Television viewers are in for a spectacular year in 2026, with a slate of major returning favourites and intriguing new series set to dominate screens. From long-awaited sequels to fresh satires, the upcoming schedule promises drama, comedy, and high-stakes intrigue.
Returning Favourites and New Dramas
The year kicks off with several heavy hitters. Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Jonathan Pine in The Night Manager on 1 January, nearly a decade after the show's first season. He's drawn back into the world of espionage to tackle an arms operation in Colombia, facing off against Hugh Laurie's ruthless billionaire.
Netflix's period sensation Bridgerton returns in late January for its fourth season, this time focusing on Benedict Bridgerton's romance. The season will be split, with part two arriving on 26 February.
BBC's gripping banking drama Industry is also back for a fourth season in January, exploring the pressures of a new Labour government and fresh Fintech rivals. Creators promise it's their most "compulsively watchable" season yet.
Highly Anticipated Premieres and Final Seasons
January sees the launch of The Beauty on Disney+ on the 21st. This Ryan Murphy body-horror series delves into 'ozempic culture', featuring a star-studded cast including Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall as FBI agents investigating a deadly, beauty-enhancing STD.
Fans of epic fantasy can mark 19 January for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on Sky Atlantic. This Game of Thrones prequel, based on George R.R. Martin's 'Dunk and Egg' tales, is set a century before the original series.
April brings two major finales. The satirical superhero show The Boys begins its last season, culminating on 20 May. Meanwhile, the intense teen drama Euphoria finally returns for its third season on Sky Atlantic, after a gap of over three years.
Comedy, Reality, and Unmissable Events
For laughs, Dawn French headlines the new BBC One comedy Can You Keep a Secret? in early 2026. Based on Sophie Kinsella's novel, it follows a couple who hide the husband to claim life insurance.
Reality TV enthusiasts can dive back into deception as The Traitors returns on 1 January at 8pm on BBC One, with Claudia Winkleman hosting 22 new contestants competing for a £120,000 prize.
Other notable returns include The Apprentice for its 20th season in January, Stephen Knight's boxing drama A Thousand Blows on Disney+ from 9 January, and the House of the Dragon, expected in late summer 2026. Lisa McGee, creator of Derry Girls, also debuts her new comedy thriller How to Get to Heaven from Belfast on Netflix in February.
With such a diverse and high-quality line-up, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for television, offering something for every viewer's taste.
