Alicia’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2022

2022 was a year of epic comfort television.

Whether it was basking in the heat of the kitchen, chilling with chaotic ghosts, or enjoying comedy in the darker corners of streaming, I had a blast broadening my horizons (and putting my faith in a couple of fierce warrior nuns).

However, this year was not without its loss. As I drafted this list of impactful shows, at least two series were canceled for increasingly trivial reasons. But I celebrate them anyway, knowing good TV never entirely leaves us. 

In no particular order, here are 10 TV shows that left an impression with their side-splitting cold-opens, captivating characters, and undeniable heart.

1. Ghosts (CBS)

What can I say about Ghosts that I don’t already shout from the rooftops every day?

Its silly, spirited escapism conjures feelings of comfort and camaraderie while leaning into the problematic paranormal activity that gives this show its adorable edge.

Ghosts aligns with so many niche interests of mine as a paranormal sitcom; it gives the unique sense it was made specifically for me to seek comfort in. It is the show that supports you after a long day, the show whose comedic beats can fill the silence without asking for anything in return.

This all-star ensemble has such chemistry they make it impossible to choose favorites. However, it doesn’t take much; one loud word from Thorfinn or a backhanded comment from Hetty, and you’re ready to switch allegiances.

Confident in its lovable chaos, the sitcom has good bones and even better intentions as it juggles heartwrenching character backstories and cabin fever-induced quests.

It’s an honor to cover this sitcom weekly, as no show makes me laugh more than Ghosts.

2. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (CNN)

If it has Stanley Tucci in it, I will watch it with zero questions asked.

But Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy isn’t a show to question; it is a show to experience. The travel docu-series explores the emotional depths of Italy’s kitchen scene through stunning filmography and an intoxicating melding pot of culture.

Tucci’s charisma and sincerity help ease the pain of Anthony Bourdain’s absence, not by infringing on the chef’s legacy but by continuing his exploration of humanity through food as a guest in these spaces rather than an a-list celebrity.

My dad and I stumbled across this series late one Sunday night. Now, we look forward to sitting in comfortable silence and watching Tucci as he guides viewers through cheese tastings and pasta demonstrations.

Not because this is groundbreaking television but because it requires nothing of you to enjoy its simplicity.

3. Warrior Nun (Netflix)

Warrior Nun is proof that expanding your TV horizons can be downright delightful.

The concept of nuns fighting demons with a mystical halo is not an easy sell in a sea of streaming fantasy. However, what Netflix’s lack of promotion is not telling you about this show is it’s so much more — and so much fun!

It celebrates women, sexuality, and empowerment through amusing Buffy, slayer-like shenanigans. Ava, the lead, is portrayed through a refreshing lens of selfishness and self-awareness. She also has a kick-ass super suit and lots of slow-mo entrances.

The women of this sisterhood are vibrant individuals with desires and needs they explore alongside a mission to serve humanity. This show is about nuns, but it hardly shies away from exploring the church’s history through its campy sci-fi lens.

It’s effortless fun, the characters are so compelling, and at the heart of every female dynamic (especially Beatrice and Ava’s) is a love story worth exploring. Alas, our fierce warriors weren’t strong enough to conquer cancellation, but they went down swinging.

4. Moon Knight (Disney+)

The Oscar Isaac cinematic universe is something to behold.

Moon Knight is the weirdest TV endeavor to come out of Marvel’s bloated slate. Still, this oddball Egyptian adventure has left an impression thanks to a lead capable of infusing heart into his outrageous characters.

This trippy vigilante therapy session is entirely too unhinged and unconcerned with apologizing for its absurdity. Instead, this ambitious adventure thriller embraces chaos as the perspective dances between Marc and Steven.

Isaac must hold the record for the fastest you will fall in love with a character. Steven is a bumbling British dork who stumbles through this crazy world, saying things like “Laters Gators.” But it is Isaac’s final character reveal that proves jaw-dropping.

And I must acknowledge Layla El-Faouly, the only woman lead, who solidifies the Scarlet Scarab as a kickass, mummy-fighting Egyptian superhero.

5. Severance (Apple TV+)

Sci-fi thrillers are not my forte, but as a fan of Night at the Museum and Parks and Recreation, a Ben Stiller/Adam Scott team-up was too enticing to pass up.

It’s a decision I would regret as Severance slowly chipped away at my sanity with its polarizing sets and unnerving pace. Then, when it seemed the lack of conflict would push me away for good, a shocking revelation rudely pulled me back in.

Beyond an environment designed to stress viewers out is a staggering commentary on work-life balance and a sci-fi concept that isn’t far off from the workplace grief we currently deal with.

