Killers, superheroes, romance, and politics.
2026 is shaping up to be a big year in TV, and the upcoming shows are stacking up to have something for everyone.
There are a few hotly anticipated returns – “Bridgerton” is back, “Euphoria” last aired a whopping four years ago! – and sizzling new shows.
The stars of the small screen this season includes a roster of big names, from Steve Carell to Zendaya to Michelle Pfeiffer to Daniel Radcliffe. The upcoming year also has a slew of offerings across genres, from drama to comedy to sci-fi.
Here’s a selection of the most anticipated shows.
“Memory of a Killer”
Patrick Dempsey makes his big return to broadcast TV. After starring on “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2005-2015 and again from 2020-2021, Dempsey has mostly starred in movies like “Ferrari” and “Disenchanted” and shows such as Sky Atlantic’s “Devils.” Now, he’s back to his roots. In this psychological thriller, he plays a hitman who is slowly losing his memory. “The Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli and “Suits” star Gina Torres round out the cast.
When to watch: Jan 25 on Fox (10 p.m.).
“Bridgerton”
The steamy Netflix period piece returns, this time following Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). Produced by Shonda Rhimes and based on romance novels by Julia Quinn, each season follows a different member of the Bridgerton family as they fall in love in 1800s England. Season 4 will see Benedict’s romance with a maid, Sophie (Yerin Ha), as they meet at a masquerade ball.
When to watch: Season 1 premieres in two parts, hitting Netflix on Jan. 29 and Feb. 26.
“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”
Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe co-star in this new comedy. The “30 Rock” actor plays a disgraced former football player who is trying to rehabilitate his image, with help from auteur filmmaker Arthur Tobin (Radcliffe). In line with the former “Harry Potter” star’s other post-Potter career choices, it’s unexpected and quirky.
Where to watch: Sunday, Jan 18 before an encore Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Its regular timeslot premiere is March 2 (8:30 p.m.) on NBC and Peacock.
“Love Story”
Produced by Ryan Murphy, this show is about the relationship between JFK Jr. and fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, played by Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon. Naomi Watts co-stars as his mother, Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. The couple died in a private plane crash in 1999, when he was 38 and she was 33. The show is part of Murphy’s anthology franchise that previously included “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Where to watch: February on FX (date and time unannounced).
“The Madison”
Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell star in the latest spinoff show in the “Yellowstone” world. Produced by “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan, the show follows a New York family as they relocate to Montana and deal with grief and love.
Where to watch: March 14 on Paramount+.
“Rooster”
Helmed by Bill Lawrence (“Shrinking”) and starring Steve Carell and “Ted Lasso” star Phil Dunster, this comedy is set on college campus. The story follows an author (Carell) who has a complicated relationship with his adult daughter (Charly Clive), a professor.
Where to watch: March on HBO (date and time unannounced).
“Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair”
The comedy revival reunites most of the original cast of “Malcolm in the Middle” including Frankie Muniz – returning to acting after leaving for a race car driving career – and Bryan Cranston. The original sitcom aired on Fox for over one hundred episodes, from 2000 to 2006, following child prodigy Malcolm (Muniz) and his dysfunctional family. The revival is a four-episode miniseries following Malcolm as he’s now a father.
Where to watch: April 10 on Hulu.
“Euphoria”
After a long absence – during which series stars Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney became the biggest Gen-Z global superstars – the teen drama is finally back. Season 2 aired in 2022. Wisely (since the young cast members are now all nearly 30 in real life), Season 3 is doing a time jump, and the characters are no longer in high school. Will the writing be able to fit the now comically stacked cast? We’ll find out.
Where to watch: April 12 on HBO (9 p.m.)
“The Audacity”
This is the first show created by “Succession” writer Jonathan Glatzer. Starring Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis, the drama series is about Silicon Valley billionaires. Lucy Punch, former “The Daily Show” correspondent Rob Corddry and Sarah Goldberg (“Barry”) all round out the cast.
Where to watch: April 12 on AMC (9 p.m.) and AMC+.
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
Hailing from “Big Little Lies” creator David E. Kelly, this dramedy stars Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman. Based on the book by Rufi Thorpe, the story follows Margo (Fanning), the daughter of a Hooters waitress and pro wrestler who turns to OnlyFans to support herself, after an affair with her professor leaves her pregnant.
Where to watch: April 15 on AppleTV+
“Lanterns”
Starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, this is the latest superhero series from DC studios, following the Green Lantern characters. Damon Lindelof – who created the stellar 2019 HBO “Watchmen” series – is among its co-creators. The plot will follow the Lantern (an intergalactic peacekeeper) Hal Jordan (Chandler) and new recruit John Stewart (Pierre) as they investigate a murder in Nebraska.
Where to watch: an unannounced date on HBO.
“Carrie”
Created by Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting of Hill House”), this miniseries is based on the iconic Stephen King novel. Summer H. Howell plays the title role. Matthew Lillard, Samantha Sloyan, Heather Graham, Katee Sackhoff, and Flanagan favorites Rahul Kohli and Kate Siegel round out the cast.
Where to watch: an unannounced date on Prime Video.
