The Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2026, According to Rolling Stone
Every year brings new TV obsessions, but 2026 feels especially packed. The television industry is in the middle of a transformation — streaming platforms are competing harder than ever, prestige TV continues to blur the line between cinema and series, and familiar franchises coexist with bold original ideas.
According to Rolling Stone, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in recent television history. From long-awaited new seasons to ambitious adaptations and brand-new concepts, these are the shows everyone will be talking about.
According to Rolling Stone, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in recent television history. From long-awaited new seasons to ambitious adaptations and brand-new concepts, these are the shows everyone will be talking about.
Below is a complete overview of the most anticipated TV shows of 2026, based on Rolling Stone’s authoritative list.
Prestige Dramas and High-Profile Returns
Euphoria (Season 3, HBO)
After a four-year break, Euphoria returns with a significant time jump. The characters are no longer in high school, and the story moves into early adulthood. Zendaya reprises her role as Rue, alongside Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and Maude Apatow. With new cast members and darker, more mature storylines, Season 3 is expected to redefine the series.
The Bear (Season 5, Hulu)
What started as a gritty workplace drama has become one of the most acclaimed shows of the decade. Season 5 continues the story of Carmy, Sydney, Richie, and the restaurant’s evolving identity. With shifting power dynamics and unresolved emotional conflicts, expectations are sky-high.
Industry (Season 4, HBO Max)
The high-pressure world of finance returns with new players and higher stakes. Industry dives deeper into ambition, corruption, and personal collapse, expanding its cast and pushing its characters further into moral gray zones.
The Pitt (Season 2, HBO Max)
Often described as a modern heir to ER, this hospital drama intensifies its focus on healthcare, ethics, and burnout. Noah Wyle’s return to medical television has been one of the show’s biggest draws, and Season 2 promises even more emotionally charged storytelling.
Euphoria (Season 3, HBO)
After a four-year break, Euphoria returns with a significant time jump. The characters are no longer in high school, and the story moves into early adulthood. Zendaya reprises her role as Rue, alongside Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and Maude Apatow. With new cast members and darker, more mature storylines, Season 3 is expected to redefine the series.
The Bear (Season 5, Hulu)
What started as a gritty workplace drama has become one of the most acclaimed shows of the decade. Season 5 continues the story of Carmy, Sydney, Richie, and the restaurant’s evolving identity. With shifting power dynamics and unresolved emotional conflicts, expectations are sky-high.
Industry (Season 4, HBO Max)
The high-pressure world of finance returns with new players and higher stakes. Industry dives deeper into ambition, corruption, and personal collapse, expanding its cast and pushing its characters further into moral gray zones.
The Pitt (Season 2, HBO Max)
Often described as a modern heir to ER, this hospital drama intensifies its focus on healthcare, ethics, and burnout. Noah Wyle’s return to medical television has been one of the show’s biggest draws, and Season 2 promises even more emotionally charged storytelling.
Franchise Expansions and Reboots
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO)
Set nearly a century before Game of Thrones, this adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas offers a lighter, character-driven journey through Westeros. Fans can expect knights, political intrigue, and a more intimate scale compared to earlier series.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+)
This fresh take on the Star Trek universe focuses on cadets in training rather than seasoned officers. With Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and Tig Notaro among the cast, the series blends classic sci-fi ideals with youthful energy.
Blade Runner 2099 (Amazon)
Set 50 years after Blade Runner 2049, this series expands the iconic sci-fi universe. With Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer starring, the show promises philosophical depth, futuristic noir aesthetics, and existential questions that define the franchise.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (Hulu)
Still shrouded in mystery, this revival brings Sarah Michelle Gellar back as Buffy Summers. While details remain scarce, the involvement of high-profile producers has fueled intense speculation and nostalgia-driven excitement.
New Originals Generating Major Buzz
Man on Fire (Netflix)
A television reimagining of A. J. Quinnell’s novel, this series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy, a former special forces operative protecting a young girl. With Steven Caple Jr. directing, the show promises a darker, more character-driven take on the familiar story.
The Beauty (FX/Hulu)
Based on a graphic novel, this satirical thriller explores a beauty-enhancing drug with disturbing side effects. Created by Ryan Murphy, the show features an expansive cast including Evan Peters, Rebecca Hall, Ashton Kutcher, and Anthony Ramos.
Scarpetta (Prime Video)
Nicole Kidman stars as forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta in this adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling crime novels. With Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, and Simon Baker also attached, this is one of the year’s most anticipated crime dramas.
Imperfect Women (Apple TV+)
Starring Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss, and Kate Mara, this psychological thriller explores friendship, jealousy, and secrets after a shocking murder disrupts the lives of three lifelong friends.
Comedy, Satire, and Genre-Bending Shows Shrinking (Season 3, Apple TV+)The heartfelt comedy returns with deeper emotional arcs. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford continue exploring grief, aging, and healing with humor and warmth.
The Comeback (Season 3, HBO)
After more than a decade, Lisa Kudrow returns as Valerie Cherish. This season skewers modern fame, social media culture, and the evolving expectations placed on women in Hollywood.
