As we enter 2026, the television landscape is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in recent streaming history. With major franchises returning, beloved series reaching their finales, and highly anticipated new chapters arriving across all major platforms, there’s truly something for everyone. This comprehensive guide ranks the 10 most anticipated shows of 2026 based on the frequency and prominence they’ve received in major entertainment publications and industry coverage.
10 Most Anticipated Shows of 2026
House of the Dragon Season 3 (HBO Max)
Release Date: June 2026
Platform: HBO Max
Genre: Fantasy Drama
What to Expect: Dragons, betrayal, and the escalation of the Targaryen civil war
House of the Dragon dominates the anticipation rankings with more mentions in major entertainment publications than any other 2026 release. Following the explosive conclusion of Season 2, this Game of Thrones prequel is poised to deliver its most dramatic chapter yet. According to HBO executives, the season will kick off with The Battle of the Gullet—a massive naval conflict that sets the tone for even greater chaos to come.
Season 3 promises to shift focus significantly, introducing Prince Daeron Targaryen and expanding the scope of the war across Westeros. The showrunner has teased a “conceptual episode” that will deviate from the traditional format, offering viewers something fresh within the familiar fantasy setting. With filming already wrapped and post-production underway, this summer release is one of HBO’s most anticipated events.
Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+)
Release Date: March 4, 2026
Platform: Disney+
Genre: Action/Marvel
What to Expect: Matt Murdock faces Wilson Fisk’s reign as NYC mayor
Daredevil’s return to screens as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most exciting developments in MCU television history. The eight-episode season picks up with Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) now the mayor of New York City, setting the stage for an unprecedented power struggle. Charlie Cox returns as Matt Murdock, alongside Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones and other Defenders universe characters.
The creative overhaul that occurred after the writers’ strike resulted in a fresh vision for the series, separating it from the Netflix era while maintaining continuity with beloved characters. Speculation about cameos from other Defenders—Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and potentially even Spider-Man—has fans eagerly anticipating what this new chapter will bring to the MCU’s street-level heroes.
Bridgerton Season 4 (Netflix)
Release Date: January 29 & February 26, 2026
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Romance/Period Drama
What to Expect: Benedict’s love story with a mysterious woman from a masquerade ball
Netflix’s beloved romance saga continues its winning streak with Season 4 focusing on the artistic second son Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), an enigmatic maid attending a masquerade ball. This season promises to deliver a unique twist on the classic Cinderella tale set within the glittering Regency era.
The series has become a global phenomenon, demonstrating unprecedented reach and cultural resonance. The strategic split release (two parts across consecutive months) keeps audiences engaged longer, and early indicators suggest this season will maintain the show’s exceptional momentum. With the cast’s chemistry and the show’s mastery of blending romance, spectacle, and social commentary, Season 4 continues Bridgerton’s reign as one of streaming’s most culturally significant shows.
The Boys Season 5 (Prime Video)
Release Date: April 8 – May 20, 2026
Platform: Prime Video
Genre: Superhero Satire
What to Expect: The explosive final chapter of Hughie and Butcher’s war against corrupt Supes
This is it—the final season of one of streaming’s most acclaimed and talked-about series. The Boys Season 5 promises an all-out conflict between Homelander’s totalitarian regime and Butcher’s desperate resistance. With the plot teaser revealing imprisoned heroes and a potential Supe-extinction virus, expectations for this finale are stratospheric.
The series has earned multiple Emmy Awards and established itself as the gold standard for superhero satire. The finality of this season, combined with the show’s track record of shocking twists and unapologetic storytelling, has fans counting down the days. The eight-episode structure and weekly release schedule will keep audiences engaged throughout the spring and into summer 2026.
One Piece Season 2 (Netflix)
Release Date: March 10, 2026
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Action/Adventure
What to Expect: The Straw Hat crew’s journey through the Grand Line
Following the “blisteringly successful” first season, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the world’s most beloved manga is ready to sail into deeper waters. Season 2, officially titled “One Piece: Into the Grand Line,” will introduce new islands, Devil Fruit villains, and expanded world-building that honors Eiichiro Oda’s original vision while creating something fresh for television audiences.
The production value and commitment to authenticity demonstrated in Season 1 have earned Netflix the confidence of the fanbase. With filming wrapped in February 2025, post-production is well underway. The series represents Netflix’s most successful live-action anime adaptation and has proven that this genre can achieve massive global appeal.
