Two years of COVID cancellations and last-minute location changes caused mayhem in the TV industry in 2020 and 2021, yet both years still produced some stellar TV offerings.
2022 was, subsequently, the first ‘normal’ year in television since 2019 - and what a year it was for the small screen. Aside from the tasteless Dahmer docuseries and the ever-insulting abomination that is The Crown, I thoroughly enjoyed the TV offerings created this year.
As the medium approaches its 80th anniversary, let’s take a look back at some of Lord Ping’s favourite TV shows of 2022.
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The White Lotus
This dark comedy was something of a sleeper hit when it premiered in July 2021, but it has quickly become one of the best shows on television.
Portraying the exploits of a group of vacationers in paradise, the series begins to unravel as macabre complexities arise. Without giving away too much, I can say that The White Lotus is stunningly directed, wonderfully acted, and perfectly cast.
The second series was filmed in the picturesque sunshine of Sicily, and its stunning location is the perfect juxtaposition for its bizarre, almost surreal twists.
The Bear
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Hulu’s The Bear prior to viewing, but the series is one of the very best of recent years. The show follows the trials and tribulations of young chef Carmen ‘’Carmy’’ Berzatto - a high-flying chef working in New York City. Upon the suicide of his older brother, he returns to his hometown of Chicago to run the family sandwich shop.
The simple, charming premise sets the tone for a heartfelt, genuine, TV offering that is sure to both make you laugh and pull at your heartstrings.
Gordon Ramsey’s Next Level Chef
Gordon Ramsey has become a TV icon in the last couple of years - attaining a level of Transatlantic success that most actors would dream of.
Next Level Chef is similiar in format to his smash-hit Hell’s Kitchen, aside from the fact that this new show doesn’t take place in a restaurant full of paying customers.
Ramsey may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I couldn't enough of this high-octane culinary show, and I hope that this promising series runs for at least a few more seasons.
The Responder
Martin Freeman showcased his impressive versatility with his performance in BBC’s The Responder, a series detailing a police officer’s emotional troughs. Faced with a daily bombardment of grim situations, Chris Carson (Freeman) begins to wonder if blue-light life is even worth it.
The former Office actor has come a long way from putting Gareth Keenan’s stapler in a block of jelly, and is now considered one of the best actors in Britain.
This Is Going To Hurt
Based on Adam Kay’s best-selling book of the same name, the medical series This Is Going To Hurt depicts an industry that played a vital role in the fight against COVID-19.
Following the manic life of a junior doctor, This Is Going To Hurt sheds light on just how hard one has to work to work in healthcare. Faced with an overworked, under-resourced staff, the protagonist (Ben Whishaw) invites into his world with a series of fourth-wall breaks and a highly emotive performance.
This Is Going To Hurt isn’t just one of the best TV series of the year, but it’s also one of the most relevant and important.
2022 has been a solid year for television, and I sincerely hope that next year builds upon the greatness we’ve witnessed.
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