In the words of “New Girl” character Nick Miller, “it’s perfectly fine to watch TV all day.” Indeed, in 2022 with the plethora of options available from different streaming services, television networks and cable channels, it felt like we really could watch shows 24/7. In the era of too much TV, some shows stood out from the rest. They provided laughs and gasps, and as always, compelled us to click on the next episode (or for better or worse, making us wait until next week). Here are the top five TV shows of 2022, as recommended by the unofficial Pop Culture Critic of the UWM Post.
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Perhaps the biggest surprise of 2022 was the return of the network TV comedy “Abbott Elementary”. Creator and star, Quinta Brunson, single-handedly saved the genre by bringing us a TV show reminiscent of “Parks and Recreation” through its mockumentary format and sunny tone while making something entirely new. “Abbott Elementary” is perhaps the most accurate show about school on TV (unlike Riverdale), tackling subjects such as budget cuts and gifted programs all while giving us laughs through its incredible cast of characters. Perhaps Janelle James’ out-of-touch Ava Colemen is the most hilarious, but then again, there’s Tyler James Williams’ Gregory Eddie, who may be in the best will-they-won’t-they relationship with Brunson’s Janine since Jim and Pam from The Office. Now in its second season with no signs of stopping, I hope “Abbott Elementary” never graduates off of our screens.
Essential Episode: “Desking” (Season 1, Episode 11)
Barry (HBO)
After a nearly three-year hiatus, “Barry” came back with a (literal) bang. Season three was somehow the funniest and the scariest yet, pushing the limits of the Shakespearian tragicomedy while giving us some of the best Hollywood satire on TV. Star, writer and director Bill Hader is truly the genius behind the madness, giving us a character we root for yet despise at the same time. But it’s not just Hader’s Barry, every other actor is firing on all cylinders as well. Sara Goldberg was magnificent as Barry’s ex-girlfriend, Sally, who flirted with success in Hollywood before things took a dark turn. Henry Winkler’s Gene Cousineau attempted redemption, but did he ultimately achieve it? And Anthony Carrigan’s NoHo Hank still managed to be cheery despite his seemingly doomed romance with his new beau. “Barry” truly defies genres–what other show could tell a story about a hitman seeking redemption through Hollywood so effectively? The best thing about the show is that I have no idea where it will take us next–but I will happily sit on my couch to find out.
Essential Episode: “710N” (Season 3, Episode 6)
Cobra Kai (Netflix)
What the premise lacks in creativity is more than makes up with character development. “Cobra Kai” is a revival of the beloved 80s movie franchise “The Karate Kid” that follows former All-Valley Champ Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and OG antagonist Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) as they essentially bestow their decades-old karate feud onto their children. Now in its fifth season, “Cobra Kai” keeps getting better with every installment. This season saw “Karate Kid III” antagonist Terry Silver (Ian Thomas Griffith) go full Bond Villain as he attempts to achieve his goal of taking over the entire valley world with his teaching style of karate by any means necessary.
Although it sounds ridiculous, there is a surprising amount of character growth and big plots resolved after what feels like years of waiting. Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and Robby (Tanner Buchanan) fix their feud (through a karate fight, natch!), Sam (Mary Mouser) and Tory (Peyton List) seem to be mending their relationship (also through karate!) and Johnny and Daniel finally join alliances after literally decades of fighting over a karate tournament. Even “Karate Kid II” villain Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) comes back and gets a much deserved-redemption arc (and is probably the stealth MVP of the entire season). The best thing about “Cobra Kai” is that it allows its characters to grow while still sticking true to themselves. And there’s a singing montage set to classic 80s throwback “Eye of the Tiger.” They say that Cobra Kai Never Dies, and once you watch it, you’ll be a fan for life.
Essential Episode: “Extreme Measures” (Season 5, Episode 5)
The Rookie (ABC)
Yes, “The Rookie” is probably your grandpa’s favorite show. But did you know that Pete Davidson is also a semi-regular guest star? “The Rookie” follows John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), the LAPD’s oldest recruit from the police academy. Though he has since graduated from being the titular Rookie, season five has seen him take on a rookie to teach on his own. It may be a network procedural, and it’s definitely a network procedural that wants to become a 20+ season staple in the likes of NCIS on CBS or #OneChicago on NBC (look no further than its new spinoff, The Rookie: Feds). However, what “The Rookie” has that others don’t is the ability to experiment with its form in new and exciting ways. Take the season four episode “Real Crime,” which sees “The Rookie” parody the Kardashians’ reality TV show format–and also have the main characters solve a murder–because, you know, they’re the best in the biz. In addition to taking creative risks, “The Rookie” is also one of the most surprising shows on TV, dropping cliffhangers like they’re no big deal and switching between comedy and drama better than any other procedural. Not only can “The Rookie” be your grandpa’s favorite show–it can be yours too.
Essential Episode: “Day in the Hole” (Season 4, Episode 22)
The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max)
With so many teen dramas out there focusing on high school (Riverdale, Gossip Girl, etc.), it’s nice to finally have a TV show that focuses on college. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” follows four roommates as they, uh, get down to business (in more ways than one). Though it may have a jarring title, “The Sex Lives of College Girls” deals with deeper themes such as coming out, financial aid, racism and sexism. It’s also one of the funniest shows out there and one of the most bingeable. Make a date with your TV to watch one of the most refreshing comedies out there right now.
Essential Episode: “The Short King” (Season 2, Episode 3)