Not to mention, the season ends with one of the most effective finale cliffhangers in the history of television. My heart is still pounding!

Severance is difficult to love, but at its core, it is a satirical workplace comedy unlike anything else you will watch.

6. Titans (HBO Max)

Titans has all the trappings of a guilty pleasure show with its comforting balance of angsty drama and light-hearted cringe.

The gloomy Gotham series doesn’t take itself as seriously as a Batman property should, and I love that. The show struggles with story pacing, but its characters are ridiculously compelling with their off-brand comedy and comic-book personas.

The show is impeccably cast, from Anna Diop’s Starfire to Brenton Thwaites’ charming Dick Grayson. His no-nonsense attitude and her captivating confidence make them one of the best crimefighters couples on TV.

Dick’s refusal to take superhero lore seriously, even after a magical pit resurrected him, and Joseph Morgan’s arrival as the new big bad, has made this season a delight.

And I’ll never grow tired of watching Nightwing wave those glowing batons around. He’s such a circus dork, but he’s our circus dork.

7. The Bear (FX)

Sometimes you don’t need the humor to do anything more than echo how stressful the human experience is, and The Bear accomplishes that methodically.

The scrappy series echoes Shameless, but for the most part, it charts unscorched ground. A rarity these days in television.

Not only does this dark horse comedy capture the soul-crushing essence of working in public service, but it also transforms the daily stressors and grievances of the food industry into comfort content that makes my heart incredibly happy.

There’s rarely a deeper plot, and the mob storylines are a fun side quest this show has no desire to go on. So instead, we spend our days following Carmy into the deep end of his brother’s failing restaurant.

The physical, punchy sarcasm is intoxicating to watch as stand-out Ayo Edebiri’s Sydney goes toe-to-toe with Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Richie in the most epic of shouting, stabbing matches. But the words left unsaid threaten to derail this comedy in emotionally powerful ways.

Also, The Bear cooking up a cheeky Jon Bernthal cameo and going nearly undetected by The Punisher fans is somewhat iconic behavior.

8. The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)

Some of my greatest summer memories were spent lounging in front of the TV late at night, watching an angsty teen drama.

The Summer I Turned Pretty is the sweetest of summer nostalgia trips in this regard. Adapted by author Jenny Han, this story has all the trademark swooning of her To All the Boys films with a new cast of heartbreaking heartthrobs.

Cousins Beach is a cinematic haven of pastels romance with beach parties, volleyball tournaments, and sunset bike rides. And a good old fashion love triangle that allows me to unapologetically root for the tortured walking red flag — Team Conrad, all the way!

But this summer series shines in the phenomenal teen-geared soundtrack that pulls from Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Olivia Rodrigo’s discographies to ensure we are emotionally manipulated at every crossroads in Belly’s love affair.

There’s no need to fight the current on this one. I can just lay back and let the soft waves of teenage nostalgia whisk me away to a simpler, much cringer time.

9. Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Abbott Elementary is the definition of too cool for school.

The workplace mockumentary is in a class of its own, thanks to comedy that focuses on situational humor rather than mockery at the expense of its hard-working staff.

Abbott Elementary finds light, humility, and friendship in the chaos of public education. There isn’t much this ensemble cannot do. On-point pop culture references, check. Chaotic yet redeemable characters, check. An agonizing slow-burn relationship, check check.

Whether it’s Ava terrorizing Gregory as a sub, Barbara’s celebrity mix-up cold open, or a Leslie Odom Jr. cameo, this comedy isn’t just keeping the workplace genre alive this season. Instead, it’s elevating the genre in ways NBC’s big three never could.

It is a haven for students and viewers in desperate need of authenticity. This comedy isn’t above teaching us a lesson about good storytelling while indulging its ensemble of scene-stealing performers.

10. Wednesday (Netflix)

Wednesday is a kooky, spooky good time.

The series has Jenna Ortega to thank for resurrecting this killer icon respectfully. Her Wednesday Addams is empathetic (to a point), but her unblinking stare and cold delivery assure fans the psychopath is very much alive and thriving.

This teen supernatural drama simmers effortlessly within Burton’s moody landscape. Wednesday’s wacky family and murderous angst were made to inhabit a setting like Nevermore Boarding School. It feels like the next meaningful step in their story evolution.

Casting goes a long way with this tasteful Addams Family iteration. Present day or flashback, each actor brings a stunning physicality to the role, and Gwendoline Christie is a welcoming new addition to their oddball fold as headmistress.

Everyone understands the assignment, from performance to costume design.

Wednesday‘s diabolical teen angst digs the franchise a fresh grave in its old stomping grounds. It’s difficult not to snap twice for that!

—

What TV shows from 2022 make your list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Alicia’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2021