From Sadie Sink To Meghann Fahy, Here Are 33 Of The Absolute Best TV Performances From 2022

I'm still thinking about Amanda Seyfried in The Dropout because it was that amazing of a performance.

🚨 In order to talk about some of their very best moments from 2022, there are MAJOR spoilers ahead in the descriptions and photos! 🚨

1. Meghann Fahy as Daphne Sullivan on The White Lotus

HBO

I've said this to everyone, but I genuinely loved The White Lotus Season 2 more than Season 1, and I think it was because this season had characters and actors I loved more. In a cast filled to the brim with talent, Meghann Fahy rose to the top with her performance as Daphne. She's been brilliant since playing Sutton Brady on The Bold Type, but The White Lotus really gave her an opportunity to shine. While her entire performance was stellar, it was the single scene in the season finale where she managed to showcase Daphne's grief and anger over Harper's betrayal in a single 30-second, no dialogue masterclass that solidified her place amongst the best TV performances of 2022.

2. Aubrey Plaza as Harper Spiller on The White Lotus

HBO

As a society, I don't think we discuss Aubrey Plaza's phenomenal career post-Parks and Rec enough. She has delivered some pretty incredible performances in movies, but somehow, her work in The White Lotus Season 2 might be some of her best work yet. Aubrey worked so well off of the other cast members as she brought Harper to life, especially her work alongside Meghann Fahy. With every scene, Aubrey brought something new to Harper's journey, with it all culminating in the final episodes as we weren't sure which side of the Harper/Ethan/Cameron story was true. My opinion: Bring Aubrey back for The White Lotus Season 3, please and thank you.

3. Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams on Wednesday

Netflix

Jenna Ortega absolutely crushed her portrayal of the iconic Wednesday Addams, plain and simple. Stepping into a role that is already super notable is a challenge for any actor, but Jenna managed to pay homage to the Wednesdays that came before her, while also putting a fresh spin on the character. From the minute Jenna steps on screen in Wednesday, you know she's going to embody the character so well. Of course, it's the now viral Wednesday dance moment that solidifies her work as some of the best of the year — and the fact that she didn't blink.

4. Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield on Stranger Things

Netflix

2022 was the year of Sadie Sink. From Stranger Things to All Too Well: The Short Film to The Whale, she has had a picture-perfect year, and it's so well-deserved. Stranger Things Season 4 has a lot going on, but at the heart was Max's story as she confronted Billy's death and Vecna. "Dear Billy" was one of the best TV episodes of the year, and it leaned heavily on Sadie's award-worthy performance that begins when Max reads a letter at Billy's grave and ends with the now iconic "Running Up That Hill" scene. Then, Sadie delivers another amazing moment during the season finale. We're witnessing the start of an incredibly career for Sadie, and I can't wait to keep cheering her on.

5. Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair on Stranger Things

Netflix

As Stranger Things fans, I think we talked a lot about Sadie Sink and Joseph Quinn's work in Stranger Things Season 4, but I want to acknowledge the absolutely breathtaking performance from Caleb McLaughlin this season, particularly during the season finale. His work during the big battle with Vecna as Max is dying in his arms is so visceral and real, it's hard to not talk about his performance when we discuss how great Sadie's is. Caleb has done a lot of great work as Lucas since Season 1, but Season 4 allowed him to really show the range of his abilities, particularly in the heartbreaking moments alongside Sadie.

6. Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes on The Dropout

Hulu

This year gave us a lot of true crime drama series that everyone was talking about, and in my personal opinion, The Dropout was the very best. The pacing of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos's rise and fall was stellar, but what made this show so great was Amanda Seyfried's Emmy Award-winning performance. Simply put, she was mesmerizing in every single episode as she portrayed Elizabeth perfectly. I feel like Amanda has given us some amazing (and memorable) performances over the years, and it was so great to finally see her rewarded for all her hard work. While this role might define Amanda's career for now, I know she'll likely have another breathtaking performance coming up soon.

7. Himesh Patel as Jeevan Chaudhary on Station Eleven

HBO Max

A majority of Station Eleven aired at the very end of 2021, but the show gave us three final episodes in 2022, hence the excuse for me to rave about Himesh Patel's performance as Jeevan. In general, I think Station Eleven didn't get enough awards season love, but Himesh's surprise Emmy nomination was so well-deserved. His work alongside both Mackenzie Davis and Matilda Lawler as Kirsten was so beautiful throughout the whole season, it makes the final moments of the series when they reunite even more special. Himesh delivered one of my favorite performances of the year, and I can't wait to see what he does next.

8. Sophie Nélisse as young Shauna on Yellowjackets

Showtime

Another series that aired a majority of its season during the end of 2021, Yellowjackets became one of the most talked about shows. The Season 1 finale aired during 2022 and was arguably one of the best episodes of this year. While so much happens during that final episode, it is Sophie Nélisse who steals the spotlight during the last moments after Shauna finds Jackie outside. The emotion Sophie is able to put into this scene is so outstanding, I've literally been thinking about it all year. I really think this was the most heartbreaking TV scene of 2022, and it's all thanks to Sophie's performance. The one-two-punch of Sophie and Melanie Lynskey portraying Shauna is so remarkable, and I can't wait to see what they both accomplish in Season 2 and beyond.

9. Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary

ABC

Sheryl Lee Ralph literally came into this year's TV season with a mission to be one of the best actors on television, and she delivered. Her much-deserved Emmy Award was the icing on top of the cake that was her outstanding work as Barbara on Abbott Elementary throughout the year. Barbara's one-liners were some of the best TV quotes of 2022, and Sheryl's delivery helped make them what they are. During Season 1 and the first half of Season 2, Sheryl has proven her outstanding comedic abilities as she continues to be the heart of Abbott. It's a privilege to watch her work, and I'm just constantly happy more people are falling in love with her every single day. 

10. Janelle James as Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary

ABC

Janelle James became one of the queens of comedy in 2022 thanks to her work as Ava on Abbott Elementary. I don't think there was a single episode of this show this year that didn't include an Ava moment that spread all over the internet by the time the episode ended. Janelle is simply brilliant as she delivers some of the funniest moments the show has given us so far. One of my favorite things is to witness a new actor absolutely knock it out of the park and become a fan favorite from the beginning, and that's exactly what happened for Janelle this year. I can't wait to see what she brings to Ava next, and I will be continuing the Janelle James Emmy Award campaign in 2023. 

11. Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson on This Is Us

NBC

When we look back on This Is Us, it will always be a shame that Mandy Moore didn't win an Emmy Award for her work as Rebecca Pearson. Since Season 1, what she was able to do with the character was astounding, as she played Rebecca during several different decades. With the final season, Mandy had the difficult task of showing Rebecca's deteriorating health, and I'm pretty sure only Mandy could've pulled it off so beautifully. The last two episodes of the series hinged on Mandy's performance, and I don't think I've ever witness an episode as beautiful as "The Train."

12. Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto on The Bear

FX / Hulu

Watching Shameless for all those years and unapologetically loving Lip Gallagher prepared me for this moment right here. The Bear was one of the very best TV shows this year, and it is thanks, in part, to Jeremy Allen White's brilliant work as Carmy. While the chaotic kitchen scenes made The Bear memorable, Jeremy's best work comes when Carmy delivers a heartbreaking monologue about his brother. I love when you can tell when an actor genuinely loves the role they're playing and commits to making it the very best they can. Jeremy let his love of Carmy radiate on screen, so it made his performance all the more mesmerizing and enjoyable to watch. 

13. Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu on The Bear

FX / Hulu

Alongside Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri gave such an incredible performance as Sydney on The Bear. Personally, I think not nearly enough is being said about her amazing work on the show, so I'm going to take this time to say that Jeremy's performance as Carmy was elevated by Ayo's outstanding work, too. I think both performances go hand-in-hand, and I loved watching this duo conquer the screen together. Sydney was such a great foil to Carmy's presence, and Ayo delivers every moment perfectly in Season 1. I can't wait to watch more of Ayo as Sydney (and in other projects) soon.

14. Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma on Bridgerton

Netflix

Coming into a notable and beloved TV series in Season 2 can be challenging, but Simone Ashley made it look easy with her work as Kate on Bridgerton. Her chemistry alongside Jonathan Bailey should be studied in TV casting school because, oh my god, it was electric from the second they locked eyes. While Simone's work alongside Jonathan is outstanding, she was also able to flesh out Kate as a standalone character as well. While she was essentially introduced as a love interest, Kate became so much more and such an important character thanks to Simone's work. I can't wait to see everything she continues to bring to the character in the next season.  

15. Christina Applegate as Jen Harding on Dead to Me

Netflix

I feel sorry for anyone in my life because I have not stopped talking about Dead to Me since the final season dropped. I loved this show so much for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest was because of Christina Applegate's performance as Jen. Her ability to showcase Jen's grief, loss, and humor remains outstanding in this final season, and I genuinely cried during every single episode. It's no secret that Dead to Me Season 3 was difficult to film for Christina, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during filming, and I think her endurance and need to finish this story made her performance this year even more amazing and magical. I could talk all day about how incredible Christina is on this show, but I'll stop myself and just say it's one of my favorite TV performances of all time.

16. Linda Cardellini as Judy Hale on Dead to Me

Netflix

Personally, I don't think you can talk about Christina Applegate's work on Dead to Me without talking about Linda Cardellini as Judy. For this final season, Linda was given a lot of emotional storylines to carry, namely Judy's cancer diagnosis. Navigating this story, on top of the usual Dead to Me chaos, couldn't have been easy, but Linda does a phenomenal job. Christina and Linda are the perfect acting duo, and their chemistry felt almost like another main character throughout the whole series. For Season 3, Linda literally became Christina's rock while filming, and it shows on screen. Similar to Christina, Linda's work as Judy is some of her best acting to date, and I couldn't watch a single episode without crying over Judy. I'm going to miss Linda in this role so much.

17. Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector/Steven Grant on Moon Knight

Marvel / Disney+

Oscar Isaac entered the MCU in 2022 with a stunning performance as Marc Spector/Steven Grant on Moon Knight. The series really hinged on his work as Marc, and he delivered in every single way. From the action sequences to the genuinely heartbreaking moment as Marc and Steven piece their lives together, Oscar felt tailor-made for this role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the big Moon Knight moments were incredible, and felt like they were ripped right from the pages of the comics, I think it was the smaller, devastating scenes that made Oscar's work on this show one of my favorites of the year.

18. Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen on House of the Dragon

HBO

Paddy freakin' Considine, everyone. He rolled into House of the Dragon for Season 1 and delivered one of the most mesmerizing performances in the Game of Thrones universe. The way he was able to portray Viserys's internal conflicts was outstanding, especially during his final episodes. When Viserys's health declined, Paddy's performance was turned up to an 11, as he gave us some of the most memorable moments of the season. I'm sad we won't get to see more of Paddy on House of the Dragon, but his genius work helped set the stage for so much on the series, and I don't think it would've worked as well without him in this role.

19. Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen on House of the Dragon

HBO

Honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about Emma's performance in the Season 1 finale since it aired. Their ability to showcase both Rhaenyra's heartbreak and rage without even uttering a single word in the final moments are so brilliant and really make Rhaenyra into the character she's destined to be. Alongside their work as Rhaenyra, Emma's chemistry with Matt Smith AND Olivia Cooke helped make every challenge Rhaenyra faced even more brilliant and noteworthy. Watching Emma take over the role from Milly Alcock, who was equally as astounding, was incredible to see, and I just know they'll continue to deliver award-worthy performances as the series continues. 

20. Kit Connor as Nick Nelson on Heartstopper

Netflix

Heartstopper was such an uplifting LGBTQ+ TV series in 2022, and it was hard to not fall head-over-heels in love with this entire cast. Amongst a group of amazing up-and-coming actors, Kit Connor gave one of the best performances of the year. His ability to bring Nick from the pages of Alice Oseman's graphic novels to the screen is extraordinary, and he can be added to the list of perfect book-to-TV adaptation casting. While Kit put so much heart into every episode, it is the moment alongside Olivia Colman when Nick comes out to his mom that solidifies his place on this list. I can't wait to see everything he's able to accomplish on Heartstopper Season 2 and beyond.

