Top 10 Shows of 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, it has been yet another fantastic year for TV shows. Dragons have returned, rings have been forged, the boys are back and Saul has made his final call. The best TV shows of 2022 had outstanding writing, moving character arcs, and creative genre twists. From streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon to some surprising new competitors, every platform has brought something new and exciting for the audience.
While some iconic shows came to an end and huge new hits appeared, there were also unexpected twists, series-best runs from old favourites, and perfectly-formed limited series jewels that had us glued to the box all year long. Take a look at Screen Test’s list of the best or must-watch shows from 2022 – which is a perfect example of the diverse content offered on the small screen. So let’s see if your favourites made the cut!
10. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a spinoff of CDPR’s Cyberpunk 2077, which is based on the same edition of Mike Pondsmith’s renowned tabletop role-playing game. Although the tale centres on a different cast of characters, the settings and designs are the same as those in the video game. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is both a brilliantly drawn character drama and a terrifying representation of Night City and the environment built from video games. Apart from the story, the amazing visuals make the series a surprising addition to the top 10 shows of 2022.
Available on: Netflix
9. We Own This City
The six-episode television series painted an intricate and frank portrayal of police misconduct with the gravity of long-form journalism. Even though it wasn’t as exciting as The Wire, it was a crucial reminder of the difficulties associated with police reform. Jon Bernthal brilliantly portrays Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, an officer who breaks bad but never loses his charm or alpha-male confidence. His downfall combines elements of tragedy and comeuppance in equal measure, making him an enthralling antihero.
Available on: HBO Max
8. The Boys Season 3
This year, The Boys returned and were just as brutal, graphic, disrespectful, and hilarious as before. Once more the worst thing on earth, Karl Urban’s Cockney accent was nevertheless still brilliant. The third season of this year’s show upped the drama, gore, and humour, producing frantic, intelligent, but also completely idiotic television that was right in time to cure the superhero fatigue.
Available on: Amazon Prime
7. The Bear
The Bear is a series that showcases emotionally compelling characters and a touching tale of young fine-dining chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), who moves back to Chicago to take over his family’s Italian sandwich store following an untimely tragedy.
The series does a fantastic job of depicting both the rapid speed and the razor’s edge that certain restaurants run on daily. Along the way, there are financial difficulties, dubious relatives, and a terrifying problem with an online ordering system. It’s a truly great show, full of greasy energy and upstart grit.
Available on: Hulu/Disney+
6. Peaky Blinders Season 6
Peaky Blinders wraps up its run with a brilliant sixth season that brings various character storylines to their much-needed conclusion and wraps up majority of the loose ends. The series’ concluding episode overwhelms viewers with a variety of heartfelt feelings and reveals a side of certain people we didn’t think we’d ever see.
One of the most aesthetically stunning programs, Peaky Blinders provides an intense viewing experience because of its cinematography, lighting, and eerie soundtrack. Thomas Shelby, as portrayed by Cillian Murphy, once more exudes magnetism on television. His behaviours, feelings, and character have remained the series’ heavy hitters, and for good reason.
Available on: Netflix
5. The White Lotus, Season 2
The second season of Mike White’s The White Lotus which debuted in 2021 to rave reviews and an Emmy victory, has, even more, twists as it relocates to Italy. The second season of Mike White’s anthology series is jam-packed with suspenseful cliffhangers and whodunnit hints, all building to the huge, horrific revelation in the conclusion.
The season two cast of the series includes Jennifer Coolidge, Meghann Fahy, Aubrey Plaza, and Sabrina, all of who give powerhouse performances.
Available on: HBO Max
4. Andor
Andor, the latest addition to the Star Wars series is considered one of the best in the franchise with The Mandalorian getting an honourable mention. Instead of focusing on pointless fan service that has marred so many recent films and TV spin-offs, it favours a forward-thinking plot, razor-sharp writing, and flawless casting.
The story involves The Rogue One spy Cassian Andor who is followed by a variety of galaxy-dwellers on their trip to join the struggle against the Empire set a few years before the events of the movie. Andor is incredibly charming, driven by a remarkable performance from Diego Luna as the lead character.
Available on: Hulu/Disney+
3. Severance
Severance is a psychological thriller that explores the manipulative effects of new-age technology. Based around ‘severing’ work and personal life, it’s a perfect blend of suspenseful mind games and the drama of complicated human relationships.
The series stars Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, John Turturro, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Walken, who does the impossible by making these mysterious characters incredibly complex and engrossing with such little context. Severance’s clever writing allows audiences to become invested in the lives of two completely different people who happen to inhabit the same body.
Available on: Apple TV+
2. House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon, the prequel show to one of the biggest television series Game of Thrones has come out on top as a must-watch prequel series. Despite the negative perception of the series finale of GOT, the series manages to bring back fans, old and new to Westeros once again.
Playing troubled Princess Rhaenyra across the years, Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy both give outstanding performances, with Matt Smith being invariably spooky as the constantly fraudulent Daemon Targaryen. Along the way, viewers will see lots of horrifying deaths, gag-inducing gross-outs, and misguided relationships, just like in the first season of Game of Thrones. Read our complete review here.
Available on: HBO Max
1. Better Call Saul, Season 6
Better Call Saul’s six spectacular seasons came to an end this summer, bringing one of television’s greatest sagas to a close. Series creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould never missed an opportunity to add further layers of meaning to their lawyer series about the eventual perversion of justice.
The duo created one of the most beautifully produced, meticulously structured, and emotionally engaging TV shows ever. To add to the stellar storytelling, the lead actors Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn gave outstanding performances, as did co-stars Michael Mando, Jonathan Banks, Giancarlo Esposito, Michael McKean, and far too many additional cast members to mention. It’s safe to say that Better Call Saul is a worthy #1 show of 2022.
Available on: Netflix/AMC+
