There was a lot of great television to see on the small screen this year, but as far as the people at TV Guide see it, none surpassed the quality of the storytelling given in the sixth and final season of Better Call Saul. A total of 20 shows were gathered for the publication’s listing, and among them were other shows ending their acclaimed runs, such as Atlanta. Meanwhile, other hot shows were just getting started, such as the popular House of the Dragon, while other acknowlegements came for programs in the midst of their respective runs, such as the superhero satire series The Boys; the former came in at No. 19 while the latter barely made the list at No. 20.

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Jumping ahead to the top five, Barry on HBO is in the No. 5 spot, thanks to its acclaimed writing and “award-worthy performances” of its cast members including Bill Hader and Henry Winkler. Nathan Fielder’s unique comedy “reality” show The Rehearsal landed at No. 4, praised by TV Guide for introducing something new that’s far unlike anything else seen on the small screen before. Hulu’s hit show Reservation Dogs, which was renewed for season 3 in September, makes the No. 3 spot with praise aimed at its strong humor. The penultimate spot on the list goes to Apple TV’s Severance, which debuted its first season this year to widespread acclaim.

But it was Better Call Saul that was named No. 1, though fans of the show will say that this is well deserved. The outlet describes the show’s final season that aired on AMC this year as a “rare perfect combinatino of filmmaking, writing, and acting that remained surprising even as it spun clsoer to an inevitable conclusion.” There’s also praise given to the show’s creators, Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan, for their “talent for deliberate and methodical storytelling.” TV Guide’s editors also feel that the show had a “fitting” ending, concluding the series in a satisfying way.

“Thank you, Guide,” Bob Odenkirk said in response to the honor with a post on Twitter.

Better Call Saul Has Drawn Widespread Acclaim

     AMC

The TV Guide ranking comes shortly before Better Call Saul was announced for five nominations at the Critics Choice Awards. It is up for Best Drama Series while Odenkirk has also been nominated for Best Actor. Rhea Seehorn (Kim Wexler) and Carol Burnett (Marion) are also up for Best Supporting Actress, and Giancarlo Esposito (Gus Fring) has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

However, even after 46 nominations, the show has yet to win a Primetime Emmy Award. It will have one more chance next year with the second half of season 6 eligible for 2023’s ceremony. But even without an Emmy, there are many fans who will be in agreement with TV Guide that Better Call Saul was the best television the year 2022 had to offer.