TV Year in Review
My picks for the 20 best shows of 2022
I’ve noticed the shows I loved in 2022 have a unifying theme beyond strong women. Last year, I fell for a lot of ensemble series. Most of the shows on my list are group efforts despite having a clear lead. The casts for all those listed below are first rate and have my undying love for being so amazing.
It’s harder than you might think to put together the perfect ensemble, so kudos to the casting directors for a job well done.
As you can imagine, I didn’t get to all of the shows I wanted to see last year. I will tell you now that I haven’t seen Minx or caught up with season two of Abbott Elementary and that I have only recently watched the first episode of House of the Dragon and three eps of Andor. That said, I’m very happy with my picks.
Hope your favorites made the list and that you find something new to check out!
Gentleman Jack (HBO)
It was quite the disappointment to learn series two would be the end of this clever, witty, sexy historical series based on the real-life diaries of Anne Lister. Suranne Jones brings the iconoclast and trailblazer to vivid life, ensuring a new generation will know who Anne was and why she still matters.
The Good Fight (Paramount+)
Never one to ignore the issues of the day, the Christine Baranski/Audra McDonald-led series viewed some of those through an absurdist lens while bringing to light just how terrifying the ramifications of others could be if not properly addressed. Even in its final season, the legal drama (though dark comedy/thriller also would work) didn’t shy away and coast to the finish line. Till the very end, it kept a finger on the pulse of politics and social causes in a way that entertained and educated.
The Staircase (HBO Max)
Based on the true story of the death of Kathleen Atwater-Peterson and the documentary series of the same name, this dramatic retelling features fantastic turns by Toni Collette and Colin Firth as Kathleen and her husband Michael. Filled with enough twists and revelations that prove why truth is stranger than fiction, the odyssey the Peterson family takes after Michael is accused of murdering Kathleen makes for compelling viewing.
Chucky (USA)
The Good Guy doll possessed with the spirit of a serial killer has only become more entertaining since his series debuted in 2021. Creator Don Mancini is having a blast continuing Chucky’s story and in season two he doubled down on that glee by having his Scooby trio shipped off to a Catholic boarding school. Nothing like terrifying your audience with multiple Chuckys and the promise of being saved.
Single Drunk Female (Freeform)
This acerbic, heartfelt comedy about a recovering addict who moves back home — literally as she once more resides in her childhood bedroom at her mom’s house — to face her metaphorical demons is an absolute delight. Sofia Black-D’Elia and Ally Sheedy make a terrific mother-daughter team, plus the entire ensemble slays.
Euphoria (HBO)
Like a shot of adrenaline injected straight into the heart, the much anticipated second season of the teen drama took a big breath and never slowed down. Standouts Zendaya, Angus Cloud, and Maude Apatow had huge arcs, from Rue’s drug misadventures to Fezco and Lexie’s budding romance to Fezco stepping up and Lexie debuting as a playwright with unexpected (and highly entertaining) results. The one big misstep was departing cast member Barbie Ferreria’s diminished screentime after being such an integral part of season one. Both the actress and her character Kat will be missed.
Evil (Paramount+)
You gotta love how batshit crazy this show can be while managing to ground itself in its main characters. The central trio played by Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, and Aasif Mandvi play off each other with such ease; their chemistry is off the charts — even the smallest moments resonate. Another show with a first-rate ensemble, this is one of those series where even the guest cast brings their A game. Creators/showrunners Robert and Michelle King, who also gave us the fabulous The Good Fight, continue to gift us with their special brand of madness — and there is more to come. Thank God.
Ms. Marvel (Disney+)
Kamala Khan is just your typical Avengers superfangirl with an unbridled love for Captain Marvel and a popular podcast where she nerds out over Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. That is, until she unleashes her own dormant powers thanks to an ancestral bangle given to her by her grandmother. Watching Kamala (played by a terrific Iman Vellani) navigate this new normal while trying to maintain her old normal as she deals with her family, friends, and high school is so much fun. Plus, integrating her Pakistani heritage and community into the predominately white MCU is simply wonderful.
The Old Man (FX)
Sometimes the old guard needs to show the next generation how it’s done. This is most effectively proven with this le Carré-esque series with Jeff Bridges as a retired CIA agent who comes in from the cold once the sins of his past come back to haunt him. Honestly, it’s not as cliché as is it sounds. It’s an engrossing, dynamic cat-and-mouse thriller with a crackerjack cast including John Lithgow, Amy Brenneman, and Alia Shawkat.
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The buzziest mystery box series since Lost is just as smartly plotted and addictive with a terrific ensemble filling out the twin timelines. A group of friends remain deeply affected years later by the plane crash they survived back in high school. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. It’s all there and more. Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, and Christina Ricci impress as the adult versions of their characters.
