While 'The Last of Us' or 'The King and the Jester' occupy all the viewer's attention, other projects remain in the shadows. Let's fix this misunderstanding.

This year has seen a plethora of bright and engaging series on both Western and streaming platforms. But some of them are undeservedly overlooked. Here are 5 TV series of 2023 that deserve much more hype.

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The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

A girl named Alice lives in a dysfunctional family with a tyrannical father. A fire breaks out on their farm, killing both of Alice's parents, and she goes to live with her grandmother June (Sigourney Weaver), whom she didn't even know about until recently. There, the girl must find a new family, learn the whole truth about the old one, and prepare to face the real world, which can be extremely cruel.

This Australian series, released on Amazon Prime Video, wins you over with several things:

• Stylish visuals. From the opening credits made without computer graphics (yes, even in 2023 it's possible) to breathtaking landscapes, 'The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart' provides a feast for the eyes;
• An unusual approach to storytelling. Although most of the plot develops linearly with small flashbacks, the series has its own unique feature – storytelling through flowers! The heroines communicate using plants, leaving notes, hinting at problems, and so on. To help the viewer understand, subtitles appear on screen. The solution is simple but brings fresh air to the narrative;
• Sigourney Weaver. The actress has long been firmly embedded in pop culture as the image of a strong woman who can take on aliens. But here she appears in an unusual role – she is rude but vulnerable, caring but selfish. Weaver delivers a powerful performance and gives one of the most ambiguous characters of the year.

Based on a True Story

What if a true crime podcast is hosted by a serial killer?

Perhaps this is the question from which the series 'Based on a True Story' with Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, and Tom Bateman was born. And this crazy, at first glance, idea really works!

According to the plot, an unlucky couple expecting a child and experiencing financial difficulties decide to launch a podcast in hopes of making a ton of money. But there's a catch – there are plenty of podcasts about true crime, which Cuoco's character loves.

A way to stand out appears as if by magic – their new acquaintance turns out to be a maniac. Instead of turning him in to the police, the heroes propose launching their own show where the serial killer tells about his activities in the first person.

If you think the plot is extremely comedic and absurd, you're right. But you have no idea to what extent. Crazy cliffhangers in almost every episode. Chaos in the form of Tom Bateman's character, who seems to be cosplaying Tom Ellis's Lucifer. Kaley Cuoco, overacting organically, only adds to the madness. It's absolutely impossible to stop watching this series, provided you don't mind black humor and brutal killings of young screen girls.

The Librarian

There are many, even too many. At the same time, most of them are as alike as two peas in a pod. The same elves, dwarves, vampires, the same magic, dragons. Therefore, the release of a project with a unique and original lore is always an event for fans of the genre. Especially when it happens in domestic cinema.

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Basically, the plot is built according to all the canons – there is a chosen one ( Nikita Efremov ), who does not want to get involved in the story of saving humanity, there are circumstances that force him to change his mind, there is an evil and almost omnipotent antagonist, and the narrative is based on their confrontation.

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The devil, as usual, is in the details. The chosen one here is a real bastard, not only endlessly selfish but also killing people left and right (even with a skewer!). Magic is limited to the capabilities of special books that grant temporary abilities to become strong, happy, and so on. And at the forefront is the question: 'Is humanity worthy of sacred knowledge, or is it only the lot of the chosen?'

Due to this non-trivial story, the brutality in the frame unusual for Russian projects (impressionable viewers should stay away from the screens), and the overall oppressive atmosphere, 'The Librarian' stands out favorably against many series of this year and beyond. If only the production were a bit better, it would be priceless.

Bupkis

If you've ever been interested in the biography of comedian Pete Davidson or watched the movie 'The King of Staten Island', you already know what to expect from the American's new semi-autobiographical project.

Here, Davidson again reflects on the loss of his father after the 9/11 attacks (he was a firefighter who died while fighting the fire), his relationship with his mother, and what life is all about and how to live it properly. And as usual, it's done in an extremely ironic manner.

In one episode, Davidson can hang out with his dying grandfather (played by the legendary Joe Pesci) and discuss the main values of life. In another, he recalls his youth with his aunt's husband (the charismatic Bobby Cannavale plays the uncle). And in a third, he even parodies 'Fast & Furious' because he always dreamed of being in it.

The result is that 'Bupkis' is not a must-watch series, but it's charming as hell.

Drops of God

Apple TV+ this year delights with the diversity of its projects. There are heartfelt comedies, stylish European spy thrillers, and even a series about oenology!

At the center of the story is a French woman named Camille and a Japanese man named Issey, who compete for the inheritance of Camille's father, a prominent wine expert. During the trials, they must identify three types of drinks while dealing with their personal and family issues.

If elegance and refinement are important to you when watching series, then 'Drops of God' is just what the doctor ordered. It immerses you in a whole wonderful world that many viewers don't even know exists. It tells about how fans of the most romantic of drinks live and what they do. It takes viewers through high-end restaurants and wineries in European countries.

After watching, you'll involuntarily want to have a glass of wine yourself, even if it's not your drink at all.