Modern television is in a strange place. After decades as the cheaper, disposable version of movies, TV finally gained respect as a legitimate storytelling medium in the 21st century. Networks and fans realized television’s serialized nature enabled richer characterization, ushering in the golden age of TV. Unfortunately, we’re at the tail end of the TV Renaissance — elevated production budgets and longer waits between seasons have created apathy among fans. Still, there are tons of shows to get excited about in 2026 and beyond.
From dark superheroes to Neo Westerns, here are our 10 most anticipated TV shows coming in 2026.
Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair
Release Date: April 10, 2026
Network: Hulu
Malcolm in the Middle hasn’t ruled the television airwaves in years — and television doesn’t even broadcast over airwaves anymore. While the show was cutting-edge during its heyday, showcasing lower-middle-class Americans with unflinching honesty, subsequent series have surpassed its subject matter and tone. Plus, what qualifies as “lower-middle-class” has shifted dramatically. Seeing how the show navigates these socio-economic changes is as exciting as reuniting with Malcolm’s wacky, unconventional family.
Marvel Studios' Wonder Man
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Network: Disney+
Marvel’s television shows are hit or miss. Unlike their cinematic output, Marvel has struggled to link TV content to the broader film universe. Enter Wonder Man, a self-aware commentary on Hollywood’s “superhero fatigue.” Following the metatextual footsteps of WandaVision, one of Marvel’s most successful shows, Wonder Man seems poised to reach similar heights. Whether it can change Marvel TV’s trajectory remains to be seen, but we’ll be watching either way.
Blue Eye Samurai
Release Date: 2026
Network: Netflix
Netflix has quietly become an animation powerhouse. 2023’s Blue Eye Samurai stands as a testament to their groundbreaking animation efforts. Employing the same painted CG style as Sony’s Spider-Verse and Netflix’s Arcane, Blue Eye Samurai is a visual feast with spectacular fight scenes and breathtaking characters. Following Mizu, a female samurai on a revenge quest, the show’s 2026 return will cement Netflix as the home for adult animation.
Spider-Noir
Release Date: 2026
Network: Prime Video
Despite being one of the most beloved superheroes of all time, there hasn’t been a live-action Spider-Man TV series in the States since 1979’s The Amazing Spider-Man. Amazon Prime is breaking that streak with Nicholas Cage reprising his hysterical character from Into the Spider-Verse. Shot in black and white, Spider-Noir may not be the Spider-Man audiences are used to, but one they should be excited for.
Y: Marshalls
Release Date: March 1, 2026
Network: CBS
Even though Yellowstone ended in 2024, creator Taylor Sheridan’s work ethic and acclaimed spin-offs keep the Dutton family alive. Unlike prequels 1883 and 1923, Y: Marshalls is a sequel to the main series. Luke Grimes reprises his role as hot-headed Kayce Dutton, shepherding the family into a new era of Western action alongside his fictional son Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill).
The Boys
Release Date: April 8, 2026
Network: Prime Video
The Boys has been one of TV’s best shows for years. Its ability to satirize culture and stay ahead of the curve transformed it from a lesser-known comic adaptation into appointment viewing. With its fifth and final season, The Boys must lampoon a reality that’s already absurd. With villainous Homelander (Antony Starr) enacting martial law with presidential approval, the show’s political commentary might be sharper than ever.
Beef
Release Date: 2026
Network: Netflix
With all the dark characters populating TV since The Sopranos, it’s hard to shock viewers anymore. Yet 2023’s Beef might be one of the most shocking series ever made. With two deeply flawed characters and an unpredictable narrative that accelerates like an F1 car, the first season delighted viewers. Now that Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan are set to star, creator Lee Sung Jin is looking to recreate the perfect recipe.
Lanterns
Release Date: mid-2026
Network: HBO Max
Unlike Marvel, DC does things differently. While Marvel introduced TV shows tied to its cinematic universe later, James Gunn’s DCU is launching shows from the jump. Following 2025’s Peacemaker, Lanterns stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Pitched as a superhero buddy cop series with True Detective touches, Chris Mundy’s Lanterns will hopefully redeem Green Lantern in the public’s eyes.
Shogun
Release Date: 2026/early 2027
Network: FX
Since television’s golden age began, there’s always been one water-cooler show. Breaking Bad held the crown, then Game of Thrones usurped it. The 2020s seemingly belong to FX’s Shogun. After adapting the novel and remaking the 1980 miniseries, 2024’s Shogun became the talk of television, earning a lengthy list of awards. All eyes will be on season two in 2026. Will the series cement itself as the leader of the pack, or be deposed?
King Of The Hill
Release Date: 2026
Network: Hulu
In any other world, Shogun would be 2026’s most anticipated series — but then the one true king returned: Hank Hill. Hulu’s King of the Hill reboot became the template for revival series. Despite the nostalgia, the show remains fresh and contemporary. With Hulu ordering two more seasons, seeing how Mike Judge handles season 15 is almost as exciting as the revival itself.