31 TV Shows That Were So Amazing, Brilliant, And Even Heartbreaking, It's What Made Them The Best Of 2022

There was a lot of great TV in 2022, including the final seasons of Derry Girls, Dead to Me, Better Call Saul, and more. Alongside brilliant new shows like The Bear, A League of Their Own, Abbott Elementary, and more.

There's a lot — and I mean, A LOT — of great TV shows these days, and 2022 was filled to the brim with brilliant new shows, the endings of some beloved favorites, and a bunch of limited series that were amazing. So, below are 31 TV shows that delivered amazing seasons from start to finish:

1. The Bear

Matt Dinerstein / FX

Created by Christopher Storer, the best show of the year came in the form of a hardworking and dedicated kitchen staff in Chicago. The Bear delivered a perfect first season thanks to incredibly poignant writing, a stacked cast of TV veterans and up-and-coming talent, and so much more. This show is the perfect example of how a TV hit can come in the most unlikely of places. The Bear beautifully weaved together grief and loss all in the setting of this high stakes kitchen as it became THE show to binge-watch in 2022.

2. Severance

Atsushi Nishijima / Apple TV+

In an era of peak TV and the need to constantly have a drama series that's all-around flawless, Severance entered at the perfect moment with an absolutely stellar story. This psychological thriller is one you won't be able to take your eyes off of the moment you start to get into it. The world is so fleshed out, the cast is giving some of their best work to date, and it's a show that isn't afraid to lean into cliffhangers and unanswered questions. Severance is a show everyone should watch because getting spoiled would be the worst thing.

3. Abbott Elementary

Gilles Mingasson / ABC

We've said it all year, but Quinta Brunson and the Abbott Elementary team made network TV cool again in 2022. This Emmy Award-winning comedy series has everything going for it. With witty and hilarious writing, characters you can't help but love, and breakthrough performances for actors we've come to love for years — looking at you, Sheryl Lee Ralph — Abbott is the show everyone in your life should watch because it's just that good. With each episode, the series builds on itself and it never falls into the network TV trap of having "filler episodes" because each episode is somehow better than the last.

4. Better Call Saul

Greg Lewis / Sony / AMC

I don't think there's anything I can write here that hasn't already been said about Better Call Saul, but I'll try my best. This show was perfect. From the start, it built upon everything that made Breaking Bad one of the best TV shows of all time, and somehow did it all bigger and better. Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn's electric chemistry on screen remained one of the show's biggest qualities alongside the breathtaking cinematography and writing. The show has yet to win an Emmy Award, but it has one more chance next year for the second half of this final season. It would be a crime if we let this show come and go without some award season praise.

5. Reservation Dogs

Shane Brown / FX / Hulu

It's a shame that Reservation Dogs still remains an underrated favorite because this show is just that good. More people should discover the magic this cast has to offer. While Season 1 of the series is amazing — heck, it made our best TV shows of 2021 list too — Season 2 is somehow better than the last. Reservation Dogs beautifully uses its teen friend group to tell some of the most poignant stories on TV about grief and friendship. It's a stellar show that more people need to find ASAP.

6. Barry

Merrick Morton / HBO

Barry has always been brilliant, so it's no surprise that the show's latest season continues to be a revelation. While there was a lot of time between Season 2 and Season 3, Bill Hader and the entire cast are revolutionary in this dark comedy that hits you with emotional moments as well as hilarious ones. It has been an award season favorite since the very beginning, and this newest season continued that trend. If you haven't had a chance to watch Barry yet, now is the time to do so.

7. Derry Girls

Netflix

Whenever someone mentions Derry Girls, it's sure to follow by a long conversation of side-splitting laughter as you each recite your favorite quotes from the show. Derry Girls remained funny and smart until the very end. It didn't overstay its welcome, but damn, I would've watched 100 seasons of this show. The final season builds on everything Derry Girls had going for it: witty writing and a brilliant ensemble that can do both comedy and heartfelt drama, especially during the last two episodes of this season. We're all Derry girls and I'm going to miss this show so much.

