The notification popped up: another delay. You sigh, glancing at the growing list of unwatched shows, each promising an escape that remains just out of reach. But 2026… that’s a different story. The calendar ahead is packed with the return of some serious fan favorites, continuations of stories that grabbed us and simply won’t let go.
Mark Your Calendars: The TV Shows Worth Waiting For in 2026
Remember that feeling of discovering a new favorite show? The anticipation, the late nights, the fervent discussions with friends? Well, get ready to experience it all over again. Here are some of the most-anticipated returning television shows in 2026 that should be on your radar.
| TV Show Name | Detail |
| House of the Dragon Season 3 | Release Date: Summer 2026 (Official date not yet announced) Director: Clare Kilner, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Andrij Parekh, Loni Peristere Streaming Platform: HBO Max, JioHotstar |
| One Piece Season 2 | Release Date: March 10, 2026 Director: Christoph Schrewe, Emma Sullivan, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Lukas Ettlin Streaming Platform: Netflix |
| Monarchs: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 | Release Date: February 27, 2026 Director: Matt Shakman, Chris Black, Matt Fraction Streaming Platform: Apple TV+ |
| Yellowjackets Season 4 | Release Date: Late 2026 (Official date yet to be announced) Director: Bart Nickerson, Jonathan Lisco, Karyn Kusama Streaming Platform: Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
| Euphoria Season 3 | Release Date: April 12, 2026 Director: Sam Levinson Streaming Platform: HBO Max, JioHotstar |
| Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 | Release Date: March 4, 2026 Director: Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead Streaming Platform: Disney+, JioHotstar |
| Bridgerton Season 4 | Release Date: January 29, 2026 (Part 1), February 26, 2026 (Part 2) Director: Tom Verica Streaming Platform: Netflix |
My Personal Picks: Returning TV Shows to Watch in 2026
I get asked all the time: “What’s worth watching?” With so many options, it’s easy to get decision fatigue. So, if you’re looking for a place to start, here are three returning television shows I’m particularly excited about in 2026.
House of the Dragon Season 3
House of the Dragon didn’t just emerge from the shadow of Game of Thrones; it claimed its own territory. The third season promises to be more than just a march to war; it’s the setup for the grand finale. The Dance of the Dragons is about to consume everything, making this penultimate season a must-see before the final curtain.
One Piece Live-Action Season 2
After years of questionable anime adaptations, One Piece proved that it *can* be done right. Season 2 sets sail into the Grand Line, promising a treasure trove of new characters and storylines. Get ready for a live-action makeover of some of the most beloved characters from the animanga.
Daredevil Born Again Season 2
The grounded storytelling of Daredevil: Born Again was a welcome change of pace. The second season promises to raise the stakes, pushing characters to their limits. It’s not just about continuing the story; it’s about going deeper, exploring the difficult choices these characters face.
The 2026 TV Lineup: What Else Should You Be Watching?
Beyond my personal recommendations, 2026 is shaping up to be a stellar year for television. Here’s a fuller list of returning shows that should be on every TV fan’s watchlist.
House of the Dragon Season 3
- Release Date: Summer 2026 (Official date not yet announced)
- Director: Clare Kilner, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Andrij Parekh, Loni Peristere
- Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel
- Episode Count: 8
Season 3 of House of the Dragon plunges us further into the Dance of the Dragons. Expect the most devastating battles from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, with heavy consequences for all involved. This season is a powder keg, ready to explode.
- Why HOTD Season 3 is a must-watch: House of the Dragon has always been a visually stunning series, but Season 3 promises sequences that will set a new standard. Beyond the battles, expect more betrayals and shifting alliances. HOTD Season 3 is the penultimate season, setting the stage for the saga’s ultimate finale.
One Piece Season 2
- Release Date: March 10, 2026
- Director: Christoph Schrewe, Emma Sullivan, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Lukas Ettlin
- Cast: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero Gibson, Taz Skylar
- Episode Count: 8
In its second season, One Piece sees the Straw Hat crew sailing into the Grand Blue Line. Expect new enemies and storylines, adapting major arcs such as Loguetown and Drum Island. The live-action adaptation promises to bring beloved characters from the animanga to life.
