Oddly enough, we can already look forward to 2022 and all the stories that await us on the small screen. Trust us; there are a lot. There are plenty of fan-favorites finally returning for their highly-anticipated next seasons. Plus, various new shows will surely take us by storm in the new year.
The TV landscape continues to expand so that there truly is something for everyone. This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of what you may want to watch live, record, or stream in 2022, but it is an excellent place to start. The Fangirlish team has plenty of recommendations!
These shows are in order from the most recent premiere date. Those dates are subject to change, so keep an eye out!
This Is Us
Being excited about This Is Us‘s return is a double-edged sword because it’ll be its final season. After six seasons, the Pearson family’s story will end in the new year. It’s a shame to see this show go, but we are lucky to have spent the last few years getting to watch this drama. The Pearsons became an extension of our own family somewhere along the way.
Dan Fogelman created a show that captured hearts through its earnest storytelling and brilliant performances from its ensemble. This Is Us is worth all the awards it gets and all the tissues we use when watching it. We’re sure this final season will be filled with award-worthy moments and tear-shed ones, too. It’s all a part of the beautiful ride that is This Is Us.
This Is Us Season 6 premieres Tuesday, January 4 at 9/8c on NBC.
Good Sam
The world could always use another medical drama, and no, we are not being sarcastic. Procedural dramas are all the rage for a reason. That statement becomes truer when said medical drama stars Sophia Bush and Jason Isaacs. Good Sam‘s premise makes it sound as though this show could very well be one of our favorites of 2022.
Good Sam follows Dr. Sam Griffith, a gifted heart surgeon who excels in her new role as chief of surgery after her renowned boss falls into a coma. Eventually, that boss wakes up and tasks Sam with supervising him despite his inability to acknowledge her talents. Did we mention that Sam’s boss, Dr. Rob “Griff” Griffith, is Sam’s father?
Good Sam premieres Wednesday, January 5 at 10/9c on CBS.
Euphoria
Euphoria will return for its highly-anticipated second season in January, and we are on the edge of our seats to watch the next chapter of this story. The trailer demonstrates how Jules and Rue’s breakup lingers over the season as they both deal with that separation in their own ways. Season 2 occurs after the two specials that acted as character studies of both Rue and Jules, stunningly performed by Zendaya and Hunter Schafer.
Sam Levinson‘s stylistic teen drama always finds a way to surprise us, and we know Season 2 will be no different. Moreover, we look forward to seeing what Emmy-Winner Zendaya will bring to the small screen as Rue grapples with more changes in her life. The entire Euphoria cast brings excellence to the show, grounding the material in surprising ways. So make sure you renew your HBO/HBO Max subscription before it returns.
Euphoria Season 2 premieres Sunday, January 9 on HBO/HBO Max.
Peacemaker
DC fans, rejoice! Peacemaker’s story continues after that end-credits scene in this year’s The Suicide Squad on a show named after him. That movie proves this character is willing to go to the most extraordinary lengths for what he thinks is peace. There is plenty of grey area to explore there, and John Cena is more than eager for the job.
There’s still much to learn about Peacemaker because there’s still a lot under wraps. However, we know the show as a great cast with Danielle Brooks as Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, Chukwudi Iwuji as Murn, Steve Agee as Economos, and Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith. James Gunn serves as an executive producer on Peacemaker, wrote all eight episodes, and directed five.
Peacemaker premieres Friday, January 13 on HBO Max.
Pam & Tommy
Pam & Tommy is an upcoming limited series that has received quite the divisive reception without a single episode dropping. This stance is understandable since the series follows Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s tumultuous and toxic (to say the least) relationship and their eventual stolen and released sex tape in the ’90s. That description barely scratches the surface of the reality of the situation.
The Hulu series stars Sebastian Stan and Lily James in the titular roles, and Seth Rogen (a producer on the series) as Rand Gauthier, the electrician who stole the tape. Stan and James are essentially unrecognizable in the teaser for Pam & Tommy. The hair and make-up team did an incredible job. Craig Gillespie, known for his work on I, Tonya, directed the eight-episode project. We’re intrigued. Are you?
