Behold: The 35 Best Netflix Shows to Binge This Year When You're Bored
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Hey you. (Eek!!) Honestly, 2023 has been a good year for TV so far, and while we probably won't get any new Stranger Things for a hot minute, there's still plenty to watch on Netflix. Are you thirsty for the return of a particular show, hungry for something new, or still salty about a fave that got canceled? Here is your guide to the best shows coming to Netflix in 2023 as well as the ones coming back. I'm still holding out hope that Bridgerton season 3 will do a surprise drop on New Year's Eve...anything is possible, right?
First, let's pour one out for the shows we lost in 2022. The Midnight Club, Resident Evil, Partner Track, and Blockbuster all got canceled after one season. Fate: The Winx Saga, Russian Doll, Space Force, and Warrior Nun got the axe after two seasons. Locke & Key, Dead to Me,and Ozark ended after a slightly more dignified three and four seasons. The most iconic final season was probably Grace and Frankie. Did you know those ladies were kicking it for seven seasons?? That's rad but, like... considering how many shows don't make it to three seasons on ye olde streaming service I wouldn't get too attached to the newbies this year.
Next, there are some returning shows on Netflix we can expect in 2023 that don't have release dates just yet. They include the sixth and final season of The Crown and new seasons of unscripted shows. Big prestige shows like The Sandman, The Watcher, and Wednesday were hits in 2022 but might not return until 2024, especially considering the delay due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
But that's enough of me and my encyclopedic little Netflix nerd brain listing shows and their fates. Here are the best Netflix shows to come out of 2023:
Kaleidoscope
Release date: January 1
This Netflix series about a crew of thieves planning a major heist was the perfect New Year's binge, but it's still pretty good even months later. If you like movies like Ocean's Eleven, this one's for you.
Ginny & Georgia Season 2
Release date: January 5
The other former teen mother/teen daughter show with two "G"s set in New England finally returned for a second season after the first season aired in 2021.
That '90s Show
Release date: January 19
It's a sequel to That '70s Show set in the '90s, a.k.a. "wanna feel old" the television show.
Lockwood & Co.
Release date: January 27
Jonathan Stroud's book series got the Netflix series adaptation treatment. It's about an independent group of teenage ghost hunters competing with larger corporate entities in London. Ruby Stokes, who briefly appeared in Bridgerton as the middle daughter Francesca, left the 'ton behind to star as the show's supernaturally gifted protagonist.
Freeridge
Release date: February 2
This spinoff of On My Block is about a curse (!!!!), so yes, it's worth watching.
You Season 4
Release date for Part 1: February 9
Release date for Part 2: March 9
Speaking of London, Joe Goldberg is at again—this time across the pond. Will unsuspecting victims fall for him? You'll have to catch up to find out, TBH.
The Upshaws: Part 3
Release date: February 16
The vibe for the year, surprisingly, was sitcoms. There's nothing like relaxing to a silly comedy, and you don't have to press play on The Office for the bazillionth time in order to get that feeling.
Outer Banks Season 3
Release date: February 23
Pogues, ASSEMBLE!!!!!
Shadow and Bone Season 2
Release date: March 16
The fantasy show that debuted in 2021 was gorgeous and magical and very horny in an unresolved-sexual-tension kind of way, but there was a lot of lore you miiiiiight have forgotten in two years. Thankfully, season 2 gave even more context.
Transatlantic
Release date: April 7
This limited series about resistance fighters ushering predominantly Jewish refugees out of Europe during WWII is romantic and exciting. The French coastal setting is absolutely gorgeous, too. It's not really a vacation for the characters, but if you don't mind a little history lesson on your vacation it might feel like one for you watching.
Florida Man
Release date: April 13
When a mobster's girlfriend goes on the run, an ex-cop takes a job tracking her down and, in doing so, returns to his home state. He's played by Edgar Ramirez, who you may remember as the hot detective from The Undoing.
The Diplomat
Release date: April 20
Kerri Russell is BACK, but instead of a Russian spy she's playing...a diplomat.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Release date: May 4
I know, I know, you're still waiting for season 3. But the spin-off all about the young Queen, her new husband George III, young versions of characters you know and love like Brimsley, Lady Danbury, and Violet Bridgerton is romantic, dramatic, and dare I say even ~spicier than the latest season of Bridgerton.
I Think You Should Leave Season 3
Release date: May 30
The wackiest sketch comedy series came back this year...watch A) because it's hilarious and B) so you understand what your friends are constantly quoting.
