by: Ben Travers, Indiewire
Another year, another slew of Netflix original series. In 2022, the streaming giant is set to debut a number of its most buzzed-about returning programs, including “Russian Doll” Season 2, “Stranger Things” Season 4, “Bridgerton” Season 2, “The Crown” Season 5, and the final, super-sized season of “Ozark” — in two parts! But beyond the originals with which fans are already well-acquainted, Netflix continues to launch new series hoping to become just as sought-after in years to come.
IndieWire has pared down the list to a manageable size, and even then, there are quite a few debut shows to look forward to, from Shonda Rhimes’ first original series under her Netflix overall deal to long-awaited adaptations of “Magic: The Gathering,” “Resident Evil,” and “The Sandman.” In between are plenty of auteur-driven premieres, featuring new horror stories from genre maestros Mike Flanagan, Tim Burton, and Guillermo del Toro. Stars like Kristen Bell, Kid Cudi, and Mike Myers are heading to streaming, as well, with plenty more to anticipate from eager creative minds yet to be fully appreciated.
Programs selected for this list are either already scheduled or fully expected to premiere this year, so readers can rest assured in what’s coming. The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on scheduling, so very little is set in stone, but these titles are in a prime position to come out before the year is through. So read on and learn all about Netflix’s 2022 dramas, comedies, limited series, and more, from plot descriptions and cast lists to who’s working their magic behind the camera. Netflix isn’t running short of content. Now’s the time to familiarize yourself with what’s in store.
“The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window”
Cast: Kristen Bell, Tom Riley, Mary Holland, Cameron Britton
Creators/Showrunners: Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson, and Larry Dorf
Director: Michael Lehmann
What’s It About? An eight-episode limited series spoofing psychological thrillers like “The Woman in the Window” and “The Girl on the Train,” “The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window” stars Kristen Bell (who also executive produces) as Anna, a heartbroken homebody who spends her days drinking wine and casually spying on her neighbors. As anyone adjacent to folks with an aversion to curtains already knows, these passing observances have their ups and downs. Maybe a handsome so-and-so pops up one day, but then he’s involved in a murder the next. Do you know what you saw? Can you learn the truth without putting yourself in danger? And just why doesn’t anyone have the good sense to close the blinds before they kill somebody anyway? These are the questions Anna must answer, if she hopes to become more than just another woman/girl leering at the outside world.
Release Date: Friday, January 28
“Inventing Anna”
Cast: Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Laverne Cox, Arian Moayed, Anders Holm, Anna Deavere Smith
Creator/Showrunner: Shonda Rhimes
Directors: David Frankel
What’s It About? Following her landmark deal with Netflix, “Inventing Anna” marks Shonda Rhimes’ first program created for the streamer — she’s an executive producer, but not creator, on “Bridgerton” — and this nine-episode limited series sounds like a doozy. Based on the New York Magazine article by Jessica Pressler, “Inventing Anna” follows Anna Delvey (Emmy winner Julia Garner), an Instagram star and fake heiress who conned Manhattan’s elite socialites out of their riches. Over four years, the Russian-born fraudster made off with hundreds of thousands of dollars — and infuriated a few “friends” — as she sweet talked her way through New York’s high society types. With such an awards-friendly cast and Rhimes’ penchant for writing great drama, “Inventing Anna” is shaping up to be late winter’s must-see event.
Release Date: February 11
“The Sandman”
Cast: Tom Sturridge, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Jenna Coleman, Mason Alexander Park, Gwendolyn Christie, Charles Dance, Sanjeev Bhaska, Boyd Holbrook, David Thewlis, Stephen Fry, Patton Oswalt
Writers: Neil Gaiman (executive producer and co-writer), Allan Heinberg (executive producer and showrunner)
What’s It About? Based on Neil Gaiman’s 1989 comic book series, “The Sandman” follows Morpheus, aka the Dream King (Tom Sturridge), after he escapes 105 years of imprisonment by Roderick Burgess (Charles Dance). Morpheus then tries to reclaim the three totems of his power: a pouch of sand, his helm, and a ruby, all of which are needed to rebuild the Dreaming world he designed. If that sounds a bit strange, then a) you’re well-prepped for another creative foray into the mind behind “Good Omens” and “American Gods,” and b) you should understand why it’s taken so long for a live-action adaptation to get off the ground. Many have tried over the last 30 years (from James Mangold to Joseph Gordon-Levitt), but 2022 will mark the first time fantasy fans can see their comic book heroes onscreen.
