The summer of 2022 is packed with exciting new TV shows. 2022 is already shaping up to be an excellent year for TV, with a number of new shows released through the spring to much fanfare. So far, 2022 has seen the release of James Gunn's Peacemaker, a generally well-received spin-off from The Suicide Squad on HBO Max, a new MCU hero's debut in Moon Knight on Disney+, and critically acclaimed shows such as Yellowjackets, The Dropout, and Severance.
The year's releases so far have experimented with different formats. Since the rise of streaming services, TV shows more often have been released one season at a time due to the uptick in binge-watching. However, many 2022 releases, like DCEU soft reboot Peacemaker and the MCU's Moon Knight, have returned to releasing weekly episodes to widespread success.
The rest of 2022 will see numerous exciting releases, and the summer months alone are packed with anticipated shows. The summer of 2022 will see a variety of releases from a broad range of genres, including true crime-inspired series, biographical dramas, and high-concept sci-fi and fantasy. Here are the biggest shows releasing from May to September 2022.
The Staircase – May 5, HBO Max
Based on the documentary series of the same name, The Staircase concerns the true story of Michael Peterson, an American novelist who was convicted in 2003 for killing his second wife despite protesting his innocence. The Staircase is considered one of Netflix's best documentaries due to the many twists and turns in the case and the intrigue of the mysterious circumstances of Kathleen Peterson's death. The Staircase is set to release on May 5 on HBO Max with a star-studded cast led by Colin Firth and Toni Collette.
The Pentaverate – May 5, Netflix
The upcoming Netflix limited series The Pentaverate will star Mike Myers in numerous roles alongside a number of talented comedic actors including Ken Jeong, Keegan-Michael Key, and Jennifer Saunders. Following a journalist and conspiracy theorist who attempts to expose a global conspiracy of influence and control, The Pentaverate is set to release on Netflix on May 5. The Pentaverate is a spin-off of Myers' 1993 film So I Married an Axe Murderer.
The Time Traveler's Wife – May 15, HBO
From former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat comes The Time Traveler's Wife, starring Rose Leslie and Theo James. A sci-fi love story, The Time Traveler's Wife is adapted from Audrey Niffenegger's novel of the same name, which was previously adapted into a 2009 film starring Eric Bana and Rachel MacAdams. The Time Traveler's Wife is scheduled to release on May 15 on HBO Max.
Night Sky – May 20, Amazon Prime
Another sci-fi story tapped for big things in 2022 is Night Sky, the story of a married couple who discover a portal in their backyard that leads to a deserted planet. Night Sky is set to star Sissy Spacek as Irene York, an English teacher, and J.K. Simmons (perhaps best known as J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man) as her husband of 50 years, Franklin York. Night Sky is set to release on Amazon Prime on May 20.
Obi-Wan Kenobi – May 25, Disney +
One of the most anticipated shows of the year is Obi-Wan Kenobi. The series will mark Ewan McGregor's return to the Star Wars franchise as the titular Jedi, and will concern his life in the years between Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars. Set ten years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi will follow Obi-Wan as he watches over a young Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, and will also see the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to release on Disney+ on May 25.
Pistol – May 31, FX
The upcoming biographical drama Pistol will follow Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones during the band's rise to prominence. Toby Wallace will star as Jones, with Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams and Thomas Brodie-Sangster appearing in supporting roles. A six-part series directed by Danny Boyle, Pistol will premiere on FX on May 31.
Ms. Marvel – June 8, Disney+
After Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the next installment in the MCU will be Ms. Marvel, introducing the titular hero into the franchise ahead of the upcoming film The Marvels. Iman Vellani is set to star as Kamala Khan, a 16-year-old Pakistani-American high school student and Captin Marvel megafan who gains the ability to harness cosmic energy using a magical bangle. The introduction of Ms. Marvel into the MCU is an exciting prospect, and Ms. Marvel is set to premiere on Disney+ on June 8.
House Of The Dragon – August 21, HBO
The long-awaited Games of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon, is also finally set to land on HBO this summer. Set approximately 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon will follow House Targaryen in the events leading up to the Targaryen civil war (known as the "Dance of the Dragons"). Starring Paddy Considine and Matt Smith, House of the Dragon will also feature Olivia Cooke, Eve Best, Rhys Ifans, and Graham McTavish. House of the Dragon is set to premiere on HBO on August 21.
Other New Shows Releasing In Summer 2022
There are many TV shows coming between May 2022 and September 2022 that are worthy of note. Other TV shows scheduled to premiere this summer include:
The Essex Serpent (May 13, Apple TV+) - Based on Sarah Perry's novel of the same name, The Essex Serpent will star Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes.
Moonhaven (June 30, AMC+) - A sci-fi series starring Joe Manganiello, Emma McDonald, and Dominic Monaghan set in a future utopian colony on the moon.
The Terminal List (July 1, Amazon Prime) - An action drama starring Chris Pratt and based on Jack Carr's novel of the same name. The Terminal List will also star Taylor Kitsch, Constance Wu, and Riley Keough in supporting roles.
Black Bird (July 8, Apple TV+) - A series starring Taron Egerton based on an autobiographical novel by James Keene. Adapted by prominent crime author Dennis Lehane, Black Bird will also star Paul Walter Hauser, Ray Liotta, and Greg Kinnear.
Resident Evil (July 14, Netflix) - A live-action series set in the year 2036, Netflix's Resident Evil will act as a further adaptation of the video game franchise of the same name.
Biggest Returning TV Shows In Summer 2022
Summer 2022 will also see the much-anticipated return of many beloved shows. Shows returning between May and September 2022 include:
Stranger Things Season 4 (Part 1 on May 27 & Part 2 on July 1, Netflix) - Returning to pick up the story six months after the events of Stranger Things season 3, the next installment will see the show's story venture further afield than Hawkins, Indiana, with Stranger Things' core cast all returning to reprise their roles.
The Boys Season 3 (June 3, Amazon Prime) - The Boys season 3 sees new Supes join the superhero action-comedy-drama, with Jensen Ackles and Laurie Holden joining the cast as Soldier Boy and Crimson Countess respectively.
Peaky Blinders Season 6 (June 10, Netflix) - The final season of Peaky Blinders is also set to release this summer on Netflix, rounding out the story of Tommy Shelby and his crime family.
The Umbrella Academy Season 3 (June 22, Netflix) - The heroes of The Umbrella Academy are also back this year, with season 3 picking up directly after season 2's cliffhanger ending.