Firefly Lane Season 2 Part 2
Release date: June 8
The story just keeps getting juicer and juicer, and they really leveled up with this season's ending.
Never Have I Ever Season 4
Release date: June 8
I don't know if you guys remember how season 3 ended, but it was a GAME! CHANGER! And season 4 wrapped the show up beautifully. Grab the tissues.
Black Mirror
Release date: June 15
Uhhhh...surprise?? There was a new season of this show after literal years!
WATCH HERE
The Witcher Season 3
Release date: June 29
Will this actually be the final season? Maybe that alleged fourth season, in which Liam Hemsworth is supposed to take over the titular role from Henry Cavill, won't actually happen. I'd be... fine with that, I think? Sorry Mr. "Flowers."
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 2
Release date: July 6 (Part 1) and August 3 (Part 2)
The second season of Netflix's adaptation of Michael Connolly's books has already reached the fourth and fifth books in the series. They're zipping through them, like... a luxury vehicle? Is that too easy?
Sweet Magnolias Season 3
Release date: July 29
The drama! The romance! The sisterhood! It's always a good time when there are new episodes of Sweet Magnolias to binge on Netflix.
Heartstopper Season 2
Release date: August 3
The sweetest little queer couples on the PLANET are back, and I can't contain my SQUEEEEE. (Is that cringe? Sorry not sorry.) In season 2 Nick and Charlie are official, Tara and Darcy are challenged, and Tao and Elle toy with taking the next step.
Ragnarok Season 3
Release date: August 24
It's the final season!!!! What started off as a fairly low-key modern-day reimagining of Norse mythology is bolting towards a pretty epic conclusion.
One Piece
Release date: August 31
This live-action adaption of the popular Japanese manga and animated series was kind of a hit! Who doesn't love a good pirate adventure?
Sex Education Season 4
Release date: September 21
Guess Netflix shows are in their final season era this fall, because this will be the last we see of Otis, Maeve, Eric, Aimee, Ola, Lily, Adam, Jackson, Ruby, Jean... someone stop me from listing characters because I LOVE AND WILL MISS THEM ALL SO MUCH!
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
[twitter align='center' id='1694730202184589346' username='letterboxd']https://twitter.com/letterboxd/status/1694730202184589346[/twitter
Release date: September 2
This is not 100 percent a television series. It's like an anthology series of short-ish films directed by Wes Anderson based on short stories written by Roald Dahl, starting with Henry Sugar. But I want to call attention to it anyway, since most of us will be watching it the way we do a Netflix limited series.
The Fall Of The House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher, a wicked limited horror series from Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, premieres October 12 — FIRST LOOK: pic.twitter.com/ffvl80FxWp
— Netflix (@netflix) August 10, 2023
Release date: October 12
Mike Flanagan's latest for Netflix adapts Edgar Allen Poe, so obviously we were both excited AND scared. His slow-burn spooky streaming shows always make a splash. The cast features returning players from Flanagan's unofficial repertory company including Carla Gugino, Zach Gilford, T'Nia Miller, Rahul Kohli, Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan, and Annabeth Gish. The gang's all here!!
Bodies
Release date: October 19
This time-twisted detective series had great word of mouth. All of a sudden, it felt like everyone was talking about it!
Elite Season 7
Release date: October 20
Can you believe this show has been going on for seven whole seasons? That's so impressive, especially these days and especially on Netflix. Those crazy kids did it!
All The Light We Cannot See
Release date: November 3
Prestige alert! This series is an adaptation of a Pulitzer prize-winning novel set during World War II and stars Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, and Aria Mia Loberti. People are talking about this one.
Escaping Twin Flames
Release date: November 8
A toxic online community that preys on people looking for love?? Red flag alert.
The Crown Season 6 Part 1
Release date: November 16
We're nearing the end, folks.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Release date: November 17
The way they got this cast, who nearly all became super mega famous in the 13 years since Scott Pilgrim vs. The World hit theaters, to reunite for an animated series is so impressive. It's based on the series of graphic novels (in case you wanna get a head start) that include the story we know from the movie and so, so much more. This is gonna be fun!
Hilda Season 3
Release date: December 7
It's a kid's show, but a really really good one! It stars Bella Ramsey! We love Bella Ramsey!
My Life With the Walter Boys
Release date: December 7
Based on Ali Novak's Wattpad novel (!!!!!!!!), this coming-of-age story is about a young Manhattanite adjusting to life in Colorado.
Pokémon Concierge
Release date: December 28
This looks a stress-free show about Pokemon on vacation. That's exactly what you need at the end of the year. Something chill, low stakes, and absolutely adorable.
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