“Lost Ollie”
Cast: Jonathan Groff, Mary J. Blige, Tim Blake Nelson, Gina Rodriguez, Jake Johnson, Kesler Talbot
Creator/Writer: Shannon Tindle
Director: Peter Ramsey (all episodes)
What’s It About? Inspired by the children’s book “Ollie’s Odyssey” by William Joyce, the Netflix adaptation follows Ollie (voiced by Jonathan Groff), a stuffed toy rabbit that searches the country for Billy, the boy who lost him. During the perilous journey, Ollie tries to help other lost toys (“Losts”) find their owners, much to the annoyance of Zozo (Tim Blake Nelson), an always-overlooked amusement park toy seeking revenge on anything chosen before him. Zozo wants the Losts to stay that way, until each and every one of them is forgotten. Created by “Kubo and the Two Strings” story writer and “Coraline” character designer Shannon Tindle, and produced by “Stranger Things” E.P. Shawn Levy, “Lost Ollie” is four-episode limited series blending live-action and animated storytelling into one heartwarming adventure.
“Human Resources”
Cast: Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, David Thewlis, Aidy Bryant, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Keke Palmer, Randall Park, Pamela Adlon
Co-Creators: Kelly Galuska, Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin
What’s It About? If you can’t get enough of all the monsters on “Big Mouth,” then it’s time to head to “Human Resources.” The animated spinoff is set up as an otherworldly office comedy, where the supporting stars of Netflix’s coming-of-age tale take center stage and work to help humans through life’s landmark moments — not just puberty, but childbirth, aging, and more. Nick Kroll and Maya Rudoloph reprise their roles as Hormone Monsters, Jean Smart returns as a Depression Kitty, David Thewlis revives his treacherous Shame Wizard, Pamela Adlon flies once more as a Love Bug, and plenty more benevolent and wicked guides populate the world kept largely behind-the-scenes in “Big Mouth.” With the kids no longer front-and-center, look for “Human Resources” to feature even more adult-oriented humor.
“Anatomy of a Scandal”
Cast: Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery, Rupert Friend, Naomi Scott, Josette Simon, Ben Radcliffe
Showrunners: David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson
What’s It About? Based on Sarah Vaughan’s novel of the same name, the first season of “Anatomy of a Scandal” depicts an investigation into James Whitehouse (Rupert Friend), a British politician accused of rape. His wife, Sophie (Sienna Miller), is convinced of his innocence, but her loyalty is put to the test by Kate Woodcroft’s (Michelle Dockery) dogged prosecution. Focused on sexual consent and privilege as experienced by well-off and well-regarded members of British society, the anthology series aims to chronicle new cases each season — assuming audiences flock to another David E. Kelley mystery (this one directed entirely by TV veteran SJ Clarkson).
“The Lincoln Lawyer”
Cast: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson
Showrunner: Ted Humphrey
What’s It About? Meet Mickey Haller — again. First introduced in Michael Connelly’s series of novels and then embodied by Matthew McConaughey in the 2011 film, the idealistic attorney who runs his practice out of the back of his car is set to carry another iteration of the same story in Netflix’s upcoming drama series, “The Lincoln Lawyer.” This time, he’s played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and joined by Neve Campbell and Angus Sampson, among others, as the on-the-move lawyer criss-crosses the city of angels in search of whatever his clients may need. David E. Kelley is on board as an executive producer, but “The Good Wife” E.P. Ted Humphrey is running the show.
“The Pentaverate”
Cast: Mike Myers, Ken Jeong, Keegan-Michael Key, Jennifer Saunders, Lydia West
Creator: Mike Myers
Director: Tim Kirkby
What’s It About? In his first starring live-action role since 2008’s “The Love Guru,” Mike Myers will again play multiple roles — seven characters, to be exact — in a comedy with at least one tie to his past work. The Pentaverate (first mentioned in Myers’ 1993 comedy “So I Married an Axe Murderer”) is the name of a secret society, made up of five men, that’s been working to positively influence world events since 1347. In Myers’ new half-hour limited series, he plays a Canadian journalist who must uncover the truth, save the world, and do both without exposing the Pentaverate to the public. While the former “SNL” star’s latest efforts may have left a lot to be desired (the Wayne’s World Uber Eats ads very much included), he’s long overdue for a return to the spotlight — here’s hoping Myers earns all seven that come with “The Pentaverate.”
“Resident Evil”
Cast: Lance Reddick, Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong, Adeline Rudolph, Paola Nunez
Showrunner/Writer: Andrew Dabb
Director: Bronwen Hughes
What’s It About? “Resident Evil”! You know “Resident Evil”: There’s been at least two dozen video games, half-a-dozen movies, and a bevy of novels, comic books, animated shows, and more, all based on Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara’s 1996 Playstation game about a pharmaceutical company that develops a virus capable of turning humans into zombies — among many other disgusting, terrifying, flesh-eating things. Netflix’s upcoming live-action scripted series tells an entirely new story set nearly three decades after the discovery of the T-virus, as an outbreak unveils dark secrets within the mysterious Umbrella Corporation. With fan-favorite Lance Reddick leading the cast and “Supernatural” producer Andrew Dabb running the show, there’s plenty of reason to believe this latest iteration will be one of the franchise’s more memorable installments.
