Shows or movies that premiered in the U.S. in 2022 – The Smart Awards are for shows or movies that aren’t dumbed down, that force you to use your brain. And the acting is subtle rather than over the top or playing to the camera.
Spy yarn focusing on a special MI5 department whose employees are MI5 rejects and has-beens. Oldman packed on extra pounds to play the department's scruffy, grouchy leader. A smart show.
Cast: Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Olivia Cooke, Kristin Scott Thomas
IMDb: 8.3
Where: Apple TV+
People's brains are wired to separate their work lives from their personal lives. I found this series frustratingly slow at times, but maybe that was their intent. Despite the slow pace, I still liked it. Definitely a smart show. Side note: most of the episodes were directed by Ben Stiller.
Creator: Dan Erickson
Cast: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia Arquette, Zach Cherry, John Turturro
IMDb: 8.7
Where: Apple TV+
This a prequel to the movie Rogue One, giving backstory for the character Cassian Andor. After watching the series a second time, I realized it deserved a higher mention on this page. The series has a lot of heart, and is probably the most mature of any Star Wars project I’ve seen. There is little-to-no cheesiness, and Luna brings his usual intensity to a sophisticated drama.
Creator: Tony Gilroy
Cast: Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård
IMDb: 8.4
Where: Disney+
A woman comes to the U.S. to avenge the death of her son. This Western had unique story elements I hadn't seen in other Westerns, and the two lead actors are captivating. The series’ direction is painterly and artistic, resulting in a not-your-average-TV-show feel.
Creator: Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman, The Shadow Line)
Cast: Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer (The Twilight Saga)
IMDb: 8.0
Where: Amazon Prime
A cutter (tailor) in 1950s Chicago must outwit his mobster customers. This has deft writing and direction — the movie takes place in one location, yet it never felt claustrophobic. The plot moved at a good pace, maintained my interest, and had some surprises. A simple, little movie that was better than expected. Rylance is outstanding, as usual.
Writer/Director: Graham Moore (The Imitation Game)
Cast: Mark Rylance, Zoey Deutch, Dylan O'Brien
IMDb: 7.1
Where: Amazon Prime
Taking place 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, this Game of Thrones prequel showcases the power struggles within House Targaryen. Season 1 had moments, to be sure, however I wish the show felt as large in scope as Game of Thrones did. It seemed much smaller in both story and scenery. Claustrophobic.
Creators: Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin
Cast: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint
IMDb: 8.5
Where: HBO Max
Michael Mann is one of my favorite directors. He executive-produced this new TV series, and directed its pilot episode. An American journalist working in Japan gets entangled with the police and the mob. Based on a book by Jake Adelstein, a non-fiction, first-hand account of his time as a journalist in Tokyo.
Creator: J. T. Rogers
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Keller, Ken Watanabe
IMDb: 8.0
Where: HBO Max
The main reason to watch this is Firth's performance. Inspired by a true story, this limited series explores the life of Michael Peterson and the suspicions surrounding the death of his wife. Colin Firth like you've never seen him.
Creator: Antonio Campos
Cast: Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg
IMDb: 7.1
Where: HBO Max
In the future, a young woman plays what she thinks is a normal VR video game. But it turns out to be so much more. This series was borne of Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, who serve as its executive producers. Like Westworld, this show is trippy and difficult to understand. I'll need to watch it again for sure.
Creator: Scott B. Smith
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Gary Carr, Jack Reynor, Eli Goree
IMDb: 7.9
Where: Amazon Prime