The Handmaid's Tale
It comes as no surprise that the much anticipated fifth season of The Handmaid's Tale makes this year's list. Viewers couldn't wait to see the dystopian drama that teased a season that was all about June vs Serena. It opened with June facing the consequences of killing Commander Waterford, and struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. Meanwhile Serena was relishing her 'grieving widow' status and attempting to raise her profile in Toronto, as Gilead's influence crept further into Canada. The season ended on another cliff-hanger (of course), but no spoilers here, we already can't wait for season 6.
Why Women Kill
The second season of this popular dark comedy landed all the way back in January and viewers couldn't get enough throughout the year. Season 2 brought a whole new cast and storyline. Set in 1949 Los Angeles, it is centred around Alma, an outsider desperate to join an exclusive garden club, and club leader and local femme fatale, Lana. An exploration of the themes of beauty, the way women treat one another, and the lengths they're willing to go to get what they want, this is signature Marc Cherry and salaciously entertaining.
Why Women Kill seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming. Start with or dive into season 2 now:
The Long Call
If there's one thing we know audiences love it's a good murder mystery, and this British series answered the call back in February. Inspired by Ann Cleeves' best-selling novel, it focuses on DI Matthew Venn who returns to North Devon with his husband Jonathan after the death of his father. As soon as Venn arrives he ends up investigating the murder of a villager with DS Jen Rafferty, with evidence pointing to a religious group in town. It's made all the more complicated as we discover that Venn's family is involved with the group and that their beliefs led to him being rejected by his family and community as a young man as a result of his homosexuality.
D.I. Ray
The list continues with more top-shelf British drama – D.I. Ray, which stars the wonderful Parminder Nagra in the lead role. When police officer Rachita Ray is promoted to join a homicide investigation, she soon realises it may be more to do with her heritage than skill-set. Nevertheless, she's determined to help solve this 'culturally specific' case. Her colleagues might underestimate her, but she's had to work harder than anyone thus far. This particular case sees her wandering into the world of organised crime, and presents plenty of challenges for her to rise to.
The Responder
Audiences couldn't get enough of British police dramas in 2022. Martin Freeman stars in this gritty series created by Tony Schumacher, inspired by his own life as a former police officer, to bring a compelling and authentic tone. First responder Chris works the night shift in Liverpool and night after night, he's faced with crime, violence and addiction. His own mental health is suffering, and he throws himself into helping others as a way to help himself, and maintain a semblance of a healthy work and personal life. But as the crises pile on, it's tough going.
Crossing Lines
This series isn't 'new' but as seen above, we know our viewers love a good crime drama, and this German-French-Italian-American action crime thriller certainly fulfilled the brief. After sustaining an injury at work, former NYPD officer Carl Hickman has become addicted to morphine and now collects garbage at a carnival at the Netherlands. A lifeline comes when he's recruited to the International Criminal Court's special crime unit, based in The Hague, helping investigate border-crossing crimes.
Wisting
Is an SBS On Demand top series list really complete without some Nordic Noir? Fan favourite Wisting had new episodes land not once but twice in 2022, and audiences were glad to see him back on their screens. In season 2 we continued to follow Norwegian detective William Wisting and his journalist daughter Line as they dealt with the fall-out of an escaped serial killer and a new crime with plenty of twists and turns in season 3.
My Brilliant Friend
Enough with all the crime. Elena Ferrante's critically acclaimed and best-selling novel jumped from page to screen in this beautiful Italian coming-of-age series. The global smash-hit follows best friends Lila and Elena as they navigate the complex social politics of 1950s Neapolitan suburbia. My Brilliant Friend brings the books magically to life, with all the charm and intelligence you'd expect. Its sparkling performances chart a complex female friendship and the story goes on to cover more than 60 years of their lives as Elena tries to describe the mystery of Lila.
