Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #1

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#1: Bad Sisters

It’s hard to pick who was the best part of this absolutely fantastic and instantly fascinating series about five sisters and the one husband who all but his wife detest. Everything about it worked so well, and figuring out the many ways in which the awful man could have been killed was deeply entertaining. That it got renewed for a second season is wondrous news. Watch season one now on Apple TV+!

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #2

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#2: Peacemaker

It’s rare for a sequel to be better than the original, and even rarer for the spinoff TV series to be so much better than both of them. Yet this cast member from “The Suicide Squad” showed just how competent he was at carrying his own unbelievably entertaining series, with plenty of standouts among the supporting cast too. Season two can’t come soon enough, but for now, check out season one on HBO Max!

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #3

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#3: Somebody Somewhere

Giving Bridget Everett a lead role in a TV series was a fantastic idea, and she helps give this series a unique feel, one that blends comedy and drama seamlessly. Its Kansas setting only adds to that, and every episode of season one was a delightful surprise. The series will fortunately be back for a second season. Watch season one now on HBO Max and check out my interview with Jeff Hiller.

Best Episode: “Feast of St. Francis”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #4

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#4: Life and Beth

This dramatic comedy was a wonderful surprise, an unexpectedly introspective look at one woman’s relationship with life and death following the sudden passing of her mother. Amy Schumer was a perfect fit for the lead role, with Michael Cera offering dependably humorous support and Michael Rapaport turning in a formidable performance as Beth’s father. Fortunately, season two has been ordered and this show will return. Watch season one now on Hulu!

Best Episode: “Fair”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #5

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#5: As We See It

It’s a shame that this series didn’t get renewed for a second season given how genuinely sweet and funny it was, not to mention that it actually cast actors who identify as on the spectrum in roles that were true to who they were. All its stars were terrific, and this show deserves to be watched and adored by many since it won’t have the chance to produce any more episodes. Watch it now on Prime Video and check out my interviews with Rick Glassman and Joe Mantegna, Sue Ann Pien and Chris Pang, Albert Rutecki and Sosie Bacon, and creator Jason Katims.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #6

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#6: Severance

It’s rare that a show gets consistently better from episode to episode, starting from an already fascinating if less accessible point and then building to an absolutely incredible finale that makes the wait for season two feel far too long. The work-life balance has never been more intense, and this show boasts a phenomenal ensemble capable of matching the series’ deliberate and hypnotic pacing. Watch it now on Apple TV+ and check out my interview with Yul Vasquez, who plays Petey.

Best Episode: “The We We Are”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #7

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#7: Minx

This fictionalized show about the creation of the first erotic magazine for women was a lot of fun, but it also went deeper than that, navigating the rampant sexism present in the business and other challenges that got in the way of true unchecked productivity. Ophelia Lovibond and Jake Johnson were also a fantastic duo supported by a great cast. Unfortunately, you can’t watch this one on HBO Max because the streaming service pulled it, but season two is finished and hopefully both seasons will be available somewhere else soon. In the meantime, check out my interviews with the cast and creator.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #8

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#8: Conversations with Friends

Those who loved “Normal People” should absolutely make time for the next show to be based on Sally Rooney’s work, which makes excellent use of its four protagonists to tell a deeply rich love story full of complex and immensely watchable characters. Watch it now on Hulu and check out my interview with Sasha Lane.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #9

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#9: House of the Dragon

There was plenty of pressure for the prequel to “Game of Thrones” to be anywhere near as good as the highly-acclaimed original, but this show managed to build itself up and somehow be even better than it by the end of season one. Multiple actresses delivering astonishing regal performances enhanced this show that somehow felt more accessible and comprehensible than its predecessor, and will soon return for a second season and likely much more beyond that. Watch it now on HBO Max.

