Aarp’s favorite tv shows of 2023

_THE DIPLOMAT_ This fun political thriller shows some of the DNA of creator Debora Cahn’s previous shows _The West Wing_ and _Homeland_. Keri Russell, who blew us away on _The Americans_,

does it again as America’s new ambassador to the U.K., dispatched by our crusty president (Michael McKean, 76, of _Better Call Saul _and _Laverne & Shirley_ fame). Russell is

accompanied by her husband (brilliant Rufus Sewell, 56), a former ambassador who deals with her new fame by undermining her — their arguments have a spark that sometimes recalls

_Moonlighting_. For all the screwball comedy, it’s also rooted in savvy knowledge of the real political universe. Where to watch _The Diplomat_ Frank W Ockenfels III/FX _FARGO_ After a so-so

fourth season, the TV series that riffs on the Coen brothers’ classic film _Fargo_’s droll murder mystery template got great again in this, the fifth season. You’ll love the similar yet

completely distinct TV version. Jennifer Jason Leigh, 61, plays a billionaire who resents her daughter-in-law Dot (Juno Temple), a mild-mannered Minnesota homemaker who turns out to have a

dark past involving Roy (_Mad Men’_s Jon Hamm, 52), a funny but scary sheriff who likes the Bible, despises pesky human laws and is a public menace. Where to watch _Fargo_ Ricky

Middlesworth/ABC _THE GOLDEN BACHELOR_ It’s the biggest, most unexpected hit of the year and the greatest reality dating show in history — plus the only one with a Beverly Hills billboard

featuring AARP’s headline about its star (“He’s Hot. He’s Sexy. He’s 72”). Besides the show’s addictive human drama, it refutes ageism and reminds everyone that people 50-plus are still in

the game. “We made history together!” says bachelor Gerry Turner. “We’ve realized that at our age we’re not invisible.” His date, Susan, told AARP, “I want people out there who feel like

they’re old and they’re never going to find anybody to stop feeling that way. Get up and get out! Just start living again — because our life is not over at 60, or 66.” Her rival, and now

friend, Sandra added, “You can find love after 80. I mean, what’s the limit? The limit is within yourself.” Where to watch _The Golden Bachelor_ Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu _ONLY MURDERS IN THE

BUILDING_ What could make the jaunty hit murder mystery starring Steve Martin, 78, Martin Short, 73, and Selena Gomez as amateur sleuths investigating mayhem at their fancy Manhattan

apartment building any better? The third season added actors Paul Rudd, 54, and Meryl Streep, 74, who plays a dotty actress down on her luck trying to leap back into the Broadway spotlight

in Short’s character’s play, _Death Rattle_. Streep has never been better on TV, and the whole cast is up to her standard. Where to watch _Only Murders in the Building_