The 50 Must-See TV Shows of 2026: Netflix and HBO Prepare Major Releases
London, UK – January 3, 2026
The 50 Must-See TV Shows of 2026: Netflix and HBO Prepare Major Releases
As we settle into the first week of 2026, the global television industry is entering what many critics are calling the “Platinum Age of Streaming.”
While the quantity of content has stabilized, the quality and scale of production have reached new heights.
In this definitive culture report, we reveal that the 50 must-see TV shows of 2026 will be dominated by massive returning franchises and highly experimental new dramas.
From the neon-soaked streets of a reimagined California to the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland, Netflix and HBO prepare major releases that are set to redefine our cultural conversations for the next twelve months.
The Return of the Cultural Phenomenon: Euphoria Season 3
Undoubtedly the most anticipated event on the 2026 calendar is the return of HBO’s Euphoria. After a four-year hiatus that saw its young cast become global superstars, the network has officially confirmed a Spring 2026 premiere window, likely in April.
The new season introduces a radical “five-year time jump,” moving the characters from the hallways of East Highland High into the “grown-up mess” of adulthood.
Zendaya reprises her Emmy-winning role as Rue, navigating a world where the stakes of addiction and recovery are no longer limited to the domestic sphere.
The 50 must-see TV shows of 2026 list places Euphoria at the summit because of its influence on fashion, music, and the visual language of Gen Z. “Season three is about consequences,” stated an HBO executive.
The chaos hasn’t cooled off; it’s just shifted into a new, more dangerous phase of life.”
The “Irish Odyssey”: Lisa McGee’s New Vision
Following the global success of Derry Girls, creator Lisa McGee returns to Netflix in February 2026 with a project she describes as her “Irish Odyssey.”
Titled How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, the eight-part series is a genre-bending mix of mystery and dark comedy.
Starring Roísín Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne, the show follows three lifelong friends who embark on a dangerous journey through Ireland after the mysterious death of an estranged former classmate.
This release marks a significant move for Netflix, which is increasingly investing in localized storytelling with global appeal.
As Netflix and HBO prepare major releases, McGee’s signature wit and ability to blend tragedy with hilarity make How to Get to Heaven from Belfast a primary contender for the year’s top breakout hit.
The Power Struggle Continues: Rivals Season 2
For those who prefer their drama with a side of 1980s excess and high-stakes corporate warfare, Disney+ and Hulu are preparing the second season of Rivals.
Following the dramatic cliffhanger of the first installment, Season 2 will expand to 12 episodes, promising “more wit, desire, and jaw-dropping twists.”
The series, based on the Jilly Cooper novels, will continue to explore the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Baddingham (played by David Tennant).
Filming recently wrapped in international locations, suggesting that the “Rutshire” elite are taking their ambitions beyond the British countryside.
As part of the 50 must-see TV shows of 2026, Rivals represents the industry’s renewed interest in “glossy, noisy” prestige soap operas.
Streaming Giants: The 2026 Lineup
The competitive landscape of 2026 is defined by several massive tentpole releases across all platforms:
Netflix:
Beyond McGee’s new series, the streamer will debut Berlin and the Lady in the Ermine (a Money Heist spin-off) in May and the return of Bridgerton Season 4.
Apple TV+:
January sees the return of Idris Elba in Hijack Season 2, this time shifting the action to a high-speed underground train.
Prime Video:
The final chapter of The Boys (Season 5) is set to premiere on April 8, 2026, bringing the satirical superhero saga to a violent conclusion.
HBO/Max:
In addition to Euphoria, fans are looking forward to the Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the second season of Dune: Prophecy.
Headline Points of the 2026 Television Outlook
The “Time Jump” Trend:
Several major shows, including Euphoria, are using multi-year leaps to refresh their narratives.
Genre Mashing:
A rise in “mystery-comedies” led by creators like Lisa McGee and the producers of The Bear.
The Final Chapters:
2026 marks the end for major series like The Boys and Queer Eye.
Global Footprint:
Massive investment in UK and European-based productions (e.g., Shōgun Season 2 filming in Vancouver for early 2026).
The “Ozempic” Culture:
Ryan Murphy’s new series The Beauty is set to explore the social impact of weight-loss drugs through a thriller lens.
The stories we watch in 2026—whether they deal with the gritty reality of addiction in Euphoria or the satirical corruption of power in The Boys—reflect the anxieties and aspirations of our global society.
As Netflix and HBO prepare major releases, our role as your first journalist is to look beyond the screen and understand how these cultural products influence public opinion and social norms.
The 50 must-see TV shows of 2026 are more than just a list; they are a mirror held up to a world in transition.
