Netflix has pulled back the curtain on its upcoming schedule, revealing a slate of returning fan favourites for 2026 alongside some significant delays that will push other anticipated seasons well into 2027 and beyond. The announcement provides a mixed bag for subscribers, offering excitement for imminent returns but also confirming fears over lengthy production gaps for several flagship series.
Major Shows Confirmed for 2026 Return
Leading the charge of returning programmes is the soapy drama The Hunting Wives. Fronted by Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow, the series became a blockbuster sensation for the streamer last year, at one point claiming the title of the most-watched series in the United States following its July premiere.
They are joined by a host of other popular titles. According to industry reports, new seasons of Outer Banks, The Gentlemen, and Black Doves are officially on the way. The critically acclaimed French thriller Lupin is also set to return for its fourth season.
In the realm of romantic drama, fans can look forward to more episodes of Virgin River, Emily in Paris, and Sweet Magnolias. The popular rom-com Nobody Wants This, starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, will be back for a third season.
Final Seasons and Major Cast Changes
One of the most keenly awaited returns is the fourth and final season of the fantasy epic The Witcher. This new season will mark a major shift, as Liam Hemsworth makes his debut, taking over the lead role of Geralt of Rivia from Henry Cavill. Cavill dramatically departed the series in 2022 after headlining the first three seasons.
The renewal list also includes second seasons for several recent hits, such as the live-action adaptation Avatar: The Last Airbender, the sci-fi phenomenon 3 Body Problem, and the acclaimed limited series Beef. They join previously announced renewals like Bridgerton, The Lincoln Lawyer, and The Night Agent.
Reality television is also well-represented, with the wrestling docuseries WWE: Unreal returning for a second season. Netflix has promised more behind-the-scenes access and appearances from superstars like Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Cody Rhodes, alongside country music artist Jelly Roll.
Notable Omissions and Fan Frustration
Perhaps the most conspicuous absence from the 2026 announcement is the record-breaking series Wednesday. Led by Jenna Ortega, the show is Netflix's biggest English-language series of all time. However, it suffered a three-year gap between its first and second seasons, and fans now fear a similar lengthy wait for the already-confirmed third season.
Showrunner Alfred Gough addressed the plans, stating, 'Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can. We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.'
Other shows missing from the 2026 slate include the comedy Ginny & Georgia, the western drama Ransom Canyon, and Eric Bana's crime series Untamed.
The announcement has sparked considerable frustration among subscribers on social media, with many criticising the increasingly long gaps between seasons. 'These two year ––sometimes longer–– gaps between TV shows is ridiculous,' wrote one viewer. Another commented, 'Why does it take so damn long for new TV seasons to come out nowadays? It's BS.' The reaction highlights the growing tension between streaming giants' production schedules and audience expectations for timely content.
