Best Freeview shows to watch in 2023

Alex
13 Jan • 6 min read

It’s a New Year, and lucky for you there’s a whole heap of high quality shows landing on your Manhattan TV boxes in 2023. From new series for some old favourites, to brand new shows for you to feast your eyes on - this year is already shaping up to be filled with even more great telly than the last.

While most of you were spending the festive period eating, drinking and being merry, we had a deep dive into which shows were destined to grab our attention over the next 12 months.

Here’s what we found:

New shows on the horizon

Let’s start with the shows that will be debuting on our screens this year. Safe to say ITV is looking to hit the ground running with a broad range of new programs gracing our screens. Maternal - a six-part medical drama will be airing later this month and we’re already really excited for what’s in-store. The show delves into the lives of three female doctors as they balance family with returning to work post-pandemic. From what we’ve seen so far - it’s honest, gritty and warm with a brilliant sense of humour that Jacqui Honess-Martin’s scripts are synonymous with.

Next on the watchlist for ITV, it’s not often we get to see Helena Bonham Carter on the small screen these days,but when we do, it’s always a treat. The Oscar-winning actress is set to star as Crossroads legend Noele ‘Nolly’ Gordon in a three-part series which airs next month. Named after the actress’ well-known pseudonym, Nolly - the drama is a bold exploration of misogyny within the industry during the height of her fame in the early 80’s.

Elsewhere, the BBC has confirmed that Boiling Point - the hugely popular film starring Stephen Graham shot in one take - will be returning as a six-part series later in this year. This time, the story centres around Graham’s co-star Vinette Robinson who played level-headed sous chef Carly.

There’s more star-studded talent on offer with the BBC bringing Great Expectations to life in a brand new series. Award-winning actress Olivia Coleman portrays fresh from the release of her new Sam Mendes film, plays Miss Havisham. From what we’ve seen so far - it’s bound to be a winner.

Favourites return

As exciting as a new series can be, we’re still very much creatures of comfort. So it’s great to see so many great shows returning in 2023. None more so than Doctor Who which returns with the latest instalment and a brand new Time Lord in Ncuti Gatawa. The filming for Season 14 is well underway and fans can expect a host of new faces, as well as some fan-favourites from the past.

There aren’t many shows that have left us on the edge of our seats quite like Unforgotten. Despite Series 4 ending under tragic circumstances, viewers will be eagerly awaiting the new member of the team. We’ve already had a first look at new detective Jessie James, played by Sinead Keenan, and although it doesn’t give much away - we’re sure the latest instalment will be packed with its usual thrilling suspense.

Exciting times ahead

What better way to see out the rest of the winter months than to watch the best British TV on offer? To say the next 12 months are stacked with brilliant telly is an understatement to say the least. If you thought 2022 was a brilliant year for telly, watch this space.