
Bingkai Karya – The year 2023 brought a diverse array of television shows, with HBO’s “Succession” standing out as the best and the ill-fated collaboration between Sam Levinson and The Weeknd, “The Idol,” marking one of the year’s lows. Despite challenges such as writers’ and actors’ strikes, the TV landscape remained vibrant, showcasing a mix of compelling narratives, stellar performances, and a surge in basketball-related documentaries. Let’s delve into the highs, lows, and surprises of television in 2023.
The Best of the Best:
- “A Small Light” (National Geographic/ Disney+):
- A poignant limited series portraying the extraordinary courage of Miep Gies in shielding Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis.
- Stellar performances, particularly by Bel Powley as Miep Gies and Liev Schreiber as Otto Frank.
- Refreshingly presented a familiar story with a fresh and urgent perspective.
- “Ahsoka” (Disney+):
- Initially slow but evolved into a significant addition to the “Star Wars” universe.
- Rosario Dawson’s live-action portrayal of the animated character offered ties to “Star Wars” history and potential for future exploration.
- Served as a bridge, pointing toward unexplored quadrants of the galaxy.
- “Beef” (Netflix):
- A road-rage incident unfolds into a twisty narrative with standout performances by Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.
- Explores the destructive impact of excesses and anger, drawing characters deeper into the abyss.
- “Daisy Jones and the Six” (Amazon’s Prime Video):
- Captures the ’70s music scene, drawing parallels to Fleetwood Mac.
- Riley Keough and Sam Claflin deliver compelling performances as lead singers navigating a turbulent relationship.
- “Gen V” (Amazon’s Prime Video):
- Overcame skepticism as a spinoff to “The Boys” universe, crafting its own mystery and unique storyline.
- Successfully drew upon the flagship show while introducing new characters and gross-out moments.
- “Hijack” (Apple TV+):
- A spare and taut “24”-like thriller anchored by Idris Elba as a negotiator in a hijacked flight.
- Intense and gripping, exploring the dynamics of a crisis situation at 30,000 feet.
- “The Last of Us” (HBO):
- Overcame the challenges of video game adaptation, becoming the standout show of the year.
- Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and a strong cast shine in this apocalyptic thriller about a potential savior and her gruff protector.
- “Shrinking” (Apple TV+):
- A genuinely funny series with a strong ensemble cast, led by Jason Segel as a grieving psychologist.
- Harrison Ford showcases his comedy chops in a show that explores grief and human connection.
- Honorable Mention: Basketball Documentaries:
- “Stephen Curry Underrated” (Apple), “Bill Russell: Legend” (Netflix), “Goliath” (Showtime), and “The Luckiest Guy in the World” (ESPN) provided insightful perspectives on NBA legends.
- A well-rounded exploration of current and past basketball stars, complementing each other in a year that unexpectedly produced standout documentaries.
In a year marked by highs and lows, the television landscape of 2023 showcased compelling narratives, stellar performances, and a surprising influx of basketball documentaries. From heart-wrenching historical dramas to futuristic thrillers and insightful sports retrospectives, the diversity of offerings kept viewers engaged and entertained. As the industry navigated challenges, the resilience and creativity displayed in these shows set the stage for continued excitement in the world of television.
Source: CNN