The Best TV Moments Of 2022

Here's a fun exercise: Start counting to 10. By the time most people reach the number six, 50 new TV shows will have been released and had Season 2 greenlit by their network or streaming service. Jokes aside, modern viewers are inundated with new shows all the time. Whether it's weekly releases or drops of entire seasons, there's no shortage of programs to watch. The sheer number of series being released on a weekly basis might be daunting, but no one can dispute that we're living in a golden age of television.

With this wealth of entertainment comes an increased demand for quality. Since there's simply so much to choose from, shows need to up their game and ensure they do everything possible to stand out in such a crowded field. They do this through all-star casts, skillful writing, revolutionary CGI, or a combination of these things. This year has been especially kind to viewers, with the release of seminal shows such as "House of the Dragon," "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," and "The Sandman," all of which provide unforgettable moments. Which are the absolute greatest? That's what we're here to determine. These are the best TV moments of 2022 so far.

One of the most impressive aspects of Netflix's "The Sandman" is how true it stays to the spirit of the original comic book series. Naturally, there are some liberties taken, and it shies away from including the source material's references to the wider DC universe. However, there's an argument to be made that one of the show's changes results in a scene that is superior to its ink-and-paper counterpart. In Episode 4, "A Hope in Hell," Morpheus travels to Hell to retrieve his helm, which has been stolen by a sneaky demon. The demon has no plans to give it back, and challenges Dream to a battle for it.

However, Dream doesn't take on the demon, as he does in the comics — he faces Lucifer instead. The fighters engage in a battle of wits, where they name creatures, disasters, and even abstract concepts. Lucifer appears to have the upper hand in this electric fight before Dream produces an inspired monologue and asks the million-dollar question: "What kills hope?" Lucifer doesn't have an answer, so Dream is declared the winner. He regains his helm (but only after the demon Mazikeen pries it out of the demon's hands). More importantly, this sequence of events creates a new rift between Dream and Lucifer, leaving the audience wondering how the Lord of Lies will take revenge on Morpheus for this embarrassing loss.

It's been a while since the opening credits of a television show dazzled the audience. HBO Max's "Peacemaker" changes this with an elaborate and over-the-top dance sequence, which sees its cast members perform to the infectious track "Do Ya Wanna Taste It" by Norwegian glamsters Wig Wam. The set is pure '80s cheese, full of bright purple accents and shiny surfaces. But the stars maintain utterly straight faces as they gyrate past swooping spotlights and searing neon. The contrast is irresistible.

Series creator James Gunn told Rolling Stone he envisioned a dance sequence and soundtrack before the show even started filming. "I wanted something in the beginning of this show that was going to be different and fun and make it clear that we were going to be a different kind of superhero show," he said, "that we didn't have any rules in place, and that would say something about the creative approach and tone." Gunn added that John Cena took a few more takes than everyone else to get it right, since he isn't a trained dancer. But by and large, everyone did a great job, and the final product is truly one of a kind.

In "Stranger Things" Season 4, Vecna bays for blood. Using his telekinetic influence, he breaks the bones of several kids, turning them into human "Tetris" pieces. Max is in his sights as well. Many viewers fear the worst is around the corner at this point in the story, especially after she writes farewell letters to her friends and family.

In "Chapter Four: Dear Billy," Vecna takes hold of Max's body and transfers her into his mind, where he prepares to finish her off. However, the power of music comes into play, as Max's friends put headphones over her ears and play her favorite track, Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill." It's an emotional moment as Max sheds tears and remembers all the joy and pain she's felt in her young life. A portal opens, allowing her to escape from Vecna and his legions. It's all thanks to the poignant tune.

In an interview with Variety, Bush said she was shocked to see the song surge in popularity after it appeared in "Stranger Things." She's also quite pleased by how it's utilized. "I thought, what a lovely way for the song to be used in such a positive way — you know, as a kind of talisman, almost, for Max," she said. "And yeah, I think it's very touching, actually."

"House of the Dragon" loves a breathtaking dragon flight sequence, but the one in the final episode shakes things up by being absolutely brutal. Aemond Targaryen still holds a grudge against Lucerys Velaryon for taking his eye. In the Season 1 finale "The Black Queen," he demands retribution. When he doesn't get it, he hops on his fire-breathing beast Vhagar and chases Lucerys, who rides the dragon Arrax, into the sky. Unfortunately, both dragons appear to be hot-headed, as they don't listen to their riders and eventually do their own thing. Arrax decides to turn up the heat on Vhagar, who doesn't take too kindly to the aggression. The ancient dragon makes this clear when he swoops in and gobbles up both Arrax and Lucerys in one fatal bite.

While it isn't quite clear what Aemond hoped to achieve if he caught Lucerys, it's certain he never expected this outcome. It's a devastating moment, reminscent of the infamous Red Wedding from "Game of Thrones." It's also a pivotal scene, as it will doubtlessly spur Rhaenyra, Lucerys' mother, into a campaign of fire and blood against Aemond and his family.

"Cobra Kai" is the gift that keeps on giving. Even after five seasons, viewers can't get enough of the battle between rival karate dojos in the Valley. Season 5 attempts to quell some of this bad blood, as many characters finally put their issues aside and laugh about how silly they've all been. Robby Keene and Miguel Diaz are a prime example. These two have been bitter enemies for a while, but they need to get along, now that how Robby's father, Johnny Lawrence, is dating Miguel's mother, Carmen Diaz.

Johnny does his best to try and get Miguel and Robby to call a truce. He speaks to them, brings them together, and even tries to set up a fun escape room exercise. but nothing works — these two seem destined to stay adversaries. Then, in the episode "Extreme Measures," Johnny has an idea: Since this is all about karate, why not let them fight it out?

This proves to be an ingenious idea as the boys knock the living snot out of each other. That being said, they do get close to taking it too far. Luckily, they come to their senses and finally put down all the anger they've been carrying. From this point on, they become pals. See? Sometimes fists are more effective than words.

Marvel Studios has done a fantastic job of making the MCU synonymous with the entire superhero genre. That being said, it does have a formula it follows fairly strictly. This is why "Werewolf by Night" is such an impressive surprise. First off, it's a one-off special for Disney+, clocking in at just 52 minutes. Second, it's entirely shot in black and white, in a clear nod towards classic Hollywood. Third, it's a straight-up horror story featuring major Marvel monsters — principally, the titular werewolf and the infamous Man-Thing.

What results is one of the most inspired and imaginative pieces of television in 2022. It defies all expectations of what a Marvel production can be, and proves the franchise can still be taken into uncharted waters. In the accompanying documentary "Director by Night," director Michael Giacchino revealed Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige was shocked by his request to do something with the character Werewolf by Night. But the studio went ahead and took this huge gamble, proving once again that Marvel really is the House of Ideas.