Television fans are in for a spectacular treat in 2026, with a packed schedule of returning favourites and exciting new series set to dominate our screens. The year kicks off in style with the highly-anticipated series finale of Netflix's Stranger Things, but that's just the beginning of a stellar 12 months for telly.
Returning Favourites and Epic Conclusions
Several beloved series are making major comebacks this year. Leading the charge is Bridgerton season 4 on Netflix, which arrives in two parts. Part one drops on January 29, with part two following on February 26. This season shifts focus to Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and his romantic entanglement with servant Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha. Viewers can expect the usual lavish costumes, orchestral pop covers, and plenty of scandal.
Meanwhile, after a decade-long journey, the epic time-travel saga Outlander reaches its conclusion. Outlander season 8 premieres on March 6 via MGM+ on Prime Video, promising to deliver the final chapter in Jamie and Claire Fraser's New World love story and resolve the long-standing mystery of Jamie's ghost.
Apple TV+'s heartwarming hit Ted Lasso is also set for a triumphant return. Although a precise date is TBA, the fourth season will reportedly focus on AFC Richmond's women's team, exploring their challenges on and off the football pitch.
New Worlds and Long-Awaited Sequels
The Game of Thrones universe expands with a brand new prequel. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, based on George R. R. Martin's 'Dunk and Egg' tales, arrives on NOW from January 18. Set a century before the original series, it follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire, Aegon 'Egg' Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). HBO has already greenlit a second season for 2027.
HBO's gritty teen drama Euphoria returns after a lengthy hiatus. Euphoria season 3 lands in April 2026 on NOW, jumping forward five years to find Rue (Zendaya) in Mexico and other characters navigating adult life, including an engaged Nate and Cassie.
Disney+ will bring viewers back to the dystopia of Gilead with The Testaments, the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, adapted from Margaret Atwood's Booker Prize-winning novel. Launching in April 2026, it focuses on the teenage girls of the regime, with Ann Dowd returning as Aunt Lydia.
More Drama, Comedy and True Crime
The provocative drama The Hunting Wives is poised for a second season on ITX (date TBA), promising to delve deeper into the dark secrets between Sophie and Margo. The 80s-themed comedy-drama Rivals, starring David Tennant and Alex Hassell, will also return for a second series on Disney+.
Netflix's Monster anthology continues with The Lizzie Borden Story in Autumn 2026, starring Ella Beatty. Fans will be watching to see if it returns to the nuanced tone of its first seasons or continues the campier style of the Ed Gein story.
Finally, a Scrubs reboot is confirmed, set to premiere on Hulu on February 25. Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke will return to explore how medicine has changed, though a UK release platform remains unannounced.
With such a diverse and high-quality line-up, 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable year for television enthusiasts across the UK.
