The Ultimate Self-Care: TV Shows We Binge-Watched in 2022
by Brooke Forry | Updated December 2022
It's here! Our long awaited follow-up binge watching guide after our popular 2021 edition.
(That list is still very relevant, so consider this blog post the sequel! We've mentioned a few of our favorites again below if they have a new season that launched in 2022.)
It's easy to get overwhelmed when you have a moment to scroll the streaming options these days, and no one wants to waste 30 minutes of precious downtime figuring out what to watch. With our careful research (read: lots of TV watching), we've compiled a list of some of our favorites from the past year so you can watch something new that has the Balance Bound seal of approval.
Some are the best shows you haven't seen or heard of, some are old favorites you forgot about that will feel like a warm hug when revisited, and some are popular shows you just haven't given a chance yet. Whatever you're in the mood for, we hope you'll find something enjoyable on this list!
A 💖 next to a show means there is a new season of this existing favorite that we told you about last year.
When you need a little drama...
The Bear (Hulu)
"A young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in his family. A world away from what he's used to, Carmy must balance the soul-crushing realities of small business ownership, his strong-willed and recalcitrant kitchen staff and his strained familial relationships, all while grappling with the impact of his brother's suicide." - Google
Inventing Anna (Netflix)
I thought this was the best limited series 2022 — "A journalist investigates the case of Anna Delvey, the Instagram-legendary heiress who stole the hearts and money of New York elites." - Google
Somebody Somewhere (HBO Max)
"Sam, a true Kansan on the surface, struggles to fit her hometown's mold; grappling with loss and acceptance, singing is her saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself and a community of outsiders who don't fit in and don't give up." - Google
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) 💖
I never read Margaret Atwood’s book of the same name, and the show has some moments that feel terrifying given the current state of affairs in our world, but it’s just so damn good. Space this one out, for sure, as bing watching will lead to nightmares!
The Dropout (Hulu)
"In a tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong, Elizabeth Holmes develops healthcare technology that puts millions of patients at risk and loses everything in the blink of an eye." - Google
Candy (Hulu)
"Candy Montgomery is a 1980's housewife and mother who did everything right: a good husband, two kids, even the careful planning and execution of transgressions, but when the pressure of conformity builds up, her actions scream for a bit of freedom." - Google
The Girl From Plainville (Hulu)
"The true story of Michelle Carter's 'texting-suicide' case, exploring her relationship with Conrad Roy III and the events leading up to his death, and, later, her conviction of involuntary manslaughter." - Google
Euphoria (HBO Max) 💖
In this incredibly dark but riveting coming of age show, Zendaya leads with an incredible performance.
Anatomy of a Scandal (Netflix)
"Parliamentary minister James Whitehouse is a happily married man with a loving family home, then a scandalous secret comes to light." - Google
The Morning Show (Apple TV+) 💖
”An unapologetically candid drama that looks at the modern workplace through the lens of the people who help wake America up, pulling back the curtain on early morning TV.” - Google
Conversations with Friends (Hulu)
"Two Dublin college students, Frances and Bobbi, and the strange and unexpected connection they forge with a married couple, Melissa and Nick." - Google
Bad Sisters (AppleTV+) "The Garvey sisters are bound together by the premature deaths of their parents and the promises they made to always protect one another." - Google
The Staircase (HBO Max)
"Exploring the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling N.C. family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson; based on a true story." - Google
Barry (HBO Max) 💖
Not for the squeamish, Bill Hader is fantastic in this dark comedy about a hitman who decides to take up acting — and the Fonz as his acting instructor is icing on the cake.
YellowJackets (Roku Channel)
"The narrative of a team of wildly talented high-school girls soccer players who survive a plane crash deep in the Ontario wilderness. The series chronicles their descent from a complicated but thriving team to warring, cannibalistic clans, while also tracking the lives they have attempted to piece back together." - Google
Station Eleven (HBO Max)
Survivors of a devastating flu attempt to rebuild and reimagine the world anew while holding on to the best of what's been lost.
