Top 20 TV Shows Of 2022 You Can't Miss

Hey everyone! Man, 2022 was a wild ride for television, wasn't it? It felt like every week there was a new show dropping that had everyone talking, whether it was a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a mind-bending sci-fi epic. If you, like me, found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of amazing content and are wondering what gems you might have missed, you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the absolute best of the best from 2022, hand-picking twenty shows that absolutely crushed it and deserve a spot on your watch list. Get ready to update your streaming queues, guys, because this list is packed with winners! We're going to break down why each of these shows stood out, what made them so special, and why they’re totally worth your precious binge-watching time. From critically acclaimed series that dominated awards season to surprise hits that captured the cultural zeitgeist, we've got a diverse range here. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's explore the television landscape of 2022 and find out which shows truly earned their place in the pantheon of great television. This isn't just a list; it's a curated journey through the most compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and innovative storytelling that the year had to offer. We'll be touching on everything from the stunning visuals and intricate plotlines to the powerhouse performances that left us utterly spellbound. So, whether you're a seasoned TV connoisseur or just looking for your next obsession, there's definitely something here for you. Let's get this party started and celebrate the incredible television that 2022 brought us!

1. The Bear

Alright guys, let's kick things off with a show that absolutely exploded onto the scene and took everyone by surprise: The Bear. Seriously, if you haven't checked this one out yet, you're seriously missing out. This series throws you headfirst into the chaotic, high-pressure world of a professional kitchen in Chicago, following a young, fine-dining chef named Carmy who inherits his family's struggling Italian beef sandwich shop after a tragedy. The premise alone is enough to pique your interest, but what makes The Bear truly exceptional is its relentless pacing, its raw emotional honesty, and its masterful portrayal of family dynamics under extreme stress. The show doesn't just show you the kitchen; it immerses you in it. You can practically smell the sizzling onions, hear the clatter of pans, and feel the frantic energy of service. The cinematography is brilliant, capturing both the gritty reality of the restaurant and the intense personal struggles of the characters. Carmy, played brilliantly by Jeremy Allen White, is a deeply flawed but incredibly compelling protagonist. He's battling his own demons while trying to salvage his brother's legacy and navigate a staff that's resistant to change. The supporting cast is phenomenal, with standout performances from Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the hot-headed Richie and Ayo Edebiri as the ambitious new sous chef, Sydney. They create a dynamic that is both hilarious and heartbreaking, showcasing the complex relationships that form in these intense environments. What The Bear does so well is explore themes of grief, ambition, addiction, and the search for belonging, all within the confines of a bustling kitchen. It’s a show that understands the pressure cooker environment of culinary arts but also uses it as a powerful metaphor for life itself. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and incredibly realistic, making you feel like you're right there in the thick of it. You'll find yourself yelling at the screen, cheering for the characters, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. It’s a visceral experience, guys, and it’s one of the most authentic depictions of a workplace – and the people who inhabit it – that we've seen in a long time. If you're looking for a show that is intense, moving, and utterly unforgettable, The Bear is an absolute must-watch. It's a testament to how powerful a story can be when it's told with such passion and precision. This isn't just a show about food; it's a show about people, their struggles, and their fight to create something meaningful.

2. Severance

Next up, we have a show that had us all scratching our heads and obsessing over its mysteries: Severance. This Apple TV+ gem is a masterclass in sci-fi, psychological thriller, and workplace satire. The concept is as chilling as it is fascinating: employees at a mysterious corporation called Lumon Industries undergo a surgical procedure that severs their work memories from their personal lives. When they're at work, they have no idea who they are outside; when they leave, they can't recall anything about their job. It’s a premise that immediately sparks questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of work itself. The show is visually stunning, with a sterile, retro-futuristic aesthetic that perfectly complements its unsettling atmosphere. Director Ben Stiller crafts a world that is both eerily beautiful and deeply unnerving. The performances are top-notch, with Adam Scott delivering a career-defining turn as Mark Scout, the protagonist who is struggling with grief in his outside life and seeking solace in the enforced amnesia of his work life. Patricia Arquette is terrifyingly good as the enigmatic and chilling Ms. Cobel, and John Turturro and Christopher Walken bring a touching, poignant depth to their roles as seasoned Lumon employees. What makes Severance so compelling is its slow-burn approach to storytelling. It meticulously builds its world and its characters, gradually revealing layers of mystery and intrigue. You’ll find yourself constantly theorizing about what’s really going on at Lumon, trying to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters. The show brilliantly explores the alienation and dehumanization that can come with modern corporate culture, taking it to an extreme and thought-provoking level. It asks us to consider what we’d be willing to sacrifice for a work-life balance, and whether such a balance is even achievable. The writing is exceptionally sharp, with moments of dark humor and profound philosophical inquiry woven throughout. It’s a show that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting deep conversations about our own relationships with our jobs and our sense of self. Severance isn't just a great show; it's an experience that will make you question everything. If you're a fan of mind-bending narratives and expertly crafted suspense, this is a must-see.

3. House of the Dragon

Alright, alright, let's talk about a show that had the internet buzzing and fantasy fans rejoicing: House of the Dragon. This prequel to the monumental Game of Thrones managed to recapture that epic magic, proving that Westeros still has plenty of stories to tell. Set nearly 200 years before the events of GoT, it delves into the tumultuous history of House Targaryen, focusing on the civil war known as the **