The 43 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2026

It might seem early to start planning for next year, but having something to look forward to can really help once the holidays are over. Those quiet winter months after the celebrations can feel a bit bleak, so even just knowing there’s good TV coming up can feel like a little bit of spring, even when the days are short.

As a TV fan, I’m already getting excited about 2026! There’s so much coming up – some of my favorite shows are returning, like The Pitt and Industry, and we’re finally getting a new season of The Night Manager. Plus, I’m totally hooked on reality shows like The Traitors and I’m sad to see Queer Eye ending, but excited for its final season. And there are some brand new shows that look amazing, like Ryan Murphy’s series about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, called Love Story, and even a Scrubs revival! Honestly, there’s a ton to look forward to, and here’s a rundown of the most anticipated shows of the year.

New Series

His and Hers (Netflix), Jan. 8

Netflix’s His and Hers presents a compelling mystery where the journalist investigating a murder quickly becomes a suspect herself. Tessa Thompson stars as a news anchor returning to her hometown to cover a suspicious death, while Jon Bernthal plays the detective who immediately questions her involvement. As the investigation deepens, everyone becomes a potential suspect, and the truth proves to be far more complex than it initially appeared.

Ponies (Peacock), Jan. 15

As a critic, I’m always looking for a good winter watch, and this new thriller, Ponies, definitely delivers a chilling atmosphere. Set in 1977 Moscow, the film stars Haley Lu Richardson and Emilia Clarke as seemingly ordinary embassy secretaries – they’re literally classified as ‘persons of no interest.’ But their quiet lives are shattered when their husbands are killed, and suddenly they’re thrust into a dangerous world of Cold War intrigue. It turns out these women are about to become CIA operatives, tasked with uncovering the truth behind their partners’ deaths. Think stylish ’70s fashion meets a seriously suspenseful plot – it’s a compelling setup!

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+), Jan. 15

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’m really excited about this! It feels like we’re finally getting a proper look inside Starfleet Academy, much like what The Boys: Gen V did for that universe or Titans for DC. Honestly, it’s basically Star Trek: The College Years – something fans have been hoping for over 30 years! The show will follow a group of cadets navigating life at the Academy – all the usual coming-of-age stuff like first loves, friendships, and, of course, saving the Federation from total destruction. You know, typical teenage problems! And the cast is amazing – we’ve got Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, and Tig Notaro alongside some fantastic new faces like Karim Diané, Zoë Steiner, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Sandro Rosta, and Bella Shepard.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max), Jan. 18

After the hit prequel series House of the Dragon, the new Game of Thrones story takes place between the events of that show and the original series. It centers on the journeys of Sir Dunk and his assistant, Egg. The creators wisely decided to give the show a different title than the original George R.R. Martin stories it’s based on. You can expect more of what made Game of Thrones popular: intense battles, ruthless competition for power, and plenty of sword fights, with a hint of dragons. It’s a formula that clearly works, so they’re sticking with it!

Star Search (Netflix), Jan. 20

The popular talent show that launched the careers of stars like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Adam Sandler is coming back in 2026, hoping to discover the next big sensation. Originally a hit in the 80s and 90s, Star Search had a knack for finding promising talent. Now, hosted by Anthony Anderson, the show will stream live on Netflix, allowing viewers to vote for their favorites in real-time. Could the next Britney Spears be discovered on this new series?

The Beauty (FX), Jan. 21

It feels like no TV year is complete without a new show from Ryan Murphy that either captivates us or completely misses the mark – it’s become predictable! First up from Murphy’s prolific output is The Beauty, which is based on a comic book by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. The story centers around a sexually transmitted infection – potentially a government-created bioweapon – that makes people incredibly attractive before ultimately proving fatal. The cast includes familiar faces from Murphy’s projects, such as Evan Peters and Billy Eichner, as well as Ashton Kutcher (returning to significant TV work after The Ranch), Lux Pascal, Bella Hadid, Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Pope, and Anthony Ramos.

