Best shows coming in 2026: The 28 new and returning TV series you absolutely won't want to miss
There's a lot to get excited about when it comes to the small screen next year, with 2026 already packed with a plethora of new and returning TV series to get you excited. The Night Manager will of course be making its highly-anticipated comeback; its second season premieres on the first day of the year, New Year's Day, with Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman back in action.
But there's loads more in store for telly fans – from Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd's brand new original drama Half Man coming to the BBC, the return of Derry Girls' Lisa McGee in the form of a new Belfast-set thriller-comedy, and a Russell T Davies drama set against the backdrop of Manchester's Canal Street.
There'll be loads of returning favourites in 2026, such as Netflix's Bridgerton, Disney's star-studded Rivals, and more from The Bear (we hope). We predict it's going to be a special year for television, so if you want to get ahead of the game and make sure you're on top of the best of what to watch out for, you've come to the right place.
A Thousand Blows, season 2
Premiering on 9 January, 2026 on Disney+ (https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/welcome/)
From Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight (who was also responsible for Netflix's House of Guinness in 2025), A Thousand Blows is a fully immersive period drama that will take you back to the grit and grime of Victorian London.
Focusing on the world of bare-knuckle boxing and starring Stephen Graham, Malachi Kirby and Erin Doherty, the first season was a hit for Disney when it was first released – so the appetite for the new season is only growing. Good job we don't have long to wait, then.
Lynley
Coming soon to the BBC
A new reboot of a beloved classic (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a65592442/bbc-reboot-lynley-cast-2025-autumn/) , this reimagining of the popular Inspector Lynley mysteries, based on the best-selling novel series by Elizabeth George, was initially slated for an autumn release at the Beeb. Despite having aired in the US, audiences in the UK are still waiting – and the series has been labelled as "coming soon" on BBC iPlayer.
The new cast of Lynley features Daniel Mays, but the titular character of Tommy Lynley will this time be played by Leo Suter (Sanditon), with the role of his colleague DS Barbara Havers going to Sofia Barclay (Ted Lasso).
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
Coming to Netflix in February 2026
Sure to be another hit from the creator of Derry Girls Lisa McGee, the Ireland-set comedy thriller has been revealed to be about "three flawed, funny women" who are set to embark on "the most thrilling and terrifying adventure of their lives" (as McGee herself has revealed).
The impressive cast (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69118125/netflix-how-to-get-heaven-belfast-cast/) boasts The Dry's Roísín Gallagher, Unforgotten's Sinéad Keenan and A Thousand Blow's Caoilfhionn Dunne as those central characters, with other additions including Kin and MobLand star Emmett H Scanlan, Death in Paradise's Ardal O'Hanlon and Gangs of London's Michelle Fairley.
Tip Toe
Coming to Channel 4 in 2026
We've already made the call (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a64927328/russell-t-davies-next-series-tip-toe/) that this new drama will be "appointment television" and we feel good about being that confident. Russell T Davies will once again reunite with a number of other creatives that brought us It's a Sin back in 2021, as well as his previous and groundbreaking Queer as Folk.
With a starry cast (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69664765/tip-toe-channel-4-first-look/) that boasts Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, set against the backdrop of Manchester's Canal Street, Tip Toe has been presented as a "powerfully resonant new original drama" that will "explore the most corrosive forces facing the LGBTQ+ community today" and examine "the danger as prejudice creeps back into our lives".
Bridgerton, season 4
Part 1 arrives on Netflix on 29 January, 2026, and Part 2 follows on 26 February, 2026
It's the moment that a lot of the Bridgerton fandom have been waiting for: the Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek season. Luke Thompson will of course reprise his role as the second-eldest Bridgerton, meanwhile Yerin Ha joins the cast as the new leading lady.
Fans have already had a glimpse at the famous masquerade ball in a teaser from Netflix, and it's looking suitably swoon-worthy.
Under Salt Marsh
Coming to Sky and NOW on 30 January, 2026.
This new limited series (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69818570/under-salt-marsh-release-date/) , created and written by Claire Oakley, takes place in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen. When a former detective Jackie Ellis discovers the body of an 8-year-old who has seemingly drowned, the tight-knit community is left in shock. This tragic discovery also stirs up an unsolved cold case – the disappearance of Jackie's niece, which had cost her career.