21. Zendaya as Rue Bennett on Euphoria

HBO

Zendaya's work as Rue on Euphoria continued to be career-defining to say the least. While Euphoria Season 2 was a bit all over the place in terms of story and character development, Zendaya's phenomenal performance remained a steady constant in an otherwise uneven season. Every single week, it was a joy to join in on the Euphoria conversation that was often filled with praise for Zendaya's acting. While Season 2 had several notable moments for Rue, the episode titled "Stand Still Like the Hummingbird," which features Rue running away from home and melting down after her mom finds out she's using drugs again, includes Zendaya's best work to date. The episode literally earned Zendaya her second Emmy Award, and it was so well-deserved.

22. Adam Scott as Mark S. on Severance

Apple TV+

Severance was such a brilliant and amazing show in 2022, so it's no surprise that Adam Scott's performance makes this list. Notably known for his work in comedies like Parks and Recreation and Party Down, it was amazing to watch Adam take on a more dramatic role on TV once again after Big Little Lies. What made this performance one of Adam's best was his ability to play both innie and outie Mark as two totally separate characters. He led this all-star cast with such outstanding work I think it elevated the overall story, too. While Adam is good all season, it's the Season 1 finale where he truly shines the brightest as Mark is able to live his outie life while retaining his innie memories. I'm so excited for what Adam is able to accomplish when Severance returns for Season 2.

23. D'Arcy Carden as Greta Gill on A League of Their Own

Prime Video

I think everyone who watched A League of Their Own in 2022 fell head-over-heels in love with D'Arcy Carden as Greta Gill. Yes, I am one of those people. D'Arcy is no stranger to scene-stealing performances, and her work on A League of Their Own can be added to the list. She embodies the confidence and comedic timing of Greta so wonderfully, it's hard not to love and root for her the second she steps on screen. Alongside her award-worthy chemistry with Abbi Jacobson, D'Arcy gave us one of the best TV performances of 2022, and I won't stop talking about it anytime soon.

24. Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler on Better Call Saul

AMC

Every year that Better Call Saul has been on, I feel like every single one of these lists includes Rhea Seehorn, so it's no surprise that she once again delivered an award-worthy performance in 2022. Until the very end of this series, Rhea has remained a criminally underrated driving force of making this show so beloved (and so exceptional). Through the show's final episodes, Rhea continued to deliver a perfect performance, especially during the most devastating and heartbreaking moments of the series. Better Call Saul has one more chance to be nominated (and win) some Emmy Awards, and I swear, if Rhea is not included in the Best Actress nominations, you'll be hearing from me.

25. Antony Starr as Homelander on The Boys

Prime Video

I am constantly impressed when actors can play a villain that I literally have a visceral reaction to every time they step on screen. Antony Starr's work on The Boys has been great since Season 1, but there was something about Season 3 that made his work even better. Every single episode, Homelander made the show so anxiety-filled, I was literally on the edge of my couch. In Season 3, Antony was able to play opposite Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy, which made every scene even more tension filled as you feared Homelander could snap at any moment. He's an incredible TV villain, and it's hard to not contribute a lot of it to Antony's mesmerizing performance.

26. Bill Hader as Barry Berkman on Barry

HBO

With every season, Barry somehow gets better and better, and with the show's constant elevation comes a brilliant performance by Bill Hader. In my opinion, Season 3 included some of Bill's best work, which is saying something considering he's literally had so much awards season love for the previous seasons, too. I think what made Bill's performance this year so incredible was he was able to take Barry to some very dark places as he began to essentially hit rock bottom with no end in sight. I've loved Bill's work on this show and his ability to strip away the SNL persona everyone knew, and I can't wait for more because things appear to be getting worse for Barry before they get better.

27. Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death on The Sandman

Netflix

The Sandman was one of my favorite Netflix shows this year, and I think it had a lot to do with the perfect casting of these Neil Gaiman characters. While everyone brought this world to life so beautifully, it was Kirby Howell-Baptiste's work as Death that genuinely moved me and stuck with me long after her episode ended. From the second she stepped on screen, she owned the episode as Death takes Morpheus through her typical day. The instant familial chemistry between Kirby and Tom Sturridge helped make this episode titled "The Sound of Her Wings" the best of the season. Kirby was so good I am praying we get her back for more in Season 2. 

