As another years draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the television we binged and devoured through sleepless nights and lazy mornings. Many shows came back even stronger for new seasons, and we saw quite a few premieres that successfully stole our attention.
Here are our picks for the best shows that graced our television screens in 2022.
12. As We See It
This Amazon Original drama-comedy centers on 20-somethings with autism who learn to deal with love, friendship and social cues. This charming and touching show, which is based on the Israeli television show On the Spectrum, definitely deserves wider recognition.
11. Bridgerton, Season 2
Anthony and Kate’s regency-era romance graced our screens back in March of 2022 and everyone was obsessed from the get-go. Season two follows Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, as he attempts to find love.
10. Reservation Dogs, Season 2
The series follows the lives of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma, as they spend their days committing crimes and fighting them. After the death of their friend Daniel one year prior to the events of the series, the gang tries to raise money to leave their small reservation community and escape to the exotic, mythical land of California, just as Daniel dreamed.
9. The White Lotus, Season 2
Mike White’s satirical dramedy follows the guests and the employees of the White Lotus resort as they deal with messy relationships during what is supposed to be a luxurious and relaxing island getaway. While the essence of the show remains the same, season two follows an entirely different set of characters on a different island.
8. Conversations with Friends
Conversations with Friends follows Frances, a 21-year-old college student, as she navigates a series of relationships that force her to confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time. The show is based on a book by Sally Rooney, known for yet another gut-wrenching book-turned-show, Normal People.
7. The Dropout
The series documents the real-life events that transpired in the disgraced biotechnology company Theranos and its founder Elizabeth Holmes, played by Amanda Seyfried. The highly anticipated mini-series debuted on Hulu, and more than anything, Seyfried’s spot-on portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes is enough to keep your attention.
6. Derry Girls, Season 3
The third and final season of the beloved show was a hilarious yet emotional trip down the 90s memory lane. Based on the creator’s own childhood years, season three sees the girls live their coming-of-age lives against the backdrop of the peace process, as they eventually come to terms with life outside of Londonderry.
5. Heartstopper
This Netflix show about a queer high school romance took the internet by storm back in April. Based on the graphic novels of the same name by series creator Alice Oseman, Heartstopper follows high school sweetie Charlie, who develops a crush on jock classmate Nick. While most queer shows focus on the gritty reality of LGBTQ+ issues, Heartstopper was a welcome escape through pure, young romance.
4. This Is Going to Hurt
This show focuses on the lives of a group of junior doctors working on an obstetrics and gynecology ward in a National Health Service hospital. It successfully showcases the emotional turmoil faced by healthcare workers in a toxic environment with little compensation.
3. Bad Sisters
This thrilling Apple TV+ show follows the story of the Garvey Sisters as they plot to kill their brother-in-law, John Paul, in order to save their sister, Grace, from an abusive marriage.
2. The Bear
Hulu’s heartwarming show was a pleasantly unexpected surprise. The show follows a young chef from the world of fine dining who comes home to Chicago to run his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop after the suicide of his older brother, who left behind debts, a rundown kitchen and an unruly staff.
1. Abbott Elementary, Season 2
Season two of the Emmy-winning show wastes no time getting right to the plot. A new school year provides a great opportunity for the plucky teachers of Abbott Elementary to grow and change, giving us a warm and loveable comedy in return.