The cast includes Kelly Reilly (Yellowstone), Rafe Spall (The English), Naomi Yang (Nightsleeper), and Mark Stanley (Happy Valley).
His & Hers
Releasing to Netflix on 8 January, 2026
Tessa Thompson (Hedda) and The Bear star Jon Bernthal lead this twisty crime drama (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a69702016/netflix-his-hers-trailer/) . When field reporter Anna (Thompson) goes back to her hometown in Georgia, police find a woman has been murdered in the woods. Detective Jack Harper (played by Bernthal) is leading the investigation and, as they both appear to be in search of the truth, one ends up suspecting the other...
Netflix has promised (https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/his-and-hers-trailer) "juiciness and drama" in the series, from filmmaker William Oldroyd, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Alice Feeney, which has been described as "twisty, addictive and gripping" (via Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/HIS-HERS-thrilling-suspenseful-psychological/dp/000837094X) ).
Agatha Christie's Seven Dials
Releasing to Netflix on 26 January, 2026
Set in 1925 at a lavish English country house, this new series has been described by the streamer as "a witty, epic and fast-paced drama from the Queen Of Crime, Agatha Christie", which has been "brought to life in a thrilling new version..."
Mia McKenna-Bruce takes the lead role, with other cast members including Martin Freeman (The Responder), Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte), and Nabhaan Rizwan (Juice).
Steal
Streaming on Prime Video from 21 January, 2026
In what's been described as (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69474044/steal-prime-video-first-look-thriller/) a "high-octane thriller", Sophie Turner stars as an ordinary office worker called Zara who suddenly finds herself at the heart of a heist. Archie Madekwe (Saltburn) and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (Bookish) also star.
Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole
Coming to Netflix on 26 March, 2026
Netflix has this new nine-part crime drama, inspired by the Norwegian author's beloved book series, coming for us in 2026, bringing the popular literary character of Detective Harry Hole to our screens.
Tobias Santelmann (The Last Kingdom) will take on this lead role, and we've already had a first look (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69793530/jo-nesbo-detective-hole-series-netflix/) . At the same time, Netflix teased the "whodunnit" tale, which the streamer said was "created by one of the greatest storytellers in crime fiction..."
Babies
Coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer, release date TBC
Described as a "gripping, tender and urgent love story", Babies will centre on a couple in their 30s as they navigate the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. The drama, written and directed by the award-winning Stefan Golaszewski, stars Siobhán Cullen (The Dry) and Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror) in the leading roles.
While a release window hasn't yet been set, we have already been treated to a first look (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69642576/babies-bbc-first-look-london-drama/) so we'd hope that it will arrive at some point in 2026.
Maya
Coming to Channel 4 in 2026
Both created by and starring Daisy Haggard, Maya is a fictional drama that centres on single-mum Anna (Haggard) and her teenage daughter Maya (Bella Ramsey) as they must leave their London lives behind to relocate to a small rural town in Scotland complete with new identities as part of a witness protection programme.
Tobias Menzies (The Crown), Harriet Walter (Succession), Stuart Bowman (Rebus), and Finlay Shack (Dept Q) are also among the extensive cast.
Rivals, season 2
Expected to arrive to Disney+ in the UK in 2026
The star-studded soapy drama became a sensation when it first arrived to streaming in 2024, and fans have been desperately waiting for more episodes – and an answer to that shocking cliffhanger (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a62638445/rivals-ending-cliffhanger/) – ever since.
We've already been given a first look at the returning cast – which once again features David Tennant, Nafessa Williams, Alex Hassell and Bella Maclean – and the promise of (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69630294/rivals-second-season-first-look/) a second season that is "bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments..."
The Blame
Expected to arrive on ITV in 2026
Michelle Keegan will star as DI Emma Crane in this brand new crime drama (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a65674202/michelle-keegan-new-itv-crime-drama-the-blame/) , which is based on the novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley. It was branded "one of the best crime thrillers of 2023", according to Amazon.
Crane and DI Tom Radley (played by Douglas Booth) are investigating a tragic killing in the fictional town of Wakestead, and despite quickly identify their main suspect, an unexpected lead comes to light.
