As the curtain falls on 2023, it's time to revisit the year's standout moments in entertainment. From captivating narratives to infectious tunes, these are the gems that defined my 2023.

TV SHOWS

1. Daisy Jones & The Six: Daisy Jones stole the spotlight, adapting Taylor Jenkins Reid's masterpiece seamlessly onto the screen. Anticipation ran high, especially for a devoted fan like me. Revisiting the novel at the year's start only amplified the experience. The show not only lived up to expectations but lingered in my thoughts long after the final credits. A flawless translation of emotions from page to screen made it the pinnacle of television for the year.


2. The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2: As a devoted admirer of the first season (someone who has watched it 5 times), my excitement soared for the sequel. Returning to Cousins Beach felt like a reunion with old friends, yet the magic I cherished in the initial season proved slightly elusive this time. While a true summer treat, it didn't quite capture the same level of enchantment of the first season.


3. XO, Kitty: A spontaneous watch with a friend turned into a delightful surprise. XO Kitty, with no prior expectations, quickly became a binge-worthy experience. Its charm, whether attributed to the impromptu viewing or inherent quality, left me eagerly awaiting the next season.


4. LOKI Season 2: Amidst Marvel's intricate storylines, Loki remains a standout for me. Initially hesitant about getting too invested, I was pleasantly surprised. Season 2 not only exceeded my expectations but also outshone its predecessor. The intricate plot and its satisfying conclusion left me eager to witness Loki's impactful finale unfold in upcoming movies.

1. Oppenheimer: Initially overshadowed by my anticipation for Barbie, a last-minute decision led me to “Barbenheimer,” and I am eternally grateful. Oppenheimer not only claims the title of the best movie of 2023 but stands tall among the best I've ever seen. Christopher Nolan's impeccable direction, coupled with Ludwig Göransson's haunting score, left me in awe and thinking about the film long after the chilling final scene.


2. Sleepless in Seattle: While not a 2023 release, Sleepless in Seattle secured its place as my all-time favorite rom-com this year. A first-time viewing left me incredulous at having missed such a magical experience for so long. As a rom-com connoisseur, Sleepless in Seattle has all the enchantment and charm that defines all of the classics of the genre.


3. Tenet: After Oppenheimer. I knew it would be amiss to spend another second keeping myself from Nolan’s other works. Tenet further proved my belief in his movie magic. As expected, I was once again mind-blown by the intricate narrative and visual brilliance.


4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: A Hunger Games fan since fifth grade, the return of this beloved series to theaters provided one of the most nostalgic and magical cinema experiences of the year. While the film adaptation didn't perfectly align with the brilliance of the book, it added a new layer to the series, creating a nostalgically exciting experience. The use of moments from the original score was haunting and a beautiful tribute.


5. Saltburn: An impulse watch, more driven by curiosity about people's reactions rather than the plot, Saltburn turned out to be a riveting surprise. While certain parts were uncomfortably disturbing, and I found myself skipping through one such scene, the overall pace, characters, and the reveal at the end made it worthwile and a definite standout of the year.

1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Undoubtedly the best book I read this year, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes initially demanded patience as the first few chapters seemed to drag. Yet, once it found its rhythm, I found it impossible to put down. The final pages left me enraptured, with hands shaking as I eagerly flipped through the concluding moments. It's been a long time since a book had such a hold on me.


2. Everything I Know About Love: A departure from my typical reads, Dolly's memoir Everything I Know About Love offered a refreshing and honest perspective. The book's structure and variety, while consistently sharing Dolly's story, made for an enjoyable and authentic reading experience.


3. Eligible: Uncertain about my feelings toward a modern-day retelling of the beloved Pride and Prejudice, Eligible turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Skillfully handling parallels between characters and the overall plot, it seamlessly wove the modern aspect, maintaining its own pulse with mastery.

1. 1989 (Taylor’s Version): In 2023, the year dominated by Taylor Swift, and as a Swiftie, it only makes sense that the rerecording of one of her most iconic albums would be the top album of my year. With the best vault of any rerecord, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a perfect, skipless album.


2. The Show: Niall Horan’s second album, The Show, surprised me with standout songs that became the soundtrack of my year. "Heaven" and "Meltdown" secured spots in my top 5 most-streamed songs, with the latter claiming the no. 1 position. Unanticipated, yet pleasantly enduring, this album exceeded my expectations and became a joyful companion throughout the year.


3. GUTS: No sophomore slump here! Olivia Rodrigo's bombshell debut left us eagerly anticipating her next album, and with its release in September, GUTS did not disappoint. Olivia delivered an honest, passionate, and vulnerable collection of songs, creating the perfect soundtrack for heartfelt car sing-alongs.


4. Little Omens EP: Alfie Jukes blew me away with his first EP. After seeing him pop up on my For You Page on TikTok, I decided to listen to the EP on a whim. What I thought would be a one-time indulgence turned into an addiction. I couldn't resist the continuous replay, making it one of my favorite releases of the year and Alfie a new favorite.


5. Home To Another One: While Madison Beer released a full album this year, the single "Home To Another One" stole the show, emerging as one of my most-streamed tracks. Its allure and impact surpassed the rest of the album, leaving an indelible mark on my music journey in 2023.