What’s Coming in 2026: The Most Anticipated Returning TV Shows and What We’re Excited to See Next
As 2026 approaches, TV fans have a huge slate of returning favorites and continuing sagas to look forward to. From prestige period drama to comic-book epics, here’s what we know so far about the shows you listed — where they left off and the big pieces we’re excited to see next.
Industry (Season 4)
HBO — Premiere early 2026
After its tense Season 3 finale, in which the characters’ personal and professional boundaries were more blurred than ever, Industry returns for its fourth season as power dynamics at Pierpoint continue to fracture. The show’s razor-sharp look at high finance will doubtless dive deeper into the fallout from last season’s betrayals and alliances. Trends in media suggest it will remain one of 2026’s must-watch dramas.
Why we’re excited: More cliffhangers, back-room deals, and power plays — especially as the cast navigates a shifting economic landscape.
Paradise (Season 2)
Hulu/Disney+ — Early 2026
The surreal paradise drama returns after a first season that left many mysteries unresolved. Paradise’s blend of mystery and psychological exploration makes it one of the buzziest genre shows on streaming.
Why we’re excited: A deeper look into the mythology of Paradise and the consequences of the choices characters made last season — with more questions than answers.
Shrinking (Season 3)
Apple TV+ — Jan. 28, 2026
Apple TV+’s heartfelt comedy-drama about grief, therapy, and personal growth concluded Season 2 with plenty of emotional momentum. The third season promises to build on the evolving relationships between the therapists and his clients.
Why we’re excited: The rich ensemble cast and mix of humor with emotional stakes keep this grounded and funny.
Hacks (Final Season?)
HBO Max — 2026
While Hacks has been renewed through multiple seasons, it’s reported that 2026 may bring its fifth and final outing. After last season’s career crossroads for Deborah and Ava, fans are curious how this smart, sharply written show will conclude.
Why we’re excited: A potential sendoff that balances sharp comedy with heartfelt resolution.
The Pitt (Season 2)
HBO Max — Jan. 8, 2026
This buzzy drama returns after a strong first season blending crime, culture, and mystery. Though details on the plot are still emerging, Season 2 will expand the world and deepen character arcs.
Why we’re excited: More twists in the gritty, stylish narrative that hooked viewers last year.
Bridgerton (Season 4)
Netflix — Jan. & Feb. 2026
Season 3 wrapped with Colin and Penelope’s love story finding its footing and hinted at Benedict’s romantic future. In 2026, Bridgerton shifts focus to Benedict Bridgerton and his unlikely romance with Sophie Baek amid class tensions.
Why we’re excited: A “forbidden love” arc set against lush regency balls — and what happens to the rest of the Bridgerton clan as they navigate new social seasons.
Euphoria (Season 3)
HBO — Spring 2026
After the emotionally intense Season 2 finale, which left Rue, Jules, and the rest of East Highland in complicated new places, Euphoria’s third season is poised to explore the aftermath of past traumas and relationships.
Why we’re excited: The show’s bold visuals and raw character work continue to redefine teen drama.
Invincible (Season 4)
Prime Video — Spring 2026
The animated superhero saga ended its last season with universe-shaking betrayals and a looming war. Invincible returns to unpack the fallout and test Mark’s limits as both hero and son.
Why we’re excited: More jaw-dropping action and emotional stakes — and how the fractured superhero world responds to its growing threats.
The Boys (Season 5)
Amazon Prime — 2026
As The Boys wraps up its final season, the team faces new moral quandaries and escalating threats. Last season’s cliffhanger set up a world on edge between public opinion and superhero reckoning.
Why we’re excited: Expect big revelations, social satire turned up to eleven, and a conclusive send-off for beloved (and reviled) characters.
Tell Me Lies (Season 3)
Hulu/Disney+ — Jan. 13, 2026
This adaptation of Carola Lovering’s novel dives deeper into Lucy and Stephen’s tumultuous relationship. After Season 2 upended their fragile bonds, Season 3 promises more emotional complexity and consequences.
Why we’re excited: Grinding relationships and the messy unraveling of truth vs. façade.
School Spirits (Season 2)
Paramount+/MTV — 2026
Blending teen drama with supernatural mystery, School Spirits left off with lingering questions about the afterlife and Celeste’s place in it. Its second season will explore those metaphysical twists further.
Why we’re excited: A fun mix of genre, heart, and mystery as life and death blur in a high school setting. (Industry chatter also lists this among returning shows.)
Dune: Prophecy (Season 2)
HBO — 2026/27 (expected)
The Dune universe expands with Dune: Prophecy, and while specifics on Season 2’s storyline are still under wraps, fans can expect deeper political intrigue and exploration of Arrakis lore.
Why we’re excited: More desert politics, mysticism, and world-building from the Dune mythos.
The Gilded Age (Season 3)
HBO — 2026
After a dramatic second season that tangled social ambitions and family secrets in late-19th-century New York, The Gilded Age returns for Season 3 with new alliances and richer settings.
Why we’re excited: Lavish period detail and sharp class commentary continue to define this Emmy-worthy drama.
The Night Agent (Season 2)
Netflix — 2026
Echoing its intense first season, which built from a sleeper political thriller into an all-out conspiracy chase, The Night Agent promises more espionage, betrayal, and action.
Why we’re excited: High-stakes political twists and expanded global intrigue.
House of the Dragon (Season 3)
HBO — Summer 2026
Following the dramatic end of Season 2 — with civil war erupting in Westeros — House of the Dragon’s third season is poised to escalate battles and dynastic tragedy.
Why we’re excited: Epic scale drama in a world fans know and love, but darker and more intimate than ever.
Daredevil: Born Again (Season 2)
Disney+ — March 2026
After a gritty, character-driven first season, Daredevil: Born Again returns with Matt Murdock facing fresher threats and moral dilemmas in Hell’s Kitchen.
Why we’re excited: More intense, grounded Marvel storytelling with legal drama and street-level heroics.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
(Future Marvel/Streaming project — tentative 2026)
Though details remain slim, this new Marvel entry — potentially a more grounded or comedic take on Spider-Man’s world — is generating buzz among fans.
Why we’re excited: If it leans into character humor and fresh takes on the Spider-verse, this could be one of 2026’s breakout genre hits. (Industry social listings include it as anticipated content.)
Final Thoughts
2026 looks like a banner year for TV — mixing epic conclusions, elevated storytelling, and eagerly awaited continuations. Whether you’re into political intrigue, supernatural mystery, or superhero spectacle, there’s something to look forward to every month of the year.
