The Best New Period Drama (and Comedy) Shows Of 2022
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618 votes
211 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the best TV series set in a different time period that premiered their first season in 2022.
- 1Rhys Darby, Taika Waititi, Nathan FoadVenturing into the realm of high-seas humor, Our Flag Means Death presents an offbeat take on the lives of 18th-century pirates. This comedy series has garnered attention for its clever blend of historical context and contemporary wit, while maintaining a keen sense of adventure. Through the eyes of Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby), audiences embark on a journey filled with unexpected friendships, particularly with the infamous pirate Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). As the ensemble cast navigates treacherous waters and encounters peculiar characters, viewers are treated to a refreshing perspective on piracy that subverts traditional expectations. With its innovative storytelling and strong performances, Our Flag Means Death sails confidently in uncharted comedic territory.More Our Flag Means Death
- #5 of 687 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #1 of 1,056 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #2 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- 2Abbi Jacobson, Chanté Adams, D'Arcy CardenFollowing the journey of the WWII All-American professional women's baseball league players.
- #178 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #394 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #17 of 60 onThe Best New Historical Drama TV Series of the Last Few Years
- 3Natascha McElhone, Mark Umbers, Olivia MorrisIn 1920s Italy, a mystery unfolds as Bella Ainsworth runs a quintessentially British hotel.More Hotel Portofino
- #332 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #633 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #146 of 204 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- 4Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Delainey HaylesIn 1910 New Orleans, Louis de Pointe du Lac forms a vampire family; now, Louis tells his story.
- 5David Tennant, Leonie Benesch, Peter SullivanPhileas Fogg sets out on a quest to travel around the world and back home in a period of 80 days.
- #155 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #103 of 204 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- #14 of 44 onThe Best Current Period Piece TV Shows Airing Now
- 6Adrienne Warren, Tonya Pinkins, Cedric JoeWomen of the Movement is a drama series that chronicles the story of Mamie Till-Mobley, who devotes her life to seeking justice for her son Emmett Till after his brutal murder in the Jim Crow South. The show delves into themes of racial injustice, courage, and resilience. It explores how Mamie's pursuit sparked the Civil Rights Movement. It also highlights the role of Black women in shaping American history. This powerful narrative is brought to life by an ensemble cast delivering compelling performances - making it a must-watch.
- #17 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #5 of 59 onThe Best New Historical Drama TV Series of the Last Few Years
- #378 of 651 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 7Anna Torv, Sam Reid, Chai HansenThe world of commercial television news throws reporter Dale and newsreader Helen together.More The Newsreader
- #454 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #440 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #30 of 80 onThe Best New Period Piece TV Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 8Miles Teller, Matthew Goode, Juno TempleThe Offer reveals the behind-the-scenes drama during the making of The Godfather - one of cinema's most iconic films. The story is told through the main protagonist, producer Albert S. Ruddy (Miles Teller). This limited series combines elements of intrigue, power struggles, and Hollywood politics. It delves into themes like ambition, loyalty, and the price of success. Despite its recent premiere in 2022, The Offer has already captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and nuanced performances. While it hasn't won any awards yet, the buzz surrounding the show suggests it may be a strong contender in future ceremonies.More The Offer
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- #84 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 9Emmy Rossum, Martin Freeman, Alex KarpovskyAngelyne, a captivating miniseries that premiered in May 2022, delves into the intriguing life of the eponymous Hollywood billboard diva, Angelyne (Emmy Rossum). The show offers an intimate look at Angelyne's journey to fame and her struggle to maintain relevance in a city obsessed with youth and beauty. Its exploration of themes such as identity, self-creation, and celebrity culture has resonated deeply with viewers. With its unique blend of drama and reality, Angelyne stands out as a bold examination of what it means to be famous in America.More Angelyne
- #219 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #905 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #548 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 10Hazal Kaya, Tansu Biçer, Selahattin PasaliAt an Istanbul hotel, a journalist must stop a plot from unfolding that could change Turkey's fate.
