Don’t say you have nothing to watch until you’ve seen this whole list.
8 Must-See Shows You May Have Missed in 2022
Don’t say you have nothing to watch until you’ve seen this whole list.
2022 was a great year for all things entertainment, some would go as far as saying too good… Too good in a sense that a ridiculous amount of incredible shows flew under the radar – which works in our favour especially if we’re in need of a new series to watch.
From the thrilling series Tokyo Vice to the comedic Abbott Elementary, here are eight shows to stream that we’re fairly certain you haven’t yet watched (well, at least not all of them).
1. Severance
Where can I watch it? AppleTV+
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that symbolise the manipulative effects of new-age technology (like Black Mirror), then we can say with certainty that Severance will have you glued to the couch as soon as you press play. Directed by Ben Stiller, Severance is about the lives of office workers who have all undergone a procedure that divides their minds and memories into two parts: work life and personal life. Severance explores themes of nostalgia and modern office culture, along with the struggle for work-life balance under the guise of capitalism.
2. Bad Sisters
Where can I watch it? AppleTV+
Bad Sisters is an adaptation of The Out-Laws – the Belgian series by Malin-Sarah Gozin. Set in Ireland, this incredibly dark comedy tells the story of the Garvey Sisters who are tied together by a premature death in the family. Bad Sisters shows the sinister lengths family members will go to protect each other, no matter what the repercussions may be. Prepare yourself for facetious bursts of laughter and mind-boggling confusion as more information around the premature death in the family is revealed.
3. Abbott Elementary
Where can I watch it? Disney+
If you’re a fan of The Office, you probably never thought you’d find a show as hilarious and charming as it ever again. Prepare to make room for a new favourite show with Abbott Elementary. This comedic mockumentary takes place in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Documenting the lives of a group of teachers who try their best to make sure their students succeed in life. Good luck trying not to laugh or at least not crack a smile through an episode, Abbott Elementary is packed full of rapid-fire jokes, immaculate comic timing and flawless acting.
4. The Rehearsal
Where can I watch it? Sky Go
Prepare to gain strange new insights into the human psyche with Nathan Fielder's latest show: The Rehearsal. Following the success of Fielder’s show Nathan For You in 2010, Nathan is back with a hilariously bizarre docudrama. The Rehearsal explores the outlandish lengths people will go to just to reduce unavoidable outcomes that occur in everyday life. Fielder stars as the director of rehearsals: elaborately staged scenarios that recreate parts of ordinary people's lives to help them prepare for a big moment that is actually going to happen. This insane show will leave you wondering “can you really prepare for anything?”.
5. Tokyo Vice
Where can I watch it? Prime
Think Narcos… based in Japan…in the 90s… with the yakuza. Loosely inspired by a true story, Tokyo Vice follows the life of Jake Adelstein, an American Journalist who plunges into the neon-soaked underbelly of late 90’s Tokyo. This 8-part series perfectly balances moments of darkness with humour and displays strong chemistry between the actors from the get-go. Take a deep-dive into a part of Japan that the western-side doesn’t often see, following the capital’s hustle and bustle of the Yakuza in the underworld. Directed by Michael Mann who brought you ‘Heat’ and ‘Miami Vice’, Tokyo Vice will satisfy both your crime-thriller and Japan wanderlust cravings.
6. Single Drunk Female
Where can I watch it? Disney+
If you’re a Fleabag fan, get ready to thank us for introducing you to Single Drunk Female. Follow the life of Samantha Fink, a 20-something alcoholic, who has recently moved back home after losing her job. Samantha must now adjust to life as she lives with her emotionally unavailable mother and works in a supermarket. This poignant coming-of-age show takes us on Samantha’s painfully honest journey of recovery, and while emotional, is still full of comedic moments. Single Drunk Female explores the phenomenon of alcoholism among young women without bordering the line of intervention, as Samantha experiences adversity with addiction, while still remaining a ‘regular’ person.
7. Heartstopper
Where can I watch it? Netflix
If Call Me By Your Name tugged at your heart strings, get ready for the unexpected romance that occurs in Heartstopper. Watch soft-spoken Charlie and footy-fan Nick quickly discover that their unlikely friendship is blossoming into something much more romantic. Heartstopper is a charmingly earnest show about self discovery and acceptance that focuses on the emotional dimensions of relationships, allowing the audience to further connect with the characters as they navigate young love. Let this sweet coming-of-age story make you laugh, cry and even cringe at times with its innocent sweetness.
8. Pachinko
Where can I watch it? AppleTV+
Adapted from the New York Times Bestseller by Min Jin Lee, creator Soo Hugh’s series Pachinko succinctly captures the hopes and dreams of Korean immigrant families. Pachinko is an explicit representation that honours how Koreans were affected by Japanese colonisation in the 20th century. With each episode feeling like a feature film in itself, be completely immersed in the poignant stories of Korean families who tried to keep their households alive during this time. This eight-episode season is a beautiful depiction of historical events and the effect they had on family relationships.
