The Best TV Shows of 2022
Metro’s favorite TV shows of the year, from HBO's 'The House of Dragon' and Prime Video's 'Rings of Power' to Apple TV's 'Pachinko'
It has been a superb year for TV, with many much-anticipated releases and titles finally coming our way. Television has always provided more than just entertainment, especially in recent years amidst so much uncertainty and a pandemic, no less, and 2022 is no exception.
From long-awaited prequel premises and familiar storylines in HBO's House of the Dragon and Prime Video's Rings of Power, to the sophomore outings of some of our favorite titles (such as The White Lotus, of course), there was so much to watch and little time to watch them all.
No worries, we got you. Below, take look back at the year's top most essential series as we list twelve of the best releases. You're welcome.
The Best TV Shows of 2022
The Best TV Shows of 2022
Pachinko
The complex and critically acclaimed novel of the same name comes to vivid life in Apple TV's Pachinko. From the cinematography to the exceptional performances by Minha Kim, Lee Min Ho, and Jin Ha (among others), this sweeping saga captures the story of a Korean immigrant family across four generations. Riveting, emotional, and deeply layered, Pachinko is a stupendous watch.
Rings of Power
This epic Prime Video Original brings to screens—for the very first time—the heroic legends of Tolkien's Second Age of Middle-earth's history. Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it takes viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien's pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. The production is magnificent—rightfully so, at the first season costing $715 million—and makes for a thrilling watch back in time, Tolkien fan or not.
Wednesday
Tim Burton's dark and compelling Addams Family adaptation for Netflix is equal parts charming and creepy, in the best ways. This coming-of-age story follows Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy, attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwarts a killing spree, and solves the mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago. Jenna Ortega's performance as Wednesday is captivating.
Better Call Saul Season 6
This Breaking Bad spin-off-slash-prequel delivered six epic seasons of cartels, cons, plots, betrayals, and cold, hard, chilling murder—and its final season masterfully plots and weaves all the drama and tension building up to this final moment wonderfully. Deeply human and emotional, the series gave closure to some of the most well-written TV characters. Better Call Saul is a must-watch, for any Breaking Bad fan.
The White Lotus Season 2
The star-making first season set the bar high, but The White Lotus Season 2 sparkled no less bright. The show's sophomore outing introduced a new set of characters, embarking on a trip to Sicily, and is a delight in the murder mystery and "spoiler TV" genres. If you loved the first season, you'll definitely love the second.
We Own This City
David Simon, of The Wire fame, works with George Pelecanos (The Deuce) to produce a true-to-life limited series depicting coruption, police brutality, and socio-political issues set in the streets of Baltimore. We Own This City is based on the true story of the Gun Trace Task Force of the 2010s, a deeply corrupt group of police officers in the Maryland city, most of whom are now in jail, and is based on the 2021 book by Justin Fenton with the same name. Disturbing and horrifying, because these are real life events, the series is a stellar watch for its sprawling ensemble cast, pointed cynicism, and layered storytelling. Jon Bernthal as Sgt. Wayne Jenkins is a fantastic performance.
The Bear
The fact that this Hulu series shows up in a top list is rather unexpected but it truly deserves its spot. Starring Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto, The Bear is about a young chef who comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in the family. A far cry from the world of fine dining, of which he is used to, Carry faces the soul-crushing realities of small business ownership, his strong-willed and recalcitrant kitchen staff and his strained familial relationships, all while grappling with the impact of his brother's suicide. The series is about transformation—of himself and of his business—fighting tooth and nail for something better. While the watch can get rather stressful, The Bear does a splendid job of storytelling and creating atmosphere—and is surely a memorable watch from 2022.
House of the Dragon
The much-anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones was, in a word, epic—and as it should be. Fantastic writing and marvelous production quality, House of the Dragon's first season took viewers to the very beginning of the reign of House Targaryen. Based on George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," the series is set about two hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones, and tells the epic tale of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys I Targaryen's children battling for control of the Iron Throne. Stunning performances from the entire ensemble.
Severance
This sci-fi psychological thriller from Apple TV has been nominated for so many awards and rightfully so, it is such an original show that leaves audiences wanting more. Adam Scott plays Mark S. wonderfully, leading a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. One day, a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, and so the team begins a journey to discover the troubling truths behind their jobs.
Heartstopper
The Netflix coming-of-age comedy drama Heartstopper puts teens Charlie and Nick front and center, as they discover their unlikely friendship might be something more. Based on the webtoons, and its ensuing graphic novels and novellas, Heartstopper is a lovely, addictive, heart-tugging watch. If you resonate with the YA and LGBTQ genres, this is a must-see.
The Last Movie Stars
From the mind of actor/director Ethan Hawke comes this documentary series depicting the journey of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward from struggling actors to becoming movie stars. It delves deep into acting, creativity, Hollywood, marriage, and a lot of other subjects, and remains charming and entertaining throughout its six episodes.
Andor
This Disney+ Star Wars TV show is an exceptional addition to the franchise's universe. It follows rebel spy Cassian Andor's formative years of the Rebellion, as well as his difficult missions for the cause. The writing and dialogue are top notch, and the performances by Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, and Fiona Shaw are wonderful to witness.