Ted Lasso (Season 4, Apple TV+)
Once thought to be finished, Ted Lasso is back. While details remain limited, the return of Jason Sudeikis and the AFC Richmond crew has already generated massive excitement.
DTF St. Louis (HBO Max)
A darkly comic miniseries starring Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini. What begins as a suburban affair quickly spirals into crime and chaos.
Literary Adaptations and Character Studies
East of Eden (Netflix)
Written by Zoe Kazan and starring Florence Pugh, this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel revisits themes of family, morality, and generational conflict on an epic scale.
Vladimir (Netflix)
Rachel Weisz leads this provocative drama about power, desire, and obsession within an academic setting. Based on Julia May Jonas’ novel, the series promises psychological tension and complex character dynamics.
American Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette (FX/Hulu)
Ryan Murphy dramatizes one of America’s most famous modern love stories, blending glamour, tragedy, and historical spectacle.
From ambitious sci-fi worlds to intimate character studies, from beloved franchises to daring new originals, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for television. The diversity of genres and storytelling styles reflects how far modern TV has evolved — and why audiences remain more invested than ever.
If you love watching series from around the world and want to feel confident experiencing content in another language, Native Speaker Courses is here for you.
Join us for a free trial lesson with a native speaker and discover how learning a language can be as engaging as your favorite TV show — whether with subtitles or without.
🎬 Great stories are even better when you understand every word.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO)
Set nearly a century before Game of Thrones, this adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas offers a lighter, character-driven journey through Westeros. Fans can expect knights, political intrigue, and a more intimate scale compared to earlier series.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount+)
This fresh take on the Star Trek universe focuses on cadets in training rather than seasoned officers. With Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and Tig Notaro among the cast, the series blends classic sci-fi ideals with youthful energy.
Blade Runner 2099 (Amazon)
Set 50 years after Blade Runner 2049, this series expands the iconic sci-fi universe. With Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer starring, the show promises philosophical depth, futuristic noir aesthetics, and existential questions that define the franchise.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (Hulu)
Still shrouded in mystery, this revival brings Sarah Michelle Gellar back as Buffy Summers. While details remain scarce, the involvement of high-profile producers has fueled intense speculation and nostalgia-driven excitement.
New Originals Generating Major Buzz
Man on Fire (Netflix)
A television reimagining of A. J. Quinnell’s novel, this series stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy, a former special forces operative protecting a young girl. With Steven Caple Jr. directing, the show promises a darker, more character-driven take on the familiar story.
The Beauty (FX/Hulu)
Based on a graphic novel, this satirical thriller explores a beauty-enhancing drug with disturbing side effects. Created by Ryan Murphy, the show features an expansive cast including Evan Peters, Rebecca Hall, Ashton Kutcher, and Anthony Ramos.
Scarpetta (Prime Video)
Nicole Kidman stars as forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta in this adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling crime novels. With Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, and Simon Baker also attached, this is one of the year’s most anticipated crime dramas.
Imperfect Women (Apple TV+)
Starring Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss, and Kate Mara, this psychological thriller explores friendship, jealousy, and secrets after a shocking murder disrupts the lives of three lifelong friends.
Comedy, Satire, and Genre-Bending Shows Shrinking (Season 3, Apple TV+)The heartfelt comedy returns with deeper emotional arcs. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford continue exploring grief, aging, and healing with humor and warmth.
The Comeback (Season 3, HBO)
After more than a decade, Lisa Kudrow returns as Valerie Cherish. This season skewers modern fame, social media culture, and the evolving expectations placed on women in Hollywood.
Ted Lasso (Season 4, Apple TV+)
Once thought to be finished, Ted Lasso is back. While details remain limited, the return of Jason Sudeikis and the AFC Richmond crew has already generated massive excitement.
DTF St. Louis (HBO Max)
A darkly comic miniseries starring Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini. What begins as a suburban affair quickly spirals into crime and chaos.
Literary Adaptations and Character Studies
East of Eden (Netflix)
Written by Zoe Kazan and starring Florence Pugh, this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel revisits themes of family, morality, and generational conflict on an epic scale.
Vladimir (Netflix)
Rachel Weisz leads this provocative drama about power, desire, and obsession within an academic setting. Based on Julia May Jonas’ novel, the series promises psychological tension and complex character dynamics.
American Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette (FX/Hulu)
Ryan Murphy dramatizes one of America’s most famous modern love stories, blending glamour, tragedy, and historical spectacle.
From ambitious sci-fi worlds to intimate character studies, from beloved franchises to daring new originals, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for television. The diversity of genres and storytelling styles reflects how far modern TV has evolved — and why audiences remain more invested than ever.
Want to enjoy TV and languages at the same time?
If you love watching series from around the world and want to feel confident experiencing content in another language, Native Speaker Courses is here for you.
Join us for a free trial lesson with a native speaker and discover how learning a language can be as engaging as your favorite TV show — whether with subtitles or without.
🎬 Great stories are even better when you understand every word.
Book your free trial!
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