Here are the top ten new and returning tv shows of 2022 to watch and get excited for. 

   10. Stranger Things Season 4

One of Netflix’s most popular original series of all time, Stranger Things has built up massive anticipation for the new season. In a statement, The Duffer Brothers teased the plot saying, “We’re excited to announce the return of Hopper! Although it’s not all good news for our ‘American’; he is imprisoned far from home in the snowy wasteland of Kamchatka, where he will face dangers both human … and other. Meanwhile, back in the states, a new horror is beginning to surface, something long-buried, something that connects everything… ”

Season 3 premiered in 2019 and ended on a cliffhanger, leaving fans craving more. With everything that happened in the season three finale, it will be interesting to see how the show handles all the changes. There is a geographic distance between the characters, the kids are growing up, and Hopper is a Russian prisoner. If the trailers are any indication, the new season looks as though it will be the most dramatic one yet. 

The new season will be released in two parts. Part one will be released on May 27, and part two on July 1. 

   9. Bridgerton Season 2

With 82 million household views in the first season, Bridgerton became one of Netflix’s most successful shows ever. This season will shift the focus to Anthony, the oldest of the eight Bridgerton children, and his quest for love. 

Bridgerton combines stunning scenery and costuming with a clever and romantic plot that will leave you wishing for a time machine to transport you back to the elegance of the 1800s. While the show is a period piece it also manages to tie in modern-day music, which makes the show even more engaging and unique. 

Premieres March 25 on Netflix. 

   8. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 4

Set in 1950’s Manhattan, the show follows former housewife Midge Maisel as she builds her career as a comedian while balancing the other aspects of her life. The official synopsis for the new season reads: “It’s 1960 and change is in the air. Looking to hone her act, Midge finds a gig with total creative freedom. But her commitment to her craft – and the places it takes her – creates a rift between her and the family and friends around her.” 

For the past three seasons “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has entertained viewers with the scenery and wardrobe of New York City in the ’60s, quick-witted comedy, and touching plots. The show combines comedy with deeper storylines in the best way possible. It will be very intriguing to see where this season will take Midge’s character and how she will handle her recent success while also maintaining friendships, family, and personal relationships. 

Premiered Feb. 18 on Amazon Prime

   7. Cheer Season 2

After season one premiered, the sport of cheerleading, as well as the athletes featured in the documentary, gained global recognition. The first season wowed viewers with heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories of the team’s athletes and left off on a hopeful note of success to come for the Navarro cheerleaders. The new season not only showcases the Navarro cheer team’s fight for the Nationals title but also their competitors, Trinity Valley. Season two touches on topics such as newfound fame, COVID, former team member Jerry Harris, and the elite cheerleaders from their rival team.

Fans of the show, including myself, were left with many questions surrounding the Navarro team after its recent dramatics. The season does not shy away from addressing the tough topics and balances the drama with the more lighthearted story of the TVCC Cheer Team’s fight to get on top. The contrast between the two teams is very entertaining and provides a deeper understanding of the world of cheer. 

Premiered Jan. 12 on Netflix.  

    6. Good Sam 

This new CBS original stars Sophia Bush and Jason Isaacs. Good Sam is a medical drama about Dr. Sam Griffith, a gifted heart surgeon who thrives in her new role as chief of surgery after her esteemed boss falls into a coma. 

With “Grey’s Anatomy” coming into its final seasons, fans of medical dramas will be grateful and enjoy this new drama. The combination of compelling characters and the fact that “Good Sam” seems to rise above the run-of-the-mill network medical dramas, makes me eager to watch this entertaining new series. 

Premiered Jan. 5 with new episodes airing Wednesday nights on CBS or streaming on New episodes air Wednesday nights on CBS as well as on Paramount Plus. 

   5. The Witcher: Blood Origin

This upcoming series will serve as a prequel to the events of the hit Netflix series, The Witcher. Set 1200 years before the events of the series, Blood Origin will tell the story of the creation of the first Witcher, explore the ancient Elven civilization before its downfall, and more. 

With only two seasons out, “The Witcher” became one of Netflix’s most popular shows. If you’re a fan of the show like I am and are craving the next season, this prequel series will be perfect to tide us over until season three’s release. I suspect that this series will be as equally addicting and engrossing as “The Witcher” is. 

Premiere: TBA on Netflix

   4. House of the Dragon

Created by George R. R. Martin, House of the Dragon is set 200  years before the events of Game of Thrones. The series will tell the story of the House Targaryen. 

“Game of Thrones” enraptured viewers for eight seasons with George R. R. Martin’s thrilling world of fantasy. Now  House of the Dragon will be striving to deliver the same captivating stories and characters. It will be very interesting to see if the makers of the show will be able to create the same magic that “Game Of Thrones” had.

Premieres: TBA but on HBOMax

   3. The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window

This Netflix original series is a dark comedy that follows a broken-hearted woman (Kristen Bell) who watches the world pass by from her window. Despite being ostracised by her neighbors for being “crazy,” when Anna witnesses a gruesome murder she takes it upon herself to find out the truth. 

If you’re a fan of mysteries and thrillers but also like some comedy thrown in to relieve the tension, “The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window” is just the show to watch. If you’re also a fan of Kristen Bell’s deadpan comedic talent like I am, then there’s your perfect reason to try this slightly odd new series. 

Premiered: Jan. 28 on Netflix

   2. Bel-Air

Bel-Air is a dramatic reboot of the 90’s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The series will follow character Will Smith on his journey from the West Philadelphia streets to the mansions of Bel-Air. The series will star newcomer Jabari Banks as Will Smith and include both new and returning characters. 

Full of nostalgia, drama, and heart, Bel-Air delivers stories reflective of the times. The series does not shy away from addressing topics such as wealth, class, and race. What has me excited for the series is that it looks to be a refreshing take on its predecessor, while also adding in modern elements that could make for an even more compelling watch. 

Premiered Feb. 13 on Peacock. 

   1. How I Met Your Father

Starring Hillary Duff, this sitcom is a sequel to How I Met Your Mother. The series follows Duff’s character, Sophie, as she and her friends figure out their lives and how to find love in the modern world. 

If you’re a fan of the original series, “How I Met Your Mother,” and are looking for a new comedy series this show seems great for a quick watch every week. Sometimes we need a break from the drama, both real and fictional. This show looks to be the perfect combination of entertainment and lightheartedness. 

Premiered Jan. 18 with new episodes each Tuesday on Hulu.