The 30 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2026: What to Watch and When

If you thought the last few years of TV were peak entertainment, 2026 is here to prove otherwise. The small screen is becoming the new cinema, and the lineup for the coming year is nothing short of massive. We’re looking at everything from the return of the Targaryens to a long-awaited trip back to Hogwarts.

After scouring production schedules and industry leaks, I’ve put together a list of the 30 shows everyone will be talking about in 2026. Whether you’re a fantasy nerd, a superhero fan, or just looking for your next Netflix binge, there’s something here for you.

1. The Heavy Hitters: Fantasy and Drama

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO): Westeros is getting a bit more personal. This “Dunk and Egg” prequel focuses on a knight and his squire, offering a different flavor than the sprawling politics of Game of Thrones.
House of the Dragon – Season 3 (HBO): The “Dance of the Dragons” is about to get even bloodier. Expect the war between Rhaenyra and Aegon to hit its peak this summer.
The Testaments (Hulu): Years after The Handmaid’s Tale first shocked us, we finally get to see Margaret Atwood’s sequel brought to life.
Outlander – The Final Season (Starz): It’s time to say goodbye to Claire and Jamie. This final chapter promises to be an emotional ride for longtime fans.

2. Superheroes and Dark Mysteries

Daredevil: Born Again – Season 2 (Disney+): Charlie Cox is back, and the hype is real. Early 2026 should see the Man Without Fear continuing his gritty battle for Hell’s Kitchen.
Lanterns (HBO): This isn’t your average superhero show. Think True Detective but with Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. It’s the cornerstone of the new DC Universe.
Spider-Noir (Prime Video): Nicolas Cage in a live-action, 1930s detective version of Spider-Man? It sounds wild, and it’s easily one of the most unique projects on this list.
VisionQuest (Disney+): Following the ghost-white Vision we saw in WandaVision, this series explores his journey to find his soul again.
Wonder Man (Disney+): Marvel is leaning into comedy here, following a super-powered actor trying to navigate the absurdity of Hollywood.

3. The Netflix Binge-List

Bridgerton – Season 4 (Netflix): It’s Benedict’s turn in the spotlight. Expect more romance, scandal, and beautiful costumes early in the year.
One Piece – Seasons 2 & 3 (Netflix): Luffy’s journey is just getting started. The scale of this live-action adaptation is only getting bigger as they enter the Grand Line.
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials (Netflix): For those who love a good “whodunnit,” this witty mystery adaptation is set to be a major 2026 highlight.
Stranger Things – Season 5 (The Grand Finale): The wait has been long, but 2026 will likely be the year we finally see the end of the Upside Down.
Steel Ball Run – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: This particular arc has a massive cult following, and its arrival on Netflix is a huge win for anime fans.

4. Returning Fan Favorites

The Night Manager – Season 2: It’s been a decade since the first season, but Tom Hiddleston is finally back in the world of international espionage.
Euphoria – Season 3 (HBO): We’re finally moving past high school. It’ll be fascinating to see where these characters ended up after such a long break.
The Bear – Season 4 (FX/Hulu): More stress, more sandwiches, and hopefully more awards. The kitchen isn’t cooling down anytime soon.
The Pitt – Season 2 (Max): This medical drama has quickly found its footing, and the second season is expected to drop right at the start of the year.
Industry – Season 4 (HBO): If you like your drama fast-paced and ruthless, the return of Pierpoint’s young bankers is a must-watch.
The Boys – The Final Season (Prime Video): It’s the end of the road for Butcher and Homelander. Expect total chaos.

5. Big-Screen Stories Coming to TV

Blade Runner 2099 (Prime Video): Ridley Scott is expanding this iconic sci-fi world, moving the timeline even further into the future.
Neuromancer (Apple TV+): The book that basically invented the “Cyberpunk” aesthetic is finally getting the high-budget treatment it deserves.
The ‘Burbs (Peacock): A modern take on the cult classic horror-comedy. It’s a perfect fit for a serialized mystery.
Cape Fear (Apple TV+): With Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese producing and Javier Bardem starring, this is going to be some high-quality, terrifying TV.
Harry Potter (HBO): We might only get a first look or the premiere of the first few episodes, but 2026 is the year the Wizarding World returns to our screens in a big way.

6. Unique Dramas and Reboots

Love Story (FX): Ryan Murphy is tackling the tragic, high-profile lives of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: A fresh, younger perspective on the Star Trek universe that follows the next generation of cadets.
Yellowstone: The Dutton Ranch: Because we can never have enough of the Dutton family’s history, this prequel looks at the roots of the ranch.
Malcolm in the Middle (Reboot): Rumors of a revival have been swirling for years, and it looks like 2026 is finally the year the family returns.
Ponies (Peacock): Emilia Clarke stars in this Cold War spy thriller set in Moscow—definitely one for the “prestige TV” fans.

Pro-Tips for the 2026 TV Season

To make sure you don’t miss anything, I recommend using the “Remind Me” features on apps like Netflix and Apple TV. Also, with the incredible cinematography in shows like House of the Dragon and Blade Runner, this is the year to finally invest in a good 4K HDR setup if you haven’t already. And as always, keep an eye on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes for those early reviews so you know what’s worth your time.

Final Thoughts: 2026 is going to be a huge year for television. We’re seeing some of the biggest franchises in history wrap up, while others are just beginning. Which of these shows is currently sitting at the top of your watchlist? Let’s talk about it in the comments!