Cheryl Eddy is a senior writer for io9; she covers horror, books, TV, movies, sci-fi, fantasy, and weird culture, sometimes all at once. Email tips to [email protected].
The Future of TV: New and Exciting Adventures Await in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, the television landscape is about to get a major makeover. Fans of beloved franchises will find their favorites returning in fresh formats, promising to keep us glued to our screens.
Imagine diving back into the world of Star Trek with Starfleet Academy, where we get to explore the early days of the next generation of space explorers. Or stepping back into the realm of Westeros for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a side quest that offers us a different perspective on the saga we know and love.
What Shows Are Coming Back?
Several familiar titles are poised for exciting returns. Here’s what to expect:
- Paradise – Get ready for season two filled with unexpected twists.
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters – Season two will surely bring more gigantic excitement.
- One Piece – The live-action adaptation continues to enchant fans with new adventures.
- House of the Dragon – Season three promises to keep the flame of Westeros burning bright.
Also, brace yourself for the epic finale of The Boys, set to explode with satirical thrills in its fifth season.
Which New Shows Should We Keep an Eye On?
Fresh titles are popping up too, offering a mix of thrills and chills. We can look forward to:
- The ‘Burbs – A dark comedy set in a seemingly perfect neighborhood.
- Crystal Lake – A prequel to the iconic Friday the 13th franchise.
- Carrie – A new take on a Stephen King classic through the lens of Mike Flanagan.
Let’s not forget the potential arrival of Apple TV’s adaptation of Neuromancer, a groundbreaking cyberpunk story that’s been on many fans’ wish lists.
Is Binge-Watching Losing Its Appeal?
Netflix has been holding onto its binge-release strategy, yet there’s a noticeable shift. They started spreading out episode releases, just like what they did with Wednesday and Stranger Things. This has sparked conversations and keeps fans engaged longer.
On the flip side, Hulu surprised us by releasing all episodes of Futurama‘s season ten all at once, making it easy for great content to slip under the radar.
There’s something refreshing about weekly releases. They give us time to digest plot twists and discuss them with friends. If you manage to dodge spoilers, you can always catch up once the season wraps up!
Who Should I Follow for the Latest Updates?
If you’re keen on staying in the loop, here are some accounts to check out:
- @GameOfThrones – Perfect for updates on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and House of the Dragon.
- @Bradcalebkane – Follow the showrunner of Crystal Lake for behind-the-scenes glimpses.
- James Gunn on X and Instagram – He’s a treasure trove of news on the upcoming DC TV slate.
- @AppleTV – Expect a blend of news and the latest memes as we groove through your favorite shows.
What Production Companies Should I Watch?
A24: Known for its bold movie choices, A24 is making strides in the TV world too, with Crystal Lake slated for release on Peacock. Fans are eager to see how they approach this genre.
Netflix: The buzz around their potential deal with Warner Bros. could bring a treasure trove of classic titles to the platform, and you won’t want to miss how this impacts film and series releases.
Is Apple TV Expanding into Horror?
Apple TV has entertained us with hits like Severance and Foundation, but horror hasn’t been their forte. However, Widow’s Bay, featuring Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a cursed island, sounds promising. If it strikes the right balance between horror and humor, we might just find a new favorite.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases. What do you think is next for the DC Universe on both film and TV?
What upcoming shows are you most excited about in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!