Best TV Shows Of 2022: Our Top 10 Picks
Hey everyone! 2022 was an absolutely killer year for television, right? We got so many amazing shows dropping, it was hard to keep up. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and mind-bending sci-fi, there was seriously something for everyone. Picking just ten felt like an impossible task, but we've managed to narrow it down to the absolute crème de la crème. So grab your snacks, get comfy, and let's dive into the top 10 TV shows of 2022 that you absolutely cannot miss!
1. The Bear
If you missed The Bear in 2022, guys, you seriously need to get on this. This show is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, set in a chaotic but strangely lovable Italian beef sandwich shop in Chicago. It follows Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a fine-dining chef who returns home after a tragedy to run his family’s messy establishment. The intensity is real. You can practically feel the stress radiating off the screen as Carmy tries to wrangle his dysfunctional crew and elevate the sandwich joint to something… well, better. The writing is sharp, the acting is phenomenal – Jeremy Allen White is just chef’s kiss – and the way it captures the pressure cooker environment of a kitchen is uncanny. It’s not just about the food, though that looks amazing too; it’s about family, grief, ambition, and the struggle to find your place. Every episode leaves you on the edge of your seat, whether it's a tense argument or a surprisingly tender moment. The show perfectly balances high-stakes drama with moments of genuine heart and humor, making it one of the most compelling watches of the year. It's raw, it's real, and it’s definitely one of the best TV shows of 2022.
2. Severance
Okay, let's talk about Severance. This show is pure, unadulterated brilliance and easily one of the most talked-about series of 2022. Imagine a workplace where your memories of your personal life are completely separated from your work life. Sounds wild, right? That's the premise of Lumon Industries, where employees undergo a procedure called 'severance' to achieve this. Adam Scott plays Mark Scout, who leads a team in the Macrodata Refinement division, and his life outside of Lumon is… complicated. The mystery is what pulls you in. What exactly is Lumon doing? What are these people refining? The show is incredibly stylish, with a sterile, almost dystopian aesthetic that perfectly matches the unsettling nature of the premise. It’s a slow burn, but every revelation, every clue, feels earned and significant. The performances are top-notch across the board, with Scott delivering a career-defining performance. It’s a show that makes you think, questioning identity, corporate control, and the nature of consciousness. If you’re looking for something smart, suspenseful, and utterly original, Severance is a must-watch. It’s a definite contender for the top TV shows 2022 list.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Now, I know The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power had some divided opinions, but hear me out. For fans of Middle-earth, this was a monumental event. Set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this series dives deep into the Second Age of Middle-earth, a time of relative peace before the rise of Sauron. It’s a visually stunning production – seriously, the cinematography and special effects are breathtaking. The world-building is immense, bringing to life iconic locations and characters from Tolkien’s lore in ways we’ve only dreamed of. We get to see a younger Galadriel, a pre-king Aragorn, and the forging of the titular Rings of Power. The scale of this series is epic, and it aims to tell a grand, sweeping story of good versus evil, alliance and betrayal. While some narratives might feel a bit slower-paced at times, the payoff is immense. The sheer ambition of this show is commendable, and for many, it was the fantasy event of the year. It’s a huge undertaking, bringing such a beloved world to life, and its success in capturing the spirit of Tolkien’s work makes it a strong entry among the best TV shows of 2022. The detailed costumes, the intricate plotlines, and the sheer scope of the adventure make it a truly immersive experience for any fantasy lover.
4. Abbott Elementary
Let's switch gears to something a little lighter, but no less brilliant: Abbott Elementary. This mockumentary-style sitcom is, quite simply, one of the funniest and most heartwarming shows on TV right now. It centers on a group of dedicated, passionate teachers at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Quinta Brunson, who also created the show, stars as Janine Teagues, an optimistic second-grade teacher who’s always trying to make things work, despite the odds. The humor comes from the everyday struggles of teaching – the lack of resources, the eccentric students, the bureaucratic hurdles – but it’s always delivered with such warmth and affection for its characters. The ensemble cast is phenomenal, with everyone from Janelle James as the hilariously inept principal Ava Coleman to Tyler James Williams as the pragmatic Gregory Eddie, shining brightly. It’s a show that feels incredibly real and relatable, celebrating the unsung heroes of education. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud one minute and feeling genuinely moved the next. Abbott Elementary isn't just funny; it’s smart, it's timely, and it’s a much-needed dose of positivity. If you’re looking for a show that will make you smile and feel good, this is definitely one of the top TV shows 2022 had to offer.
5. House of the Dragon
Alright, guys, it was impossible to ignore the return to Westeros with House of the Dragon. As a prequel to the mega-hit Game of Thrones, this series had massive shoes to fill, and for the most part, it absolutely nailed it. Set about 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, the show focuses on the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons. It’s packed with political intrigue, backstabbing, and, of course, plenty of dragons. The visual spectacle is, as expected, stunning. The dragons are more magnificent and terrifying than ever, and the sheer scale of the battles is something to behold. What truly makes this show shine, though, is its focus on character and family dynamics. The Targaryen dynasty is a mess of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, and the show does an excellent job of exploring the complex relationships within the family. Paddy Considine delivers a truly heartbreaking performance as King Viserys I, and the younger cast members, like Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as the young Rhaenyra and Alicent, are phenomenal. It recaptures that Game of Thrones magic of intricate plotting and high stakes, making it a must-watch for fantasy fans and a strong contender for the top 10 TV shows in 2022. It manages to feel both familiar and fresh, re-igniting our love for this brutal, captivating world.
