My 12 Favorite Scripted TV Shows of 2023

(And Their Corresponding Foods & Beverages)

Earlier this year,I made a pretty weird post about how every form of visual media has a specific food vibe…

What is the science behind these taste-bud connections? It’s partly the ephemeral magic of “vibes” — but it’s also connected to the idea that despite the freedom of the streaming era, there is still a proper time for certain shows to be watched (and specific foods to be eaten with them). So, in that spirit, here are my favorite scripted TV shows of 2023 AND their corresponding foods & beverages.

My 12 FAVORITE SCRIPTED TV SHOWS OF 2023 (AND THEIR CORRESPONDING FOODS & BEVERAGES)

This Fool (Season 2) — Hulu

I cannot rant enough about how fantastic this show is. I’m from South Los Angeles, and it’s incredible seeing This Fool capture the true nature of the area while also being deeply absurd and existential. It’s a hybrid of style and sensibility that could only be the result of a Chris Estrada mind meld with Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman (who created what I consider to be the cult classic TV series, Corporate).

Because of this, This Fool’s food and beverage vibe is Los Angeles street food — anything really, as long as you had to leave your car, feel the sun on your face or the cool breeze of the night, stand in a line long enough for some small talk, and pay with cash — and, of course, a can of Cactus Cooler soda. Nothin’ better than that.

For more on the show, I really enjoyed Jesse Thorn’s interview with Estrada on Bullseye:

Also, fun fact: The first episode of my upcoming You Are The Genre podcast will feature one of the writers This Fool, Eliza Cossio!

Poker Face (Season 1) — Peacock

I already answered this in my original post about “media food vibes,” but I’d like to expand by saying that in addition to Poker Face being a cheeseburger, it’s also Coca-Cola in a glass (despite the show’s apparent product placement deals with Coors Light and Subway).

Why is it those two things? Because who in America doesn’t want a cheeseburger and a Coke?! There’s something in Poker Face’s color palette and tone that hits that sweet spot of nostalgic Americana. It feels like something you should watch in an open garage, with the sun shining in after your friend stops by with some fast food. But, hey, maybe that’s just me. I’m open to debate.

Barry (Season 4) — HBO

Dollar candies and an Arizona iced tea. I will say no more. If you get it, you get it. Also, this season solidified Bill Hader as one of this generation’s finest auteurs.

Star Trek: Picard (Season 3) — Paramount+

Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard is ultimately a family reunion. Under showrunner Terry Matalas’ helm, the Star Trek: The Next Generation crew comes back to unravel one last mystery. For these reasons, the season is pumpkin (or sweet potato) pie with a simmering cup of hot coco. You know… the type of food and drink combo that makes the family gather around for a nice chitchat.

Or, if that’s too sweet — Earl Gray.

Also, if you’re looking for another great newsletter to subscribe to, consider Star Trek: Picard staff writer / story editor

Christopher Derrick

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Thin Ice

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Silo (Season 1) — Apple TV+

Silo is Entenmann’s 8 Variety Pack of doughnuts and whatever coffee you have left in your house, not only because it’s centered on cops, but because it’s centered on cops in a post-apocalyptic underground city. The mystery that unravels is not unlike a variety pack of doughnuts. Stack them on top of each other and they become… you guessed it: A silo.

I rest my case.

Succession (Season 4) — HBO

Succession (Season 4) is sushi and La Croix. Doesn’t matter which flavor, as long as it’s as cold as the hearts of each of the characters in this series. Oh, and don’t skimp on the wasabi.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Season 2) — Paramount+

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a bright throwback to the original 60s Trek series. Because of this, it feels exactly like dessert. Perhaps something tart, like a lemon cake that awakens your taste-buds with the cliffhanger at the end of each bite. And to drink… how about one of those expensive organic fruit juices? Ignore the price and it tastes like utopia.

Abbot Elementary (Season 2) — ABC

Can’t explain it but the show as a whole is McDonald’s apple pie and a box of orange juice. And trust me, I LOVE McDonald’s apple pie.

Fired On Mars — MAX

Not to be confused with my own cartoon Maurice on Mars, Fired on Mars is a hilarious show set on the red planet with a nuanced, casual take on workplace life in a minimalist Martian colony. Because of this, it pairs well with crackers and office coffee. Where did the coffee beans come from? No way of telling, really. Perhaps it was Mars?

Full Circle — MAX

Full Circle is leftovers from the fridge and a much needed glass of water — partly due to the jarring naturalism of the show’s visual style.

Slow Horses (Season 2)

Season 3 is still rolling out so I’ll focus on Season 2 which was released earlier in the year. Doesn’t matter though, because the show is great and its food vibes are consistent. Slow Horses is Chinese food — something greasy, via the restaurant up the street from your city apartment, with a rating of moderate concern, perhaps involving noodles — and a can of ginger ale to make you feel a little better about yourself afterwards.

BEEF — Netflix

Despite certain casting shenanigans, BEEF stands out as one of the defining shows of the year. It feels like fast food french fries and Monster Energy drink.

Now, let the debates begin!

Happy viewing!

- Tim