Memory of a Killer (Fox), Jan. 25

Patrick Dempsey is back on television in a new crime thriller inspired by the 2003 film De Zaak Alzheimer. The series centers around a hitman who is developing early-onset Alzheimer’s. This condition threatens to unravel his carefully separated life as he begins to lose his memory and the secrets he’s kept hidden. Gina Torres and Michael Imperioli also star in the show.

Wonder Man (Disney+), Jan. 27

Marvel is experimenting with self-awareness in its shows, and it seems to be helping break through the feeling of superhero overload – think of the recent She-Hulk series. Now, with Wonder Man, they’re trying it again. The show stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, an actor who lands the role of Wonder Man – a superhero with incredible strength, speed, and the ability to fly. The twist? Williams actually has the same superpowers as the character he’s playing. Adding to the layers of reality, Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, the actor who famously played a villain in Iron Man 3. It’s a show about actors playing characters who have powers… and then also have those powers in real life. Definitely a meta approach!

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (NBC), February TBA

Lately, a lot of people have been revisiting 30 Rock, missing its fast-paced, quirky humor. So, it’s great news that the creators of that show – Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and Sam Means – are working together again on a new series called The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins. The show stars Tracy Morgan as a former football star trying to rebuild his image. Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, and Saturday Night Live’s Bobby Moynihan are also part of the cast, which is always a good sign!

Love Story (FX), February TBA

Another series from Ryan Murphy, Love Story has already sparked controversy, upsetting both the Kennedy family and fashion critics. The show tells the tragic, real-life story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, a couple famous for their fast-paced romance and constant attention from the tabloids in the 1990s. They were style icons, and their often-publicized ups and downs kept the paparazzi busy. Sadly, their lives were cut short in a 1999 plane crash, adding to the long-held belief in the ‘Kennedy curse.’ Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly play the couple, and Naomi Watts and Grace Gummer also star.

The ‘Burbs (Peacock), Feb. 8

The upcoming TV show, The ‘Burbs, is based on the 1989 film of the same name, which starred Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, and Bruce Dern. The movie followed a man who suspected something strange was going on with his new neighbors. The idea of seemingly perfect suburban life hiding dark secrets – as seen in shows like Desperate Housewives – is a popular one, so it’s a natural fit for a new series. This version stars Keke Palmer, Max Carver (who was also in Desperate Housewives), British comedian Jack Whitehall, and Paula Pell. The story begins when a new family moves into the neighborhood, and long-buried secrets start to surface, threatening the idyllic image of suburban life.

Strip Law (Netflix), Feb. 20

I’ve been loving the run of adult animated comedies on Netflix lately! After shows like Bojack Horseman and Big Mouth really set the bar, we’ve gotten some fantastic new ones like Long Story Short and Haunted Hotel. Now there’s Strip Law, and it looks hilarious – it’s about a really serious lawyer in Vegas who partners with a cheesy magician to tackle the most ridiculous cases the city has to offer. Plus, the voice cast is incredible – Adam Scott, Janelle James, Keith David, and Stephen Root are all involved, so you know it’s going to be funny!

Scrubs (NBC), Feb. 25

Don’t worry, you haven’t time-traveled! Scrubs is returning, with the original cast reuniting after a 15-year hiatus. The beloved medical comedy, known for the real-life friendship of Zach Braff and Donald Faison, followed interns JD, Turk, and Elliot – played by Braff, Faison, and Sarah Chalke – and their hilarious hospital adventures. Judy Reyes and John C. McGinley are also back as Carla and Dr. Cox. While the world of medicine has evolved, the show promises the same mix of friendship, love, and playful rivalry fans remember.

DTF St. Louis (HBO Max), March TBA

Okay, so I just finished watching this new series starring David Harbour and Jason Bateman, and let me tell you, it’s a twisty one. It starts with what seems like a pretty standard midlife crisis love triangle – three adults, complicated feelings, you get the idea. But things take a very dark turn when someone ends up dead, and it quickly becomes less about romance and more about…well, murder. It’s loosely based on a New Yorker article about a dentist’s murder trial, but apparently, the showrunners really took that as just a jumping-off point and created their own story. Honestly, I think you’ll enjoy it more if you go in knowing as little as possible – the less you anticipate, the better!

