The best OTT shows of 2023 that stood out for excellent storytelling and where to watch them

The OTT space has treated us to an array of dynamic storytelling and intriguing narratives that we couldn’t help but be invested in. Be it intense dramas or gruesome thrillers, we were served diverse content. As the year comes to an end, let’s take a look at the some of the best OTT shows of 2023 and where to watch them. 

'Farzi'

Directed by Raj & DK (the makers of The Family Man), this fast-paced, edgy, one-of-a-kind crime thriller sees Shahid Kapoor make his OTT debut. He plays a small-time con artist, named Sunny, who uses his grandfather's printing press as the planning room to create the perfect con and create fake currency. But things are far from easy as Michael, a fiery and unconventional task force officer (Vijay Sethupathi) has made it his mission to rid the nation of this threat.

The writing of the show is brilliant; the characters are well fleshed out and get enough time to grow with the storyline. Additionally, none of the characters—including the protagonist and the antagonist—are boxed as white or black. 

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

'Dahaad'

The series is an eight-part crime drama that follows sub-inspector, Anjali Bhaati (Sonakshi Sinha) and her colleagues in a small town. It all starts when a series of women are mysteriously found dead in public bathrooms and Bhaati is tasked with the investigation. At first, the deaths appear to be clear-cut suicides but as the cases unravel, she begins to suspect that a serial killer (played by Vijay Varma) is behind the murders. What follows is a riveting game of cat and mouse between a seasoned criminal and an underdog cop as she pieces together evidence before another innocent woman loses her life.

This is one of the most intriguing Indian shows based on the police and law enforcement in the recent times. It has no high-octane action sequences, nor does it have any over the top treatment. It shows us the human side of officers who have to bow down to red tapism as well as societal and political pressures. 

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

'Jubilee'

Jubilee unveils the stories and dreams that gave birth to the Hindi film industry as we know it. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Indian cinema, Jubilee is a thrilling yet poetic tale woven around an ensemble of characters and the gambles they’re willing to take in pursuit of their dreams, passion, ambition, and love. From a technical standpoint, it surely is one of the best shows of the year with amazing art direction, set design, and soundtrack among other things that’ll take you back to '60s. 

Among the ensemble cast, which includes the likes of Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sidhant Gupta, Ram Kapoor, Shweta Basu Prasad, Sukhmanee Lamba, and Nandish Singh Sandhu, Khurana stands out for his intensity and ability to display an array of emotions. The series rests on his and Chatterjee's able shoulders. 

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

'Scoop'

The captivating series inspired by Jigna Vora’s book, Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days In Prison, weaves the compelling narrative of a seasoned female journalist accused of a shocking murder, alongside a notorious sharpshooter, a nefarious bookie, and underworld kingpin, Chhota Rajan. As she awaits trial, there are attempts to suppress and bury the truth. The series dominated India's Top 10 for nine weeks and also resonated globally, captivating audiences in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and beyond. The audience loved the well-crafted show and the media praised it for revealing an unfamiliar side of their world, creating a strong connection with their experiences. Along with marvellous audience reviews, Scoop was the first India series to win Best Asian TV Series and Best Lead Actress honours at the 2023 Busan Film Festival's Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards.

Also read: Karishma Tanna and Zeeshan Ayyub on what makes 'Scoop' a huge success and how it is a game-changing show for their career

Streaming on: Netflix

'Kaala Paani'

A critic and audience favourite, Kaala Paani is set in the year 2027, and unveils a gripping tale of a mysterious disease that spreads in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, leading to a quarantine that forces islanders into an unprecedented challenge—escaping the Kaala Paani. This first-of-its-kind survival drama explores the breathtaking landscapes of the archipelago, weaving a narrative filled with drama, suspense, and thrilling character journeys. Along with being called out for its unique storyline, the series also stood out and justified the portrayal of a post-pandemic world. Kaala Paani captivated viewers with its compelling storyline and engaging character developments and emerged as the ideal binge-watch. We can’t wait for the second season!

Streaming on: Netflix

'Guns & Gulaabs'

Picture this: scene after scene of complete chaos and humour blended with intersecting storylines and hilarious performances. That’s what Raj & DK’s perfectly crafted series, Guns & Gulaabs is all about! A gangster comedy at its helm and a visual delight peaking in '90's nostalgia—from ice chuskis to PCO booths and audio cassettes, Guns & Gulaabs is the ultimate ride through the retro era. Put this together with quirky characters played by Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, T J Bhanu, and Satish Kaushik, sassy one-liners, unimaginable plot twists, and a catchy soundtrack, and it’s a recipe for a hit series—one that has won the hearts of audiences and made its way to the global trending charts! 