28. Zoe Saldaña as Amy Wheeler on From Scratch

Netflix

From Scratch was emotionally devastating — like, I really cried through every episode — and it was thanks in part to Zoe Saldaña's remarkable performance as Amy. The way she was able to embody both Amy's happiness and grief was so mesmerizing, it was hard to not become totally enthralled in her story from the second the series started. Over the last decade, Zoe has made a name for herself in these larger-than-life sci-fi and action movies, so it was amazing to watch her in a very grounded series that was simply about the hardships that happen in someone's ordinary life. Zoe's so talented and lights up the screen in every episode of From Scratch, and I hope this is just the start of her return to more grounded movies and shows.

29. Steve Carell as Dr. Alan Strauss on The Patient

FX / Hulu

I know we often remember Steve Carell for his comedic work, but damn, he's so good at drama. While he's been in dramatic movies and TV shows since he left The Office, I think The Patient might be his best work in that genre to date. With every episode, Steve managed to somehow be the center of the story while also letting the other actors he was working opposite take the spotlight when needed. The emotional and poignant weight of the episodes never faltered thanks to Steve's impeccable performance. He was so good in this role, I'm now aching to see him in another drama that gives him this much substance soon. 

30. Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton on Yellowstone

Paramount

Kelly Reilly is just so good on Yellowstone, and it's always a shame that she's not recognized more for her exceptional work. While the storylines on Yellowstone can sometimes be all over the place, Kelly's portrayal of Beth often makes the episodes worth watching. Her ability to showcase Beth's heartbreak, vengeance, and more with a single look or one word is the perfect example of why her performance on Yellowstone remains the best all these years later. While Yellowstone is one of the biggest TV shows, it is only now starting to get the recognition it deserves. There are still a few more episodes for Season 5, so I have no doubt Kelly's work this season will still be an award-worthy performance by the end. 

31. Jabari Banks as Will Smith on Bel-Air

Peacock

Bel-Air ended up being such a great dramatic twist on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and it's in part thanks to Jabari Banks's outstanding work as Will. Not only does he bring some of the qualities that Will Smith brought to the original role, but he somehow still manages to make it feel uniquely his. While every episode of Bel-Air beautifully built upon the last, Jabari's best work came in the Season 1 finale alongside guest-star Marlon Wayans. It's a scene I have thought about all year, and if it's any indication, we are witnessing the beginning of an amazing career for Jabari.

32. Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan on Ms. Marvel

Marvel / Disney+

Iman Vellani literally is Kamala Khan. Out of all the impeccable casting the MCU has done over the years, Iman's as Kamala feels like one of the best. Ms. Marvel was my personal favorite MCU TV series this year, and it's largely thanks to the heart and humor Iman brought to the show. While the action sequences with Kamala learning to use her Ms. Marvel powers were glorious, it was the family scenes that made the show and Iman's acting truly shine. I know this is just the beginning of Iman's reign in the MCU, and I can't wait to see where she takes Kamala and her story in The Marvels in 2023.

33. And finally, Vivien Lyra Blair as young Leia Organa on Obi-Wan Kenobi

Lucasfilm / Disney+

Every time a new episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi dropped on Disney+ and Vivien Lyra Blair uttered a single word, I couldn't help but think how proud Carrie Fisher would be that Princess Leia Organa's legacy is in capable hands with this outstanding young actor. Vivien's ability to go head-to-head with established actors like Ewan McGregor throughout Obi-Wan Kenobi was exquisite on its own, but she was also able to bring the same brand of humor and heart that Carrie brought to the role all those years ago. With every episode, Vivien made Leia her own while also honoring Carrie's legacy, and I think that was just wonderful.

We know there were ton of other amazing TV performances this year, so which other ones did YOU love, and why? Tell us in the comments below!

And, be sure to check out our best TV shows of 2022 list as well!

The year is almost over, and we're looking back on 2022. Check out more from the year here!