Top Returning TV Shows of 2026: What To Watch This Year

Television has changed dramatically in just the last ten years, and with many new shows coming out in 2026, it will continue to change. Traditional networks, cable channels, and streaming services all compete for viewers now, and people are watching more when they want, instead of sticking to set schedules. While networks used to control what and when people watched with their seasons, streaming has changed those expectations.

TV seasons aren’t what they used to be. The long, 22-episode format is becoming rare. Now, shows typically have fewer episodes, letting writers create more focused stories and invest in better quality production. At the same time, episodes themselves are often longer, with many streaming series moving away from the traditional 42-minute length.

The way shows are released has changed a lot. Traditionally, new TV shows debuted in the fall, but that’s not as important anymore. Now, shows premiere throughout the year, and streaming services don’t really follow a seasonal schedule at all. This means there’s more competition, with both returning shows and new ones often launching at the same time instead of being spread out.

With 2026 just around the corner, competition among TV shows is heating up. Many returning favorites are generating as much buzz as brand new series, especially those that haven’t been on air for a while. These revivals are playing on viewers’ fond memories while also trying to connect with today’s audiences. Plus, already popular shows are continuing with new seasons, aiming to keep their dedicated fans engaged.

These results show that television is now both bolder in its creativity and more focused on what viewers want. We’re seeing a lot of reboots, sequels, and shows that continue to thrive, all competing for attention. In 2026, audiences will ultimately decide which established shows are worth revisiting, making the competition even fiercer next year.

12. Will Trent (ABC)

ABC

The crime series Will Trent is back for a new season this January. After a dramatic season finale, viewers are eager to see what happens next. The show follows GBI Special Agent Will Trent as he tackles difficult cases and deals with issues in his personal and professional life, making it one of the best crime dramas currently on television.

The third season of Will Trent ended with a dramatic shooting that left Amanda Wagner’s fate uncertain, and also suggested lingering issues in Will’s relationship with Angie Polaski. The new season will continue those storylines, explore the characters’ connections further, and present the team with challenging new cases that will push them to their limits.

11. Outlander (Starz)

As a huge fan of Outlander, I’m both excited and a little sad to see the show return for its final season in March. It’s going to wrap up the incredible story of Claire and Jamie Fraser, played by Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan. Last season ended with them right in the middle of the American Revolutionary War, and things were really getting dangerous for their home, Fraser’s Ridge. I can’t wait to see how it all concludes!

Fans are eagerly awaiting season 8 of Outlander, expecting a thrilling conclusion to the story. This season adapts Diana Gabaldon’s novel, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, and focuses on the Frasers as they navigate war and family secrets that threaten their relationships. Season 8 promises high drama and emotional moments, making it a season viewers won’t want to miss.

10. The Night Manager (Prime Video)

After a ten-year break since its first season in 2016, The Night Manager is returning for a second season on Prime Video this January. The new season will once again follow Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, a former soldier and hotel employee who gets caught up in a dangerous world of international crime and espionage.

Olivia Colman will be back as Angela Burr in the new season, which is great news for fans of the show. Hugh Laurie won’t be appearing on screen as Richard “Dickie” Onslow Roper this time, but he’s still involved as an executive producer for the Prime Video series.

9. Malcolm In The Middle (Disney+)

After years of hints from star Frankie Muniz, a revival of Malcolm in the Middle is coming to Disney+ in 2026. The new series will revisit the famously chaotic family from the original sitcom. The original show ended in 2006 with the family driving off, a playfully ironic ending that matched the show’s quirky humor.

Okay, so details are still pretty hush-hush, but the new season promises to show us what happened to the family as adults. Expect the same wonderfully weird humor and genuine emotional moments that made the original so special. What’s really exciting is seeing the original cast – including Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek – back together with Frankie Muniz, and this time, he’s bringing his own daughter into the mix! It sounds like a heartwarming and funny look at how this unique family handles life in the modern world.

8. Tell Me Lies (Hulu)

Josh Stringer / ©Hulu/Disney / Courtesy Everett Collection

Get ready for more drama! Season 3 of Tell Me Lies, starring Jackson White and Grace Van Patten, arrives on Hulu in mid-January. The new season premieres January 13th and is expected to be one of Hulu’s biggest releases of the year. The last episode of season 2 left viewers with a lot of intense personal conflicts between Lucy, Stephen, and their friends.

As a huge fan of Tell Me Lies, I’m really excited (and a little worried!) about season 3. Lucy and Stephen are still caught up with each other, even after everything, and it looks like we’re going to see a lot more of the emotional mess that creates. From what I’ve heard, things are going to get even more intense this season as they finally start to move towards some kind of conclusion. Honestly, I’m bracing myself – it sounds like it’s going to be a wild ride!

7. Shrinking (Apple TV)

The comedy series Shrinking, starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford as therapists, will be back for a third season in 2026. Over the past two seasons, the show has explored Jason Segel’s character, Jimmy Laird, dealing with loss, but things are looking more stable for him and his daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell).

In the third season of Shrinking, Jimmy continues to deal with his past while looking toward the future, which is changing his relationships with Gaby and Paul. The season premiere promises to show Jimmy’s continued emotional development, with heartfelt stories about the characters navigating both personal and work struggles.

6. The Rookie (ABC)

The popular show The Rookie is kicking off its eighth season with an adventure at sea. After season seven raised the stakes with dangerous criminals targeting the Mid-Wilshire team, viewers can expect even more intense action this season.

The eighth season of The Rookie kicks off with the team heading to Prague to help the FBI with an international sting operation targeting terrorists. The season will feature characters from The Rookie: Feds, and promises a noticeable increase in production quality. Throughout the season, Nolan and his colleagues will navigate both personal and professional challenges.

5. Scrubs (ABC)

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Okay, so get this – Scrubs is coming back! I was thrilled to hear ABC is reviving the show with Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke all returning to Sacred Heart. But it’s not just a simple rehash; they’re approaching the series from a fresh perspective. They’re aiming for a February or March release, and from what I understand, it’s going to be a really interesting mix of all the things we loved about the original, plus some more modern storylines. Basically, it’s a healthy dose of nostalgia with a contemporary twist – and I, for one, am excited!

The new Scrubs series will bring back some beloved characters alongside a fresh group of doctors, creating new relationships and interactions for viewers. The first episode aims to launch new storylines while also revisiting memorable moments, such as the relationship between Carla (Judy Reyes) and Turk (Faison).

4. Euphoria (HBO)

The popular show Euphoria will return for its third season in April 2026, though the exact premiere date is still to come. While some original cast members won’t be back, Zendaya will reprise her role as Rue Bennett, following her struggles with the law after high school and her efforts to repair her relationships.

Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard, and Jacob Elordi’s Nate Jacobs are facing challenges in their relationship. Hunter Schafer as Jules and Maude Apatow as Lexi will be back for the new season, and they’ll be joined by several new actors in the Sam Levinson-created series.

3. Bridgerton (Netflix)

The popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, is returning on January 29th with the first part of its fourth season. This season will center around Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and promises a unique romance. After focusing on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s love story in season 3, the show will now tell things from a different character’s point of view.

Fans can expect a new love story in Bridgerton season 4, following Benedict and Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha), a clever maid who has a hidden history. Their connection begins at a masquerade ball, and their romance will unfold much like the other novels in the Bridgerton series. The season will be released in two parts, with the first episodes arriving in January and the second in February, and is expected to be a big hit.

2025-12-23 06:02