Streaming on: Netflix

'The Railway Men'

Netflix and YRF Entertainment marked the beginning of their creative partnership with The Railway Men, a four-episode limited series inspired by true stories. It portrays the indomitable spirit of humanity and heroism set against the backdrop of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The story had the viewers emotionally moved, garnering immense appreciation for its depiction of the disaster from a completely different lens, celebrating the selfless act of the railways’ employees who went beyond their duties to save lives. Audiences have lauded the terrific performances by Kay Kay Menon and Babil Khan.

Streaming on: Netflix

Trial by Fire

Trial By Fire is a gripping Netflix series recounting the tragic Uphaar Cinema Fire of June 13, 1997, in South Delhi, where 59 lives were lost and 100 others were injured. The heart-wrenching narrative follows Neelam and Shekar Krishnamoorthy, parents who endured the devastating loss of their children in the incident. Led by showrunner and director, Prashant Nair, the series vividly depicts the parents’ relentless pursuit for justice amid the aftermath of the catastrophic incident. The honest, brilliant, and sensitive depiction of the story, backed up by outstanding performances from the cast landed Trial By Fire accolades and high praise from audiences and critics alike.

Streaming on: Netflix

'Kohrra'

Created by Sudip Sharma and Randeep Jha, the critically-acclaimed and multi-award-winning cop drama, Kohrra explores the darker facets of love and intricate relationships. Set in the heartland of Punjab, this Hindi-Punjabi mystery series is adorned with robust plots, unexpected twists, and intricate character dynamics, unfurling its narrative slowly yet meticulously. Breaking away from clichés, it prioritises a compelling script over conventional star power, offering an atmospheric and beautifully realised viewing experience.

Streaming on: Netflix

'Saas Bahu aur Flamingo'

When it comes to smashing the patriarchy, few shows do better than this one. The show revolves around the life of Savitra, the matriarch of a massive cartel in the lawless borderlands, who opens up a battle for succession to find her heir in a murky world of drugs and violence. Starring Dimple Kapadia in the lead, the actor is absolutely menacing and plays a boss who means business in every frame that she’s in. The other ladies that include Angira Dhar, Isha Talwar, and Radhika Madan, play (layered) characters that you just won’t be able to take your eyes off. The setting, costumes, make-up and writing of the show blends in perfectly with the rustic mood of north-western India. The attention to detail with respect to the tattoos and ethnic ornaments that these characters wear, adds the local flavour to the show whose second season we just can’t wait to watch. 

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

'The Bear' (Season 2)

A sequel always has the pressure of matching up to the expectations of the first season, especially one that has been a tremendous hit. A tough task for many, but certainly not for the makers of this show. While the first season was engrossing as it unlocked different levels of stress, panic, and anxiety among its characters, season two felt much more chilled out as Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and everyone goes about transforming their Italian beef sandwich shop into a fine-dining establishment. Right from getting things in place to set up the restaurant to taking a deep dive into the characters’ personal lives, the second season is much better than the first as it explores the good, bad, and the ugly sides of the characters. 

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

'Succession' (Season 4)

It was a fitting finale to the Roy family saga, which cemented its place as one of the finest shows in recent times. In the fourth season, the stakes are high as ever as the siblings: Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Roman (Kieran Culkin), and Shiv (Sarah Snook) hatch and scheme their way in their joint effort to take on their father, the legendary media mogul Logan Roy (Brian Coz) and his succession decision. The show has us hooked as we go through the many dramatic and unexpected plot twists to find out who would win the coveted crown for Waystar Royco. With power-packed performances and some brilliant dialogues (it has always been the show’s strong suit), the season is an absolute must-watch and a terrific immersive viewing experience for all.

Streaming on: JioCinema

'The Last of Us'

HBO’s adaptation of one of the best-selling games of the year was the visual treat we’d all expected it would be. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, as Joel and Ellie, brings all the humanity, humour, and warmth to stop us from shedding tears as they embark on a zombie-riddled trek through America. Showing how it’s still possible to find love in a ruined world, The Last of Us is a compelling watch that is inspired by a video game.

Streaming on: JioCinema