Years ago, when first applying to colleges across the countries, my young self grinded through the common application before diving into the supplemental content that the respective universities sought after for admission. As I grinded through the countless essay prompts and fast questions, I was confronted with a wild, but exciting request from what would come to be my future home for four years. The question read “Create your own top ten list fit with a title and appropriate ranking.” The open-ended nature and ability to provide my uninterrupted opinion on what’s the best or worst on whatever topic I could think of took over my attention for the rest of that process.
The world of television is not complete without the throngs of media providing their critique and opinions on the respective media themselves. As an annual tradition, the mxdwn TV team comes together to compile some of our favorite television releases in the last 12 months and provide some structure to what we come to believe broaches the top of line in terms of production, storytelling, acting, writing, directing, and more.
Following 2021 footsteps, the script writers for 2022 were on a roll once more with this past year with events ranging from the previously disgraced Houston Astros reclaiming the World Series throne to the cancellation of HBO’s past mega hit Westworld abruptly to social media platforms being outright bought. Regardless of the unpredictability of the past calendar year, the world of television continued to roll with new revivals of Bel-Air and Kids in the Hall bringing out quality nostalgia for many partnered with innovative originals and big Hollywood budgets reaching the small screens in Lord of the Rings and Stranger Things putting up heavy numbers in their respective accounting departments.
With new arrivals and new seasons of established shows hitting the screen, 2022 also marked the end of some legendary television runs in the likes of the last of the Breaking Bad universe, Better Call Saul, wrapping its six season run in addition to Ridley Scott’s Raised by Wolves among others. Meanwhile, the streaming wars continued once again with the introduction of various ad-tier subscription levels in similar fashion to Hulu’s previously established model. To continue down the line of streaming, mega news arrived with HBO Max switching content strategy towards a reality-focused model that brought a ton of ire on social media.
Despite all of this, 2022 brought out a new edition of high quality television like its predecessors and below, please find our ensemble of mxdwn staff writers compiled Top Ten Television Shows for 2022:
Honorable Mentions:
Westworld (HBO)
The now-canceled Westworld at HBO returned for a fourth season after a delay induced by the
pandemic. After a decisive third season that introduced viewers to a brand new character and
setting with Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, the series seemed to do a hard reset. Gone was the
mysterious orb in the middle of a fictional New York City and the mad rush to destabilize a
mammoth hard drive in the Hoover Dam. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s (The Peripheral) high-
end sci-fi thriller returned to its roots.
The fourth season reacquainted us with the war between humans and hosts as Tessa
Thompson’s (Creed) Charlotte Hale and Ed Harris’s (Top Gun: Maverick) Man in the Black Hat
conspired to replace every human being with a droid double. For too long, they suffered as
pawns in mankind’s game. Victims of free will’s wildest dreams inside the amusement park.
With the help of a new parasite devised to infect living mortals, a new world order would rise.
Luckily, one host who knows the future all too well still placed faith in fellow men. Jeffery
Wright’s (No Time to Die) Bernard is on a mission to scout out the last living humans to build a
team and prevent Hale’s plan. To do this, he must find a lost companion – Thandiwe Newton’s
(All the Old Knives) Maeve – and awaken a dormant being in Rachel Wood’s (Weird: The Weird
Al Yankovic Story) Dolores.
After two seasons that divided its fan base, the fourth truly felt like it was headed to a conclusion
worthy of the story originally introduced in the initial season. The action was top-notch and
viewers were able to identify the characters' motives more clearly. Unfortunately, the series was
unable to maintain a steady viewership, which ultimately aided in its demise as new heads at
Warner Bros. Discovery announced its end a few months ago.
Sadly, there is currently no place to steam all four seasons of Westworld.
Interview with a Vampire (AMC)
AMC’s venture into Anne Rice’s supernatural canon of vampires spawned one of the best shows of 2022. Last adapted in the 1994 film, Interview With The Vampire brought Rice’s poetic words to life with a visceral realism and tone that was unmatched by any other genre series this year.