Half Man
Coming to the BBC, release date TBC
Baby Reindeer's Richard Gadd joins Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers) in this new original drama for BBC One, with the actors playing 'brothers' Ruben and Niall as they reunite after years of estrangement.
With the story spanning almost 40 years – from the 1980s to the present day – the story will follow "the highs and lows of Ruben and Niall's relationship, from meeting them as troubled teenagers to witnessing their falling out as adults" (per the synopsis).
Big Mood, season 2
Coming to Channel 4 in 2026
Written and created by Camilla Whitehill, Big Mood made a big impact when it first arrived on our screens in 2024 – with particular praise being given to its representation of mental health and bipolar.
Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West star as best friends Maggie and Eddie, and new cast additions (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69593719/big-mood-season-2-first-look/) include Hannah Onslow (This City Is Ours) and Drag Race UK winner Kyran Thrax.
Imperfect Women
Releasing on Apple TV+ on 18 March, 2026
Imperfect Women, a thriller starring Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington, centres on the death of a character called Nancy, as her college friends Eleanor and Mary learn dark details that make them realise how little they knew her – or themselves
The series, which is based on a novel by Araminta Hall, has been described as (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a69808889/imperfect-women-first-look/) "a mystery complicated by perspective that explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably".
Gone
Expected to arrive to ITV in 2026
Eve Myles and David Morrissey lead in this new psychological drama (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69525276/itv-police-drama-gone-cast-eve-myles-david-morrissey/) from BAFTA-nominated screenwriter George Kay (The Long Shadow).
It's been described as "a chilling mystery" that focuses on a local Headmaster (played by Morrissey) who "becomes the prime suspect in his wife Sarah's disappearance." Myles' character, a "gutsy Detective", will "chip away at his veneer in search of the truth".
The Split Up
Coming to the BBC, release date TBC
This new spinoff of The Split has a whole new cast and a new city too, but fans of the original hit show are going to be ready and waiting when this finally comes to screens in 2026.
It's been revealed that The Split Up – created by Ursula Rani Sarma, with The Split creator Abi Morgan serving as an executive producer – will this time follow the Kishans, a family of legal experts who serve the elite in the northern city of Manchester – and we've also had a glimpse at (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a68875716/bbc-the-split-up-manchester-spin-off-first-look/) Ritu Arya (Humans) in her new role on the show. Guest stars have also confirmed to include (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a69232616/split-up-spin-off-bbc-jameela-jamil/) Sir Lenny Henry, and The Good Place star Jameela Jamil.
Heartstopper
Coming to Netflix in 2026
Sure, technically this will be a movie – but fans of the beloved three-season Netflix series are going to be eagerly-anticipating the final chapter of Nick and Charlie's love story, coming to screens in 2026.
Heartstopper Forever, as it's been titled (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a65527465/heartstopper-movie-title-release-window/) , will be a "beautiful and emotional send-off", according to creator Alice Oseman (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a64617086/heartstopper-movie-alice-oseman/) .
The Rapture
Coming to the BBC, release date TBC
Based on a "compelling" novel (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rapture-Liz-Jensen/dp/1408801108) , as described by the BBC's Director of Drama, comes this new thriller (https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a68895158/bbc-the-rapture-psychological-thriller/) , with a cast boasting Ruth Madeley (Doctor Who), India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte), Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) and Sam Hazeldine (Slow Horses).
Described by the BBC as a "high-stakes thriller which crackles with danger", the drama centres on the character of forensic psychologist Gabs Fox (played by Madeley) as she starts work at a psychiatric hospital.
There she meets a 17-year-old Bethany (played by Amarteifio), accused of killing her mother but who says she is innocent. The synopsis adds: "Bethany tells Gabs that she has psychic powers and can predict the future - but what will it take for Gabs to believe her? And if Bethany didn't kill her mother, then who did?"
The Bear, season 5
Expected to arrive in 2026
The Emmy-winning and critically-acclaimed series was confirmed to be coming back for a fifth season following the "incredibly high viewership" and success of season four, as revealed by FX Chairman John Landgraf, who also went on to describe it as "one of the best shows on television". He's not wrong.