- Why One Piece Live-Action Season 2 is a must-watch: Expect to meet fan-favorite heroes and villains and improved fight sequences with better visuals. One Piece Season 2 also promises to deliver emotional moments for our main crew.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2
- Release Date: February 27, 2026
- Director: Matt Shakman, Chris Black, Matt Fraction
- Cast: Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Joe Tippett, Anders Holm
- Episode Count: 10
Season 2 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters journeys to King Kong’s Skull Island, where a new threat emerges from the sea. The season promises to expand the Monsterverse, bringing hidden facilities to light and exploring what happens when humanity discovers the truth behind the monsters’ existence.
- Why Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 is a must-watch: Expect even more screen time for monsters and new creatures. The events of the second season will directly connect to past movies.
Yellowjackets Season 4
- Release Date: Late 2026 (Official date yet to be announced)
- Director: Bart Nickerson, Jonathan Lisco, Karyn Kusama
- Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Courtney Eaton
- Episode Count: 10
Yellowjackets has carved out a niche with its blend of survival drama and psychological thriller. The show explores the aftermath of a plane crash and the survivors’ descent into cannibalism. Some fans feel the mystery has been drawn out; Season Four might answer some burning questions.
- Why Yellowjackets Season 4 is a must-watch: Yellowjackets excels at creating a mysterious setting. The show has kept things fresh in its first three seasons and now promises to get even darker.
Euphoria Season 3
- Release Date: April 12, 2026
- Director: Sam Levinson
- Cast: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane
- Episode Count: 8
Euphoria has captivated audiences with its bold storytelling, music, and performances. The third season promises to continue pushing boundaries.
- Why Euphoria Season 3 is a must-watch: This season is a highly anticipated release. Beyond the story and performances, fans will experience a score by Hans Zimmer.
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2
- Release Date: March 4, 2026
- Director: Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead
- Cast: Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Jon Bernthal
- Episode Count: 8
Daredevil: Born Again successfully revived the Netflix series. While the first season focused more on Matt Murdock, Season Two promises the full return of Daredevil.
- Why Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is a must-watch: The season brings back Daredevil in full force and features characters from the Netflix series. Jessica Jones and Punisher will play significant roles.
Bridgerton Season 4
- Release Date: January 29, 2026 (Part 1), February 26, 2026 (Part 2)
- Director: Tom Verica
- Cast: Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh
- Episode Count: 8
Bridgerton has delivered several high-profile love stories. Season 4 centers on Benedict Bridgerton. Expect a romance that transcends social class, as he falls for someone outside his wealthy circle.
- Why Bridgerton Season 4 is a must-watch: Season 4 presents a romance that isn’t as lavish as the previous ones. See favorite supporting cast members return, wearing vibrant costumes.
What are the most anticipated sci-fi shows returning in 2026?
While this article primarily focuses on a range of genres, including fantasy, action, and drama, keep an eye out for announcements closer to 2026 regarding sci-fi returns. Many factors can influence production schedules, so firm details are often revealed later.
Are there any new superhero shows to watch for besides Daredevil?
The superhero landscape is ever-changing. While Daredevil: Born Again is a highly anticipated return, keep an eye on industry news. New series are always in development, and announcements can come at any time via platforms like Disney+ and HBO Max.
Will these shows be available for streaming internationally?
Streaming availability often varies by region due to licensing agreements. Check your local streaming platform listings (Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+) closer to the release dates to confirm if these shows will be available in your area. Many also partner with local providers such as JioHotstar.
The world of television is like a vast ocean, full of hidden gems and familiar shores. These returning shows offer a chance to revisit beloved characters and immerse ourselves in captivating stories. The anticipation is half the fun, right? But with so many returning favorites, which ones will truly capture our attention, and which will fade into the background noise?