Having too much television to watch is an absurd problem to have and yet here we are, almost halfway through 2022 and saddled with a long list of “must watch” shows that have come out since the start of the year. May has no intention of slowing down with more than a few series notable for the talent behind and/or in front of the screen. Between both new series and returning favorites such as “Hacks” and “Stranger Things,” there’s also no shortage of sheer star power in the lineup, with everyone from Colin Firth to Sissy Spacek having new shows to promote.
As we continue to play catch up on shows such as “Severance” and “Pachinko” or continue to watch series such as “Atlanta,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Barry,” while consuming all of the news stories at our disposal, it’s difficult to carve out the time for the most buzzed-about new additions to the televised landscape. That said, May has a bit of something for everyone, from a great showcase for an “SNL” alum to Danny Boyle directing a series based on the rise of the Sex Pistols.
“I Love That for You”
The type of dark comedy perfectly poised for an “SNL” alum, “I Love That for You” looks to be an enormous showcase for star Vanessa Bayer. Bayer plays Joanna Gold, a woman who overcame childhood leukemia and achieved her dream of becoming an on-air host at a home shopping network. However, to try to keep her dream job she ends up lying that her leukemia has returned. Based on her own experience, Bayer also acts as a show creator along with Jeremy Beiler. Molly Shannon, Matt Rogers, and Jenifer Lewis also star.
Release Date: Season one premieres May 1 on Showtime.
“The Staircase”
True crime continues to reign supreme this spring with HBO Max’s upcoming drama “The Staircase.” The series explores the real life of crime novelist Michael Peterson, his family, and the fallout that happens after the suspicious death of his wife. Colin Firth and Toni Collette lead the impressive and sprawling cast which includes Parker Posey, Sophie Turner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Juliette Binoche, and Dane DeHaan. Created by “The Devil All the Time” director Antonio Campos along with Maggie Cohn, the series is based on the docuseries from French filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. Our critic praised the show, writing “This story really has it all, and Campos gets all of it. His obsession with the case pays off as he turns it into high drama and high art.”
Release Date: The mini-series premieres May 5 on HBO Max.
“Girls5Eva”
Following the popularity of season one, the Tina Fey produced Peacock series “Girls5Eva” returns. The series focuses on a one-hit-wonder girl group who reunites decades after their peak to try to attain musical success once more after feeling unsatisfied with their daily lives. Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, and Renée Elise Goldsberry star with Meredith Scardino as the show creator. With original music created for the series, the show has found its niche with its crossover of comedy and musical, providing a strong showcase for its stars.
Release Date: Season two premieres May 5 on Peacock.
“Candy”
Crime thrillers are having a moment this year with shows such as “The Girl from Plainville” and “Under the Banner of Heaven” and now, the first of two shows to come out this year related to the same subject matter with “Candy.” A true-crime thriller based on the real-life events of a woman who is accused of murdering her best friend, Jessica Biel stars as Candy Montgomery in this iteration. Melanie Lynskey, Pablo Schreiber, and Timothy Simons also star with Nick Antosca and Robin Veith as showrunners.
Release Date: Season one premieres May 9 on Hulu.
“Hacks”
Jean Smart continues to receive the praise she deserves as she returns in season two of “Hacks.” Following the fallout of season one, the Emmy award-winning series begins with Smart’s Deborah Vance on tour with writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder.) Season one saw the building of their relationship and the dark mentorship between Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and Ava, and season two will continue to put pressure on their dynamic. Created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, season two will also show the return of Carl Clemons–Hopkins, Jane Adams, Kaitlin Olsen, and more.
Release Date: Season two premieres May 12 on HBO.