Best TV Shows Of 2022: ‘This Is Us,’ ‘The White Lotus’ & More

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December 27, 2022 12:13PM EST

The year 2022 was a great one for television. From beloved hits like ‘This Is Us’ to breakout series like ‘The Bear,’ these are our picks for the best TV shows of the year.

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‘This Is Us’

‘This Is Us’
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

As 2022 comes to a close, it’s worth noting that the past year was an incredible one for television. From new series to returning favorites, the future of TV has never looked so bright. 

 

One of the best TV shows of 2022 was undoubtedly ‘This Is Us.’ The NBC series returned for its sixth and final season, giving fans the last chapter of the Pearson family. When it comes to final seasons, they can make or break the entire show (i.e. ‘Game of Thrones’). ‘This Is Us’ transcended every expectation and wowed us with extraordinary storytelling. The penultimate episode ‘The Train’ will go down as one of the best episodes of TV of the last decade. Rebecca’s final ride was a beautiful and poignant look at a life well lived, exquisitely portrayed by Mandy Moore. 

 

‘This Is Us’ is a show that will never be forgotten. The family drama was a gorgeous showcase of the power of family. While we wish we didn’t have to say goodbye, Dan Fogelman managed to pull off one of the best final seasons of TV ever. See the rest of our picks of best TV shows of 2022 in our gallery now. 

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘Abbott Elementary’

‘Abbott Elementary’
ABC/Gilles Mingasson

It’s been a long time since a network comedy has captured hearts quite like ‘Abbott Elementary.’ The Emmy-winning comedy follows Philadelphia elementary school teachers during their day-to-day. The ensemble cast has electric chemistry, and the show is hitting its stride in its second season. ‘Abbott Elementary’ is a heartfelt series that is giving streaming shows a run for their money.

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘Stranger Things’

‘Stranger Things’
Netflix

The summer of 2022 will be known as ‘Stranger Things Summer.’ After nearly 3 years of waiting, the hit Netflix series returned with an epic season that had the world captivated. Season 4 introduced a new big bad, Vecna, and gave us breakout stars like Joseph Quinn (RIP Eddie) and Jamie Campbell Bower. On top of the action-packed scenes, the fourth season explored the different shades of grief and guilt through Max. Only the Duffer Brothers could have the globe obsessed with a song from 1985. Season 4 set the stage for a truly game-changing fifth and final season. 

December 27, 2022, 10:51AM
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‘House of the Dragon’

‘House of the Dragon’
HBO

The long-awaited ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel, ‘House of the Dragon,’ debuted in 2022 and did not disappoint. The series follows the rise and horrifying fall of the Targaryen dynasty. ‘House of the Dragon’ could have easily crumbled casting two versions of the female characters, but Milly Alcock, Emily Carey, Olivia Cooke, and Emma D’Arcy dazzled as the young and adult versions of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Eve Best, and Steve Toussaint rounded out the important figures of this first chapter. The first season was definitely the introduction to the deadly Dance of the Dragons, but it had viewers riveted from the very first episode. The love for the world of ‘Game of Thrones’ remains alive and well. 

December 27, 2022, 9:44AM
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‘The White Lotus’

‘The White Lotus’
HBO

HBO’s latest sensation returned for season 2 in 2022, this time taking place in Sicily. The stellar second season was a lush exploration of sex and desire. The fall TV season revolved around ‘The White Lotus,’ and the impact of season 2 will be felt in 2023. Aubrey Plaza, Meghann Fahy, Theo James, Will Sharpe, Haley Lu Richardson, and Adam DiMarco had major breakout moments in season 2. And then there’s the one and only Jennifer Coolidge. Her fan-favorite character Tanya returned and gave us a season finale ending we’ll never forget. 

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’

‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’
Disney+

‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ just keeps getting better. The third season premiered in July 2022 and followed many of the East High Wildcats to summer camp. Getting out of school was the perfect refresh for the series. This talented cast of young actors prove with each and every episode how multi-faceted they are as entertainers. Sofia Wylie is major movie star in the making and continues to show more layers of Gina with even the simplest of looks. Joshua Bassett’s comedic timing in season 3 was absolutely spot-on. Julia Lester, Matt Cornett, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Dara Renee, along with newcomers Saylor Bell and Adrian Lyles made this season perfect all across the board. 

December 27, 2022, 8:32PM
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‘The Bear’

‘The Bear’
Matt Dinerstein/FX

Jeremy Allen White rose to fame as Lip Gallagher in 11 seasons of ‘Shameless,’ and he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves for his new role in FX’s ‘The Bear.’ Jeremy plays a young chef named Carmy who comes back to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after his brother’s suicide. As Carmy works to fix the shop, he works on fixing himself and dealing with the aftermath of his loss. Jeremy has always been a force to be reckoned with as an actor, and this latest role is proof of that.

