Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2022

We’re just going to say it: Running a restaurant is the most stressful job in the world, whether it’s a high-end establishment or a hole in the wall. Anybody who’s spent a day working in the food industry knows this and “The Bear” realistically captures the anxiety that comes with the territory. While that sounds daunting, a secret ingredient gets viewers through the show’s uncomfortable moments: the comradery between the cast. A restaurant staff operates like a family, which sometimes only adds to the pressure. Yet, the bonds formed between the characters keep them coming back to work. That, and an unquenchable passion to cook. The underrated Jeremy Allen White heads this compelling kitchen staff while Ayo Edebiri delivers a star-making turn.

The penultimate season of this historical drama is significant for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s the first season to air since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Just as the Commonwealth realm received a new head in real life, the cast saw a leadership change with Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, and Elizabeth Debicki effortlessly slipping into the roles of Elizabeth, Charles, and Diana, respectively. The season takes place from 1990 to 1997, an especially difficult period for the royal family. For some younger generations, this will be the first season that’ll jog memories as we revisit several meticulously recreated moments. In a few cases, you may wonder if you’re watching actors or archived footage with seamless side by side comparisons.

We have only one complaint about the past season of “Barry.” Every episode ends on such a jaw-dropping note that waiting a week for the next one was just cruel. Heck, we’re still waiting for more after that finale! Honestly, though, this is all a testament to how brilliantly this show balances drama, tension, and straight-up tragedy. By this point, Barry is essentially the villain of his own story. While it’s satisfying watching Barry face the consequences of his actions, our hearts can’t help but break for him. Not as much as we empathize with Henry Winkler’s Gene, Anthony Carrigan’s NoHo Hank, and Sarah Goldberg’s Sally, however. And somehow, there remains room for comedy even as these characters face their darkest chapter thus far.

Amanda Seyfried has been an established star since “Mean Girls,” but her range as an actress hasn’t received enough attention in the past. With her Primetime Emmy-winning portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes, that seems to be changing. Now more than ever, people are finding that their idols aren’t always what they seem. So many wanted Holmes to live up to her public image, making it all the more painful when the truth came out. Maybe behind the deceit, Holmes’ rise and downfall started with good intentions. Even if that was the case, greed and power won out with Holmes digging herself deeper as her voice simultaneously dropped. “The Dropout” is a hard-hitting yet fair depiction of its flawed protagonist and those she affected.

It’s a mockumentary, but any public school teacher can identify with the struggles “Abbott Elementary” touches upon, namely the lack of funding and respect. We don’t know if this sitcom will convince the powers that be to pay teachers what they deserve. However, it may leave students (both current and former) with a newfound admiration for teachers. Growing up, we often take the adults in our lives for granted, not recognizing what they had to put up with. We may give our parents credit down the line, but the teachers who helped shape us are usually forgotten. “Abbott Elementary” is Quinta Brunson’s thank you to teachers. It might even inspire you to reach out to an educator who had a bigger impact than you realized.

“The Boys” remains TV’s best superhero show. It’s the best political satire as well. Whether you love to hate or hate to love Homelander, no actor does it better than Antony Starr. Well, except for maybe Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy. As monstrous as these so-called heroes are, this season also zoomed in on the darkest side of humanity at large. Even when pure evil stares a crowd down, people may still cheer it on as long as they’re convinced that they’re on the winning team. We’re left to ask, “How far does society have to go until everyone says, ‘enough is enough?’” For many, there is no line and even if there is, what’s stopping an unstoppable force from crossing it, aside from Butcher?

“Severance” has been described as “Lost” if it were set in the Office. That’s a catchy pitch, but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of what makes this mind-bender so involving. While the show is equal parts sci-fi and psychological thriller, it can eerily feel like an all-too accurate reflection of white collar life. They say keep your work and personal lives separate. In doing so, how much of yourself do you give up upon clocking in? For the lower level employees at Lumon Industries, life is literally split in half. This sounds tempting to those looking to avoid the challenges on the other side of the cubical. Unless someone’s “innie” and “outie” find a way to co-exist, though, they’ll never be complete.

It’s good to be back in the Seven Kingdoms. Set 172 years before Daenerys, this prequel is cut from the same cloth as “Game of Thrones,” but “House of the Dragon” soars on its own by taking risks that pay off. Many characters are introduced only to be recast a few episodes later. Thankfully, the excellent ensemble makes every growth spurt feel natural. While some are more sympathetic than others, several central figures lie in a morally grey (or green and black) area. You may be on Team Alicent one minute only to side with Team Rhaenyra the next. Picking sides is almost trivial, as the beginning of this civil war is bound to end badly for everyone. Still, we can’t help but get attached.

Taking the action beyond Hawkins and the Upside Down, Season 4 was this show’s biggest and most ambitious yet. By going bigger, there’s always the risk of becoming overstuffed, especially with this many characters. The showrunners know how to balance this ensemble piece, however. There isn’t a character we don’t look forward to seeing. Every time we start to miss somebody, they return in epic fashion. Even newcomers like Eddie, Argyle, and Vecna fit in so naturally that they feel as if they’ve been around since the beginning. The growing cast compliments the ever-expanded world and mythology with the production values also taken to the next level. Whatever awaits in the fifth and final season, we’ll be running up that hill to see it.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

TV’s Tastiest Superhero Comedy

A Family Drama of Sweeping Proportions

Two Great Seasons, One Unforgettable Goodbye

A “Star Wars” Series That Gets the War Part Down

As Hilarious as It Is Romantic

“Better Call Saul” may’ve been a slower burn than “Breaking Bad,” but the results were just as rewarding. The final season was as triumphant and tragic as television gets, overcoming several challenges. Being a prequel, we have an idea of who lives and dies, but when Gus faces Lalo, we forget anything we know for one suspenseful moment. From the get-go, the biggest question-marks have been Jimmy and Kim. By the end, the enigma surrounding these two is less about whether they’ll survive and more about who they’ll become. In what’s bound to go down as one of the finest finales ever, Jimmy confronts who he is and who matters most. Behind the legal and crime drama, this has always been a bittersweet love story.