- #543 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #456 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #184 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 11Marta Nieto, Ana Tomeno, Carla CampraFeria: The Darkest Light transports viewers into a thrilling, mysterious world where secrets unravel and tension builds at every turn. This Spanish series artfully weaves together elements of drama, crime, and suspense, garnering critical acclaim and captivating audiences worldwide. The gripping narrative follows the lives of two estranged sisters, Eva (Ana Tomeno) and Sofía (Carla Campra), as they navigate through their small town's sinister underbelly. With each new revelation, the sisters find themselves questioning the truths they once held dear. Masterfully crafted and visually stunning, Feria: The Darkest Light is a testament to powerful storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- #557 of 684 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #308 of 652 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #969 of 1,053 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 12Mouna Traoré, Alfre Woodard, Aml AmeenThe journey of an ensemble of characters who fight for liberation on and off the railways.
- 13Eloise Little, Nana Agyeman-Bediako, Yasmina El-AbdTheodosia, a historical adventure series, invites viewers to journey back to early 20th-century Egypt, where mysteries and ancient artifacts abound. With an Emmy-nominated performance by Thea Balich (Theodosia Throckmorton), the show skillfully balances family dynamics, archaeological intrigue, and supernatural elements. As the spirited protagonist navigates her role as both a daughter and a protector of sacred relics, she is joined by a diverse ensemble cast that breathes life into this vivid period piece. While the plot unfolds at a measured pace, the rich storytelling and engaging characters ensure that audiences are consistently drawn into Theodosia's world, eager to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the sands.More Theodosia
- #607 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #90 of 180 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #635 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 14Ansel Elgort, Ella Rumpf, Hideaki ItoJake Adelstein, an American journalist, descends into the neon underbelly of Tokyo.More Tokyo Vice
- #175 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #48 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #127 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 15Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi WonyoungA queen tries to rein in her rowdy sons in order to make one of them the next king of Joseon.
- #471 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #139 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #140 of 329 onThe Best KDramas Of All Time
- 16Samantha Morton, Charles Dance, Amrita AchariaA period drama revolving around the life of Catherine de'Medici.More The Serpent Queen
- #195 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #135 of 145 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #85 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- 17Romola Garai, Jamie Parker, Alicia von RittbergBecoming Elizabeth is a captivating historical drama that presents the raucus early life of Queen Elizabeth I. The show explores her journey from a young, innocent girl to one of England's most iconic and influential monarchs. The themes of power, survival, and womanhood are emphasized throughout the narrative. It provides an intimate look at the trials and tribulations faced by Elizabeth in her quest for sovereignty amidst political intrigue and religious strife. Though it hasn't garnered any awards yet, Becoming Elizabeth has been praised for its rich storytelling and performances.More Becoming Elizabeth
- #556 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #97 of 145 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #109 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- 18Yon González, Elena Rivera, Rodolfo SanchoHugo Llor works to make a name for himself in 14th-century Barcelona.More Heirs to the Land
- #637 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #947 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #207 of 219 onThe Best TV Series Based on Books
- 19Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Carrie CoonSet against the opulent backdrop of 1880s New York City, The Gilded Age unravels a tale of wealth, ambition, and societal expectations. With a stellar ensemble cast, including Christine Baranski as Agnes van Rhijn and Cynthia Nixon as Ada Brook, the drama unfolds as newcomers enter the lavish world of old money aristocracy. As the characters navigate through the intricacies of high society, viewers are treated to a visual feast of extravagant costumes, grandiose sets, and an engaging storyline. Garnering praise for its production design and performances, this period drama showcases the stark contrast between the lives of the privileged elite and the less fortunate, providing a thought-provoking exploration of class and power dynamics in America's gilded past.More The Gilded Age
- #98 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #96 of 204 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- #5 of 20 onThe Best Underrated & Overlooked TV Shows
- 20Bill Skarsgård, Björn Gustafsson, Adam LundgrenClark is a Swedish crime drama series that delves into the life of Clark Olofsson (Bill Skarsgård), the notorious bank robber whose criminal antics gave rise to the term "Stockholm Syndrome." The show charts Olofsson's evolution from a troubled youth to a charismatic bandit who managed to charm an entire nation. Skarsgård delivers a dynamic performance that captures Olofsson's complex persona. Through heists, prison breaks, and court trials, Clark investigates themes of infamy, psychological manipulation, and the blurred lines between lawbreakers and law enforcers.More Clark
- #403 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #325 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #368 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 21Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika ForoutanRebellious Elisabeth marries Emperor Franz and enters a world of intrigue at the Viennese court.More The Empress
- #222 of 687 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #132 of 1,056 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #315 of 656 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 22Elizabeth McCafferty, Max Dowler, Philip BrodieCharting the rise and fall of the Boleyns.
