Next up in our 2022 in Review series, lets rest our eyes on television. 2022 was a fantastic year of television and I really struggled to narrow this list down in a way I don’t normally. There’s still so much to watch and there’s a ton of shows that are on the horizon. If I had to take a gander at what really resonated with me it was shows with strong romances or genre material that took strong swings. I’m going to tip toe right on past what the former means and just say that I am really glad at how people who work in TV are really expanding my horizons on what is possible with the medium. What are your top 10 tv shows of 2022?
An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts – A sweet romcom from Italy that manages to be both a fascinating look into television production and a smart understanding of modern relationships.
The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself – This is a bittersweet inclusion on this list cause despite having a 90%+ audience and critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Netflix has unceremoniously cancelled the show. A true casualty of them spreading themselves thin, this show is a nasty piece of work based on a YA novel that manages to be both infuriating and enticing. It contains many incredible performances (including some characters you will despise forever) and one of the best television characters of the year.
Interview with the Vampire – Pound for pound the best show to air on television in the year 2022 was this adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel. With performances from Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, and Bailey Bass that are pitch perfect and some of the smartest writing, this show stands above the rest.
Kinnporsche – Some might call this a guilty pleasure show, but I do not feel guilty for all the pleasure I got out of watching this show. The bodyguard trope gets an MM update and placed in the mafia in Thailand with a dash (or a heap really) of spice. Honestly one of the sexiest and most entertaining things I saw in 2022.
The Last Movie Stars – Ethan Hawke wrestles with the compelling legacy of one Hollywood’s most impactful celebrity couples. I would recommend watching this show in concert with watching the movies referenced in the different episodes.
Our Flag Means Death – As one of the few shows that I still need to say “Just wait, it grows on you,” I wasn’t sure this would make the list. But the more I thought about the show, the more the high points stick out and the more the beginning feels like red herring. You think you’re just watching a show about bumbling pirates but then it morphs into something so much more.
Severance – A lesson in how restraint can help you breed chaos, Severance takes a fairly simple premise and finds new way to twist the audience into pretzels. Some of the most amazingly weird television you will see.
Smiley – Do you want to laugh your ass off then get emotionally eviscerated then laugh because of the emotions then rejoice as the show makes a case true love can exist? Well then I’ve got the show for you. This show is whip smart about how gay culture has evolved and presents us with characters who are complicated and messy.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Even though I love Discovery, this is by far the best Star Trek anything since the 2009 film. Filled with heart, fun, and strong acting, the show proves that maybe this can be a country for prequels.
Uncoupled – Neil Patrick Harris plays a gay man navigating single life in his late forties and brings along a cornucopia of fantastic supporting actors to help him realize the story. It’s very funny and heartwarming.