The 20 Best New TV Shows of 2022 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 1, 2022

Which newcomers on the small screen have impressed reviewers the most during the first half of the year? In the gallery on this page, we rank the highest-scoring first-year TV shows (including limited series and specials) debuting between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022. Only shows with at least 7 reviews from professional critics are included.

12 of 21 photo by Courtesy of George Carlin's Estate/HBO

85 #7 (tie): George Carlin's American Dream: Season 1

After tracing the legacy of Garry Shandling in 2018, Judd Apatow examined the life of another legendary comedian for HBO this year. In this new two-part documentary, Apatow teams with co-director Michael Bonfiglio for a look at the life and career of the late George Carlin. Interviewees include Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Bill Burr, Bett Midler, Patton Oswalt, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Sam Jay, and more.

“Specials about comedy talents are often just excuses to watch the best bits of a famous star, but 'George Carlin’s American Dream' is way more than that. It is loving and appreciative of his genius without ever devolving into fan service.” —Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

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