The turn of a new year tends to be a time of hope, excitement, and optimism. We have 52 new chapters to turn; 365 new sunrises to welcome, and even the most pessimistic among us can find something to look forward to. For cinephiles, a new year brings the rush of awards season, followed by a period of television premieres strategically timed to generate buzz, collect critical acclaim, and stay fresh in voters’ minds ahead of Emmy nomination voting, opening by early summer. Beyond new seasons of returning favorites, below are my most anticipated new series that could have the potential to make a splash at the 2026 Emmys.
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” (HBO)
Let’s start with the buzziest. Anything set within George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire“ universe will surely draw viewership and discourse for HBO, and this “Game of Thrones“ prequel is no exception. Set 90 years before “GoT“ where the Targaryen dynasty still rules Westeros, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms“ stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk“the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as his young squire, Aegon “Egg“ Targaryen, who will one day become King Aegon V. While “House of the Dragon“ drew criticism for it’s uneven pacing and lack of action, HBO is likely hoping this new series will impact the cultural zeitgeist like it’s predecessor. We’ll all know soon after its premiere on Sunday, January 18th.
“Wonder Man” (Disney+)
I know, ANOTHER Marvel show? Co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest, the series features Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams/Wonder Man and Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, two struggling actors competing for roles in the remake of the superhero film “Wonder Man.” It’s been described as a unique, meta-take on the superhero genre within the MCU, and I’m hoping it’s a more self-aware approach to the overdone genre, satisfying both MCU fans and general audiences alike. I guess we’ll see if we all get superhero fatigue when it premieres on January 27th.
“How To Get To Heaven From Belfast” (Netflix)
A mystery crime series with a comedic twist from the creator of “Derry Girls,” this new series is about three friends on a journey across Ireland to investigate the mysterious death of a former schoolmate. I could’ve stopped at “Derry Girls” for many of you, but this new show will likely fill a giant Northern-Irish-sized hole in your hearts, missing since our favorite girls (and one boy) left our screens in 2022. Get ready for some good craic coming in February.
“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” (NBC)
In an apparent theme for 2026, studios are bringing back some of our comedy favorites to the small screen. This time, the team behind the evergreen “30 Rock” reunites to bring us “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” which, hopefully, is as ridiculously hilarious as the title and team suggest. Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, Sam Means, and Daniel Radcliffe are behind – and in front of – the camera for this wacky sitcom about a disgraced NFL superstar banned for life from the league after accidentally revealing he bet on his own New York Jets games, resulting in the team’s downfall. Reggie hires award-winning filmmaker Arthur Tobin (Radcliffe) to move into his home and make a documentary about his life and career, in hopes of winning back the respect of his fans, peers, and family. Get ready to laugh at Tracy again on February 23rd.
“Rooster” (HBO)
Congrats, “The Office“ fans, your prayers have been answered: Steve Carell is finally returning to comedy, and he’s bringing some heavy hitters with him. Co-created by Bill Lawrence of “Ted Lasso“ and “Shrinking“ fame, this 10-episode comedy series is set on a college campus and centers on an author’s (Carell) complicated relationship with his daughter (Charly Clive). Also starring Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai, “Rooster“ is likely to draw in fans of Lawrence and Carell’s familiar comedic styles, with a little bit of heart like “Shrinking.“ Premiering sometime in March, expect this show to get a lot of love from HBO and make a big push for Emmy campaigns.
“Imperfect Women” (Apple TV)
Premiering March 18th, “Imperfect Women” is a psychological thriller about friendship, betrayal, and murder, starring Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss, and Kate Mara, and will surely be the talk of millennial women everywhere. Based on the acclaimed novel of the same title by Araminta Hall, the eight-episode limited series will explore guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that irrevocably alter our lives. A glitzy ensemble cast accentuates the trio of stars, so pending viewership and critical reception, we can expect Apple to prioritize this new limited series come Emmy season.
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” (Apple TV)
Nicole Kidman in another limited series? Say less. Adapted from the 2024 bestselling novel by Rufi Thorpe, Elle Fanning stars as the titular Margo Millet, a recent college dropout and aspiring writer dealing with a new baby and a pile of mounting bills, who turns to OnlyFans to make money. A star-studded cast that also includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, Greg Kinnear, and Michael Angarano, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is produced by A24 and created & written by David E. Kelley of “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing” fame, and premieres on April 15th.
“Widow’s Bay” (Apple TV)
A new horror-comedy set in a quaint island town off the New England coast (already creepy), “Widow’s Bay” is filled with locals who believe the island is cursed. Created by Katie Dippold and directed by Hiro Murai, the new Apple TV series stars Matthew Rhys, fresh off his similarly creepy role in Netflix’s “The Beast in Me.” After the success of Sharon Horgan’s “Bad Sisters,” Apple is likely hoping to capitalize on the small coastal town mysteries that have attracted viewers looking for a spooky, funny, character-rich series with solid talent behind and in front of the camera. We’ll see if this show fulfills the ask when it premieres on April 29th.
“The Testaments” (Hulu)
The sequel and spinoff to the cultural phenomenon “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Testaments“ is adapted from Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name, set in the totalitarian theocracy of Gilead, years after the events of the original show and book. With Ann Dowd reprising her acclaimed role as Aunt Lydia, and Chase Infiniti coming off the impending Oscar-winning film ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, this star-studded cast will surely attract viewers looking for more Gilead. What could be an uphill battle, however, is the uneven seasons of “The Handmaid’s Tale“ (season 4’s critical reception dropped as low as 69%, and Popcornmeter dropped to 41%) and the fact that life today is imitating art (derogatory). This won’t be the feel-good escapism fans may be looking for, but I’ll still be tuning in in April.
As a new year of television unfolds, there’s palpable excitement in the promise of what’s to come: fresh stories, bold voices, and the chance for TV to reinvent itself once again. We’re hopefully going to meet characters we’ll fall in love with and worlds we didn’t know we were missing. A few of the above (and ones we don’t know exist yet) will likely shake up the Emmys race and hopefully make it into the cultural zeitgeist of what we can all hope – and need – is an incredible year of television and life. So here’s to 2026, may we all find joy on the small screen together.
What new 2026 shows are you most excited about? What shows are you looking forward to returning to in 2026? Please let us know in the comments section below and on Next Best Picture’s X account.
