TV critic Alan Sepinwall has compiled a list of the 10 best TV shows of 2023, including "Party Down," a revival that picks up where it left off in 2010, "Somebody Somewhere," a dramedy about middle-aged classmates in rural Kansas, "Cunk on Earth," a hilarious sketch series recapping major events in human history, "Blue Eye Samurai," a visually stunning animated epic set in 1600s Japan, and "The Last of Us," a successful adaptation of a post-apocalyptic video game. The top three shows on the list are "Succession," a dark and tragic comedy, "The Bear," a Chicago restaurant drama, and the number one show, "Reservation Dogs," a comedy about Indigenous teenagers on a reservation in rural Oklahoma.
Television in 2023 was marked by a year of transition and staggered release windows due to a production-halting strike by industry guilds. Despite this, there was no shortage of new programming, including high-profile unscripted and international offerings. Some of the standout shows of the year included "Reservation Dogs," which evolved into a soulful exploration of community and intergenerational connection, "Succession," a scathing satire of family dynamics and corporate dysfunction, and "Beef," a series that captured the undercurrent of unfocused discontent in 2023. Other notable shows included "Wrestlers," a documentary series blending underdog sports tropes with complex portraits of real people, and "I'm a Virgo," a blend of urban fairy tale, superhero origin story, and Marxist critique.
The American Film Institute has announced its Top 10 outstanding TV programs for 2023, with only three titles from 2022 making the list. Returning shows include ABC's "Abbott Elementary," FX/Hulu's "The Bear," and FX's "Reservation Dogs," while new series like Netflix's "Beef" and HBO's "The Last of Us" also made the cut. Four of the winners are third-year shows, and AFI also released its Top 10 films of 2023. The awards will be presented on January 12 at the AFI Awards luncheon.
Sterlin Harjo, co-creator and executive producer of the groundbreaking TV series Reservation Dogs, reflects on the show's three-season run and its impact on Native American representation in Hollywood. Harjo discusses the show's commitment to staying life-size and its focus on a community long ignored by the industry. He also shares his love for filmmaker Robert Altman and how Altman's style influenced the finale episode. Harjo emphasizes the importance of community and the need for Native American actors to have opportunities to showcase their comedic talents. The article explores the show's portrayal of spirituality and the humanization of characters like Fixico. Harjo concludes by discussing the show's unconventional storytelling approach in its final episodes, providing a glimpse into an alternate universe where talent and versatility win out.
Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of the FX series "Reservation Dogs," discusses the show's full-circle ending and the characters' decisions in the final episode. The finale explores themes of life, love, death, and community as the Rez Dogs navigate grief and make choices about their future on the reservation. Harjo intended to create a show about community, with Willie Jack emerging as a central character who learns how to care for her community. The finale emphasizes the importance of taking care of one another and saying "I love you" in moments of change and goodbye. The show's focus on grief and loss reflects the high stakes and universal truths of rural communities.
The series finale of "Reservation Dogs" marks the end of a radical era in post-prestige television, as the show closes the circle on the Rez Dogs' journey and explores themes of growth, healing, and community. The dramedy, led by Native American creatives, stands out as a singular work of art in a TV landscape dominated by franchises and marquee dramas. However, the future of shows like "Reservation Dogs" and the small moment for Native storytelling on TV remains uncertain amidst industry strikes, mergers, and a shift towards safe IP pitches.
Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of the Indigenous teen comedy series "Reservation Dogs," explains why he chose to end the show after its third season. Harjo believes that the show's coming-of-age story had reached a natural conclusion and wanted to give room for the actors and writers to explore other projects. He emphasizes the personal and cultural significance of the show and expresses gratitude for the audience's response. Harjo also discusses the importance of representing Native culture and the challenges of finding Indigenous actors. He praises the talent and contributions of the show's four leads and explains why the show focused less on romantic relationships.
This week brings a variety of new TV shows, including the spinoff Gen V from The Boys, the Castlevania sequel Nocturne on Netflix, and the final season of Reservation Dogs. The Kardashians return with season 4, and Starstruck explores single life in its third season. Futurama's revival season concludes, while Gen V offers a superhero satire set in The Boys' world.
In the penultimate episode of "Reservation Dogs," Elora finally meets her estranged father, played by Ethan Hawke. Elora, who has been trying to rebuild her life after her grandmother's death, decides to meet her father when she learns she needs his information for financial aid. Their meeting is filled with complex emotions as Elora tries to keep her distance while also longing for a connection. As they bumble through conversations, Elora learns more about her own history and receives a loving gift from her father. The episode ends with Elora contemplating her newfound family and the possibility of continuing these relationships.
In the latest episode of "Reservation Dogs," titled "Frankfurter Sandwich," the characters embark on a camping and fishing trip, reminiscing about their old friend Maximus. The episode combines ridiculous and heartfelt moments as the characters open up about their past mistakes and the need for emotional release. The episode explores the connection between previous generations and the current one, highlighting the impact of loss and the importance of friendship.
The third episode of the third and final season of the FX/Hulu series "Reservation Dogs" delves into the tragic backstory of Deer Lady, revealing her time at an "Indian training school" where Native children were stripped of their culture. The episode contrasts the abusive past with Deer Lady's vibrant present, showcasing her journey from a vulnerable girl to a spirit of vengeance. The episode explores the cost of being a person and the cost of being Deer Lady, highlighting the realness of her pain and trauma.
Big Brother returns for a new season, Physical and Reservation Dogs premiere their final seasons with new storylines, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures continues with the Younglings' adventures, and TVLine-Up provides a guide to upcoming premieres and finales.
Sterlin Harjo, the showrunner and co-creator of "Reservation Dogs," discusses the decision to end the show after Season 3, the impact of the series on Native representation, and potential spinoffs. Harjo explains that the characters' transitional period in their lives felt like a natural conclusion for the story, and he wanted to end it on their terms. He also addresses the lack of Emmy nominations for the show, the importance of compensating actors, and his thoughts on Martin Scorsese directing "Killers of the Flower Moon."
