by Kevin Lo, CNX MAG Correspondant
As a lover of home entertainment, I have noticed a shift in my viewing habits over the years.
While I used to gravitate towards movies, I now find myself increasingly drawn to episodic series. There’s something about the larger and longer canvas of a series that allows for a more immersive and rewarding experience.
Perhaps it’s the opportunity to get to know characters over an extended period of time, or the ability to explore complex storylines in depth. Whatever the reason, I have found myself binge-watching more and more series in recent years.
In 2023, there’s no shortage of great streaming content to choose from. For CNX MAG, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best streaming shows to watch online in Asia so far this year.
I have, however, been doing my fair share of theater going this year, mostly for popcorn fare, but have had mixed experiences, so that’s why there is only one movie on my list so far.
* Keep reading. My favorite movies of 2022 are listed in order at the end of this article.
Favorite Series & Movies I’ve Watched In 2023 (So Far)*
*in vaguely chronological order
Snowfall (Season 6)
Bravo to Snowfall (in its sixth & final season) for still being brave enough to honestly address and boldly tackle some hard truths of our American history while keeping us riveted with an expertly produced (shout out to the stellar cinematography in Episode 3) and supremely entertaining political, drug dealing, gangster drama.
I think the series was wrapped up well and the entire final season was 🔥.
Time will tell, but I do think it belongs up there with the top “crime genre” series of all time joing the ranks of classics such as Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire.
Daisy Jones & The Six
I’m slightly embarrassed that the vast majority of fans of this series (and book, which I might have to read) are white women…like super white…but imma embrace my inner white girl here and let that flag fly!
I thoroughly enjoyed this musical melodrama. It hits all the familiar beats of a (fictional) band biopic, but with the series length, it didn’t feel rushed and since it’s fiction, it didn’t have to list off the real life sign posts we expect with an actual band or artist.
The music is mostly really good when being “performed” on stage and in the recording studio (all the actors actually trained to play & sing), but less so when you just listen.
It has a great story, exemplary production, very pretty white people, the soap opera of it all is really well performed and the set & costume design feel lived in and real.
Awesome series.
Last of Us
I never finished the game, but know enough to get the nods made by and threads with this series. However, the best part is that it stands on its own just fine.
Heart breaking, terrifying, soul crushing, but joyous, fun and entertaining.
It’s not light fare, but I think the entire season is very rewarding watching because there is so much care and well thought detail in the production, writing and performances of every episode.
Beef
I was immediately sucked into this darkly comic, very human tale of anger, frustration, selfishness & revenge, but it also provides some balance and relief to all the negativity with humor & pathos.
The performances are visceral & convincing, funny & touching. The filmmaking and production are creative, detailed and very thoughtful and intentional while the music cues shine with some cool deep cuts (Morphine!).
It’s a really solid, entertaining series that touches on a lot of the current, collective feels out there and of course, while I champion the Asian American-ness of it all and how those characteristics are authentically realized, the story and themes reach well beyond any of those cultural details.
Anyone could check this out, have some fun and really get it.
Perry Mason: Season 2
Perry Mason is an intriguing noir/courtroom drama set in 1930’s LA with great performances (I’ve been a fan of Matthew Rhys from The Americans which is a must-see series IMO) This is a very high caliber HBO production.
This season, the creative team behind “The Knick” (another great HBO period series) has taken over and it’s improved into a solid, entertaining investigative mystery/court case show with good touches of humor & dark intrigue. The old-timey costume and set design look both convincingly austere & opulent to reflect the giant economic gaps, but with slick modern photography & effects.
Season 1 was more uneven, but introduces us to the main characters and such. I don’t think you HAVE to see it before diving into season 2, but it’s still a pretty good watch and from what I can gather, it has little in common with the old network TV show which I never really watched.
Anyway, if you like period noir & smart lawyering dramas, check it out.
Succession: Season 4
In its final season, this satirical tragedy sticks the landing.
I don’t feel like I can add much to the great cultural discourse out there on this show, but I remember (like so many others) thinking, Who cares or wants to watch a show about these awful billionaires’ lives?
The magic of this show is that we do end up caring, seeing them as full characters and having hilariously dark laughs, luxurious wealth porn, shock, awe, pity and pathos while admiring the masterful writing & performances.
From: Season 1 & 2
I had never heard of From, and started it on a friend’s recommendation and was immediately hooked on its creepy Stephen King meets Lost vibe with great scares and a very confusing (in a good way), but supremely intriguing mystery.
The production and acting are very solid with a good, diverse cast, but what has garnered it’s cult-like following is the show’s meticulously constructed mystery web of WTF is going on?!.
After 2 seasons, there are few answers, but the creators & makers have reassured in interviews that they indeed DO have a plan with a mapped out ending. So, if you get sucked in, rest assured there is a plan. We may or may not like it, but at least it’s basically thought out.
So far, it’s an addictive pleasure with a strong following (tons of fan theorizing and such out there) and my popcorn is out!
Spider Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Creative, gorgeous visuals. Smart, witty writing. Great representation and a stacked cast of good voice actors. This is how you make an excellent comic book movie sequel.
I had so much fun seeing this in the theater and really looking forward to the third one!
The Bear: Season 2
This show is simply AMAZING. I loved the excellent first season, but Season 2 is even better. It may be the best thing I’ve watched all year.
The masterful filmmaking, writing, true to life performances and just the way it portrays dedicating oneself to something, struggling to collaborate well to create something special and the art of hospitality.
I love this show. Just watch it!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Here are some amazing films I saw in 2022 and I never ended up sharing my list with anyone so here are my faves (in order).
1. Everything Everywhere All at Once
2. Top Gun: Maverick
3. Decision To Leave
4. Prey
5. Nope
6. Emily The Criminal
7. Master
8. Doctor Strange 2
Kevin Lo is a Thai American born and raised in NY. He moved to Thailand over 13 years ago, lived in Bangkok for a bit, then Chiang Mai for over 10 years where he ran the legendary Corner Bistro. Now he lives like a gentleman, watches TV & films, and writes about it in Hua Hin.