We’re all busy and don’t want to spend precious time endlessly browsing Netflix, checking TV listings, or even just deciding which streaming service to use.
There’s so much TV and so many movies available now that it’s overwhelming and hard to choose what to watch – but we’re here to help!
If you want to get the most out of your TV and movie watching this year, TopMob is the place to go. Their team of TV and film enthusiasts can help you find what to watch, enjoy it more, and stop wasting time on things you don’t like.
We’ve created a simple guide with 8 rules to help you get the most out of TV in 2026. It’ll help you stop endlessly scrolling and actually enjoy what you watch, plus save money – which is valuable when time and budgets are both limited.
Rule 1: Plan your movie nights without paying a penny
Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer
Years at TopMob: 6
Choosing a movie to watch at home can be surprisingly difficult these days. With so many streaming services available – from popular choices like Netflix and Amazon Prime to smaller, more specialized platforms like Mubi and BFI Player – it’s easy to end up spending a lot of money on subscriptions just to have enough options.
Want to enjoy a diverse range of movies without spending any money? You can! Services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 offer a fantastic selection of films, including both classic titles and recently aired movies.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic films or recent British productions, BBC iPlayer is a great place to start. Channel 4 has a good selection of genre films, too. But really, all these streaming services offer a mix of popular blockbusters, timeless classics, lesser-known independent films, and movies from around the world – what’s not to enjoy?
Looking for something good to watch in 2026? iPlayer now features classic movie trilogies like The Godfather and Back to the Future.
Rule 2: Embrace second screens
Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor
Years at TopMob: 6
A surprisingly helpful idea: using a second screen isn’t always bad. It’s just how people consume content now. Instead of trying to stop phone use completely, we should find ways to use it to our advantage.
It’s likely a bad habit to constantly check bad news while trying to enjoy a good show. And it’s concerning that filmmakers now feel they need to overexplain storylines because audiences are so easily distracted.
With so many streaming options now, it’s rare for everyone to watch the same show at the same time. But it’s great when something really exciting happens and creates a shared experience – like when your phone buzzes with messages and everyone’s talking about the same moment on social media. It’s a reminder that we can still all be captivated by the same thing, together.
I still really liked the finale of The Traitors. But watching it with friends and talking about it as it happened made it even more fun and engaging.
While it’s not suitable for all situations, using a second screen occasionally can actually improve the experience instead of taking away from it.
I’m really excited for Channel 4’s new drama, “Number 10.” Knowing it’s from Steven Moffat, who I love, and that it reunites him with Jenna Coleman – a fantastic actress from “Doctor Who” – automatically puts it at the top of my list of shows to watch in 2026. It’s called “Press Gang in Downing Street” and I have a feeling it’s going to be great!
Rule 3: Watch alone!
Alexia Skinitis, Head of Editorial
Years at TopMob: 15
Last year, I accidentally got my daughters hooked on Strictly Come Dancing. While I imagined us all enjoying the show together, the reality was much different. As soon as the music started, they’d be up dancing around the living room, demanding I watch their performances instead! I spent the show sending apologies to our downstairs neighbor. I finally got to watch it properly after they were asleep, with only a Chinese takeaway to keep me company – pure peace and quiet!
I once watched an episode of The Traitors without telling my partner, and it almost caused a huge fight! My advice? It’s best to enjoy shows you love on your own.
One worth watching in 2026: Scarpetta, 11th March on Prime Video.
Rule 4: Always trust a word-of-mouth hit
Louise Griffin, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor
Years at TopMob: 3
While advertising is a huge business, a friend’s recommendation carries a lot more weight. In fact, some of the best things I’ve watched were discovered because I was afraid of missing out – that feeling really motivated me to turn on the TV!
I have to be in the know – it’s a habit that’s actually led me to some fantastic TV shows like The Traitors, Severance, and Succession. Television has changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains true: great shows always generate buzz. So, pay attention to recommendations – especially from sources you trust! They’re incredibly valuable.