If you’re unfamiliar with the legendary tale, Interview With The Vampire follows a journalist as he conducts private recording sessions with a man who alleges he is a century-old vampire. Their time together recaps his moment of transformation, the height of his new existence, and the inevitable low that comes with the permanence of immortality. While the original explored this vampire’s life – past and present – through Caucasian eyes, AMC’s adaptation from creator Rolin Jones (Perry Mason) depicts our narrator as a Black American at the turn of the 20th century.
Game of Thrones’s Jacob Anderson stars as our interview subject, Louis de Point du Lac, and his creator and lover, Lestat de Lioncourt, is portrayed by The Newsreader’s Sam Reid. The men embody two of the year’s best performances supported by newcomer Bailey Bass as the child vampire, Claudia, and Eric Bogosian as the interviewer, Daniel Molloy.
Modernizing the tale through the eyes of a Black man emboldens the common themes found in horror: feelings of isolation from the outside world; a complete and hopeless otherness. As an African-American, one is an outsider within your own country. Despite any economic clout or social status, there is always a barrier. Anderson’s Louis faces this oppression every day, and it eats at his being. In addition to the subtext of race, the series also boldly embraces the original text’s queerness, making Louis a gay Black man. Living this marginalized in 1920s New Orleans, the freedom Lestat promises Louis is hard to resist. But at what cost?
Interview With The Vampire is available to stream on AMC+.
Peacemaker (HBO Max)
I think it’s safe to say that 2022 hasn’t been a very kind year to DC fans. There’s been cancellations, setbacks, and disappointment all around from longtime comic book readers of the DC Universe, however, there was one show that unexpectedly managed to rise above the negativity and disbelief: Peacemaker. While it certainly won’t be winning any prizes this year, Peacemaker managed to do the impossible by capturing the hearts of superhero fans everywhere with its witty writing, impeccable comedic timing, and heartwarming narrative about breaking away from your bigoted relatives. Of course, most of this credit is due to John Cena and James Gunn, together, these two men were able to transform a little known and rather boring Charlton Comics character into a gun-toting, ill-mannered vigilante with a heart of gold, a feat which seemed practically unattainable during this current era of lackluster DC TV. These days, most movies and shows don’t live up to the hype of their trailers or promotional material, but it’s clear from its critical acclaim and fan approval that Peacemaker is not one of those programs. Peacemaker deserves a spot in the honorable mentions list not only for going above and beyond what was expected above of it, but also for providing a relatable, grounded story about the path of redemption.
The Boys (Amazon Prime Video)
The Boys, the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video series, has been selected into mxdwn’s consideration for a top show in 2022. The series, which follows a group of vigilantes who set out to take down a group of corrupt and abusive superheroes, has been praised for its fresh and original take on the superhero genre through its sharp and satirical writing paired with its strong and diverse cast of characters.
One of the key reasons for The Boys‘ third season success is once again its unique and subversive approach to the superhero genre. The show subverted many of the tropes and conventions of superhero storytelling, and presents a dark and cynical vision of a world where superheroes are corrupted by power and fame (see episode six of this third season). The characters are complex and flawed, and their motivations and actions are often questionable and morally ambiguous such as Hughie’s everchanging motives for revenge and inadvertent attempt at seeing himself as a powerful entity.
Additionally, The Boys has garnered this recognition is the sharp writing that was on full display once more in this third season. The show has continued to blend the signature Eric Kripke dark humor and social commentary to create a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience. The dialogue has been clever and fast-paced mixed with the twist filled plot that has kept the audience on the edge of their seats for three installments so far. One of the more impactful storylines of the season that represents this was Kimiko’s fight for innocence while maintaining and continuing a violent occupation and setting. With its mix of well-known and up-and-coming actors including Karl Urban, Jack Quad, and Antony Starr, the show has delivered dynamic and engaging performances from this ensemble cast for the Boys and members of the Seven.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon Prime Video)
Rings of Power brought Lord of the Rings fans back into Middle-earth. The show centers around the story of the creation of the rings of power, the reasons behind it, and how their creation leads to the creation of Sauron’s One Ring. The show uses multiple perspectives to tell the story following known characters like Galadriel and Elrond while also introducing new characters like Arondir and Nori. With stellar performances by Morfydd Clark (His Dark Materials) who plays a young and fierce Galadriel, and by Ismael Cruz Córdova (The Undoing) who plays Arondir, the show portrays elves in a different light than the movies do.