Scarpetta (Prime Video), March 11

It wouldn’t be a list of popular TV shows without Nicole Kidman, would it? She’s continuing her busy streak and will be leading a new series based on Patricia Cornwell’s crime novels. Kidman will play Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner dedicated to solving a string of disturbing murders. The show also features a star-studded cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Simon Baker, and Bobby Cannavale.

Imperfect Women (Apple TV), March 18

After finishing her acclaimed role in The Handmaid’s Tale, Elizabeth Moss will next appear in the series Imperfect Women, which is based on Araminta Hall’s novel. The show centers on three close female friends whose lives are disrupted when a crime and the ensuing investigation threaten to tear them apart. Kerry Washington and Kate Mara also star as the other two friends.

The Testaments (Hulu), April TBA

Even though The Handmaid’s Tale has finished, the world Margaret Atwood created continues with The Testaments. This new story picks up five years after the end of The Handmaid’s Tale and focuses on the lives of young women who have only ever known the harsh reality of Gilead. Unlike the first series, which showed how women lost their freedom, The Testaments is about these girls growing up and finding strength in each other as they try to create a different future. The series will star Chase Infiniti, Rowan Blanchard, and Ann Dowd, who returns from the original series.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV+), April 15

Elle Fanning stars in this new series, from the creator of popular shows like Big Little Lies, with a script by David E. Kelley. It’s got everything you want: a compelling story, great actors, and a lot of buzz! Margo’s Got Money Troubles, based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe, follows Margo, a college student who finds herself in a difficult situation after becoming pregnant. To make ends meet, she turns to online content creation. The show also reunites her with her estranged parents: a former professional wrestler (Nick Offerman) and a woman who used to work at Hooters (Michelle Pfeiffer). This project is special because it’s the first time David E. Kelley and his wife, Michelle Pfeiffer, have collaborated professionally – she’s also an executive producer on the show.

Widow’s Bay (Apple TV), April 29

We’re always up for a funny horror story, and we’re especially excited about this one because it’s from Katie Dippold, the writer behind comedies like Parks and Recreation and The Heat. Her work is consistently hilarious! The new Apple TV+ series, Widow’s Bay, is set in a small, eerie town in New England that seems to be cursed, filled with people who are very superstitious. Matthew Rhys stars as the town’s mayor, who’s determined not to believe the locals’ warnings.

The Audacity (AMC), TBA

Since the last look at the quirky personalities of Silicon Valley, a lot has happened. Now, in 2026, a new series called The Audacity will explore this world again. Starring Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis, the show will focus on the people who make up the tech industry – from the innovators and entrepreneurs to the wealthy and powerful.

Half Man (HBO), TBA

Following the massive success of his deeply personal series Baby Reindeer, everyone wondered what Richard Gadd would create next. The answer is Half Man, a story about the complicated bond between two men, played by Gadd and Jamie Bell. The series begins with Ruben (Gadd) unexpectedly appearing at Niall’s (Bell) wedding, and then explores their relationship over nearly four decades – from their teenage years to the reasons they grew apart. Details about the plot are being kept under wraps, which is likely a good thing given the impact Baby Reindeer had on audiences.

Rooster (HBO Max), TBA

Next year will see the release of Rooster, a new series from Bill Lawrence, the creator of shows like Scrubs and Ted Lasso. The show stars Steve Carell, alongside Chris McGinley and Phil Dunster. Carell plays a middle-aged author who ends up on a college campus as he tries to connect with his daughter. Details are scarce, but given Lawrence’s track record, it’s likely to be a quality show. Carell was recently in Netflix’s The Four Seasons and HBO’s Mountainhead.

Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey (Paramount+), TBA

The story of JonBenet Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty pageant winner murdered in her Colorado home in 1996, has been the subject of many documentaries, but fewer fictionalized accounts. Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey will be the fourth time her case has been dramatized for television, starring Melissa McCarthy as her mother, Patsy Ramsey, and Clive Owen as her father, John.