Keep an eye out for the third season of House of the Dragon in 2026! You’ll be able to watch it on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic or NOW in the UK.
Rule 5: Watch TV like you listen to music
Shem Law, Brand Editor
Years at TopMob: 25
Think of watching TV like listening to music. We don’t only seek out the newest shows – we revisit favorites from throughout our lives, and explore recommendations from friends and family. Just as one song can lead you to discover another, watching television should be a similar journey of discovery.
So much fantastic television has been created in the last half-century, and it’s amazing how much of it you can still watch today. Don’t overlook older shows just because they aren’t brand new – there are real treasures hiding on streaming services, YouTube, and channels dedicated to classic TV. And what better time to discover them than while tackling household chores like ironing? I’m hoping to finally watch acclaimed series like The Wire or The Sopranos, perhaps even while pressing a shirt or two…
Keep an eye out for Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice in 2026. While many versions of this classic Austen story exist, this one promises to be worth watching.
Rule 6: Football exists beyond the Premier League. Watch it.
Michael Potts, Sport Editor
Years at TopMob: 7
Social media was quick to predict the end of football over the holidays, but the truth is simpler. A strange scheduling coincidence meant only one Premier League game was shown on Boxing Day, which is usually packed with matches.
They didn’t mention that all 72 teams in the English Football League – across the Championship, League One, and League Two – had their games broadcast live on Sky Sports that day.
The Championship is arguably the most exciting football league globally, offering a great mix of skilled players and unexpected results. It often features more thrilling matches than the Premier League, which can sometimes feel overly predictable and focused on tactics.
This season, Sky Sports will broadcast 1,000 games from the EFL, significantly more than the 215 Premier League matches they’re showing. Many fans feel they’re paying a high price for a service that focuses too much on top-tier football and overlooks the quality and excitement of the EFL.
One worth watching in 2026: Championship 2025/26
Rule 7: Make the TV schedule your social secretary
David Hodges, Reader Services Manager
Years at TopMob: 26
Television isn’t just about having lots of shows available; it needs to feel meaningful. Traditional scheduled TV creates a sense of event, like experiencing the world together in real-time. While streaming is convenient, it’s best when it feels like a treat and I can truly focus on what I’m watching. Having endless choices without any structure feels overwhelming – TV should feel like a special experience, something with a defined time and place.
Look, I’m not one of those people who jumps on whatever’s trending. For me, watching something is all about timing and how I’m feeling. Certain things just fit certain moments. Horror needs to be experienced after dark, I tend to catch the news at specific times, and comedies or dramas only hit right when I’m actually in the mood for them. I’ve basically built my own personal viewing rules, a little internal schedule. If I don’t, honestly, it’s a disaster – too many choices and the pressure to pick something good just becomes overwhelming.
Watching scheduled TV adds a bit of excitement and routine to your day – it’s almost like having someone plan your evenings for you, similar to a social secretary!
One worth watching in 2026: Beef season 2 on Netflix.
Rule 8: Channel-hopping is good, actually
Frances Taylor, Previews Editor
Years at TopMob: 10
Instead of using phones or tablets while watching TV, we should explore more of what’s actually on TV. I’m suggesting we flip through all the channels and really dig into the electronic program guide to see what’s available.
It’s like uncovering hidden treasures when you’re channel surfing! You might find classic shows like Steptoe and Son on That’s TV, or a nostalgic episode of Top of the Pops on U&Eden. And a bit of Bullseye on Challenge is always a good find.
Because we mostly watch shows through streaming services, it’s getting harder to stumble upon something new and unexpected. We usually hear about shows from friends, see recommendations, or read reviews beforehand. While streaming is convenient and enjoyable, there’s something special about discovering a hidden gem or rediscovering an old favorite by chance. So, occasionally, try browsing through channels like you’re searching for treasure – you might be surprised by what you find!
Authors
Minnie Wright leads digital growth and acquisitions at TopMob. Before this, she worked in TV, film, and music for a large national publication, and she holds a degree in Popular Music Journalism.
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2026-01-30 10:41