The past year has been incredibly successful for HBO, firmly re-establishing it as a leader in the streaming world. 2025 brought a constant stream of popular shows, including a moving second season of The Last of Us and the action-packed return of James Gunn’s Peacemaker. The new series IT: Welcome to Derry also proved to be a hit, expanding on Stephen King’s story, and The Penguin continued to receive praise even after it finished airing, showing how much viewers enjoy well-developed character dramas. Warner Bros. Discovery has overcome recent challenges and is once again creating must-see TV that people want to watch as it airs, rather than saving it for later.
As a huge fan, I’m getting seriously excited about what HBO has planned! It feels like things are really building up, and 2026 is going to be a massive year for them – they’re clearly aiming to cement their place as the top network. They’re putting a ton of money into both familiar favorites and completely new shows, so there’s going to be something for every viewer. Honestly, they’re bringing back the big hitters and launching some really ambitious spin-offs that just feel like guaranteed successes.
7) Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
The world of The Big Bang Theory is growing again with a new and surprisingly ambitious show. Unlike Young Sheldon, which focused on family life, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe dives into science fiction. The series stars Kevin Sussman reprising his role as Stuart Bloom, the endearingly clumsy comic book store owner, who somehow becomes responsible for a disaster affecting the entire multiverse. The plot revolves around Stuart accidentally damaging a device created by Sheldon and Leonard, sending him on a reality-hopping adventure to repair the timeline. This bold idea allows the show to bring back familiar faces from the original series in unexpected ways, adding a new spin to the classic sitcom format. The creative team is clearly willing to experiment, moving away from traditional filming styles to create a visually impressive comedy that stays true to the original’s celebration of geek culture.
6) Rooster
Steve Carell is returning to television comedy with a new show called Rooster, created by Bill Lawrence (known for Scrubs and Ted Lasso). Set to premiere in March 2026, the series follows Greg Russo (Carell), a successful author trying to reconnect with his daughter (Charly Clive) while navigating the lively atmosphere of a college campus. Rooster promises the signature blend of humor and heartfelt moments that Lawrence is known for, and also stars Danielle Deadwyler. It’s shaping up to be a comforting and relatable show, offering a different kind of viewing experience compared to HBO’s more action-packed programs.
5) Industry
The thrilling drama Industry returns for its fourth season on January 11th, continuing its rise as one of television’s most gripping shows. Picking up after a shocking season finale, the new episodes follow Harper Stern and Yasmin Kara-Hanani as they adapt to a shifting power dynamic. This season introduces Whitney Halberstram, a powerful tech CEO played by Max Minghella, whose company pulls the main characters into a fierce battle of corporate strategy. Industry remains exceptional at capturing the intense and often toxic atmosphere of high-finance trading, while also exploring the personal sacrifices driven by ambition. With Kit Harington returning as Sir Henry Muck, the show boasts a talented cast and the witty, cutting dialogue viewers expect.
4) Lanterns
James Gunn is making a new Green Lantern show for television, expected in 2026. Called Lanterns, it’s a mystery set on Earth, aiming for the dark, realistic feel of True Detective rather than the traditional space adventure style. The series stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, two Green Lanterns who are also detectives investigating a murder in the American Midwest. This version focuses on detective work and the relationship between the characters, moving away from relying heavily on special effects. The show will particularly explore the contrast between the experienced, world-weary Jordan and the hopeful, new recruit Stewart, making their dynamic a central part of the story. As one of the first live-action shows in the reimagined DC Universe, Lanterns has a lot of pressure to set the right mood, but the talented cast and crew seem ready to deliver.
3) A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
HBO is returning to the world of Westeros with a new show premiering January 18th, but this time the story is more focused on individual characters. Based on George R.R. Martin’s popular Tales of Dunk and Egg, the series is a prequel set about a hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones. It follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), a traveling knight, and his young squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who is secretly a Targaryen prince. Instead of large-scale wars, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a journey that explores the lives of ordinary people living under the rule of dragons. The show promises a more upbeat and adventurous tone, emphasizing themes of honor and friendship over political intrigue. This fresh perspective expands the Game of Thrones universe, showing that there are many more stories to tell beyond the quest for the Iron Throne.
2) Euphoria
After a long wait, the popular and often talked-about show Euphoria is returning! Season 3 is scheduled to premiere in April 2026, and it will jump forward in time, showing what happens to the characters as they navigate the challenges of young adulthood. This change allows the actors – including Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, and Jacob Elordi – to take on more complex roles. The creator, Sam Levinson, hints that the new season will have a dark, film noir look, keeping the show’s distinctive visual style. Moving beyond high school also fixes some of the behind-the-scenes problems from previous seasons and allows for more grown-up storylines. Fans are eager to find out how Rue is doing with her recovery and what’s become of the complicated relationships, making this a major TV event.
1) House of the Dragon
After a second season that laid the groundwork for all-out war, the third season of House of the Dragon is aiming for an August release. It promises the large-scale dragon battles and shocking betrayals that define the Targaryen civil war. The conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon II has escalated beyond politics into a brutal fight for survival, threatening to destroy the entire Seven Kingdoms. We’ll see new dragon riders emerge and key battles from the Fire & Blood story come to life. The show continues to deliver stunning visuals and a cinematic experience that sets it apart from everything else on TV. HBO’s House of the Dragon remains the leader in epic television, blending the dramatic intensity of a Shakespearean tragedy with the exciting action of fantasy warfare.
What HBO show coming out in 2026 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-02 19:18