8. Dead to Me

Saeed Adyani / Netflix

I always keep a running list of my favorite TV shows of all time, so it's important to note that Dead to Me has been on it since Season 1. I just had a feeling this show would know how to deliver a great final season, and I wasn't wrong. What made Dead to Me so great for three seasons was its ability to blend together humor and heart, all while exploring the complicated topic of grief and loss. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini remained a tour-de-force duo until the very end and helped make Dead to Me one of the best Netflix shows to date. 

9. Interview with the Vampire

Alfonso Bresciani / AMC

I just love vampire shows. It's a simple fact that dates back to me growing up in the Twilight generation, so it's no surprise that Interview with the Vampire seduced me in every possible way in 2022. Adapted from Anne Rice's iconic novel, this show just does everything right when it comes to a book-to-TV adaptation. Jacob Anderson, Bailey Bass, and Sam Reid are so mesmerizing in this series that is filled with bloody vampire nonsense, LGBTQ+ stories, and so much more. If Season 1 was this good, I cannot wait to see what next season holds.

10. The Dropout

Beth Dubber / Hulu

Amanda Seyfried conquered TV in 2022 with her amazing work in The Dropout. Created by Elizabeth Meriwether, The Dropout rose to the top, in my opinion, during a TV year that was packed full of true crime drama shows. The show never slowed down for a second as it perfectly charted the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. With a stacked cast led by the super talented Seyfried, The Dropout became a must-watch show this year, and one of the best.

11. Our Flag Means Death

Aaron Epstein / HBO Max

We lost a lot of really great, and important, TV shows with LGBTQ+ stories, but thank god we also got shows like Our Flag Means Death. Created by David Jenkins, this show placed viewers on a pirate ship in 1717 and somehow gave us one of the funniest and most poignant romantic comedies of 2022. The Our Flag Means Death cast overall was one of the best this year, and when you watched them all on screen together, it's hard to deny that their chemistry helped elevate the great storylines to new heights.

12. Pachinko

Apple TV+

When I watch a book-to-TV adaptation, I always hope that the series captures the spirit that makes the book so beloved perfectly, and that's exactly what Pachinko did. Told in three languages, Pachinko beautifully brings to life the story of one Korean family over the course of several generations. Set over the course of three distinct time periods, the visuals of this show are something you don't want to miss, and the story is equally as compelling. While the show is massive, it's the small and intimate moments that help anyone relate to this family's struggles and undying love for each other and the sense of community. If you missed this show, it's worth watching it now.

13. Stranger Things

Netflix

2022 definitely had distinct TV pop culture moments, where it felt like everyone was gathering together to watch the same thing in order to be part of the conversation. Stranger Things Season 4 was one of those moments. While Season 4 felt a little uneven at times, the impressive scope of stories it was able to tell, coupled with some of the best performances on the show to date — looking at you, Sadie Sink — made this season must-watch TV. Plus, nothing was better than an important resurgence of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill."

14. Heartstopper

Netflix

Like I mentioned above, this year we sadly lost a lot of LGBTQ+–centered shows, so it's nice when an uplifting one survives and is one of the best of the year. Heartstopper perfectly brought to life Alice Oseman's graphic novels with such heart and charm, it was hard not to fall in love with Charlie and Nick from the second they came on screen in Episode 1. If there's one word to describe why Heartstopper was one of the best this year it's "charming," because that's exactly what this show was. It felt like a warm hug for all of the queer teens (and adults) out there who needed a safe space to see their stories told and celebrated.

15. A League of Their Own

Prime Video

I often chronicle my year by "hyper-fixations" and A League of Their Own was definitely one of them for me. Inspired by the beloved 1992 film, this show took everything that made that movie magic and added to it. By centering the show on the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC stories, A League of Their Own became a refreshing entry into the "reboot TV" conversation. From the exceptional and fast-paced writing to the chemistry between the ensemble, this show was a must-watch in my book and one I couldn't help but recommend to everyone.

16. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Dana Hawley / Prime Video

I have very distinct memories of reading Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty books during high school, so to say it was a joy to see such care be put into the TV show is an understatement. Book-to-TV adaptations are hard, but with Han at the helm alongside a great group of writers and an all-star young cast, The Summer I Turned Pretty made it look easy. It felt like a throwback to teen TV shows like One Tree Hill, Dawson's Creek, and The O.C., where the setting is somehow magical, the cast is filled with new talent you want to be friends with IRL, and the music feels like its own character. This show did everything right, and I can't wait for Season 2.

17. The White Lotus: Sicily

Fabio Lovino / HBO

I don't know if this is a hot take, but I'm going to say it: I'm loving The White Lotus Season 2 more than Season 1. For this newest season, the series has capitalized on taking everything that worked so well in Season 1, and dialing it up to an 11. Once again, Jennifer Coolidge is proving why she's a comedic genius as she returns as Tanya, while Aubrey Plaza, Meghann Fahy, Theo James, and more give this series some amazing characters and performances. The White Lotus remained a "water cooler" TV show that you have to watch night of in order to be in the conversation the next day, and it's so amazing to have a show like this.

18. Atlanta

Guy D'Alema / FX

Atlanta was another series we sadly had to say goodbye to in 2022, and luckily like the others on this list, it stuck the landing. While Season 3, earlier this year, stepped away from Atlanta, the setting that felt like another character on this show, Season 4 got back to the heart of what made Atlanta so special when it began. The final episodes played into the show's strengths, from the cast to the smart and funny writing, so it was nice to bid farewell to this show on a high note.

19. Ghosts

Bertrand Calmeau / CBS

Alongside Abbott Elementary, this show made network TV fun again. In a landscape filled to the brim with so many amazing shows, Ghosts became one that floated to the top thanks to its heartfelt stories and stellar ensemble cast. Based on the British series of the same name, this show leaned into all of the strengths it assembled to be a pretty perfect comedy series. While the funny moments in Ghosts are stellar, it's when the show isn't afraid to be quiet and sincere that it truly shines above the rest.

20. House of the Dragon

Liam Daniel / HBO

I'll be honest, when House of the Dragon was announced, I was worried. I had barely recovered from the Game of Thrones series finale and cautiously dipped my toe into this show. Like its predecessor, House of the Dragon has assembled a cast that I'm sure will be all over awards season. In fact, every actor was so well cast on this show it was hard to say goodbye once a new, equally as brilliant, actor took another ones place as the characters aged. While the first few episodes were a little slow as the world was established, once this show got going, it became one that you didn't want to miss every Sunday.

21. For All Mankind

Apple TV+

This remains a series that I will continue to scream about until more people watch it. Since the beginning, For All Mankind has been delivering some of the best TV episodes of the year. While this season wasn't the best of the show's three seasons, it was still a great TV show this year. While rewriting history, For All Mankind is able to tell some great and compelling stories with episodes that aren't afraid to be heartfelt and heartbreaking all at once. This show remains the king of cliffhangers, so be warned, the Season 3 finale is another best for the series, but also a wild ride.

22. The Sex Lives of College Girls

HBO Max

This Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble created series is easily one of the funniest TV shows right now. While Season 1 was great, this newest season is its best to date. Pauline Chalamet, Reneé Rapp, Amrit Kaur, and Alyah Chanelle Scott are the best group of BFFs on television in The Sex Lives of College Girls as their characters try to navigate college with humor and heart. This is one of those shows where I wish we would get 22 episodes per season because it's just that good and smart.

23. Bad Sisters

Natalie Seery / Apple TV+

I feel like every year there is one show that is just so good, but not nearly enough people watched it. I admittedly just found this show and now I can't believe I lived without it. Bad Sisters follows the Garvey sisters, who come together after their brother-in-law dies under unexpected circumstances. If you're familiar with Sharon Horgan's work, you know this show is filled with some great comedic moments, but also some really sincere ones as these sisters reunite. If you're looking for a new show that not a lot of people have watched yet, please consider this one.

24. Hacks

Karen Ballard / HBO Max

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder continued to be a powerhouse comedy duo when Hacks returned with Season 2 this year. Like its first season, the series really leaned into the chemistry between Smart and Einbinder as the show delivered some of the funniest and earnest moments of the show so far. While the comedy was still exquisite, the scenes when Deborah and Ava open up to each other and share a meaningful connection are some of the show's strongest moments in Season 2.

