10 best entertainment shows to watch in 2026 – from Gladiators to The Claudia Winkleman Show

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Despite claims to the contrary, traditional entertainment television is still thriving. The 2026 schedule looks strong, starting with the popular show ‘Traitors’ and continuing with a variety of other programs throughout the year.

From gladiator-style competitions to comedy workshops, celebrity interviews, neighborhood dramas, and everything in between (thanks to Ben Shephard for the inspiration!), British unscripted TV has a wide variety of shows this year to suit all tastes.

Here are 10 of the most anticipated reality and entertainment shows coming to TV this year, but there are plenty more on the way! Get ready to mark your calendars…

10 best entertainment shows to watch in 2026 – from Gladiators to The Claudia Winkleman Show

1. Gladiators – coming to BBC One from Saturday 17th January

Can you feel the excitement? The popular show Gladiator is back for a third series on the BBC, and it’s expected to be another hit with families. All your favorite gladiators are returning – even those who were injured last season – and there are some new challenges, including a classic game from the original show. Bradley and Barney Walsh are once again hosting!

2. Michael McIntyre’s Big Show – coming to BBC One from Saturday 17th January

3. Mock the Week – coming to TLC from 1st February

Good news for fans of ‘Mock the Week’! TLC has brought the popular comedy panel show back after it was cancelled by the BBC over three years ago. Host Dara Ó Briain is returning, and some well-known faces like Hugh Dennis, Ed Byrne, and Sara Pascoe will be featured. The show will have a few updates too, including longer episodes – now an hour long with commercials – and some new segments to go alongside the classic ones.

4. The Summit – coming soon to ITV1

Fourteen contestants are feeling the heat as they compete in a new reality show, battling to climb an 8,500-foot peak in the New Zealand wilderness for a £200,000 prize. Hosted by Ben Shephard from This Morning, the show will follow these ambitious climbers as they face tough challenges, form alliances, and inevitably turn on each other in their quest to reach the summit.

5. Last One Laughing – coming soon to Prime Video

The hilarious game show where comedians try not to laugh is back! Last year, Bob Mortimer won by keeping a straight face, but this time he’s facing a new group of funny competitors. Can he avoid cracking up? Jimmy Carr and Roisin Conaty are hosting, and the contestants include Bob Mortimer, David Mitchell, Mel Giedroyc, Alan Carr, Romesh Ranganathan, Amy Gledhill, Maisie Adam, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Sam Campbell, and Diane Morgan.

6. The Claudia Winkleman Show – coming to BBC One this spring

Claudia Winkleman, recently known for hosting ‘The Traitors’ and her insightful ‘Clauditorium’ post-show analysis on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, is starting a new chat show. The series, produced by Graham Norton’s company, So Television, will launch in the spring and air while ‘The Graham Norton Show’ is on break.

7. The Neighbourhood – coming this year to ITV1 and ITVX

I’m really intrigued by what Norton’s got coming up! ITV is launching a 12-part series this year where families actually live on a purpose-built street and compete against each other. It’s all about winning challenges, being liked by your neighbors, and then… voting them out! Sounds like a recipe for some serious social drama and backstabbing – I’m definitely tuning in to see how this one plays out.

8. The Box – coming this year to ITV1 and ITVX

Gary Lineker, accustomed to facing limitations both on the football pitch and in his broadcasting career, seems ideally suited to host this new version of a Norwegian show. The premise is simple: each week, celebrities are placed inside yellow boxes and sent on a journey to discover new places and tackle unexpected challenges. The first group of participants includes Ellie Taylor, John Bercow, Ranvir Singh, and Sara Davies.

9. Saturday Night Live UK – Coming this year to Sky Max and NOW

10. Would You Rather: Decide to Survive – Coming this year to Prime Video

Romesh Ranganathan is hosting a game show – surprisingly! In each episode, celebrities face challenges all based on ‘would you rather’ questions. Their answers determine everything from their meals to who gets eliminated.

Authors

Huw FullertonCommissioning Editor

Huw Fullerton works as a Commissioning Editor at TopMob magazine, where he focuses on Entertainment, Comedy, and niche Dramatic content.

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2026-01-12 16:06