Rojak Daily Picks: The Best Malaysian TV Shows of 2022

It's time of the year again when we evaluate the best of the best in 2022. In this article, we listed down the best TV shows of the year. Bear in mind, these shows were chosen based on various criterias across multiple audience segments in the country. Will you find something you like? Read below:

9. Kudeta

Starring Vanidah Imran as Mariam, Masraya’s first female prime minister, the former prodigy takes over the mantle and inherits a shaky coalition. Kudeta is the brainchild of Imran Sheik, who also created Daulat, which shows nothing short of brave storytelling involving eerily familiar character tropes, plot twists and turns in the political drama.

Biggest Strength: Character writing, Vanidah Imran

Platform: Astro

8. Melur Untuk Firdaus

Probably the most normie on the list, Melur Untuk Firdaus is impossible to ignore. With 11 million views on its channel, the show got its audience muttering the characters' names even after the show ended. The story and script were nothing groundbreaking but Meerqeen and Anna Jobling’s infectious chemistry stole the show from the first episode.

Biggest Strength: The Cast

Platform: Disney Plus/ TV3

7. Histeria

The Histeria movie we used to know and love was reimagined in Histeria the Series. James Lee called upon Liyana Jasmay and Namron to reprise their roles together with a whole new cast including Mia Sara Shauki, Amelia Christie and Sharifah Aryana. Set in the same school, Alia and her friends face a supernatural threat in their school compounds. Was it better than the movie? Subjective, but the modern retelling was an absolute treat for Histeria fans (who also probably missed Scha Alyahya as well).

Biggest Strength: VFX, cinematography and cast

Platform: Astro

6. Kamcing

Kamcing is everything but conventional: gritty, shocking and rough on the edges - as it was intended (perhaps). Set in Klang, Kamcing follows the story of Jin Hao’s search for his long-lost brother as she stumbled upon old friends Aariz and Mohan, who are also deep in their own mayhem. Beyond the classic Klang setting, the show delved into the psyche of Klangites in peril; and why you may never be able to escape your past in the slums.

Biggest Strength: Storyline, Script

Platform: Sooka

5. Murder by Moonlight

It’s been a while since we’ve been treated with a quality whodunnit and Murder by Moonlight serves especially that. Features Sara Ali, Sharifah Amani, Radhi Khalid and more, the quirky flick explores the mysteries behind the death of a famed author, who tragically died at a known holiday resort. Frankly, it was a bit strange that the series has four directors; Mien.ly, Khairil M Bahar, Gavin Yap and Tony Pietra Arjuna - but it works! Stellar writing, outstanding performance by the actors and fresh approaches ensured Murder by Moonlight’s place on this list.

Biggest Strength: Plot and storyline

Platform: Astro

4. Seribu Nina

Finally, a sci-fi film worth a binge. Seribu Nina caught us off guard with their ingenious take on the multiverse - and possibly the first production to explore such idea in Malaysia (at least on this scale). The series follows Amar in his efforts to save his girlfriend from multidimensional horror while also getting to know a thousand versions of her at the same time. But for real, Syafiq Kyle and Marsha Milan Londoh in a sci-fi flick? That alone is worth the watch.

Biggest Strength: Concept, Marsha Milan Londoh

Platform: VIU

3. Hilang

Horror? Murder mystery? Hilang is a lot of things combined but unimaginative isn’t one of them. Directed by famous music video director Ghaz Abu Bakar, Hilang sets a new standard for thrilling supernatural-themed stories; from cinematography down to the eerie dialogues. Starring Aqasha, Khir Rahman and Siti Saleha, Hilang definitely looks exciting just by watching the trailer. But the whole series? Make sure you watch it during the day to avoid nightmares.

Biggest Strength: Cinematography, Khir Rahman, Aqasha

Platform: VIU

2. Kau vs Aku

In first glance, Kau vs Aku may look just like a regular cintan-cintun love series. But don’t let its premise deceive you because the series sets a high bar for other productions of the same genre. Based on a Wattpad body of art, Kau vs Aku tackles beyond monkey love including child marriage, consent and bullying. From what looked like a cute drama at first, Kau vs Aku may just be catalyst in the discussion of important issues among the younger audience.

Biggest Strength: Script, Plot, Storyline

Platform: Sooka

1. One Cent Thief

Finally, the name everyone’s been waiting for. One Cent Thief is the talk of the town. Every industry giant vouches for the series and for all the good reasons. Created for television by Alfie Palermo, One Cent Thief is loosely based on the legendary Jutawan Satu Sen, Aman Shah and the series reignited the public’s interest on the actual case. The show even ended up in NME’s Best Asian Shows of 2022. Not bad, huh?

Biggest Strength: Script, Plot, Alfie Palermo, Syafiq Kyle, Sofia Jane

Platform: Astro