Pam & Tommy premieres Wednesday, February 2 on Hulu.
Sweet Magnolias
“Sweet Magnolias Season 1 ended in quite a cliffhanger. And though, no, that isn’t the only reason fans want to return to Serenity, we can’t deny we all just want to know who was in that car and what happened to them.
Plus, we also want to see more of Maddie and Cal, figure out if we actually want Ronnie back in Dana Sue’s life and oh, yes, we want Helen to finally see Erik the way we do. Plus, there’s the kids, and probably about fifty other things we can’t even imagine are happening in Serenity, but that’s okay. We want them all. Well, most of them. We don’t really want more Bill Townsend.” — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz
Sweet Magnolias Season 2 streams on Netflix Friday, February 4.
Law & Order
Dick Wolf‘s reign over TV’s procedural drama landscape is far from over. It’s only expanding with the revival of Law & Order. Its 21st season (!!!) will join Wolf’s impressive line-up this February, and fans of the long-running series are ecstatic about the possibilities it brings. This series’ return may mean a crossover with Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler is in the cards.
As for Law & Order‘s cast, TV Guide confirmed original stars Sam Waterson will return as District Attorney Jack McCoy alongside Anthony Anderson. Variety confirmed Hugh Dancy joined the cast as an unnamed assistant district attorney. Plus, Jeffrey Donovan joins the revival as an NYPD Detective. Keep the casting news coming because we’re interested!
Law & Order Season 21 will premiere Thursday, February 24 at 8/7c on NBC.
Bridgerton
Oh, how we miss Bridgerton here at Fangirlish, and we know we aren’t alone in those feels. The first season swept us off our feet and let us believe that romance isn’t dead. The world is vibrant, the characters are complex, and the Bridgerton family has our hearts. The first season told Daphne and Simon’s story beautifully, and now it is Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma’s turn to be center stage of the upcoming marriage season.
Season 2 introduces Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Shelley Conn as Mary Sharma, and Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma to the series. They will join the existing cast we know and love. The first clip for the season came out at Netflix’s Tudum event, and we already know Jonathan Bailey and Ashley have great chemistry. Anthony and Kate’s epic romance is in good hands. We’re only annoyed we have to wait a while longer to see it on our TVs.
Bridgerton Season 2 streams on Netflix Friday, March 25.
The Lord of the Rings
“Get your Elvish translations ready, folks: We can’t have a list of anticipated series for 2022 without including Amazon Prime’s Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson may have already tackled Tolkien’s trilogy by the same name in-depth, but there is plenty more to explore about Middle Earth.
Amazon’s series will explore the Second Age, which lasted 3441 years (so, plenty of seasons are a possibility), included the forging of the One Ring, and concluded with the original defeat of Sauron. The recent Wheel of Time adaptation has proven it’s possible for Amazon to pull off beloved fantasy, and we can’t wait to see what this team, which includes at least one woman director in Charlotte Brändström, can do.” — Shana
The Lord of the Rings will premiere Friday, September 2 on Prime Video.
The Crown
The Crown continues to reign supreme over the award seasons and our hearts. This show threads the needle between reality and fiction in a way that makes this series captivating. Not to mention, its cast never fails to bring performances to the elegantly-placed table. Season 5 shakes up the cast from the last two seasons with new people stepping into the royals’ shoes. From what has been released, it appears as though this season will cover the late ’90s.
Imelda Staunton will now portray Queen Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West will play Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Lesley Manville will bring Princess Margaret to Season 5, and Jonathan Pryce will carry on the role of the Duke of Edinburgh. Deadline confirmed this season would cover Princess Diana’s bombshell BBC Panorama interview, and photos from set confirm the “revenge dress” will make an appearance.
The Crown Season 5 will stream on Netflix in November 2022.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things Season 4 still feels like a collective dream that will never come true. This show’s premiere date is still unknown, but the fact that Netflix tentatively set it for the summer of next year gives us hope. All of the teasers and the final trailer are entertaining glimpses at what’s to come, but we are ready for this spooky, fun show to return from the abyss.
The cast and crew have kept the overall premise of the season quite cryptic in interviews and updates. Honestly, we’re okay with that. We want to be surprised heading into this season, considering it’s been so long since we’ve caught up with the characters. It’d also be nice if some of our faves could catch the slightest bit of a break in Season 4, but we know that’s probably asking for too much.
Stranger Things Season 4 will stream on Netflix in summer 2022.
House of the Dragon
One thing is certain about the Game of Thrones world — it’s complex and vast. That’s why the upcoming prequel series is sure to cover a lot of ground the award-winning series didn’t. It’ll add more context to the existing series since it is based on George R.R. Martin‘s “Fire & Blood.” House of the Dragon is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, tells the story of House Targaryen.
Fans are ecstatic to learn more about a world that has captured their attention and hearts for so many years. The Targaryen dynasty is intensive and powerful, and of course, involves dragons. So what’s not to be excited about? Moreover, some are eager to know more about Emma D’Arcy‘s Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. The cast is quite large and has a lot of notable names in its roster, so we encourage you to check it out.
House of the Dragon will stream on HBO Max in 2022.
She-Hulk
“I have been a She-Hulk fan since I picked up a copy of Marvel Superheroes Secret Wars #2 in a 3-for-a-dollar comic book bag when I was 7 years old. Over the years, I’ve gradually collected almost every book in every She-Hulk run released, with only a few missing in each series. I’ve even cosplayed Shulkie in the past. To say I’m excited about finally getting a live-action adaptation of my favorite super gal is a VAST understatement.
I’m so hyped to see Tatiana Maslany bring my favorite green gal to life. After watching her play 14 unique characters on Orphan Black, playing Jen Walters and She-Hulk ought to be a breeze. Plus with a stellar supporting cast like Mark Ruffalo, Jameela Jamil, Tim Roth, and Renée Elise Goldsberry, we are in for a real treat. I’ll be rereading all my She-Hulk comics until it releases, speculating on which stories the show might draw on for inspiration. Here’s hoping we get an airdate soon!” — Ashley Thomas
She-Hulk will premiere on Disney+ in 2022.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi is a show that we can’t quite wrap our heads around because many Star Wars fans have been waiting for a project like this for years. It’s enough to buzz about how this show will reunite Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan and Hayden Christensen (!!!) as Darth Vader. Yes, this is real life, and this show will premiere on Disney+ sometime next year. We can’t wait to see how social media reacts to this show.
Deborah Chow directed the special event series that begins ten years after Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. The show finds Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi after facing his greatest defeat when his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker fell to the Dark Side. Of course, we all know that story and how Anakin becomes the insidious Sith Lord, but we don’t know what comes next — not really. Obi-Wan Kenobi will fill in the gaps, and we cannot wait.
Obi-Wan Kenobi will premiere on Disney+ in 2022.
Ted Lasso
Would it be a Fangirlish list if we didn’t take a second to get all mushy about Ted Lasso? We know the show hasn’t started production on Season 3 yet, but we know that we’re eager to see where the AFC Richmond family goes next. Now that (mostly) everyone is out of the dark forest, it’s time for a new chapter. New chapters create time and space for reflection, and plenty of the characters could use that after Season 2.
We have to know about the aftermath of all those cliffhangers, too. No matter how big or small, Ted Lasso Season 2 set everyone up for a new arc in Season 3. There is a slight time jump at the end of the season, so Season 3 will have a bit of catching up. We mainly want to know what Richmond’s first match against West Ham United will be like now that Nate is there. Is there a redemption arc in his cards? We’ll have to wait and see.
Ted Lasso Season 3 will premiere on Apple TV+ in 2022.
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Did your most anticipated shows of 2022 make our list? Let us know in the comments below!