Better Call Saul (Netflix)
Saul Goodman is "a forceful champion for his low-income clients, an underdog whose morals and ambitions often clash. Jimmy works with private eye Mike Ehrmantraut, a former Philadelphia cop and recent transplant to the Southwest. Mike has a specialized skill set — he's a 'fixer' of sticky situations — that Jimmy soon learns to appreciate." - Google
The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
"In 1882, young Marian Brook moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her aunts. Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife. Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, Marian must choose if she will follow the established rules of society or forge her own path." - Google
The White Lotus (HBO Max) 💖
Dark, and weird, we’ve heard totally mixed reviews on this one, but we ultimately enjoyed it. The soundtrack is almost as enjoyable as getting a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some very dysfunctional characters.
When you need a laugh...
Abbott Elementary (Hulu)
"A group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life." - Google
Home Economics (Hulu)
"A look at the heartwarming, yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship between three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class, and one barely holding on." - Google
Hacks (HBO Max) 💖
Jean Smart is fantastic as a former actress and current QVC-queen/Vegas legend who is on the verge of becoming old news when her manager coerces her into bringing on a young writer to spruce up her act.
Reboot (Hulu)
"An early 2000s family sitcom is rebooted, and the dysfunctional cast must deal with their unresolved issues in today's fast-changing world." - Google
Playing House (Roku Channel)
I explain this as one of the best shows for women who need to watch something that feels like a warm hug from your best friend. The true sisterhood between Emma and Maggie is a delight to watch and laugh along with.
Avenue 5 (HBO Max)
"A confident, controlled and personable space cruise ship captain tries to get along with everyone." - Google
Girls5Eva (Peacock) 💖
If you liked 30 Rock, you’ll love this quick-witted, Tina Fey-produced comedy. It chronicles a 90s one-hit-wonder girl group reuniting and getting their second shot at fame, 20-something years later.
Kevin From Work (Hulu)
This short-lived 2015 series is quirky and adorable, telling the story of Kevin, who is in love with one of his coworkers.
How I Met Your Father (Hulu)
Sophie tells her son the story of how she met his father.
Minx (HBO Max)
”In 1970s Los Angeles, an earnest young feminist joins forces with a low-rent publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women.” - Google
Feel good shows...
Loot (Apple TV+)
This was one of the best underrated TV shows that I accidentally stumbled upon (and didn't hear much about otherwise). The cast is so charming and endearing, Maya Rudolph's wardrobe is a revelation, and it always makes me smile big. File this under "best shows you're not watching" (and then change that, pronto!)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) 💖
It took a few episodes for me to get the hype about this show, but then I fell in love. (And you don’t need to like soccer to get into it.) It’s technically a comedy but has lots of moments that pull at the heartstrings.
Maggie (Hulu)
"As a psychic, Maggie regularly sees the fate of her friends, parents, clients and random strangers on the street, but when she suddenly sees a glimpse of her own future, she must start living in her own present." - Google
Julia (HBO Max)
"Exploring the life of television chef Julia Child, who pioneered the cooking-show genre, during an evolving time in American history." - Google
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (HBO Max)
"A dramatic look at the glitz and glamour of 1980s Los Angeles and the rise of the NBA's Lakers, Dr. Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson." - Google
If you love a good coming of age story...
Never Have I Ever (Netflix) 💖
Mindy Kaling wrote and produced this endearing look at a first-generation Indian American teenager who has also suffered a huge loss.
The Babysitter’s Club (Netflix) 💖
What girl of the 80s didn’t read BSC? This modern take on a nostalgic classic is absolute perfection, with Gen X’s own Alicia Silverstone playing Kristy’s mom.
The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max) 💖
I’ll watch anything Mindy Kaling produces after falling in love with Never Have I Ever, and this new show does not disappoint. Four college freshman women learn the ropes of college and adult relationships, while forming bonds with each other.
