The 30 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2026

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Upcoming 2026 TV series overview
Image: Polygon | Paramount/BBC/Prime Video/Adult Swim

As 2026 unfolds, the small screen landscape is already being reshaped by massive premieres. The year kicked off with a reinvigorated vision for the Star Trek universe, while the world of Westeros has delved into a largely unexplored chapter of its history. Even the Marvel Cinematic Universe is expanding its reach with innovative new entries. If it feels like a lot to digest, prepare yourself—the deluge of must-watch television is only just beginning.

The upcoming twelve months promise a wealth of content across these titan franchises, alongside bittersweet farewells—such as the final outing of The Boys—and the arrival of highly anticipated reimaginings. For enthusiasts of science fiction, horror, and high-concept drama, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year.

We have compiled a definitive list of the 30 television events we are most eager to witness. Explore our selections below, and be sure to share the titles you’re most excited for in the comments section.

1
Primal Season 3

Visceral action in Primal Season 3

Image: Adult Swim

Premiere Date: Jan. 11

Platform: Adult Swim, Max

Genndy Tartakovsky’s visceral, dialogue-free masterpiece returns for a third chapter of prehistoric survival. This season introduces a macabre twist to the central dynamic: Spear has returned as an undead force, promising even more brutal and haunting animated sequences.

2
Starfleet Academy

The cadets of Starfleet Academy

Photo: John Medland/Paramount Plus

Premiere Date: Jan. 15

Platform: Paramount Plus

Picking up the mantle from Star Trek: Discovery, this 32nd-century spin-off injects a youthful, coming-of-age energy into the franchise. It follows the inaugural class of cadets emerging after the Federation’s collapse. The series boasts a high-caliber cast, with franchise stalwarts Tig Notaro and Robert Picardo joined by Holly Hunter, while Paul Giamatti delivers a delightfully villainous performance as a flamboyant space marauder.

3
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Photos: Steffan Hill/HBO

Premiere Date: Jan. 18

Platform: HBO

Adapting George R.R. Martin’s beloved *Tales of Dunk and Egg*, this *Game of Thrones* prequel offers a refreshing, grounded perspective on Westeros. Eschewing grand political machinations for a more intimate story, it tracks a hedge knight’s attempt to find glory at a local tournament. Expect a gritty, humorous, and deeply character-driven journey through the Seven Kingdoms.

4
The Beauty

Premiere Date: Jan. 21

Platform: FX, Hulu

Ryan Murphy ventures into sci-fi territory with this unsettling thriller centered on the dark side of the pharmaceutical world. Taking visual and thematic cues from Coralie Fargeat’s *The Substance*, the series explores a miracle drug that yields terrifying physical consequences, positioning it as a potentially worthy successor to the *American Horror Story* legacy.

5
Wonder Man

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams

Image: Marvel

Premiere Date: Jan. 27

Platform: Disney Plus

Addressing the cultural phenomenon of superhero fatigue head-on, Marvel’s latest project is a sharp meta-comedy. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II portrays an individual possessing extraordinary abilities who attempts to navigate the Hollywood studio system by auditioning for a fictional superhero epic.

6
Paradise Season 2

Premiere Date: Feb. 23

Platform: Hulu

Following its successful debut as a cult favorite, *Paradise* returns to expand its intricate post-apocalyptic narrative. With its reputation for shocking developments and smart world-building, fans are eagerly awaiting the next stage of this survivalist mystery.

7
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2

King Kong in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

Image: Apple

Premiere Date: Feb. 27

Platform: Apple TV+

The Apple TV+ addition to the MonsterVerse returns, continuing the multigenerational saga starring Kurt and Wyatt Russell. The focus this season shifts toward the colossal King Kong, likely diving deeper into the mysteries of the Hollow Earth.

8
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2

Matt Murdock returns in Daredevil: Born Again

Image: Marvel Studios

Premiere Date: March 4

Platform: Disney Plus

Following a transformative creative overhaul, *Daredevil: Born Again* is doubling down on the gritty atmosphere of its Netflix predecessor. The upcoming season is set to reintegrate fan-favorite elements of the original continuity, notably featuring the return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones.

9
Young Sherlock

Premiere Date: March 4

Platform: Prime Video

Director Guy Ritchie revisits the world of the world’s greatest detective, this time focusing on his formative years. Set when Sherlock is just 19, the series explores the origins of his brilliant mind and his first encounters with iconic figures like Mycroft and Moriarty.

10
One Piece Season 2

The Straw Hat crew in Netflix's One Piece

Image: Netflix

Premiere Date: March 10

Platform: Netflix

Netflix’s ambitious live-action adaptation of *One Piece* sails into the treacherous waters of the Grand Line. This season introduces iconic locations like Drum Island and brings the beloved ship’s doctor, Tony Tony Chopper, to life, all while the shadow of the Baroque Works syndicate looms over Luffy and his crew.

 

Source: Polygon

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