This year many new series have been released on TV or online. There are also a few (long) running series in the list. This list was compiled based on your suggestions, the monthly poll and my fellow writers. From crime to drama, there is bound to be something on this list that you enjoyed this year. So take a quick look at the nominations.
Below, in alphabetical order, the top ten nominees of the best series from 2023:
1985
Each episode of the impressive eight-part Belgian series 1985 starts with a disclaimer: '1985 is not a documentary but a fiction series, based on true facts'. The series is about the Gang of Nivelles. The gang committed a series of extremely violent robberies between 1982 and 1985 and this entire ordeal still feels like a festering wound to the Belgian people. Did you also enjoy this series? Vote!
Here you can read more reviews that were written about 1985.
Arcadia
Arcadia is a co-production of KRO-NCRV and the Flemish VRT (Eén) with support from the German public broadcasters WDR and SWR (ARD). The Dutch-Flemish fiction series is set in a future society with citizen scores. The higher your score, the better your life.
Were you unable to enjoy this genuine dystopian science fiction series from the Low Countries? The series will get a second season.
Here you can read more reviews that were written about Arcadia.
Dertigers (NL)
The last season of Dertigers (NL) started in 2020. This BNNVARA drama series actually ends at its peak. The themes in this series are a joy to recognize in your thirties. And if you don't recognize yourself in it, then it's a (sometimes painful) taste. Think of deaths in the family, figuring out whether the father of your children is the one or reinventing yourself for the umpteenth time.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
Ferry: De Serie
After three regular seasons of Undercover and a prequel film, Netflix released the eight-part Ferry: The Series on November 3, 2023, in which we see how our favorite drug criminal tries to build his empire. That aggrieved stubborn look, the protruding belly, the Brabant (local accent) muttering under his breath. The role of cuddle criminal Ferry Bouman fits Frank Lammers like a glove. Can't get enough of Ferry? Neither can I.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
Flikken Maastricht
Flikken Maastricht is the longest-running series on this list. The series has already won three times before, but has never won the main prize. The series has had the same recipe for years: Murder and manslaughter, blackmail practices, disappearances and drug cases, but also the personal lives of Eva van Dongen and Floris Wolfs, among others. Season 18 starts on February 2, 2024.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
Knokke off
During a sweltering summer on the Belgian coast, rich friends try to deal with love issues and expectations. They learn that growing up is not easy. This describes the Belgian series Knokke off. A second season will follow in 2024.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
Mocro Maffia
With its intense storylines, convincing performances and realistic portrayal of the criminal environment, Mocro Mafia has received high praise from viewers and critics alike. The series provides a fascinating insight into the dynamics of the Dutch underworld and has left a lasting impression within the crime genre. Season 6 will be released in 2024.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
Oogappels
The winner of the 2023 Televizier ring, Oogappels, cannot of course be missed in this list. The series has been following the lives of four different families since 2019. The story revolves around the daily challenges and complex dynamics that parents and their teens face. Oogappels offers a recognizable and realistic picture of family life, with attention to the complexity of upbringing and the different perspectives of parents and teenagers.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
De Stamhouder
De Stamhouder is a Dutch drama series about a Dutch-Latvian family before, during and after the Second World War. The story is based on the 2014 book of the same name. This authentic story was recorded in the Netherlands and Poland. In particular, the war scenes and the special effects at the front are very good by Dutch standards and it is clear that a lot of time, money and effort has been invested in this. In addition, the series shows the great historical complexity of the Second World War and the impact of the war on the lives of the surviving relatives. The series is above all about how people deal with a 'wrong' family history.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
De twaalf
After four years, De Twaalf released a second season. The new series (subtitle: The Cinderella Murder) revolves around the trial of Julie Bergman and Anton Bergman. They are accused of murdering Marianne, Anton's partner and Julie's stepmother, who fell down the cellar stairs. A twelve-member jury decides the fate of Julie and Anton, with the private vicissitudes of the jurors also having an impact on the case and vice versa.
Unfortunately, no reviews were written about this series just yet
As a tip, I would like to recommend the children's series Lampje. You didn't mention this one, but it really is a wonderful cinematic series that you shouldn't miss. Also nice for Christmas.
These were all the ten nominees that have been chosen by you, the writers and myself. Want to choose a different series instead? You can always decide to use your wildcard. Good luck voting!