- #262 of 687 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #279 of 656 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #37 of 55 onThe 45+ Best PBS Shows Of All Time, Ranked
- 23Agnes O'Casey, Will Keen, Rory KinnearVivien discovers an intelligence-gathering movement trying to stop the rise of the far right.More Ridley Road
- #551 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #44 of 55 onThe 45+ Best PBS Shows Of All Time, Ranked
- #55 of 305 onThe 230+ Best New TV Drama Series
- 24Douglas Booth, Dominic Cooper, Niv SultanThat Dirty Black Bag, which premiered in March 2022, is a spaghetti western series that cleverly combines elements of classic westerns with a modern twist. The show navigates the harsh realities of the Wild West, offering viewers a raw and gritty portrayal of life during this era. The central themes include revenge, survival, and moral ambiguity. While it hasn't won any awards yet, That Dirty Black Bag has garnered praise for its immersive storytelling and visually stunning cinematography. Its complex characters and unpredictable plotlines make it an engaging watch for fans of the genre.More That Dirty Black Bag
- #224 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #632 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #24 of 28 onThe Best New Shows Of The Last Few Years That You've Been Missing Out On
- 25Kenneth Branagh, Ophelia Lovibond, Andrew BuchanFollowing the the prime minister's tumultuous first months in Downing Street as he grapples with the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.More This England
- #75 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- #183 of 656 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #148 of 171 onThe Best History TV Shows
- 26Matthew Beard, Jürgen Maurer, Amelia BullmoreSet against the backdrop of early 1900s Vienna, Vienna Blood is a gripping crime drama that melds the analytical prowess of psychology with the intrigue of detective work. The series follows Max Liebermann (Matthew Beard), a young doctor and disciple of Sigmund Freud, as he teams up with Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt (Juergen Maurer) to solve baffling and brutal murders. Through their partnership, they navigate the city's opulent cafes, operas, and seedy underbelly. Beard brings a cerebral edge to the show's psychological themes, while Maurer portrays Rheinhardt with a world-weary charm. The show digs into themes of the human psyche, societal norms, and the juxtaposition of Vienna's cultural splendor with its darker corners.More Vienna Blood
- #459 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #25 of 44 onThe Best Current Period Piece TV Shows Airing Now
- #8 of 80 onThe Best New Period Piece TV Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 27Magdalena Popławska, Wiktoria Filus, Matylda GiegżnoThree determined women navigate social and political changes in 1976 Poland.More Glitter
- #42 of 44 onThe Best Current Period Piece TV Shows Airing Now
- #40 of 80 onThe Best New Period Piece TV Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #42 of 53 onThe Best Period Shows Of 2024, Ranked
- 28Shany Nadan, Estefania Piñeres, María José VargasHigh-society sisters act as spies to help rebels fight against Spanish rule in early 1800s Colombia.
- 29David Tennant, Margarita Levieva, Mark BonnarFormer Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko has been poisoned.More Litvinenko
- #423 of 685 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #321 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #590 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 30Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Walton GogginsGeorge & Tammy is a biopic series that chronicles the tumultuous relationship between country music legends George Jones (Michael Shannon) and Tammy Wynette (Jessica Chastain). The show explores their passionate love story, their rise to fame, and the personal struggles they faced along the way. It provides an intimate look into their lives, highlighting themes of love, ambition, heartbreak, and resilience. The series features performances of some of their most iconic songs, offering a nostalgic journey through country music history. George & Tammy offers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of two of country music's most influential figures.More George & Tammy
- #85 of 145 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #6 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- #474 of 655 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
