Happy (almost) New Year.
It’s been a blast. And we’re glad to have 2022 behind us: There was a lot of sadness as the coronavirus pandemic continued, political tribes remained fractured, and we lost beloved entertainers. But in the midst of all the sorrow came moments of much-needed joy.
So here are our staff’s picks that have made us happy over the past 12 months, from entertainment (an exciting movie, an emotional YouTube channel, a funny TV show, an album or a concert fantastic) to place the year. And here’s hoping for many more as we head into 2023.
“Abbott Elementary”
The ABC sitcom is my comfort watch TV. I wish the seasons had more than 20 episodes. The comedy of children and the problems faced by public school educators is very real, but the mockumentary style gives it a funny edge. Also, the characters are very likable. (Even you, Tariq.) – Naledi Ushe
‘Abbott Elementary’ sparks fan fervor:Quinta Brunson talks ABC comedy
‘Better Call Saul’ series finale
It’s a miracle that AMC’s “Breaking Bad” spinoff, starring Bob Odenkirk as mall lawyer Saul Goodman, was any good, never mind. But with the final episode of its sixth and final season in August, the show solidified its status as always, turning a last shared cigarette in a Supermax federal prison into a great romance. –Barbara VanDenburgh
“Better Call Saul”:Get ready for some “puzzling moments” in the final season
Adele in Las Vegas
After nine months of waiting, wondering, changing travel plans and worrying about the status of the ticket, I admit I cried when she finally took the stage on November 18 and sang the first “Hello” word. Their residency exceeded my expectations, and the dramatic production elements during “Skyfall” and “Set Fire to the Rain” are truly, without hyperbole, spectacular. -Melissa Ruggieri
Month:Adele kicks off Las Vegas residency with excitement, tells fans ‘thanks for coming back with me’
‘The Golden Age’
Watching this elitist HBO drama unfold at the top of the year was the perfect form of escapism. The intricate costumes, diverse cast, and loose historical context kept me tuned in and provided a fun weekly conversation for my group chat. – Elise Brisco
Month:‘Gilded Age’ standout Denée Benton to bring ‘authentic’ black representation to HBO period drama
Brandi Carlile x Indigo Girls concert
I’m a huge Brandi fan (I literally cried the first time I saw her perform live) and my mom raised my sister and I in the Indigo Girls, so when I saw that they were touring together in early this year, I knew we had to go. . And let me tell you, it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. My mom, sister, and I sing “Closer to Fine” at the top of our lungs, the power of hearing Brandi’s latest album live (which my mom is now equally obsessed with) and the happiness of bringing together all three of us for such a special occasion that spans generations. Pure weird joy! – Sara Moniuszko
‘Kimberly Akimbo’
There was a lot to be thankful for on New York stages this year, from Heather Headley’s galvanic turn as the witch in “Into the Woods” to Lea Michele and Julie Benko’s very different but equally fantastic portrayals of Fanny Brice in the first Broadway revival. “Funny girl.” But there’s one show I can’t stop thinking about, and that’s “Kimberly Akimbo.” The new Broadway musical takes an unusual premise – a 16-year-old girl (Victoria Clark) who ages four and a half times faster than normal – and turns it into a wildly funny and poignant reflection on death, family and life. the most full -Patrick Ryan
“Michael’s Best Life”
This YouTube channel featuring Michael (the unfailingly effervescent employee at my local Gelson’s grocery store) is in Los Angeles. But it offers a universal reminder to savor life, good food and family, and to sing a good show at any opportunity. This year, Michael ventured out on camera to visit New York and Hawaii, never forgetting to greet his “Team Michael” of subscribers every step of the way. It has been a journey full of joy. -Bryan Alexander
‘blue’
I became a mom in late 2021, and by mid-2022, many of my parenting friends and fellow TV critics had hounded me (pun intended) to watch Disney+’s beloved preschool animated series “Bluey” on which I immersed myself, occasionally allowing myself baby to look, too. When I say the show, about a lively Australian family who happen to be dogs, is one of the best shows on TV, I don’t just mean one of the best shows for kids. Not only did it accurately capture the experience of parenthood in episodes that brought me, a grown woman, to tears, but it’s also routinely hilarious and exceptionally well written. TV writers everywhere could learn from the little blue dogs below that keep so many parents out there. -Kelly Lawler
‘Blue’:Why parents love animated show even more than kids
“Fire Island”
I always shout from the proverbial rooftops about queer representation. This year, I practically bathed in it thanks to a lot of movies and TV series, but none were as gay for me as Hulu’s “Fire Island” in June. The gay ‘Pride and Prejudice’ I never knew I wanted, ‘Fire Island’ showed a slice of queer life, one of family, friendship, heartache, body image concerns, laughter, scandal and ultimately , love Did each scene accurately reflect my lived gay experiences? No, but that doesn’t matter. It showed me that people like me are worthy of screen time. And I don’t get any lines like Matt Rogers’ character asking if he could trade a white strip of Crest for a PrEP pill. —David Oliver
‘RRR’
Let’s face it, the internet isn’t a great place to find a lot of happiness these days. However, when I saw a few people telling me about this Indian action epic streaming on Netflix, I gave it a go. It’s been a long time since I was so giddy by a movie: three soul-stirring hours of jaw-dropping action, two-fisted adventures, armies of wild animals, all-time bromance, love true story relevance and the best dance-off film of this century. -Brian Truitt
More Featured Movies:Top 10 Movies of 2022 From Tom Cruise’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ to ‘The Whale’, ‘RRR’
Lizzo
From playing a 200-year-old crystal flute made for President James Madison to her inspiring Emmys acceptance speech and the “SNL” Christmas episode, Lizzo basically wins 2022, especially when it comes to making the people —Amy Haneline
It was about time:Lizzo celebrates on-screen representation at Emmys acceptance speech
‘Anonymous Armchair’
These special episodes of Dax Shepard and Monica Padman’s “Armchair Expert” podcast gave me some much-needed laughs in 2022. The wild vignettes of Armcheeries (what their podcast listeners call them) made road trips more bearable and made good conversation starters with friends. I mean, what’s your worst dating experience? —Amy Haneline