Returning Series

The Pitt Season 2 (HBO Max), Jan. 8

Get ready! Season 2 of the hit show, ‘Da Pitt,’ is coming less than a year after its popular debut. Starring Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, and Katherine LaNasa, the intense medical drama follows the lives of doctors, nurses, and residents in a Pittsburgh trauma unit – all during a single, hectic shift. This season picks up ten months after the first season’s finale and will unfold over the Fourth of July weekend.

The Traitors (Peacock) Season 4, Jan. 8

The popular reality show where celebrities play Mafia in a beautiful Scottish castle is returning for a fourth season. This time around, the cast includes Mark Ballas from Dancing with the Stars, Stephen Colletti of Laguna Beach, Donna Kelce, reality TV star Lisa Rinna, and Monet X Change from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Alan Cumming will once again host the show.

A Thousand Blows Season 2 (Hulu), Jan. 9

The second season of A Thousand Blows, written by Stephen Knight, continues the story of East London boxers in the 1880s, picking up a year after the events of season one. Malachi Kirby’s character, Hezekiah Moscow, has fallen from grace, and his coach, Sugar Goodson (played by Stephen Graham), is battling a severe drinking problem. Despite their struggles, both men still have the will to fight.

Industry Season 4 (HBO Max), Jan. 11

Looking for a relaxing 2026? You might want to skip the fourth season of Industry, the incredibly tense drama about London investment bankers. Myha’la, Marisa Abela, and Kit Harrington are returning, and they’ll be joined by new cast members including Max Minghella, Kiernan Shipka, Kal Penn, Charlie Heaton (from Stranger Things), and Toheeb Jimoh (from Ted Lasso).

The Night Manager Season 2, Jan. 11

It’s been ten years since the first season of The Night Manager made Tom Hiddleston a potential James Bond, and now the show is returning for a second season. Hiddleston reprises his role as Jonathan Pine, who is pulled back into dangerous missions when someone from his past – connected to Hugh Laurie’s criminal organization – resurfaces. Olivia Colman is also back as Angela Burr, and they’re joined by new cast members Diego Calva and Camila Morrone.

Hijack Season 2(Apple TV), Jan. 14

First a hijacked plane, now a train? It seems Idris Elba’s character, Sam Nelson, always finds himself in trouble! After being a hero on a plane in Season 1, Season 2 of Hijack will show him using his skills to handle a takeover on a London subway train. Maybe next time it’ll be a boat!

Shrinking Season 3 (Apple TV), Jan. 28

The popular Apple TV series starring Jason Segel as a therapist dealing with loss is returning for an 11-episode third season. The show famously brought Harrison Ford to television, and appears to be a role he’s genuinely enjoying. The entire main cast, including Michael Urie and Jessica Williams, will be back, and this season will also feature appearances by Jeff Daniels and Michael J. Fox.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 and Part 2 (Netflix), Jan. 29 and Feb. 26

Get ready for another season of romance and drama in the ton! Bridgerton is back for its fourth season, and this time the spotlight is on Benedict (Luke Thompson). After exploring his sexuality last season, he’s now looking for a serious relationship, and newcomer Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) might just be the one.

Dark Winds Season 4 (AMC), Feb. 15

Season four of the AMC series Dark Winds returns to the 1970s, following the Navajo Tribal Police as they investigate crimes on the reservation. This season’s storyline centers around the disappearance of a young Navajo woman, leading the investigation from the reservation to the streets of 1970s Los Angeles. Zahn McClarnon will reprise his role as Lt. Joe Leaphorn, with Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, and Deanna Allison also returning.

The Night Agent Season 3 (Netflix), Feb. 19

Get ready for more thrills with season three of The Night Agent! Gabriel Basso returns as Peter Sutherland for a brand new, top-secret mission. Details are scarce – and that’s exactly how a good spy story should be! We do know that Stephen Moyer, known for True Blood, is joining the cast this season.