Best Episode: “We Light the Way”
Pilot Review | House of the Dragon

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #10

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#10: Fleishman is in Trouble

The title of limited series describes its content as being purposely in flux, and its method of storytelling made it infinitely more interesting. Looking at life through the eyes of Jesse Eisenberg’s Toby with the assistance of Lizzy Caplan’s Libby’s narration. Its blend of quirky comedy and depressing drama worked very well. Watch it now on Hulu.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #11

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#11: The Offer

It turns out that the making of one of the most acclaimed movies of all time is pretty interesting, and this dramatic retelling was very engaging. The casting was just as strong as the story, with Dan Fogler’s Francis Ford Coppola and Patrick Gallo’s Mario Puzo standouts, proving that those behind the camera were just as exceptional as those on-screen. Watch it now on Paramount+.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #12

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#12: Bel-Air

Turning “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” into a modern-day drama series felt like it could have been interesting as an experiment and social commentary, but this show was so much more than that. An exceptional cast and a sleek new look made it into a very compelling series completely worthwhile in its own right, which will fortunately be returning soon for season two. Watch it now on Peacock and check out my interviews with the cast and creative team ahead of the show’s debut, Olly Sholotan, Adrian Holmes, and Cassandra Freeman.

Best Episode: “No One Wins When the Family Feuds”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #13

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#13: Under the Banner of Heaven

This harrowing tale of a Mormon detective’s investigation of a murder perpetrated by extremist adherents of his own religion had a certain weight to it, enhanced by excellent performances all around from Andrew Garfield, Wyatt Russell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and so many others. Watch it now on Hulu and check out my interviews with Sam Worthington and Wyatt Russell.

Best Episode: “Church and State”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #14

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#14: The Afterparty

This show assembled a superb cast and created a murder mystery, and then had a blast telling the story from each of their perspectives. There are so many great moments throughout the first season that make the existence of a season two, with or without a completely different ensemble, all the more enticing. Watch it now on Apple TV+ and check out my interviews with Ben Schwartz and on the red carpet.

Best Episode: “Yasper”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #15

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#15: We Own This City

This six-episode limited series was a disturbing reminder of the power that corrupt police exert over their districts, the latest intense crime drama from David Simon and George Pelecanos. Jon Bernthal and Josh Charles delivered chilling turns as the officers able to get away with so much, while Dagmara Dominczyk and Wunmi Mosaku showed just how taxing the other side is too. Watch it now on HBO Max and check out my interview with writer and executive producer George Pelecanos.

Best Episode: “Part Three”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #16

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#16: Julia

Julia Child has always been a distinct personality, and this show brought her to vivid life in a perfectly stylized way. Sarah Lancashire is indeed terrific as the French chef, and the supporting cast is just as good, enhancing the show’s many storylines with all the right ingredients and seasonings. Watch it now on HBO Max and check out my interviews with the show’s supporting cast, creator, showrunner, and food stylist!

Best Episode: “Coq au Vin”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #17

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#17: Ridley Road

This limited series crammed more into four episodes than most shows do in a full season, presenting an intense and intriguing espionage tale with incredibly high stakes. Agnes O’Casey led a terrific cast which pitted British Jews in the 1960s against neo-Nazis determined to make their cause a legitimate one. Watch it now on PBS and check out my interview with writer and executive producer Sarah Solemani.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #18

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#18: A League of Their Own

Remaking a popular movie is never an easy task, but this show opted to change things up in a big way and pay tribute to the real women that inspired the story. The result was something creative, immersive, and enjoyable, with a range of talented actresses giving standout performances including Chanté Adams, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Roberta Colindrez, Melanie Field, and D'Arcy Carden. Watch it now on Prime Video and check out my interview with star Molly Ephraim.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #19

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#19: Ms. Marvel

This Marvel series seemed like it might have been targeted to kids because it featured a high school age protagonist, but it turned out to be fully entertaining for all audiences. Iman Vellani is a superb star, and this show found just the right supporting characters to feature to enhance its engaging mythology and generally endearing spirit. Watch it now on Disney+.

Best Episode: Pilot
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

Top 22 New Shows of 2022: #20

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. It’s always nice to check in midway through the television season to reflect back on all the calendar year introduced us to. As 2022 closes out and 2023 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.

#20: Reboot

There wasn’t anything particularly earth-shattering about this Hulu series making fun of the staggering number of series being brought back for new iterations, but it was great fun. Keegan Michael-Key, Judy Greer, Rachel Bloom, and Paul Reiser highlighted a genuinely enjoyable sitcom, one that for some reason has yet to be officially picked up for a second season as of this writing. Watch it now on Hulu.

Best Episode: “Growing Pains”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews