These TV gems made sitting in front of the tele in 2022 worth the time. This was a great year for Limited Series. I watched a lot, though not everything, of course. These were my favorites.

1. THE VOW (S2)

The second and final season of this documentary series followed the federal trial of Keith Raniere and the leaders of the the NXIVM cult. It further shines light on the psychological manipulation the members underwent. This is a revealing study on what happened to the group and it’s filled with stunning revelations. And if you think this is something that could never happen to you, you may want to think again, because that’s exactly what they thought.

2. SEVERANCE (S1)

This series has brilliant directing by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle. It is a high tension psychological thriller about a company called Lumon Industries, who insists that employees must got through a severance program. This process requires that their in-work memories be separated from off-the-clock memories. It’s all good until it they all come crashing into each other and secrets surface. Starring Patricia Arquette, Adam Scott, Christopher Walken, Britt Lower, and more.

3. STRANGER THINGS (S4)

If you’re looking for a good sci-fi/horror/thriller in 2022, then this is it. The citizens of Hawkins are faced with a powerful enemy who is controlling their minds from the Upside Down World. In the meantime, over in Russia, Hopper is held in a prison, while Eleven is taken to a secret location to regain her powers. This season is explosive in all meanings of the word and never loses steam ahead of its final season in 2023. Buckle up!

4. AND JUST LIKE THAT (S1)

Sex and the City returns twelve years after its second theatrical film. This time, the ladies are navigating life in the Big Apple as they explore their sexuality in their 50s. The first episode takes a moment to find its footing, but by the end of it I was fully invested. The show feels fresh with its new characters and gives plenty for its original leading ladies to play with. Charming as always, the show is hopeful and charges forth without apologies.

5. HACKS (S2)

This hilarious look at a successful comedian trying to keep her relevance afloat before she’s washed away, returns to an even better season than the first. This time, Deborah Vance takes her stand-up comedy on the road as she desperately tries to get a contract for a special and therefore return to Vegas bigger and better than before. But things will not be so easy, as they shouldn’t. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder give sharp-edged performances, yet again, that will leave you wanting more.

6. THE STAIRCASE (Limited Series)

Toni Collette and Colin Firth give magnificently heart-wrenching performances in this limited series based on the true story of Michael Peterson, who was accused of killing his wife Kathleen after she was found dead at the bottom of their home’s staircase. It also stars Juliette Binoche as a documentary filmmaker following the case who ends up finding herself highly involved before she can realize what’s happening.

7. THE WHITE LOTUS (S2)

We’re back at The White Lotus with Jennifer Coolidge as the only S1 cast member returning for the entire season. This time they use the gorgeous backdrop of Sicily, Italy, for the hotel’s shenanigans. The intrigue and the tension builds up again as the picture-perfect guests and resort employees intertwine and begin to unravel.

8. STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS (S1)

This addition to the Star Trek universe is surprisingly one of the best. It follows Captain Pike and the crew of starship USS Enterprise exploring the galaxy ten years before Captain Kirk takes over as captain. The series moves like a modern show, but pay homage to the ways of storytelling that made this universe the phenomenon it is. Starring Rebecca Romjin, Ethan Peck, and Anson Mount.

9. 1899 (Limited Series)

A ship sails from London to New York in 1899 only to encounter an abandoned ship halfway through the voyage. As they stop to investigate they find themselves stranded by a mysterious force. This show is acted in many languages at once representing its diverse cast. It resembles Lost in its suspense filled writing, powerful acting, and brilliant directing. I highly suggest watching it in the original languages and not dubbed.

10. INVENTING ANNA (Limited Series)

Inspired by the true story of Anna Sorokin who tricked New York City’s upper class into thinking that she was a German heiress who had a large fortune in her hands. With that she is able to con them all out of millions of dollars and other goods. The show is part drama, comedy, mystery, crime, psychological thriller, basically everything at once, which quite describes Sorokin’s life.

11. THE OFFER (Limited Series)

This series gives insight into what it took to put together what is considered to be one of the best films of all time, The Godfather. The intrigue is just as strong behind-the-scenes as it was on screen. Interestingly, Paramount is at the center of the madness and this series is also produced by Paramount+. Well, they’ve got nothing to hide—bravo!

12. RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS (S7)

This is the first time RuPaul invites a group of all past winners from Drag Race to compete for the crown. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat and the queens all show up to deliver the goods with their A-game and sharpened claws. It has come to be known as one of the best seasons in all of Drag Race “herstory.”

13. WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES (Limited Series)

A insightful look at the phenomenon that was Chippendales and the crimes and intrigue that fueled the behind-the-scenes drama. Somen “Steve” Banerjee was an Indian immigrant who came to America and founded the male stripper group. But greed, pride, and lust for power sent him on a downward spiral. The eye candy is not bad, but the surprising story itself will keep you coming back.

14. CANDY (Limited Series)

Jessica Biel leads this top notch cast on a drama about real-life Candy Montgomery who was accused of killing her neighbor with an axe in Texas back in 1980. Every episode keeps you guessing and, unless you know the case already, you’ll be trying to figure out what’s happening to the very end. Biel, who also produces the series, gives a sharp and tension-filled restrained performance.

15. PAM AND TOMMY (Limited Series)

This well-crafted limited series follows the drama of the world’s most infamous sex tape by Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. The performances by Lily James and Sebastian Stan are spot on, and as much as you’d like to hate these characters you end up siding with them at the end. There’s excellent writing here capturing a moment in time when the internet was about to explode.

16. WEDNESDAY (S1)

Tim Burton dashingly directs this very entertaining reboot of The Addams Family. The new take follows Wednesday as she goes through a private school for outcasts. The show is arguably Burton’s best work in years! Starring Jenna Ortega, Gwendoline Christie, Christina Ricci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán. This is dark humor is at its best.

17. THE DROPOUT (Limited Series)

Based on the real-life crimes of Elizabeth Holmes, whose company Theranos lied to its investors and consumers about the biotechonology it promised to have. With a powerful performance by Amanda Seyfried, this thriller is full of heart pumping adrenaline in its fast-paced writing.

18. UNSOLVED MYSTERIES (S3)

This documentary crime series is better than ever. Everything from unexplained murders, disappearances, paranormal events, and more are explored this time around. The cases are captivating and at times jaw dropping. The best part about this reboot is the wider variety of cases they cover. They kept the flavor of the original series, but updated it to a whole new level.

19. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: NYC (S11)

This show gets more and more interesting with every season. It unabashedly changes its structure while maintaining its core, and surprises me every time. This year, the horror surrounds around the AIDS epidemic of the 80s and its devastating toll on the gay community. Zachary Quinto, Patti LuPone, and Sandra Bernhard return.

20. DEAD TO ME (S3–Final Season)

With layer upon layer, this quirky series follows the lives of two women, played by Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, who befriend each other under unconventional circumstances. They are brought together at a grief counseling group. Their friendship brings about all kinds of chaos and this final season is the best of them all.