Nowadays, it seems like every show people are finishing are shows that can be binged on streaming services. When I moved into my first solo apartment in January of this year, I ditched the cable and found other ways to catch up with the local, national, and international news (hi Google and Instagram).
As my journey of living alone began, my journey of binging shows on streaming services like my life depended on it began too.
This is a list that solely consists of the ten best shows I finished in 2022, available on streaming platforms. Of course, this is all based on my personal preferences.
Schitt’s Creek
Original Air Date: January 13, 2015
Number of Seasons: 6
Main Characters: David Rose (Dan Levy), Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy), Alexis Rose (Annie Murphy), Moira Rose (Catherine O’Hara)
Streaming Network: Hulu
My Thoughts: I honestly wish I recorded my initial reaction to the ending of this series because I was simply UNWELL. This may sound weird, but I found my entire personality in every character on Schitt’s Creek. Now I understand why it swept award seasons in 2020 and 2021. The Levys created something phenomenal with this show, and now most of my Etsy cart is full of Schitt’s Creek merchandise. An obsession. You must watch it.
Wednesday
Original Air Date: November 23, 2022
Number of Seasons: 1 (at the time of this writing)
Main Character: Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega)
Streaming Network: Netflix
My Thoughts: I raved about this show when I listed the Best Distractions of 2022, and it deserves all of the hype it’s getting. This is one of Jenna Ortega’s best works, and considering she’s only in her early 20s, I can’t wait to see what the rest of her career looks like. Every single person in this cast absolutely killed it, and the post-production team did a phenomenal job with editing.
Heartstopper
Original Air Date: April 22, 2022
Number of Seasons: 1 (at the time of this writing)
Main Characters: Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), Charlie Spring (Joe Locke)
Streaming Network: Netflix
My Thoughts: This love story stays in my mind, rent-free. The chemistry between the two actors is UNMATCHED and had me, a cis-heterosexual woman, feeling all the feels. I was squirming because I literally felt like I was intruding. Absolutely beautiful, oh my goodness.
Sex Education
Original Air Date: January 11, 2019
Number of Seasons: 3 (at the time of this writing)
Main Characters: Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey), Eric Effiong (Ncuti Gatwa)
Streaming Network: Netflix
My Thoughts: Another UK show I absolutely love. I did a more in-depth writing about this show where I share all the random notes I took while I indulged in every episode. Not only is this show incredibly educational, but the chemistry between every member of the cast, no matter how twisted the story, is absolutely beautiful. You can sense the family vibes that I’m sure are present off camera.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Original Air Date: August 18, 2022
Number of Seasons: 1 (at the time of this writing)
Main Character: Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk (Tatiana Maslany)
Streaming Network: Disney+
My Thoughts: This is another show I took notes on and shared in a previous writing, so I won’t dive too deep into my admiration for Jennifer Walters. For some reason, this show has bad reviews from the audience, and I wonder if it’s because it’s a female-led show, which is why I love it. From the writing to the directing to the casting, women are at the forefront, and I think it’s beautiful.
Partner Track
Original Air Date: August 26, 2022
Number of Seasons: 1 (as of this writing)
Main Characters: Ingrid Yun (Arden Cho), Jeff Murphy (Dominic Sherwood), Rachel Friedman (Alexandra Turshen), Tyler Robinson (Bradley Gibson)
Streaming Network: Netflix
My Thoughts: Speaking of female leads, Arden Cho absolutely KILLS her role on this show. The chemistry between her and Dominic Sherwood makes me squirm in a good way (definitely not going into detail there). Important topics on representation are consistently brought up among a slightly diverse cast. Honestly, watching this makes me want to read the book. Though I don’t understand legal jargon, I thoroughly enjoyed this show.
The Ranch
Original Air Date: April 1, 2016
Number of Seasons: 8
Main Characters: Colt Bennett (Ashton Kutcher), Beau Bennett (Sam Elliott), Jameson “Rooster” Bennett (Danny Masterson), Abby Phillips-Bennett (Elisha Cuthbert)
Streaming Network: Netflix
My Thoughts: Honestly, I have no clue what compelled me to watch this show, but I’m happy I did. Sometimes it was a comedy, and sometimes it was a drama. There were a couple of moments where I got severely teary-eyed. For a second, I forgot how amazing of an actor Ashton Kutcher is, and this show reminded me of his phenomenal acting skills. Again, the chemistry between the entire cast is so incredibly heartwarming.
An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts
Original Air Date: October 27, 2021
Number of Seasons: 2
Main Characters: Alice Bassi (Claudia Gusmano), Davide Sardi (Michele Rosiello), Tio (Lorenzo Adorni)
Streaming Network: Netflix
My Thoughts: The best not-my-native-language show I watched this year. In case you haven’t noticed the pattern, the chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS. I was literally sweating as I watched this show because I needed the characters to get their lives together. Such, such, such a good show, and such a fantastic casting selection. It’s also just a very visually appealing show with unique post-production editing.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Original Air Date: February 23, 2022
Number of Seasons: 1 (at the time of this writing)
Main Characters: too many to name so we’re going to stick with one — Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt)
Streaming Network: Disney+
My Thoughts: In a time of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time, there are a lot of shows getting a reboot, and this is the best reboot to come out this year. The transition into relating it to today’s culture, especially the Black culture, was seamless. I got so excited when I recognized the voice of a Black actor I like, and I felt so seen by simply watching my culture be represented accurately and beautifully in this show. So freaking amazing.
The Outsiders
Original Air Date: September 23, 2021
Number of Seasons: n/a
Main Characters: n/a
Streaming Network: YouTube (free as a YouTube Originals)
My Thoughts: This is an unforgettable nonfictional work available for anyone to watch on YouTube, and I hope everyone watches it. It’s so groundbreaking and informative, and just like the previously mentioned show, it showcases the culture so well. I felt seen and heard, and I hope YouTube is around for me to show this series to my kids. This show is Black culture, told by several people from all over the world.
If you’re looking for something to binge or get you through boredom on any day, I highly recommend checking out any of the shows on this list. I binged many televisions shows this year and brought you the best so you don’t have to guess.