Euphoria Season 3 (HBO)
Release Date: April 2026
Platform: HBO
Genre: Teen Drama
What to Expect: The return of Rue Bennett after a five-year time jump
After nearly four years away, HBO’s most talked-about drama series is finally returning. Euphoria Season 3 has completed filming with a production that spanned nine months, reflecting the creative team’s commitment to maintaining the show’s cinematic quality. Emmy-winning star Zendaya returns as Rue Bennett, alongside the full ensemble cast.
The five-year time jump teased in the season’s concept marks a significant shift for the series, promising to evolve the characters and their circumstances in meaningful ways. With production wrapped and post-production well underway, HBO is planning an April premiere that will re-establish the show’s position as appointment television. The combination of artistic ambition, critical acclaim, and cultural relevance makes this return one of 2026’s most anticipated events.
Lanterns (HBO Max)
Release Date: Late Summer 2026
Platform: HBO Max
Genre: Superhero/DC
What to Expect: A True Detective-style mystery with DC’s Green Lanterns
DC Studios’ ambitious entry into the interconnected universe is positioned as a sophisticated detective drama featuring Green Lanterns Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). With showrunner Chris Mundy (True Detective: Night Country) at the helm and Damon Lindelof (Lost) as executive producer, this series promises to elevate superhero television to new artistic heights.
The Earth-based mystery involving the two intergalactic cops investigating a murder in the American heartland represents a fresh approach to superhero storytelling. Additional appearances from Guy Gardner and the introduction of Sinestro expand the DC Universe’s scope. As a cornerstone project for DC Studios’ television strategy under James Gunn and Peter Safran, Lanterns carries significant weight and expectations.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max)
Release Date: January 18, 2026
Platform: HBO Max
Genre: Fantasy Drama
What to Expect: A new era in Westeros, 90 years before Game of Thrones
This Game of Thrones prequel, adapting George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, launches HBO’s Westeros content in early 2026 (alongside House of the Dragon later that year). The six-episode first season has already been renewed for a second season before it even premiered, indicating HBO’s confidence in the project.
The series focuses on a knight-errant and his squire navigating a kingdom on the brink of chaos, delivering the political intrigue and character depth that made Game of Thrones a phenomenon. With George R.R. Martin’s own endorsement of the first season quality, expectations are genuinely high for this new chapter in Westeros.
VisionQuest (Disney+)
Release Date: Late 2026
Platform: Disney+
Genre: Marvel/Superhero
What to Expect: The conclusion of the WandaVision trilogy
Marvel Studios officially confirms that VisionQuest will serve as the climactic chapter of the trilogy that began with WandaVision and continued with Agatha All Along. Created by Terry Matalas (Star Trek: Picard, 12 Monkeys), this eight-episode miniseries promises to “reward” viewers who have followed the MCU’s journey.
Paul Bettany returns as Vision, exploring how White Vision processes the memories he inherited while grappling with the emotional disconnection that defines his existence. With Matalas’ proven track record for complex storytelling and genre-bending narratives, expectations are high for this conclusion. The series represents Marvel’s commitment to maintaining quality in its television offerings while delivering meaningful conclusions to established storylines.
Outlander Season 8 (Starz)
Release Date: March 6, 2026
Platform: Starz
Genre: Historical Romance/Drama
What to Expect: The final chapter of Jamie and Claire’s epic journey
After more than a decade captivating audiences with time-traveling romance and historical drama, Outlander reaches its series finale with a 10-episode final season. Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe return as Jamie and Claire Fraser, facing new threats at Fraser’s Ridge while confronting profound questions about sacrifice and survival.
The final season promises to unite all the core characters in meaningful ways, with showrunner Matthew B. Roberts ensuring every element serves Jamie and Claire’s central story. The completion of ADR (additional dialogue recording) in early 2025 confirms the season is in final post-production stages. For devoted fans who have followed this epic saga for a decade, this is an emotional journey they won’t want to miss.
Honorable Mentions
While these shows didn’t make the top 10 based on source frequency, they deserve recognition for their anticipated 2026 arrivals:
- The Pitt Season 2Â (HBO Max, January 2026) – Emmy-winning medical drama returning with fresh energy
- Scarpetta (Prime Video, March 11, 2026) – Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis in a forensic thriller
- Young Sherlock (Prime Video, March 2026) – Guy Ritchie’s reimagining of the legendary detective as a young man
- Scrubs Revival (ABC, February 25, 2026) – The beloved medical comedy returns with its full original cast
