With an ever increasing number of streaming services on offer, it seems harder than ever to decide what to watch, as a range of tantalising options are dangled in front of us, as “recommended for you” True quantity over quality often wins the day, but if you are patient and willing to try new things then you’ll likely find a diamond amongst the rocks.

So, what did catch my attention in 2023?

Slow Horses Season Three (Apple)

Starring: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden and Saskia Reeves

Given the success of the first two seasons, it should come as no surprise that Slow Horses makes this list. Instead of losing steam, as some series do at this point, Slow Horses ups the ante, making it personal as one of their own is taken. Based on the books by Mick Heron, the only thing you can guarantee is that it will keep you on the edge of your seat, and keep you guessing. Every time I think I’ve worked out what’s going on, and who is playing who, I’m wrong footed and have to start again… but that’s exactly why I, and so many others, love it.

SAS Rogue Heroes Series One (BBC)

Starring: Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell and Alfie Allen

Steven Knight, of Peaky Blinders fame, turns his vision to the founding of the SAS, in this high-octane, adrenilin-pumping and emotional series, inspired by the book of the same name by Ben McIntyre (Operation Mincemeat, Spy Among Friends). Swindells, O’Connell and Allen, shine as founders, David Stirling, Paddy Mayne and Jock Lewes respectively, showing what each person brought to the table and how the combination of their unique styles and skills, alongside some healthy competition, made the SAS into a force to be reckoned with. With the series ending mid-war, there’s still plenty of operations and adventures to follow and I can’t wait for series two to air.

Happy Valley Series Three (BBC)

Starring: Sarah Lancashire and James Norton

It was a bold move by Sally Wainwright to wait seven years after series two of her hit show Happy Valley aired, to make series three. Yet this move, made to allow Rhys Connah, who plays Ryan, to grow up more than pays off, as this final series was better than those that came before. The key ingredient to Happy Valley’s success is Sarah Lancashire’s portrayal of the constantly tried and tested, Sgt Catherine Cawood. You can’t help but root for the local police sergeant, as she deals with a messy personal life, and battles psychopath, Tommy Lee Royce’s latest nefarious plans. The showdown between Catherine and Tommy is one of the finest moments of television I have ever seen, with both Lancashire and Norton on top form. It’s reason alone to watch this series if you haven’t already.

Ted Lasso Season Three (Apple)

Starring: Jason Sudekis, Hannah Waddington and Brett Goldstein

Another show which ended in 2023 was Ted Lasso… or at least the show ended Ted’s journey at Richmond FC. From the start this was a show that extruded positive energy and felt like it gave the audience a giant hug each episode. It never shied away from tackling difficult subjects including racism, sexism and homophobia… but it always showed how much we can learn from people who are different from us, as well as the importance of support from friends and family during difficult times. The entire ensemble cast deliver memorable moments during this third season, but for me, the Amsterdam episode, in particular, the bike riding scenes, are the true stand outs. I will miss Ted Lasso in 2024, but least I can always re-watch the three seasons we’ve already been gifted.

Outlander Season Seven, Part One (Starz)

Starring: Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin

Droughtlander finally ended in June, when Outlander returned to screens with the first part of season seven. This time around, the action moved away from Fraser’s Ridge, as Jamie, Claire and family get increasingly caught up in the War of Independence, despite their best efforts to stay away from the fighting, while Bree and Roger navigate their own difficulties on returning to 1970’s Scotland (I loved seeing Lallybroch again!). Each season Outlander seems to get better and better, ably led by stalwarts Sam and Caitriona, who’s chemistry as Jamie and Claire is central to the show’s success. This time around, the pair were joined by a host of new characters, including Charles Vandervvart, who has the unenviable job of bringing William Ransom, Jamie’s biological and Lord John’s adopted son, to life. However, this is a pressure he seems to thrive on, as so far, William has lived up to his novel counterpart, while his introduction added to the tension around the battles as Father and Son stood against each other on opposing sides. With part two of this season coming in early 2024, this new droughtlander won’t last too long…even though the end (season eight) is on the horizon.

Honourable Mentions: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials (BBC), Good Omens Season Two (Amazon), Karen Pirie Series One (ITV), Fellow Travellers Limited Season (Paramount+) and The Great Season Three (Amazon)

2023 delivered on the silver screen, with a mix of brilliant new and returning shows… the only question that remains is will 2024 continue the theme or will quantity win out over quality?

E