5 Major TV Shows Ending in 2026, Ranked by How Sad We Are To See Them Go

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2026 is shaping up to be a great year for television, with a lot of exciting shows on the way. Fans of superhero stories can look forward to Lanterns, a new DC series that blends detective work with the superhero world. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will take us back to Westeros, but this time focusing on the lives of ordinary people. And for those who love to laugh, comedy favorites like Steve Carell are returning with fresh projects, such as the show Rooster. Overall, 2026 seems to be relying on well-known names and ideas – like the spinoff Stuart Fails to Save the Universe – to keep audiences engaged.

In 2026, several beloved TV shows will be ending, which is always a mix of emotions. These shows often become a big part of our culture, and it’s tough to say goodbye. Some series are wrapping up at a good time, feeling complete or because the story has run its course. Others are ending while still incredibly popular, leaving fans wanting more. Here’s a look at the major shows finishing in 2026, ranked from most to least heartbreaking.

5) The Witcher

After a challenging few years, the fifth season will be the last for The Witcher, with a planned release in late 2026. The show faced difficulties after the lead actor left, and while Liam Hemsworth stepped into the role, it struggled to regain its initial popularity. Many critics felt the writing strayed too far from the original books and games, making the story feel fragmented and less compelling. Despite strong performances from Freya Allan and Anya Chalotra, the series ultimately lost its way. Netflix has decided to conclude The Witcher and concentrate on other projects within the franchise, recognizing that the show’s high production costs weren’t matching viewer numbers. It’s a difficult but necessary ending for a series that, sadly, had lost its core identity well before the final season was even announced.

4) Yellowjackets

The hit survival drama Yellowjackets, known for its captivating first season and strong performances from actors like Melanie Lynskey and Christina Ricci, will conclude with its fourth season in 2026. However, the show’s complex structure – weaving between the characters’ past and present – became increasingly confusing. Many viewers also felt the story slowed down, and important mysteries weren’t resolved quickly enough. The creators decided to end the series now to deliver a satisfying conclusion and avoid losing the audience’s interest. Though fans will be sad to see it go, ending Yellowjackets now seems like the best way to preserve the quality of the story.

3) The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

For over 15 years, Robert Kirkman’s zombie world has been a fixture on television, and the ending of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon represents a big change for the series. Norman Reedus has played Daryl for so long, it’s hard to picture the show without him. AMC is wrapping up the series as part of a plan to simplify its programming and move beyond the original stars of The Walking Dead. While the show did a good job of reigniting interest in the franchise, the many spinoffs have started to feel overwhelming for viewers. It’s satisfying to see Daryl finally get a chance at peace, and while saying goodbye is bittersweet, we’ve already enjoyed hundreds of hours of content from this universe.

2) Good Omens

The cancellation of Good Omens is especially disappointing because fans won’t get the full final season they were expecting. Originally, Prime Video planned to continue the show until 2026, but now it will end with just one 90-minute special. This change happened after production was stopped due to serious accusations against the show’s creator, Neil Gaiman, who then left the series. Prime Video chose to wrap up the remaining story in a single finale to give Crowley (David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) a conclusion, even without Gaiman’s involvement. It’s truly sad to see the end of the amazing connection between Tennant and Sheen, which has been the core of the show since it began. While we appreciate getting one last look at this beloved pair, the way the show is ending unfortunately diminishes what should have been a celebratory final chapter.

1) The Boys

When The Boys finishes in 2026, it will mark the end of what is widely considered the most important superhero satire ever made for television. Creator Eric Kripke has always stuck to his plan for five seasons, meaning the intense conflict between Billy Butcher and Homelander will have a definite conclusion. It’s truly disappointing to see the show end, as it consistently offered a clever and unflinching look at modern society. The Boys became a significant part of the cultural conversation, challenging the traditional idea of heroes and revealing the problems with power and corruption. Although the world of The Boys will continue with shows like Vought Rising, nothing can replicate the original series’ unique intensity and sharp humor.

What show ending in 2026 are you going to miss the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-11 00:15