We have to imagine you’re still working your way through some of the best TV shows of 2025. Even though the state of the film and television industry still feels somewhat up in the air, we aren’t really seeing the effects just yet. There are plenty of shows slated to return or premiere in 2026, and we’re eager to get to them. With so many on the horizon, we’ve narrowed things down to the ones we’re most excited about. Here are the most anticipated upcoming TV shows of 2026.

What are the most anticipated upcoming TV shows of 2026?

Before we get into it, our list is intentionally short. There are over 50 shows scheduled to hit the air this year, and some are still in the realm of speculation. We also opted not to include returning series. As happy as we are to see Ted Lasso potentially redeem itself after season three, we already know that one’s anticipated. That goes for Euphoria Season 3 and Beef Season 2. Instead, we’re focusing on shows that are a little less buzzy for now.

Vladimir (Netflix)

This upcoming Netflix limited series stars Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall, and is based on the novel by Julia May Jonas. The story has a lot of promise, with vibes reminiscent of Babygirl, as a college professor’s life unravels when she develops an obsession with a younger colleague. The supporting cast is equally compelling, including John Slattery and Jessica Henwick, actors we’re always happy to see in anything. While a release date hasn’t been confirmed, a 2026 debut is expected.

Widows Bay (Apple TV+)

This horror-comedy from Apple TV+ looks especially promising following a first-look teaser released last month. The series stars Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a quaint New England town that’s also a struggling community, and one that’s completely without cell service or Wi-Fi. Beyond the technological isolation, the town is deeply superstitious and believes the island is cursed. And they might be right. Widows Bay is set to release on April 29.

Scarpetta (Prime Video)

Nicole Kidman stars in another novel-based crime series, very much in the vein of Big Little Lies and The Undoing. Showrunner Liz Sarnoff helms this chilling eight-part forensic thriller and follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic expert and medical examiner, attempting to unmask a serial killer. The series unfolds across two timelines: the present-day investigation and Scarpetta’s early years as a chief medical examiner. We’re expecting plenty of twists, especially as her past threatens to disrupt her present. The series is set to release in March.

Beef (Netflix)

After becoming one of Netflix’s most talked-about series, Beef is returning for a second season, and early reports suggest it will be just as intense as the first. While details are still limited, the new season is expected to arrive sometime in the spring and will function as an anthology, easing concerns from fans who felt season one ended perfectly. Season two introduces an entirely new cast, including Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny, with creator Lee Sung Jin returning to expand the series.

Imperfect Women (Apple TV+)

We’re getting more powerhouse women leading a crime series based on a novel — and we’re certainly not mad about it. Produced and led by Annie Weisman (Physical), Imperfect Women stars Kate Mara, Kerry Washington, and Elisabeth Moss in a thriller centered on a crime that shatters the lives of three women. While “thriller” often comes with certain expectations, this one promises something more unconventional. The series is written by Araminta Hall, adapting her novel of the same name. The first two episodes are set to release on March 18.

​A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO)

We may be breaking our pick rule with shows that don’t have too much buzz yet. This one has been buzzing for a while, especially as the release date got pushed back from 2025. While technically another prequel to a massive hit, this series is expected to have a very different tone than House of the Dragon.

Set 100 years before Game of Thrones, it leans more toward dry comedy, pulling at a thread that existed in the original series but often fell by the wayside in favor of brutality. If you enjoyed the comic relief of characters like Samwell Tarly, you may already have a sense of what this show will feel like. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s novella The Hedge Knight, the story follows the dangerous exploits of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg. That said, alongside the lighter tone, we can still expect violence, swordplay, and plenty of Westerosi intrigue.

How we picked the most anticipated upcoming TV shows of 2026

We’ll be somewhat transparent and say there’s definitely some bias at play. We picked the shows that look great and have strong creative teams behind them. Other contenders for this list include Richard Gadd’s (Baby Reindeer) Half Man, plus the upcoming Buffy series Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale.