In a year filled with many fantastic episodes of television, these had that little special something that made them stand out. From a finale to a beloved sitcom to a few flashback-laden episodes that enlightened us of our protagonist’s history to one of the most moving standalone episodes, these will be episodes we will want to rewatch again and again.
Here are our picks for the Best TV Series episodes of 2023.
5. “The Tale of the Ronin and The Bride” – Blue Eye Samurai
What makes this episode stand out from the rest is the structure of the storytelling. Three different stories are taking place a the same time: a puppet theater performance telling the story of an Onryō, a vengeful spirit, a period of Mizu’s life where she seemed content to leave their quest for vengeance behind, and the present day where Mizu is fighting to protect women of a brothel from the local mob boss. Each storyline weaves into the other, complementing them and enhancing them, making the whole better than all the individual parts. Even though you know Mizu will return to her quest, you hope that she can leave it behind and be happy in that flashback. Of course, all of this is beautifully animated and choreographed as should be expected from this show, but this episode was definitely one I felt was really special when I finished it.
– Ashley
4. “So Long, Farewell” – Ted Lasso – Season 3
The ups and downs of Ted Lasso’s final (we think) season all didn’t matter when the last hour delivered a heartfelt tearjerker that saw characters come to the end of their road, others join a new direction and more than a couple of apologies and thank yous, along the way. I will miss Ted, but this was how his character finished up. As hopeful as I am, we’ll see some others return in some other fashion.
– Dylan
3. “Connor’s Wedding” – Succession
A truly shocking episode of television as creator Jesse Armstrong made a choice that blew everyone’s expectations for the rest season out of the water. The way the events of this episode play out has been so moving and relatable to so many who have experienced a loss in this way. The performances of the cast are incredibly raw and vulnerable, and are aided by the choice to shoot the reaction to the news in a long continuous shot, requiring much choreographer and planning on the technical side given the show is shot on film. Credit must also go to the marketing team for allowing one of the most shocking episodes of television the year to have absolutely no foreshadowing. Millions were completely blindsided and loved it.
– Ashley
2. “Fishes” – The Bear
The Berzatto family Christmas is one of a kind. It also shows how special The Bear is, and it whips into a 66-minute family drama that brings to a head the drama of the family just before Carmy’s brother, Michael, dies and leaves him the restaurant to clean up. Thrown in some stellar casting like Jon Berthnal as Michael, Sarah Paulson as Cousin Michelle, Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee, Gillian Jacob as Tiffany Jerimovich and Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto, and you’ve got a powder keg of talent that is bound to leave you with an explosive finish.
– Dylan
1. “Long, Long Time” – The Last of Us
No one expected that The Last of Us would provide one of the most beautiful standalone love stories in television history. One of the rare examples of the show veering from the video game, we follow Bill from when his hometown is evacuated to his post-apocalyptic meet-cute with Frank, through their many years together to the final day together. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett give pitch-perfect performances and we are taken on this emotional rollercoaster we weren’t expecting. One of the most talked about episodes of TV this year and one I’m unlikely to ever forget.
– Ashley
