Top Streaming TV Shows in 2022
By Jan Crystal
From Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” to Euphoria-style photoshoots, streaming shows in 2022 not only inspired us, but also billions of social media posts and artistic creations. We are breaking down the standout shows of 2022 (plus a few from 2021 ) that we cannot forget!
Paris, France - June 27, 2022: Living room with lights and alphabets on the wall in Stranger Things Pop-up store on avenue Champs Elysees, Photo by Davidzean | Dreamstime
Stranger Things
“Stranger Things” is a no-brainer at number 1 on our list. The Netflix phenomenon took 2022 by storm with its increasingly intense storyline and clever use of 80s music. “Running Up That Hill” was used for countless Instagram and Tiktok videos and became the anthem of the summer.
Season 4 added onto the previous season’s political message, with a big chunk of the storyline taking place in 1980s Soviet Union. The season also resonated with fans by touching on the effects of bullying. The multiple story lines that eventually come together are characteristic of the show, keeping us guessing until the end. Season 4 did not disappoint and was bigger and badder than any of the previous seasons.
Euphoria
“Euphoria” Season 2 on HBO also became an internet phenomenon. Who didn’t want a Euphoria-themed portrait at the beginning of 2022?
In the HBO series, Zendaya plays teen addict Rue Bennett, who takes us along her Narcotics Anonymous meetings and her relationship with Jules. This season also brought us Cassie’s famous bathroom meltdown and a drama-filled New Years Eve party.
Photo by Faiz Zaki | Dreamstime
Squid Game
“Squid Game” was another Netflix phenomenon, premiering in September 2021. From the heart pounding suspense, to our constant rooting for the good guys and girls, we loved every episode of this series, along with the viral memes.
There is great anticipation for Season 2. Spoiler alert: we can’t wait to see what happens if Seong Gi-hun returns to the game and the action and drama that will come of it!
Only Murders In The Building
Hulu’s Season 2 of “Only Murders In The Building” wraps up the cliffhanger ending of the previous season plus gives us a second murder suspect. In season 2, we watch Charles-Haden, Oliver and Mabel try to discover the murderer of Bunny Folger. This season of “Only Murders” made our list with its many moving parts and juicy murder motives.
House of the Dragon
HBO's 2022 “Game of Thrones” spinoff, based on the novels, brought us back to Westeros. “House of the Dragon” is based on the book “Fire & Blood”, set centuries before “Game of Thrones”.
GoT fans were able to continue their fascination with the series, although “House” has its own identity and smaller cast than GoT. House takes place during a time of civil war between Targaryen family members. The series unfolds as rulers of Westeros engage in war with plenty of bloodshed and political tactics to make us want more.
Rhaenyra Targaryen in “House of the Dragon” on HBO, Photo by Dom Slike / Alamy Stock Photo
Making The Cut
“Making The Cut” Season 3 on Prime Video streamed in 2022 with a diverse group of uber talented designers. While the show only took place in Los Angeles (unlike the first season which took place in Paris, Tokyo and New York) it was still an exciting season.
We loved the diversity and range of the cast, including designers from Brazil, China, London and a Swiss designer who creates strictly white garments. Although we missed watching the banter and friendly competition between Tim & Heidi in the first season, the third season still delivered with innovative fashion and a loveable cast.
The Rings of Power
“The Lord of the Rings” fans were given the Prime Video series “The Rings of Power” in 2022. The series was set thousands of years before “The Hobbit” and showed familiar and new characters with the mission to confront evil on Middle-Earth.
Photo by Aleksandar Ilic | Dreamstime
The series brought to life the famous Misty Mountains, Elf capital of Lindon, and grand kingdom of Númenor. The prequel scored 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and made it on our list as part of an iconic book and movie franchise.
Never Have I Ever
Season 3 of Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” from Mindy Kaling heated up screens the summer of 2022. With high school popularity drama to the rivalry between Paxton and Ben, this show is a favorite of ours.
This season, Devi and Paxton are officially a couple and as such, Devi sees her social status and jealousy of other students rise. Many of us can identify with the diverse and cultured characters of “Never Have I Ever” and the struggles they face in the dating world.5
Queer Eye
Season 6 of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” which streamed in December 2021 took place in Austin, Texas where the cast continued their quest to turn the red states pink. The season’s heroes included a Western dance instructor, a farm owner catering to rescued animals and a transgender fitness trainer.
This show is not only inspiring to watch, but educational and hilarious. Season 6 touched on the topics of body image, age, gender and accepting when it is time to ask for help. If you are looking for a feel-good comedy and have not yet watched “Queer Eye”, we recommend you give it a try!
Photo by LCVA | Dreamstime
Bridgerton
“Bridgerton” on Netflix was also a standout show of 2022. Although this season did not have fan-favorite “Duke of Hastings”, it was an equally intriguing season to watch. “The Sharmas” added a new dimension of sisterhood and feminism to the show, which coincided with the revealed writer behind “Lady Whistledown”.
Although we love watching Regé-Jean Page in any role, we were still impressed by Bridgerton’s second season.
The Bachelorette
Bachelor Nation came out with yet another twist with the latest season of “The Bachelorette” on ABC & Hulu in 2022. This time, 2 bachelorettes were selected to find love among a group of eligible bachelors. While viewers were shocked at how each woman fared in their search for love, the support both bachelorettes had for each other is what we enjoyed watching most.
The last two years were undeniably great years for television. We cannot wait to see what the shows in 2023 will bring, along with the viral music and memes! What was your personal favorite for 2022? Let us know in the comments!
Sources:
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a34097214/euphoria-season-2-news-cast-spoilers-date/
https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/only-murders-in-the-building-season-2-ending-explained/?amp
https://gizmodo.com/everything-we-know-about-house-of-the-dragon-1847808778
https://people.com/tv/never-have-i-ever-season-3-everything-to-know/