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘The Boys’

‘The Boys’
Prime Video

‘The Boys’ has yet to fumble the bag. The Prime Video series returned for season 3 in June 2022 and gave fans its best season yet. From the jaw-dropping Herogasm to Jensen Ackles’ debut as Soldier Boy, there was no shortage of epic moments in the third season. The cast’s effortless chemistry is on full display in season 3. But it was Antony Starr’s gripping and nuanced portrayal of Homelander that stood out the most in season 3. He has this incredible ability of making Homelander extremely unlikeable but also compulsively watchable. 

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘Wednesday’

‘Wednesday’
Netflix

It’s officially the era of ‘Wednesday.’ The Netflix series about the Addams Family icon follows teenage Wednesday to the exclusive Nevermore Academy. It’s a coming-of-age story that the entire family can enjoy. Jenna Ortega is exceptional in the role, giving new life to the legendary character. She is the biggest star in the world right now, and for good reason. ‘Wednesday’ has broken all kinds of records for Netflix and made instant stars out of Emma Myers, Percy Hynes White, Hunter Doohan, and more. While season 2 hasn’t gotten the green light yet, ‘Wednesday’ reign of terror is far from over.

December 27, 2022, 9:44AM
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‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’
Prime Video

It’s all about the prequels at the moment. ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ had an epic debut in September 2022. The show’s scope is truly unparalleled and has given fans of the Tolkien world even more to love. The first season was a slow burn as the groundwork for the future was laid down, but the season finale’s game-changing twist left a lasting impression. ‘The Rings of Power’ is just getting started.

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘Euphoria’

‘Euphoria’
HBO

‘Euphoria’ season 2 kicked off 2022 with a bang. Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer Angus Cloud, Alexa Demie, and the rest of the cast returned for the stylish, jaw-dropping, and polarizing second season. In a world full of options, ‘Euphoria’ season 2 was truly appointment television. You couldn’t not watch live. Zendaya, once again, floored us with her performance. Her intervention episode sealed her latest Emmy win. After the way season 2 ended, fans will remain on the edge of their seats until season 3 premieres. 

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘Tell Me Lies’

‘Tell Me Lies’
Josh Stringer/Hulu

‘Tell Me Lies’ was all about the toxic romance between Lucy and Stephen during their college days, but viewers couldn’t look away from the growing mess between them. As the tagline said, you never forget your worst. The Hulu college drama series had viewers, especially millennials, remembering that one bad ex and the highs and lows of the 2000s. Showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer has captured the desperation of this toxic romance while also giving viewers a dose of nostalgia with the lace camisoles, ‘Mr. Brightside,’ and Blackberrys. Grace Van Patten and Jackson White have intoxicating chemistry as Lucy and Stephen. Their story is far from over because the show will return for season 2. 

December 27, 2022, 9:45AM
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‘Heartstopper’

‘Heartstopper’
Netflix

’Heartstopper’ was the definition of charming. The Netflix series premiered April 2022 and followed the burgeoning romance between Charlie and Nick, played by Kit Connor and Joe Locke. In a TV world full of action and fantasy, ‘Heartstopper’ was a much-needed refuge. The series was delightful and earnest in its queer storytelling. ‘Heartstopper’ became an instant hit for the streamer, and season 2 has already been filmed!

December 27, 2022, 9:44AM
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‘Severance’

‘Severance’
Apple TV+

‘Severance’ was a mindf*ck in the best way. The Apple TV+ workplace drama had you guessing at every turn. ‘Severance’ made you think and ponder every detail in each episode while mixing dark comedy and horror. Adam Scott led an all-star cast that also included John Turturro, Christoper Walken, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, Trammel Tillman, Zach Cherry, and Jen Tullock. With that wild cliffhanger ending, ‘Severance’ is going to continue its no-holds-barred approach to storytelling in season 2.

December 27, 2022, 9:53AM
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‘Five Days At Memorial’

‘Five Days At Memorial’
Sophie Giraud/Apple TV+

‘Five Days At Memorial’ wasn’t just one of the best shows of 2022, it’s one of the most important series to come out in a long time. The series chronicled the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on one local hospital. The doctors and nurses had to make difficult decisions in real time as they tried to help their patients. ‘Five Days At Memorial’ is a tough watch but a necessary one. It’s essential viewing to try and prevent this from ever happening again. The Apple TV+ series was anchored by an all-star cast that included Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Julie Ann Emery, Cornelius Smith Jr., and Adepero Ode. This show should absolutely be a part of the awards season conversation in 2023. 

December 27, 2022, 9:53AM
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‘For All Mankind’

‘For All Mankind’
Apple TV+

‘For All Mankind’ impact on the TV landscape has been building for years now. Even with major time jumps, the Apple TV+ series continues to maintain stability in its storytelling. Space travel and exploration remain a top priority in season 3, and the scope of the series really comes into full view in this latest run. You can always count on ‘For All Mankind’ for stellar performances from its ensemble cast. Shantel VanSanten really shined in season 3 as Karen tried to forge a new path for herself. The shocking and heartbreaking season 3 finale was a big gamble for the series, but ‘For All Mankind’ exceeded any and all expectations. 

December 27, 2022, 9:53AM