Your 2026 TV Preview: The Biggest New Shows Coming to Netflix, Disney+, HBO, and More
Get your watchlists ready. The television schedule for late 2025 and early 2026 is already packed with high-profile debuts, long-awaited returns, and ambitious new projects across every major streaming service. From gritty DC mysteries and powerful sports docuseries to inventive comedies and nostalgic reboots, there is a flood of new content on the horizon. Forget wondering what to watch. The real challenge will be finding the time to see it all.
Netflix is bringing back Benoit Blanc for another case, Vince Gilligan is launching a new sci-fi series on Apple TV+, and a beloved medical comedy is scrubbing back in for a surprising revival. It’s a massive slate. Here is a breakdown of the essential shows you need to know about.
The Holiday Rush: December 2025’s Must-Watch Premieres
December kicks off with a diverse mix of drama, comedy, and international hits. Netflix unveils Ripple on December 3, a drama following four New York strangers whose lives connect after a shared experience of loss. That same day, K-pop fans get a major treat as Jimin and Jung Kook of BTS return for Are You Sure?! Season 2 on Disney+, taking their chaotic travel adventures to Switzerland and Vietnam.
The legal drama sector gets a sharp new entry with Pro Bono, a Korean series arriving on tvN and Netflix on December 6. The show stars Jung Kyung-ho as a disgraced judge finding redemption with a public interest legal team. For something completely different, Tubi is dropping two originals. Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story (December 4) documents the incredible journey of a zero-star recruit to the NFL’s top draft pick. Later in the month, the streamer gets weird with Mo’ Waffles (December 19), a comedy about the eccentric staff of a waffle joint trying to solve the disappearance of their hip-hop legend boss.
Animation fans have a significant event to look forward to. The creators of Adventure Time and Steven Universe have teamed up for The Elephant, an experimental animated film premiering December 19 on Adult Swim and streaming the next day on HBO Max.
Kicking Off the New Year: January 2026’s Heavy Hitters
The new year starts with powerful true stories and intense crime sagas. On January 4, ABC premieres Goolagong, an inspiring mini-series about the life of tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley and her historic rise from rural Australia to Wimbledon champion. Five days later, the brutal Victorian London of A Thousand Blows returns for its second season on January 9, streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu.
ABC is banking on its established hits, with a major premiere night on January 6. That evening sees the return of three popular dramas:
- The Rookie Season 8: Follows Nolan as he recovers from a near-fatal injury while the LAPD hunts for two escaped convicts.
- Will Trent Season 4: Promises the most intense season yet for the titular GBI agent.
- High Potential Season 2: The midseason return will reveal what’s next for the brilliant but unpredictable Morgan.
In sports entertainment, a massive shift is happening. Starting in January 2026, Paramount+ becomes the exclusive home of the UFC. All numbered events, Fight Nights, and replays will be included with a standard subscription, eliminating the need for separate pay-per-view purchases.
Reboots, Prequels, and Mysteries Arriving in Early 2026
Hollywood’s fascination with existing properties continues with several high-profile projects. Peacock is reimagining a cult classic with The ’Burbs, a darkly comic thriller premiering February 8. The new series, starring Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall, updates the 1989 film’s suburban paranoia for a modern audience. Fans of classic sitcoms are also buzzing about the SCRUBS reboot, which sees Zach Braff and Donald Faison returning to Sacred Heart alongside a new class of interns.
The DC Universe on HBO is getting darker and more grounded with Lanterns. Pitched as a True Detective-style mystery, the series will follow Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a conspiracy on Earth. For fans of mob stories, Gomorrah: The Origins will arrive on Sky and NOW in early 2026, serving as a prequel exploring the rise of the infamous Pietro Savastano.
Finally, sports history gets a deep investigation with Rise of the 49ers, an AMC+ docuseries premiering February 1. Featuring interviews with legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Tom Brady, the series uses rare NFL Films footage to explore the San Francisco 49ers dynasty that dominated the league.