When you need a little romance...
Bridgerton (Netflix) 💖
The characters! The costumes! Bridgerton is a perfect escape, complete with current music made orchestral.
Quirky dramadies...
Life & Beth (Hulu)
"After a sudden incident, Beth (Amy Schumer), a seemingly successful woman with a long term relationship and steady career, takes a look back at her past to see who she wants to become." - Google
Dead to Me (Netflix) 💖
I’ve been a fan of Linda Cardellini since Freaks & Geeks — she is fantastic in this, alongside an unapologetically brash Christina Applegate who plays a newly widowed mom determined to solve the crime of her husband’s hit and run.
Heartstopper (Netflix)
"Teens Charlie and Nick discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love." - Google
Ramy (Hulu) 💖
Stealing the Google description which is too perfect to paraphrase: “Ramy Hassan is a first-generation Egyptian-American who is on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood… caught between a Muslim community that thinks life is a moral test and a millennial generation that believes life has no consequences.”
Better Things (Hulu) 💖
The highs, lows, and unfiltered realities of a single mother of three daughters, working as an actor in Los Angeles, played by the glorious Pamela Adlon. If you're looking for a completed series to watch from start to finish, and you enjoy artsy, quirky shows that have a lot of depth, this one is for you.
Atlanta (Hulu)
"Atlanta is one of the top cities for young rappers looking to make a name for themselves in the business. Among those up-and-comers is Alfred Miles, a hot new artist who is trying to understand the line between real life and street life. He is managed by his cousin, Earn, who gets caught up in the local rap scene and his cousin's career after returning home to the ATL." - Google
Made for Love (HBO Max) 💖
Cristin Milioti is perfect as Hazel Green, the wife of a tech billionaire who seemingly has it all… but it’s all a very twisted, high tech illusion.
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) 💖
A modern day Hitchcock-esque murder mystery with three neighbors who become unlikely detectives and podcast hosts. Delightfully and comedically led by Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez.
Reality & Documentaries
Queer Eye (Netflix) 💖
I never get through an episode of The Fab Five without some feel-good tears. It’s about so much more than fashion, grooming, and style.
Welcome to Wrexham (Hulu)
"Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds learn to run the third oldest professional football club in the world. From Hollywood to Wales, from the pitch to the locker room, and the front office to the pub, the docuseries will track Rob and Ryan's crash course in football club ownership and the inextricably connected fates of a team and a town counting on two actors to bring some serious hope and change to a community that could use it." - Google
Keep Sweet: Pray & Obey (Netflix)
This look at the polygamy and abuse within the Fundamentalist LDS church was astounding and shocking, as told by the women who made it out. It was, obviously, very dark and potentially triggering, so watch only if you can stomach the content.
To watch with kids...
Ada Twist Scientist (Netflix)
I loved the book series this is based on by Andrea Beatty, and think this is one of the best family shows on Netflix. It's produced by Barack and Michelle Obama and is a total delight!
Izzy’s Koala World (Netflix) 💖
Follow the adventures of an Australian girl named Izzy who is basically the Koala whisperer. My kids were especially amazed that Izzy tends to be barefoot ALL the time, and it tops their list of the best family streaming shows to watch together.
Big City Greens (Disney+)
This adventures of Cricket and Tilly Green, along with their quirky family, are meant for kids but will garner laughs from the whole family.
Floor is Lava (Netflix)
When it comes to binge worthy family shows, perhaps nothing is more basic yet entertaining than this competition show.
LEGO Masters (Hulu)
It's nice to stumble across clean binge worthy shows that can be watched with or without kids — this is a show that I am fully invested in even if my kids aren't around. Hosted by Will Arnett, follow the LEGO builds of some amazing builders.
Now when you think, "I dont know what to watch," you can come back to this list to seek out just the right thing for the moment you're in.
What favorite shows have you re-watched or discovered this year? Share in the comments!
