Based upon Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee series of novels, Dark Winds follows the pair of titular Navajo police officers as they try to solve a number of seemingly unrelated crimes near Monument Valley in 1971. And it’s that specificity that makes the crime drama — brought to you by George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford — so compelling. While there have been plenty of police procedurals before, Dark Winds uses its distinct point of view to bring the characters, their world and the era to life in a wholly original manner. It helps that Zahn McClarnon is utterly mesmeric as Joe Leaphorn, the quiet-but-wise officer leading the case. The show also has one of the best opening scenes of the year.

Released all the way back in January, Amazon Prime’s eight-episode As We See It went under the radar when it first hit screens. As the year moved on, more critics and viewers have fallen deeper in love with this comedy-drama about three roommates on the autism spectrum. Sure, the situations in each episode are hardly original. But the way that Jack (Rick Glassman), Harrison (Albert Rutecki) and Violet (Sue Ann Pien) strive to have relationships, friendships and get or keep their jobs is so heartbreaking and hilarious, the show feels truly unique.

This Is Going to Hurt was undoubtedly one of the most audacious and dynamic shows of the year. Based upon former doctor Adam Kay’s memoir, the comedy-drama whiplashes between genres as it showcases the lives and careers of a group of junior doctors working for Britain’s National Health Service. It features sublime leading performances from Ben Whishaw and Ambika Mod, who, by repeatedly breaking the fourth wall, inject a vibrant energy into the show. What makes This Is Going to Hurt a real standout, though, is that it pulls no punches. While that occasionally makes the show challenging to watch, it always feels authentic.

Those looking for a similar show to White Lotus will find great enjoyment in both the humor and drama of The Resort. Noah (William Jackson Harper) and Emma (Cristin Milioti) are a struggling married couple on holiday when they’re pulled deeper and deeper into a 15-year-old unsolved mystery. The Resort’s storylines get increasingly outlandish and absurd, but, thankfully, that only makes the show more watchable and entertaining. It’s contagious, largely because of its impeccable cast — which also includes Skyler Gisondo, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Nick Offerman, Ben Sinclair, Becky Ann Baker and Debby Ryan — who are clearly having such a great time. With eight episodes, it’s perfectly binegable over a weekend.

Having been a professional comedian for around 20 years, and after starring in the hit Hulu sitcom Ramy, Mo Amer was perfectly placed to create his own show. And he didn’t have to look far for inspiration. The eight-episode Mo loosely tells his own story of being a Palestinian refugee living in Houston, Texas, who has been waiting 20 years to get U.S. asylum and citizenship. Amer’s consistently funny narrative and depiction of the immigrant experience makes for increasingly absorbing viewing. Amer himself is also a revelation as the main character, giving a flawed yet inspiring portrayal of a man just trying to create his own future.

From was one of the most delightfully intriguing, gripping and horrifying shows of the year. A Lost reunion of sorts — it pairs director Jack Bender with star Harold Perrineau — the sci-fi horror is set in a mysterious town somewhere in the middle of America, where there’s no visible entrance or exit. Its unwilling residents fight to try and stay normal, while also searching for a way out. Unfortunately, the threats and nocturnal creatures in the surrounding forest stop them from leaving. Unlike many shows of a similar ilk, From was able to build its central mystery over the course of its opening 10 episodes, before then delivering something truly shocking but satisfying. Sure, the amount of gory horror might not be to everyone’s taste. But if you’re able to look beyond the scares and focus on the beautiful visuals and sterling performance from Perrineau, you’ll quickly be hooked.

Canadian musicians Tegan and Sara have a fervent following, thanks to their hit indie pop music throughout the 2000s. Clearly, their talents aren’t restricted to music. Their 2019 memoir, High School, not only earned strong reviews and won a 2020 Alex Award, but it has now been adapted into one of the most captivating and heartwarming coming-of-age comedy shows in years. Set during the ‘90s, High School also — unsurprisingly — features a great alt-rock soundtrack from the era (Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana), which helps to punctuate the show’s most intimate and vulnerable moments.

What was your favorite under-the-radar show in 2022? Tell us about it.