2021 isn't quite over yet, but Netflix has some great returning shows confirmed for 2022 premieres. In the last several years, the competition for streaming viewership has really kicked into high gear, with seemingly every major media company trying to get their own piece of the pie. Whereas before, Netflix's only major rivals were Amazon Prime and Hulu, they now compete with HBO Max, Peacock, Disney+, Paramount+, and more -- including a renewed sector of free-with-ads streamers. It's a crowded landscape to be sure.

However, Netflix has proven to be resistant against this crush of new competitors, retaining its status atop the streaming mountain. One of the main things, if not the deciding factor, in Netflix's resiliency is its wealth of original programming, especially its original TV shows. For evidence, one need only look at the massive success of the popular Korean drama Squid Game.

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Netflix always seems to have new original content in the pipeline, and 2022 looks to be no different in that regard for the streaming giant. Collected below are all the Netflix original shows that are confirmed to return with new seasons sometime in 2022. Plenty of other shows are technically renewed and may well arrive in 2022, though they haven't been officially confirmed as of yet. However, here are the upcoming Netflix releases set for 2022.

Stranger Things Season 4

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While Stranger Things season 4 has yet to get a confirmed premiere date, Netflix has promised fans that their biggest hit will return sometime in 2022. It's fair to say that most Netflix subscribers have grown tired of waiting for Stranger Things season 4, as it's already been over two years since season 3 released, and it could well be past the three-year mark by the time season 4 debuts. Even so, this hasn't diminished their expectations for Stranger Things' latest chapter, which will, of course, return to the town of Hawkins, Indiana, while also following the reveal that former lawman Jim Hopper is both alive and in Russia. While overall opinion on Stranger Things' quality has grown more divided since its near unanimously praised inaugural season, millions of fans will still no doubt tune into season 4, and possibly drive Netflix to a new viewership record.

The Crown Season 5

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The Crown, a historical drama chronicling the long - and still ongoing - reign of Queen Elizabeth II as England's monarch, has proven to be a big breakout hit for Netflix. Each season covers a different period in the life of the royals, and, notably, many cast members have changed as the years go by in-universe. While fans have been sad to see some actors go, their replacements have by and large earned acclaim as well. Season 4 of The Crown looked at things like the famous reign of Margaret Thatcher as the prime minster, and Prince Charles' often rocky marriage to the late Princess Diana. Season 5 doesn't yet have a firm premiere date, but Netflix has confirmed it will arrive in November 2022. A sixth and final season has already been ordered.

Ozark Season 4

Ozark Season 4

A dark crime thriller, Ozark, has been a massive success with critics, leading to it receiving 32 Emmy nominations in advance of Ozark season 4. Subscribers to Netflix were a bit slower to catch on, but now Ozark has accrued a dedicated following that's looking to see how the story of the Byrde family ends up. Ozark is ably powered onscreen by leads Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, who are arguably turning in some of the best work of their careers in what's a far cry from Bateman's usual comedic projects. Like Stranger Things, Ozark season 4 has no firm release date, but the show will release in two parts over the course of 2022.

Related: Disney+ Still Has A Long Way To Go Before Beating Netflix

The Umbrella Academy Season 3

Umbrella Academy Season 3 Netflix Logo

While Disney Plus's MCU shows might currently be dominating the streaming space when it comes to comic book-based properties, Netflix is set to bring back its own entrant into that field with The Umbrella Academy's 2022 season 3 return. Again, there's no premiere date set beyond sometime in 2022, but that doesn't mean fans aren't already excited. The Umbrella Academy is based on a series by Dark Horse Comics and centers on a group of adopted superhero siblings who reluctantly reunite after the mysterious death of their father. This being a superhero show, high stakes have been the order of the day since their father's demise. Fans are especially interested to see what season 3 does with the character of Vanya Hargreeves following the public gender transition of actor Elliot Page, as Vanya has been previously portrayed as a cisgender woman.

Ultraman Season 2

Ultraman Netflix

Ultraman on Netflix is an anime adaptation of the currently running Japanese manga series of the same name, which is itself only one entry in the long-running Ultraman multimedia franchise. It'll have been a lengthy wait for Ultraman fans by the time season 2 premieres in spring 2022, as season 1 released back in April 2019. Even so, Ultraman remains a great addition to Netflix's burgeoning anime roster.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 Season 2

Motoko Major in Ghost In The Shell SAC 2045 header

Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 is another member of Netflix's crop of original anime shows, and will also return for season 2 sometime in 2022. Ghost in the Shell is another long-running multimedia franchise in Japan that, of course, saw Scarlett Johannson star in a controversial Hollywood movie adaptation in 2017. SAC_2045 is set within the Stand Alone Complex franchise sub-continuity, hence its initials.

Unsolved Mysteries Volume 3

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After 10 years off the air, 2020 saw Netflix resurrect the popular documentary show Unsolved Mysteries, which shines a spotlight on cases that continue to baffle law enforcement. Two volumes of Unsolved Mysteries were released in 2020, and volume 3 is slated for summer 2022, presumably including six new episodes like past volumes did. The response to Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries reboot has been quite positive so far, even if this Unsolved Mysteries has no host. However, no one Netflix could've hired would've lived up to fan memories of original host Robert Stack, so it was probably best not to try. Thankfully, the iconic, creepy theme song remains intact, albeit slightly remixed and ready to frighten a new generation of viewers.

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