The Top 3s of 2023

This year was anything but romantic for the romance, media industry. We witnessed the fall of the age of television, and the rise of the limited series. HBO and Discovery became Max, bubbling over a conversation of “what is fair pay and fair game for actors?” We witnessed the first WGA and sag strike since the 1960s, since Ronald Reagan was president of the FSGA. And yet, movie theaters finally reclaimed their relevance in the post-pandemic with movies like Barbie, Bottoms, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Priscilla, No Hard Feelings, Saltburn, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

I’ll admit, I haven’t seen every movie this year. I have some strong opinions. There were addictive shows with no imagination and wonderful stories that didn’t pan out right. Here are my top three picks for each medium in 2023:

MOVIES

1. Red, White & Royal Blue (Amazo Prime) - A hilarious and spicy enemies-to-lovers romance between the president’s son and heir to the British throne. Loved the book and the movie. Best romance film of the year! Hands down!

2. Past Lives - When childhood friends reconnect after her family emigrates to the US, a touching romance ensues that gives all the feels. This is my new “One Day” (2011).

3. Your Place or Mine (Netflix) - Not fantastic, not bad. The concept was cute but the chemistry was off. How do you get streaming services out of a romance movie slump? Get Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon to star in it. Did teh job. I honestly loved the neighbor!

SCRIPTED TV

1. Queen Charlotte (Netflix) - While Netflix didn’t deliver the next season of Bridgerton we were expecting, they didn’t leave us empty-handed. This unexpected historical romance was our top pick of the year, with enough banter, mystery, and spice for everyone. Honestly disappointed it’s only a limited series.

2. The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 2 (Amazon Prime) - One of the most anticipated premieres of the year, Jenny Han gave yet another fresh twist on this beloved Belly x Conrad x Jeremiah summer romance, with many questioning their "sides” in the teen heartthrob brother vs brother love triangle.

3. The Empress (Netflix) - The emperor of a forgotten dynasty at the edge of its demise and the untrained younger sister of his betrothed. What could possibly go wrong?

BOOKS

1. “The Royal We” by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan - The Will and Kate romance without Will and Kate. Studying abroad at Oxford, art student Bex falls for brooding royal heartthrob Prince Nickolas. It’s anything but a smooth romance, but this book had me instantly hooked with complicated love and friendships that leaped off the page.

2. “Seven Exes” by Lucy Vine - When they say a book needs to grip you in the first page—this book had me instantly. Funny, relatable, and totally addictive! A girl reconnects with her seven exes, looking to reignite a spark after reading a Cosmo article. Sounds like the perfect romcom to me. Review coming soon!

3. - “Dear Emmie Blue” by Lia Lois - The perfect friends-to-lovers, with a twist (that I actually did see coming because I totally shipped them). What if the destiny you created in your head was actually due to someone else? What if the story behind your memories wasn’t real? Would you still be with the same person? This story was heartfelt and emotional and I loved every page.

REALITY TV

1. The Golden Bachelor - Was I expecting to cry every episode of a Bachelor Franchise spin-off? Not at all. Did it happen? Ask every woman in America. This show was the perfect funny yet emotional journey we didn’t know we needed.

2. Jewish Matchmaking - A spin-off and new story from the hit Netflix show “Indian Matchmaking,” we followed Jewish singles around the world explore their faith and love opportunities through bad dates, long demands, and cultural differences. A great watch. Hope they come out with another season soon!

3. The Ultimatum: Queer Love - Talk about drama! This show had me on the edge of my seat. I was not expecting the ending or reunion blow-outs.

PODCASTS

I don’t review these often, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have ears. If you share opinions on my movie, TV, and book reviews, check out these podcasts.

1. Girls Gotta Eat - A Jewish food blogger and comedian met at an influencer retreat and started a relationship podcast. What could go wrong? In 2023, Ashley finally found love and it’s so great to listen to her new perspective on dating and relationships. Rayna is bound to end up with her neighbor. With almost 500 episodes, it’s the OG romance advice podcast.

2. Ask a Matchmaker - As a fifth-generation matchmaker, I trust Matchmaker Maria with my life. Between her expert interviews and hotline episodes,

3. The Date Brazen Podcast - Dating advice from a woman-first feminist perspective? Yes, please! Lily Womble gives cute 30-minute pep talks for those looking to upgrade their love life to “self-care.”

Stay tuned for more reviews to fall in love with in 2024.