and Ellie, the young woman whose safety he has been charged with protecting. The two must traverse a terrifying US America that's crawling with Infected people (or worse) and over time their bond grows deeper.
