Lara’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2022

New shows, old shows, and reboots took over the screen in 2022 to bring us amazing storylines and talented performances. There were plot twists and scenes that blew my mind and left me thinking about them for days after the episodes aired.

Even though dramas seem to always appeal to me the most, there are some heartfelt comedies that made their way into my list because of the writing and portrayal of characters. 

With the number of shows on the air now, it is hard to make a list. However, these shows have either been a part of my life for a really long time or they have gotten me through the lows of 2022.

In no particular order, here are my top TV shows from 2022.

1. Abbott Elementary

Week after week, Abbott Elementary reminds us why sitcoms are so necessary. The jokes, characters, and storylines gift us with laughter with every episode, and it doesn’t get old to see the struggles these teachers are facing.

Abbott Elementary Season 1 introduced us to the characters and allowed us to get to know them in order to fall in love with them (yes, with all of them). Abbott Elementary Season 2 is exploring those teachers we love in a more personal manner.

The combination of their personal and professional lives is what makes this show so great. The heart and soul of the show are what make it a must-watch (and rewatch) show of 2022.

2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been on the air for over two decades, giving a voice and a safe haven for survivors around the world. However, there were times when the show felt lost.

2022 seems to have been a good year for renovating, and that is exactly what Law & Order: Special Victims Unit does towards the second half of the year. With a showrunner of many years leaving and a new one stepping in, the show has gone back to its roots.

The characters — particularly Olivia Benson and Fin Tutuola — once more feel like the ones we fell in love with years ago. The stories the show tells came back to the center of the action and reminded us why Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is still relevant today.

3. This Is Us

It is rare that a show comes along and is perfect from writing to acting, but This Is Us delivered exactly that. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to it in 2022.

The Pearson family will forever be remembered as one of the best onscreen families we have seen. Their dynamics, bonds, and even arguments made them the kind of family we can all relate to. We cried and laughed alongside them.

This Is Us Season 6 did a beautiful job wrapping up the lives of these characters and bringing closure to the fans that were by their side for many years.

4. Hacks

Usually, the first season of a show is its most memorable one, and it takes a lot for other seasons to become better. In the case of Hacks, I believe Season 2 is far superior to Season 1.

The relationship between Deborah and Ava is what makes this show so special. The reality of two women working together, fighting, and caring for each other is exactly what we need more of on TV.

Hacks is the kind of show that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. It needs to go on for many seasons to keep strong women on the scene.

5. The Equalizer

There isn’t much Queen Latifah can’t do. The Equalizer is the perfect proof of that as she takes on a well-known story and gives it her special something.

Making the equalizer a woman is the best thing the show could have done. It opens the floor for representation in a way we don’t usually see it: a female action hero.

The Equalizer touches upon the tropes of family (blood or found), female empowerment, and friendship — all topics we cannot get tired of.

6. Our Flag Means Death

When it comes to portraying pirates, most of them are disliked for being evil and causing harm. However, Our Flag Means Death came on to change the narrative and give us a new reality.

The show gives us the representation that was lacking and introduces characters many of us in the LGBTQ+ community can relate to. From non-binary pirates to pirates falling in love with each other, we had a bit of everything in every episode.

Our Flag Means Death gives us comedy, romance, adventure, and a little bit of crime.

7. A League of Their Own

Just like Our Flag Means Death, A League of Their Own gives us an enormous amount of representation that we will be thankful for and remember for a very long time.

These characters make many of us feel seen for the first time. Their storylines, character development, and emotions are what helped us connect with what the show was trying to do: show the reality of the queer community during a time when it was a crime.

A League of Their Own also gives us one of the most emotional scenes of 2022, reminding us how far the LGBTQ+ community has come and the work we must continue to do. It is the perfect example of why we need representation.

8. The Sex Lives of College Girls

The idea of women having sex always seems to be taboo, but The Sex Lives of College Girls breaks that in a way that makes young women feel empowered in their sexuality.

By showcasing strong female friendships, exploring sexual orientation, and discussing sex openly, the show brings realistic situations to the screen. Even though The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 2 has only aired for a few weeks of 2022, it is still one of the best shows of the year.

Hopefully, as the season continues, we will continue to watch these women grow and accept themselves as they navigate some of the best years of their lives.

9. The Resident

Medical dramas always seem to be a hit, and The Resident is no exception to the rule. With tough cases and creative resolutions, it manages to stay relevant every week.

The great thing about The Resident is that the show doesn’t forget about the medical cases when focusing on the personal lives of the doctors. On the contrary, every episode manages to balance personal and professional life perfectly.

Conrad Hawkins and Kit Voss are two of the biggest reasons why the show works so well. Having strong, confident, and lovable characters make for a more successful show.

10. 9-1-1

If you are looking for drama, 9-1-1 will always deliver exactly that. The combination of the firehouse, police department, and call center is what makes this show so great.

The storylines combine each area of the show perfectly, making the characters not only interact with one another but create a support system that makes the stories even better. With multiple plot twists per episode, 9-1-1 manages to always keep us on edge.

The development of Henrietta Wilson during 9-1-1 Season 6 is what particularly makes this show one of the best ones of 2022.

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What were your favorite TV shows this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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