The show is based on the appendixes that Tolkien wrote about the Second Age. Newcomer showrunners Patrick Mckay and John D. Payne managed to create a concrete and interesting story from limited material while capturing the attention of both fans and casual viewers that might not have had extensive knowledge of the Lord of the Rings universe.
Rings of Power also takes the time to introduce its viewers to the different peoples that inhabited Middle-earth during the Second Age. The show offers fans a look into the Númenórean kingdom, which doesn’t appear in the movies, and the lives of the Hardfoots, the precursors to the Hobbits.
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power transports viewers into a fantastical world, and even though it had been portrayed on screen before, it still retains its awe and wonder that attracted fans the first time around.
Euphoria (HBO)
Euphoria has returned to the small screens for a second season on HBO and brought back its raw and authentic portrayal of teenage and high school life, its innovative and dynamic storytelling, and its talented cast of young actors and actresses. This series returned for a second season after its debut in 2019 and centers on a group of high school students as they navigate the challenges and complexities of adolescence, including friendships, relationships, and mental health. One of the key reasons for Euphoria‘s compelling nature has been its ability to tackle important and timely issues that is both nuanced and provocative to the viewer. The second season further entrenched itself into the ranging topics of substance abuse, mental health, sexuality, and technology’s effects on the new generations, and does so in a way that is relatable and emotionally impactful – driven home by Zendaya’s Rue experiencing another breakdown and relapse in this season that blows the lid off of all the bubbling drama. The characters have remained to be complex, dynamic from main to recurring, and relatable while pairing their experiences and struggles to provide authenticity towards modern adolescence.
In addition to its strong writing and storytelling, season two of Euphoria has stood out once more for its use of innovative camera and editing techniques as well as visual effects. Utilizing a nonlinear narrative, fantasy sequences, and striking cinematography, the second season continued the young HBO’s hit in its creation of an unique and immersive viewing experience fit for modern television consumers. Often structured around a central theme or event, each one has allowed itself to branch out and impact its supporting character’s storytelling packed with emotional and psychological complexity.
Fit with a talented and diverse cast of actors, Euphoria second season has reminded its audience of the meaningful and strong performances from the likes of Zendaya, Angus Cloud, and Sydney Sweeney that brought a lot of audience attention during its initial run.
Rick and Morty (Adult Swim)
Rick and Morty matured this year in a very unexpected way. After rounding off the cliffhanger to the previous season, it redefined itself in its seventh episode, “Full Meta Jackrick.” Possibly one of the most meta television shows ever created, the showrunners use the episode to explain to their fans how they will avoid serialized plotlines in favor of episodic character-oriented sagas. Since then, Rick has become a whole new sort of character and actually looks like he will be able to sustain some real growth that is thought-out and hard-earned. Without an impending deadline or linear path to follow toward some ultimate climax that would resolve all issues and complete every character’s arc in Rick and Morty‘s complex universe, the show has been liberated. The humor is as poignant as ever, and returning characters like Dr. Wong have shown new angles that keep everything feeling fresh. Rick and Morty has been rejuvenated by its decision to tell the audience that they are in charge and that it will take its time to examine the brilliant characters it has in a remarkable universe. There aren’t many television shows that are as consistently amusing as Rick and Morty.
Andor (Disney+)
The reason for Andor to be in consideration for a top ten television series this past year is the show following a more grounded story than some other recent Disney Star Wars products. Normally, the viewer has been treated to a story that involves lightsabers and mystical powers with light and dark aspects. That in a sense is what the viewer has come to expect out of Star Wars, or anything associated with that brand. With Andor it’s a nice change of pace for a story about a guy who joins the rebellion. He is not the chosen one who will defeat all evil and save the entire galaxy. He is a simple guy with good skills who is recruited to be a part of something bigger than himself. Additionally, what makes it great is that the viewer sees him earn the right to be a part of the bigger picture. At the beginning he is someone who only cares about what is in his best interest and nothing else. Towards the end of the series the viewer sees how he is slowly changing into a rebel with a desire to be free from the empire as he fights and inspires others to fight too. To finish off, besides the story the actors are what also makes the series worth a spot in the top ten. The way they portray the emotions makes the viewer care about what happens to them. The viewer wants to see the characters win against all odds or lose all they have.
The List
10. Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Abbott Elementary, not surprisingly, has driven its way to the top of the nominations amongst its television competitors for the 2023 Critics Choice Awards with the most nominations. The second season of this comedy series has branded the show as one of ABC’s highest-rated comedies in the past three years, beating out Modern Family for the top spot.
Abbott Elementary has seven Emmy nominations and has been awarded three Emmys. The show won
Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series and was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. Quinta Brunson was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series. Sheryl Lee Ralph won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series and Janelle James was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series. Tyler James Williams was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series.
Abbott Elementary has also been named The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Best TV Comedy at this year’s awards ceremony.
Next month’s AFI awards will also honor Abbott Elementary among other popular shows.
In addition, creator, executive producer, writer, and star of the show, Quinta Brunson has many accolades in her belt to boot. Brunson has won the People of the Year award and has been chosen as one of the 100 Most Influential People. Abbott Elementary has already gotten off to a great start and has become a popular show and a staple in the household for comedy. The show’s greatness has already been recognized with five Golden Globe nominations just this past week.
I believe this show deserves a spot in the top ten because it shows diversity in the workplace and a comedic dynamic between all of the characters. I also appreciate the awkward connection between Gregory and Janine because it makes you want them to be together so bad and wonder when the big moment is going to happen between the two. I also like that they sometimes incorporate the children in the behind the camera scenes to give their input because it takes the focus off the main characters for valid reasons. Every character of this show has an enjoyable characteristic about them that makes the show aesthetically pleasing to watch.
9. House of the Dragon (HBO)
After a lackluster eighth season in its predecessor, HBO returned audiences to the seven kingdoms of Westeros with the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon. The prequel series rewound the clock for the fans to 200 years prior to the time of Jon Snow and followed once more the lies and deceit that sit upon the Iron Throne. A ten episode first season saw the massive commercial success again for the fantasy drama universe and also introduced a brand new batch of talented British actors to the small screens. With the likes of Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, and the legendary Paddy Considine, House of the Dragon reminded audiences about the successes of a drama with an ensemble cast that establishes chemistry.
The fanfare behind the first season has obviously come from the great intrigue drawn from the mega hit that is its parent series. However, the prequel series, although it dives into some easter eggs for later connection, can stand alone as its own unique product and does not over rely on the drama that was built up in Game of Thrones by throwing audiences directly into the fire of Targaryen versus Hightower. While it did replicate a similar story structure as GOT season one with a major family’s patriarch meeting their final moments (although one in a more violent fashion), the show gave an intriguing build up between the two houses and provided the necessary exposition for the explosion of the geopolitical and house warfare that fans will be privy to for many season to come.
8. Severance (Apple TV+)
Severance is a psychological thriller television series that follows Mark, played by Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation, Step Brothers), as he leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives, known as Severance. When a new colleague appears outside of work, it encourages them to regain their memories.
The series premiered on Apple TV+ on February 18 earlier this year, with season one spanning nine episodes long. As the season progresses, we learn more about the characters and carefully unravel the mysteries surrounding their lives, ending with the shocking plot twist in the season finale. Severance is a captivating series that centers around relatable characters. The series offers an interesting question: would you choose to lose your personal memories at the workplace and workplace memories in your personal life? The series tackles the concept of keeping personal life and professional life separate, as well as exploring self identity and what it means to have free will. The series’ antagonist is Lumon, a multi-billion dollar corporation that pushes its employees to undergo severance. This company and the workplace environment it creates is a reflection of the real world, challenging audiences to consider technology’s evolution in the workplace, and the measures controversial companies are willing to take in order to keep their employees in the dark. The season ends with a shocking twist and seat-grabbing cliffhanger, leaving the audiences grasping for more as the story feels far from finished. The season builds up to its finale in a thoughtful way that leads to a satisfying ending.
7. What We Do In The Shadows (FX)
This series almost never misses. It’s been three years since the debut of the hit spin-off series, What We Do in the Shadows, but unlike other shows of its kind, this beloved single-camera office workplace mockumentary has remained tried and true, especially with its latest season. From vampire nightclubs to vampire weddings, mild-mannered djinns to self-loving clones, season four of What We Do in the Shadows has all the kooky and zany shenanigans that viewers have come to expect from this goofy and light-hearted supernatural series. This season must also be revered for its beautiful arc about Guillermo’s long-awaited acknowledgment of his sexual identity and the soul-stirring scene in which he comes out as gay to his dysfunctional, but loving family of vampire hunters. There have been many office workplace mockumentary series since the conclusion of The Office, but I’d care to wager that What We Do in the Shadows outranks all of them due to its quality story writing and phenomenally iconic characters; in many ways, I see this show as the true spiritual successor to The Office. With 17 Emmy-award nominations and numerous accolades under its belt, it’s no wonder why What We Do in the Shadows is the critic’s new darling broadcast program.
6. Atlanta (FX)
Atlanta played to its strengths in its final season of what was a revolutionary journey. By season four, Atlanta knew how to blend humor, surrealism, introspection, and social commentary, all while developing its highly adored primary characters. The finale to the series did what no other show would be brave enough to do: paying homage to Inception and pushing the concept further. Just like in this monumental episode, the audience knew that the realms of reality were being pushed. Yet, instead of taking away from the narrative or engagement towards the onscreen happenings, the freedom Atlanta gifted itself allowed it to flourish. Glover and co oscillated between serialized character development and episodic episodes to great effect, lest one forget that the third groundbreaking season of the show was also released earlier this year. Atlanta embarked upon new territory this year and broke new ground with so many genres that it is impossible to summarize it without doing it a disservice. Alfred “Al” was a rounded, emotionally complex, hilariously sympathetic pseudo-protagonist. Earn struck the perfect balance of igniting the story and then coming in to drive it when needed. Van carried the show in later seasons and allowed the audience to explore entirely new unforgettable scenarios. And Darius, out of humble beginnings, became one of the most likable television characters ever, who, despite his early maturity, found new ways to grow. When history remembers this television period, Atlanta will stand out for the sophisticated strides it took and the laughs that made it so enjoyable.
5. The White Lotus (HBO)
Family drama. Hotels. Murder. Social commentary. What assets could work together to create a more insightful yet comical show? HBO Max’s The White Lotus, created by Mike White, constantly explores social issues and systemic dilemmas in our world through the lens of a zany cast of hotel guests, making a plot so funny and jaw-dropping that you, as a viewer, don’t even necessarily realize you’re taking in key information about the mechanics of the world around you. The White Lotus’s second season takes place in Sicily, a place dominated by toxic masculinity and male power. The main guests of this season all represent various facets of this issue, but it’s done subtly and well. On top of this, the strong cast of characters from the iconic deadpan Aubrey Plaza to the vivacious Jennifer Coolidge is enough of a reason to want to watch the show and deem it one of the best of the year. Loved by all, The White Lotus conspiracy theories circulate the Internet in droves (it’s currently my entire FYP on TikTok) a clear indicator that the show is a strong fan favorite.
4. Hacks (HBO)
HBO Max delivered the second season of the Emmy-winning comedy, Hacks, which saw the return of Jean Smart’s larger-than-life comedienne, Deborah Vance, embark on a new chapter in her storied career: starting over. Smart is joined by the equally-talented millennial comedy writer, Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder.
After finally divulging what she did in the season one finale, Ava and Deborah forge a new path for her career. Ousted by her jilted love interest Marty, played by Christopher McDonald, Deb returns to her roots and patches together a nationwide comedy tour. Leaving the lights and glamour of Vegas behind, she reconnects with the truth of her story and why she began her career in the first place.
While Ava and Deb traverse their relationship, the series’ supporting characters also reach new horizons. Deb’s agent Jimmy, played by series writer Paul Downs, struggles with advancement in his career, mainly because of his like/hate relationship with his assistant, the hilarious Megan Stalter’s Kayla. And Deb’s publicist Marcus, played by Carl Clemons-Hopkins, hits a wall as his work-life balance goes awry.