25. Euphoria

Eddy Chen / HBO

Euphoria Season 2 was simply wild. There's no other way to put it. The overarching story was all over the place, and yet, every Sunday night I loved being stressed out of my mind while watching it. Once again, the best moments on Euphoria lean heavily on the Emmy Award-winning performance from Zendaya. However, in conjunction with Zendaya, this season also gave us some meme-worthy and incredible scenes from the supporting cast, most notably from Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Angus Cloud, and Maude Apatow. Basically, Euphoria remained an important TV phenomenon in 2022.

26. Ms. Marvel

Daniel McFadden / Disney+ / Marvel

Ms. Marvel was my favorite MCU TV show this year. Iman Vellani entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kamala Khan in impeccable fashion in 2022. Not only was this a perfect introduction to her character, but the series overall was exceptionally well done. While it was a superhero series at heart, it told some very profound and important stories within the format. While seeing Kamala discover her powers was awesome, the scenes with her family and discovering stories about her ancestors were some of the most compelling moments. In fact, an entire episode set in the past about the Partition of India in 1947 was the best and most well-paced episode of the whole season.

27. Andor

Lucasfilm / Disney+

For some reason it feels like people are finding Andor late, as the show is already finished with its first season. Whether it was a combo of Disney+ TV show fatigue or people not being familiar enough with this Star Wars era, I'm here to tell you this show needs to be binge-watched by everyone. Yes, I know we've got a lot of Star Wars universe TV shows out there, but Andor is a cut above the rest. In my opinion, it doesn't even feel like a Star Wars show. The storytelling is so beautifully done and it's so well-written it's hard not to be in awe of some of the speeches these characters are delivering. If you ever enjoyed a Star Wars anything, make sure you watch Andor soon.

28. Peaky Blinders

Matt Squire / Netflix

Peaky Blinders was another series we said goodbye to in 2022, and it went out in typical Peaky fashion, with a lot of fighting, incredible family moments between the Shelbys, and an emphasis on Tommy Shelby's motivations and love of his family. Writing in an actor's death into a show is never an easy task, but Peaky Blinders incorporated Helen McCrory's death beautifully and somehow her presence as Polly was still all over this final season. This was a show that never broke through in the Emmy Awards races, which is still a crime considering it's arguably one of the best drama series in recent years.

29. What We Do In the Shadows

Russ Martin / FX

Every year I still feel like not enough people are watching this show, and every year it still makes my best TV shows of the year list because it's just that good. With Season 4, What We Do in the Shadows continues to be one of the best TV shows out there, as well as one of the funniest. The cast is so incredibly good in this show, it's hard not to scream about your love for these actors and characters to everyone you come in contact with. This show only continues to get better season after season, so it's worth a great binge watch if you've somehow missed it.

30. From Scratch

Philippe Antonello / Netflix

When I tell you I sobbed through this entire show, I'm not exaggerating. From Scratch became one of my favorite limited series this year because the story felt so real and authentic, it was hard to not fall in love with Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea) and Amy's (Zoe Saldaña) story from the second they step on screen. It felt magical watching these two fall in love and deal with life together. Add in a scene stealing performance from Danielle Deadwyler as Zora, and you have a Netflix show worth watching. It was also so refreshing to see Saldaña step away from the galaxies and sci-fi franchise movies that have made her a household name in recent years and remind everyone how amazing she is.

31. And finally, Peacemaker

HBO Max

As someone who consumes every piece of superhero media out there, Peacemaker is one of the best. While DC movies have been hit or miss recently, Peacemaker was a very strong outing for DC's answer to the live-action Marvel TV shows. John Cena is so good in this role where he's able to navigate both the absurd comedy and the very sincere moments in the show's first season. Plus, on top of great storytelling, Peacemaker gave us the best opening credits sequence of the year.

We can't fit everything into one post, so what were YOUR favorite TV shows from this year? Tell us in the comments below!

AND, be sure to look out for our Best TV Performances of 2022 list too.

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