6. The White Lotus
The White Lotus returned for its second season in 2022, and boy, did it deliver. This satirical comedy-drama, set at an exclusive Hawaiian resort (and later, a Sicilian one), is all about dissecting the lives of the wealthy elite and the people who serve them. Creator Mike White has a knack for creating complex, often unlikeable characters, and this season was no exception. The blend of dark humor, social commentary, and simmering tension is what makes this show so addictive. We’re introduced to a new cast of characters, all with their own secrets, desires, and neuroses, creating a powder keg of potential drama. The show masterfully explores themes of sex, power, wealth, and privilege, all set against a backdrop of stunning beauty. Jennifer Coolidge is, once again, an absolute scene-stealer as Tanya McQuoid, but the entire ensemble cast is brilliant. Each episode peels back another layer of the characters' facades, revealing the messy, often ugly, truths beneath. The mystery element, centered around a death at the resort, keeps you guessing until the very end. If you appreciate sharp writing, compelling character studies, and a healthy dose of satire, The White Lotus is absolutely one of the best TV shows of 2022. It’s a show that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting discussion and reflection on the absurdities of modern life and the complexities of human nature.
7. Andor
For the Star Wars fans out there, Andor was the gift that kept on giving in 2022. Forget the Jedi and the lightsabers for a moment; this series offers a grounded, gritty, and mature take on the Star Wars universe. It tells the origin story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), the rebel spy we met in Rogue One. This isn't your typical space opera; it's a spy thriller, a political drama, and a character study rolled into one. The writing is exceptional, focusing on the slow burn of rebellion and the personal cost of fighting against an oppressive regime. You really get a sense of the everyday lives of people living under Imperial rule and the difficult choices they have to make. Tony Gilroy, the showrunner, has crafted a narrative that is both intricate and compelling, building a world that feels lived-in and authentic. The performances are stellar, with Luna carrying the weight of the series with quiet intensity, and Stellan Skarsgård as the mysterious Luthen Rael is a standout. It’s a show that respects its audience, offering complex themes and refusing to shy away from the darker aspects of war and resistance. For its intelligent storytelling and mature approach, Andor cemented its place as one of the top TV shows of 2022. It’s a testament to what a Star Wars story can be when it’s allowed to explore deeper, more nuanced territory.
8. The Last of Us
Okay, technically The Last of Us premiered in early 2023, but the hype and anticipation built throughout 2022 were undeniable. Based on the critically acclaimed video game, this post-apocalyptic drama follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), across a dangerous, infected United States. From the get-go, it was clear this series was going to be something special. The creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (who co-created the game), promised a faithful yet expanded adaptation, and they delivered. The chemistry between Pascal and Ramsey is electric, perfectly capturing the gruff paternal protectiveness of Joel and the resilient, witty spirit of Ellie. The world-building is phenomenal, presenting a desolate yet hauntingly beautiful landscape ravaged by a fungal pandemic. The show doesn't shy away from the brutality and emotional weight of the source material, exploring themes of survival, loss, love, and morality in a world where humanity is pushed to its limits. The tension is palpable in every episode, and the character development is deeply compelling. It’s a masterclass in adaptation and storytelling, proving that video game adaptations can indeed be phenomenal. It’s a show that will stay with you, making it a definite highlight that fans were eagerly anticipating as one of the top TV shows 2022 was shaping up to be.
9. Better Call Saul
It might be a prequel/sequel to Breaking Bad, but Better Call Saul carved out its own legendary status in 2022 with its final season. This show, chronicling the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman, has always been a masterclass in character development and slow-burn storytelling. Bob Odenkirk delivers a performance that is nothing short of mesmerizing, portraying Jimmy’s descent with incredible nuance and depth. The final season was an emotional gut-punch, bringing the epic saga to a satisfying, albeit heartbreaking, conclusion. It tied up loose ends, explored the consequences of Jimmy’s choices, and delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in the Breaking Bad universe. The writing remains as sharp as ever, with intricate plotting and thematic richness. It’s a show that respects its audience, allowing characters and stories to breathe and develop organically. For anyone who loved Breaking Bad, this final season of Better Call Saul was the perfect, poignant send-off. It’s a testament to the power of character-driven drama and solidifies its place among the best TV shows of 2022. The meticulous attention to detail, the compelling performances, and the sheer emotional weight of its conclusion make it a truly remarkable piece of television.
10. The Rehearsal
Rounding out our list is the utterly unique and, frankly, bizarre The Rehearsal. Nathan Fielder’s brainchild is unlike anything else you’ll see on television. The premise? Fielder helps ordinary people rehearse difficult conversations and major life events, building incredibly elaborate sets to simulate real-life scenarios. It sounds weird, and it is weird, but it’s also hilariously funny and surprisingly profound. Fielder’s deadpan delivery and his commitment to his absurd premise create moments of comedic genius. But beneath the absurdity lies a deeper exploration of human connection, social anxiety, and the search for meaning. It’s a show that constantly blurs the line between reality and performance, making you question what you’re watching and why. Each episode is a journey into Fielder’s strange mind and the fascinating (and often awkward) interactions he orchestrates. It’s not for everyone, but if you appreciate bold, experimental comedy that makes you think, The Rehearsal is a must-watch. It definitely stands out as one of the most original and talked-about shows, securing its spot as one of the top 10 TV shows in 2022. It’s a show that will make you laugh, cringe, and ponder the complexities of human behavior in ways you never expected.
What a Year for TV!
So there you have it, folks! Our picks for the top 10 TV shows of 2022. It was a banner year for television, with so many incredible stories and performances to enjoy. Did your favorite make the cut? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing what you guys were watching and what blew you away. Until next time, happy binge-watching!