In addition to this supporting cast, the second season saw the arrival of Ming-Na Wen’s Janet Stone as a rival agent opposite Jimmy; and, a great guest turn from Harriet Sansom Harris as a former stand-up comic from Deb’s past.
The comedy stands out this year for its honest portrayal of women and their careers in Hollywood. While progress has been made, women-led shows and films still lack in comparison to their male counterparts. And the odds are less in their favor as one considers their age. Hacks not only highlights Smart’s incredible talent as a veteran actress but subtly echoes the challenges women still face in the industry. From sexism and ageism to the reluctant tendency to pit women in the same field against each other.
The series is also a wealth of representation with two female leads, racial diversity, and the inclusion of LGBTQI+ characters in lead and supporting roles.
Both seasons of Hacks are available to stream on HBO Max.
3. Stranger Things (Netflix)
Stranger Things is among the top shows on Netflix because of its talented cast and interesting storylines. What makes the series so popular are the multifaceted genres that appeal to just about anybody and the nostalgia it brings to those who enjoy the 80s era. Stranger Things has horror, science fiction, romance, teenage angst, thrill, etc. – something for everybody to enjoy. The writers do a good job of balancing everything. The writers are also good at deceiving their audience with plot twists and surprises that keep viewers on their toes.
The fourth season of the show encompasses all of these great attributes. With a more mature cast, the show is able to explore the many layers behind the protagonist’s past and its effect on her life today. Not only that but there are about five other storylines introducing fan-favorite characters and the new big bad of the season as well as covering important topics such as grief and trauma. With only one more season to go, Stranger Things put a lot into season four and executed it beautifully.
2. Barry (HBO)
Barry is a dramatic comedy series that follows Barry, played by Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, It Chapter Two), a hitman from the Midwest as he moves to Los Angeles and gets caught up in the city’s theatre arts scene as an aspiring actor. The series premiered on HBO Max in 2018, with season three premiering in April earlier this year, spanning eight episodes long. Throughout season one and two we see Barry struggle as he attempts to leave behind his life as a hitman while trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood. Season three takes a dark turn, continuing off a shocking season two finale.
While season three grows more dramatic, Barry continues to keep the balance between laughter and tears with perfect comedic timing, jaw-dropping reveals, and incredibly compelling plotlines throughout every episode. Season three pushes its characters to cruel levels, allowing the audiences to see a fresh side to them while still staying true to their character voices. In season three, characters are angrier, stakes are higher, and the season finale has audiences screaming for season four. Every episode in Barry’s season three holds the audience’s attention, each episode constantly one-upping the last as it leads to a breathtaking cliffhanger in the season finale.
1. The Bear (FX)
Who would’ve thought going into 2022 that televisions biggest sleeper hit was a kitchen drama? While I say the phrase “kitchen drama” can come off as a slight to the series as a catch-all generalization, it does not fully encompass the full scope of the dramedy series that hit FX at the beginning of summer. FX’s The Bear revealed itself to the world on Hulu on June 23 and made waves with its authentic portrayal of the inner workings of the kitchen industry combined with familial issues, self-identity crises, and the blue collar Midwestern family dynamics. Set at the family-owned The Beef restaurant, the program centers on Jeremy Allen White’s classically trained chef Carmen returning to run the family Italian Beef spot in Chicago’s southside after his brother committed suicide. The series blends its comedic style with the clashes between Carmen’s methods and his brother’s remaining employees, financial issues, and an unkempt restaurant.
The series two highlights are Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s performance as the pseudo cousin Richie that captivates audiences in its comedic elements (can make you chuckle at a stabbing scene) and the ability of struggling to adapt to new ways. The second highlight comes in the form of Allen White’s closing monologue in the season finale that unleashes all the pent up emotions that he has had weighing on his back since returning home to work at the fast casual spot. The Bear took the streaming world by storm and gave the audience some nostalgia to some other classic FX dramas in The Shield and Rescue Me. Thankfully, we at mxdwn can look forward to our number one pick for best television show of 2022 coming back to small screens for a second season at a later date.
– Adam Lewis