The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 (Apple TV), Feb. 20

The first season of Apple TV+’s The Last Thing He Told Me, adapted from the Laura Dave novel, centered on Jennifer Garner’s character, Hannah Hall, after her husband (played by Nicholas Coster-Waldau) disappeared. The show was so popular that a sequel is already in the works, with Laura Dave quickly writing a follow-up story. Jennifer Garner, Nicholas Coster-Waldau, Angourie Rice, and David Morse are all expected to return for the second season, which will be released next year.

Paradise Season 2 (Hulu), Feb. 23

The show Paradise is returning for another season, but with a big change: instead of staying hidden underground, the characters are now going out into the world. After the surprise reveal at the end of Season 1 – that the entire setting takes place after a climate disaster forced everyone underground – Sterling K. Brown’s character, Xavier Collins, is determined to leave the safety of their shelter and search for his wife.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 (Apple TV), Feb. 27

Get ready for even more giant creatures! Season two of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters takes us to Skull Island, home of King Kong and other massive monsters—called Titans—that the secret Monarch organization is tracking. Kurt and Wyatt Russell will reprise their roles as different ages of the same character, and Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, and Ren Watabe are also returning for the new season.

One Piece Season 2(Netflix), March 10

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece (based on the anime with over 1,000 episodes) is continuing the adventure with Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hats. They’re still searching for the legendary treasure called the One Piece and hope to finally reach the challenging “Grand Line.”

Euphoria Season 3 (HBO Max), April TBA

Despite many doubts, a third season of the show is really happening! There was a lot of talk that it wouldn’t be possible, given how busy the stars – Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and others – have become. But somehow, the creator managed to make it work. The new season will be set five years after the characters graduate high school, showing us what their lives are like as young adults. Expect things to still be complicated, and, of course, plenty of glitter!

Your Friends & Neighbors Season 2 (Apple TV), April 3

Jon Hamm is back for another season of the Apple TV+ show Your Friends & Neighbors. He plays Andrew Cooper, a man who continues to con his rich neighbors by robbing them. However, a new resident arrives and starts to suspect something isn’t right, creating much bigger problems for Andrew than before. Olivia Munn and Amanda Peet are returning to their roles, and James Marsden is joining the cast.

The Boys Season 5 (Prime Video), April 8

As a huge fan of seriously twisted superhero stories, I’m both excited and terrified to hear that The Boys is coming back for its fifth and final season in 2026! This show really asks the question of what superheroes would actually be like if they had no accountability, and the answer is usually pretty awful. Knowing this series, they’re not holding back for the finale – expect even more shocking, uncomfortable, and cringe-worthy moments as they finally try to take down Homelander. Seriously, brace yourselves – it’s going to be intense!

Beef Season 2 (Netflix), TBA

Okay, so Beef is officially moving away from the original story and becoming an anthology series. Forget Steven Yeun and Ali Wong – this season, we’ve got a completely new cast led by Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny. Details are still pretty scarce, but the basic premise is fascinating: a young couple sees their boss in a nasty fight with his wife, and it kicks off a chain reaction of escalating favors and pressure within the super-rich world of a country club, all controlled by a Korean billionaire. It sounds like the same darkly comedic, emotionally messy ride as season one, just with a whole new set of characters to obsess over.

For All Mankind Season 5 (Apple TV), TBA

The popular Apple TV+ show that told the story of the space race from the Soviet perspective – imagining a world where the Soviets landed on the moon first – has been renewed for a fifth season. Details about the new season are scarce, but it will likely build upon the Martian colony introduced in Season 4 and explore the ongoing political consequences of this altered space race outcome.

Queer Eye Season 10 (Netflix), TBA

Following a cast change last season – with Jeremiah Brent taking over for Bobby Berk – the popular makeover show Queer Eye will conclude after its tenth season. The series, a revival of the early 2000s original, helped people transform their lives with the expertise of Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, and Tan France. Before it ends, the Fab Five will give one final group of individuals in Washington, DC, a much-needed boost.

2025-12-27 16:09