“Entergalactic”
Cast: Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi)
Writers: Scott Mescudi, Ian Edelman
What’s It About? An “innovative adult animated music series” based on Kid Cudi’s upcoming album of the same name, little else is known about “Entergalatic” — but the last time we remember Netflix releasing an animated special tied to new music was Sturgill Simpson’s anime film “Sound & Fury” in 2019. And that turned out just fine. Considering Mescudi’s TV work in “Westwold,” “How To Make It in America,” and, most recently, “We Are Who We Are,” I’m choosing to be optimistic.
“The Midnight Club”
Cast: Iman Benson, Adia, Igby Rigney, Ruth Codd, Aya Furukawa, Annarah Shephard, William Chris Sumpter, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Matt Biedel, Samathan Sloyan, Heather Langenkamp, Larsen Thompson, William B. Davis, Crystal Balint, and Patricia Drake
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Trevor Macy
What’s It About? Seven terminally ill young adults reside in the Rotterdam House hospice. The group is quite close, meeting every midnight to tell each other scary stories. Eventually, they all agree to a pact with ramifications beyond the grave: The first member to succumb to their disease has to find a way to communicate with the others. When one of them dies, their vow is put to the test. “The Midnight Club” is based on Christopher Pike’s novel, but — like with “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and Henry James — will also incorporate more of the author’s works into its adaptation. Following Flanagan’s success with the two “Haunting” limited series as well as 2021’s “Midnight Mass,” fans should be crawling the walls for another moving ghost story in 2022.
“The Witcher: Blood Origin”
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Jacob Collins Levy, Lenny Henry, Nathaniel Curtis, Laurence O’Fuarain, MirrenMack, Zach Wyatt, Amy Murray, Francesca Mills, Lizzie Annis
Showrunner: Declan de Barra
What’s It About? While a Witcher plays a part in Netflix’s prequel to its wildly popular fantasy series, don’t expect to see Henry Cavill’s Geralt of Rivia in “Blood Origin.” Set 1,200 years before the original takes place, this new series (led by Michelle Yeoh) explains how the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one and the same. Across 10 hourlong episodes, the series also unveils how the first prototype Witcher was created, and you can snag an early glimpse at the spinoff right here.
“Wednesday”
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie, Thora Birch, Hunter Doohan, Percy Hynes White
Showrunners: Al Gough and Miles Millar
Director: Tim Burton
What’s It About? Kids these days might not be overly familiar with a live-action “The Addams Family” — be it the original TV series from the ’60s or the ’90s films from Barry Sonnenfeld — but the upcoming Netflix show is aimed squarely at bringing the young’uns back under its spell. Focusing on 16-year-old Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as a student at Nevermore Academy, the eight-episode horror drama sees the young lady trying to master her emerging psychic abilities, thwart a killing spree in the local town, and solve a 25-year-old murder mystery tied to her parents. But perhaps most exciting of all is what Tim Burton will do with the ominous world of the Addams Family, as the twice Oscar-nominated director is set to helm the entire first season.
“Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities”
Cast: F. Murray Abraham, Ben Barnes, Elpidia Carrillo, Essie Davis, Hannah Galway, Crispin Glover, Demetrius Grosse, David Hewlett, Andrew Lincoln, Tim Blake Nelson, Luke Roberts, Sebastian Roche, Glynn Turman, and Peter Weller
Creator/Co-Showrunner/Director/Writer: Guillermo del Toro
Writer-Directors: Jennifer Kent, Panos Cosmatos, and Vincenzo Natali
Directors: Ana Lily Amirpour, Catherine Hardwicke, Guillermo Navarro, David Prior, and Keith Thomas
Writers: Haley Z. Boston, Regina Corrado, David S. Goyer, Lee Patterson, Aaron Stewart-Ahn, and Mika Watkins
What’s It About? The Oscar-winning auteur behind “The Shape of Water” heads to Netflix to curate a collection of genre-bending stories meant to challenge our notions of horror. Del Toro creates two original works in the eight-episode collection, while enlisting a truly incredible lineup of storytellers to craft the rest of the episodes. I mean, just look at those names: “The Babadook’s” Jennifer Kent! “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’s” Ana Lily Amirpour! “Thirteen’s” Catherine Hardwicke! Any one of these names releasing any one project would be exciting; that they’ve all come together under del Toro’s curative eye makes for one of 2022’s most anticipated TV premieres.
“Magic: The Gathering”