A League of Their Own (Amazon Prime)
The Rockford Peaches are back on the field in this fresh take on the classic 1992 Penny Marshall film that hits it out of the park. (OK, I’m done with baseball metaphors.) Abbi Jacobson, who also co-created the series, and Chanté Adams lead a crackerjack ensemble whose stories intertwine in surprising ways. One of the rare reboots that not only exceeds expectations but proudly shows its ambition, this show packs an emotional punch.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney+)
No one puts Jennifer Walters in a box. As the titular Marvel character, she’ll smash glass ceilings and fight the patriarchy while seeking justice as an attorney and love as a single woman in Los Angeles. Tatiana Maslany kicks ass in the role, showing off her comedic chops in spectacular fashion. She also has amazing support from Ginger Gonzaga as her best friend and coworker Nikki Ramos. And one giant shout out to the fabulous, scene-stealing Patty Guggenheim as Madisynn “with two N’s, one Y but it’s not where you thiiiiink” King.
Our Flag Means Death (HBO Max)
When you hear pirate comedy, does it raise an eyebrow? I can relate. Though one episode of creator David Jenkins’ sublime series was all it took to change my mind. Hilarious and sincere, surprising and heartbreaking, and yes, there’s some violence. It’s Black Sails with less politics and more Thomas/James moments. Based on the true story of Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate, who abandoned his family to set sail in search of adventure, Rhys Darby is perfect as Stede and his chemistry with Taika Waititi’s excellent Blackbeard is written in the stars. I need another paragraph to properly talk about the the cast as a whole, but I’ll them sum up in one word: LOVE.
Hacks (HBO Max)
Season two puts the ladies on the road and at odds with each other as Deborah goes back to basics by workshopping new material in lowkey venues across the country. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are a sublime double act; Deborah and Ava’s deep friendship giving them both a much needed lifeline while also potentially holding them back from pursuing their dreams. That moment in the finale between them is a gut punch.
Atlanta (FX)
After a too long famine, we got to feast on not one but two seasons of this ingenious comedy. Season three had the gang in Europe before bringing them home for the final batch of episodes. Donald Glover and the writers have a lot to say, which make for some surreal yet first-rate television. Over four seasons, the show has played with the form, pushing boundaries and trusting its audience to follow along with the payoff evident in every episode.
Interview With the Vampire (AMC)
Between the Anne Rice novels on which it’s based and the 1994 film adaptation that continues to sink its teeth into the zeitgeist, this iteration of the Vampire Chronicles has its work cut out for it. That said, it’s ridiculous how good this show is. The cast alone is to die for: Jacob Anderson as Louis and Sam Reid as Lestat are a match made in Heaven and Hell for how perfectly suited they are for the characters, not to mention their scorching chemistry. Smart writing, gorgeous production values. All this, plus we get Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy?!
Better Things (FX)
This was the year we said goodbye to Sam Fox and her family (a mix of chosen and genetic members). The final season of Pamela Adlon’s pitch perfect series that always welcomed you with open arms and made you feel like you were safe and loved, ended the only way it could. There was a grace in the precious last moments that felt miraculous and inevitable. Adlon gave us a gift with this show and I will forever cherish it with a full heart.
Heartstopper (Netflix)
That such a sweet, adorable series like this coming-of-age romantic comedy exists gives one hope that not everything sucks. That despite the barrage of headlines that tell us otherwise, there is good in the world — and this delightful show is a potent reminder. Charlie and Nick find themselves in an unlikely friendship but its not long before they start wondering if, perhaps, this might be the start of something more. Their world is wonderfully realized as are their relationships with friends, family, and everyone in between. Yeah, it will drop you deep into all the feels. It’s a good thing. Promise.
The Bear (FX)
Stepping up after a beloved figure dies isn’t easy, especially when they cast a long shadow. Now imagine if the recently deceased is your big brother and you’re a chef trading fine dining for a sandwich shop. That’s what Carmen is dealing with, a situation made even more difficult with everyone wanting a piece of him and having an opinion on how the struggling business should be run. Chaotic, hilarious, relatable. It’s an outstanding workplace comedy that you shouldn’t watch on an empty stomach.
Reservation Dogs (FX)
Second verse. Better than the first. That’s high praise considering how fantastic this comedy’s debut season was right out of the gate. Not only does co-creator Sterlin Harjo and his writers delve deeper into the dynamics of the friendship between Elora, Bear, Cheese, and Willie Jack (wonderfully textured performance by Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis), it also allows us to get to know them better as individuals while allowing the adults to shine just as bright. The show blazes its own trail while walking in the footsteps of FX alumni Atlanta and Better Things.
HONORABLE MENTION
Astrid & Lilly Save the World (Syfy); Breeders (FX); The Gilded Age (HBO); Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (Netflix); Harley Quinn (HBO Max); Kung Fu (The CW); Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime); Miss Scarlet and the Duke (PBS); Obi-Wan Kenobi (Disney+); Queer For Fear: The History of Queer Horror (Shudder); Search Party (HBO Max); Servant (Apple TV+); Stranger Things (Netflix); Wednesday (Netflix); and What We Do in the Shadows (FX).