Seven returning shows we think you should watch in 2026
As one does this time of year, we drew up a list of shows we’re looking forward to in 2026. These are all returning shows, as opposed to new titles. And yes, no doubt we’ve left off some obvious titles and have tried to go for a range of genres.
What are our seven returning shows for 2026
Some very obvious titles in this list, but still a mix likely to have something of appeal to most viewers, and perhaps 2026 is the year to try one of the other well known shows to see what the fuss is about. Alphabetic order prevails.
Black Doves
We expect Keira Knightley to return in Black Doves season 2 for Christmas, so the longest of waits to find out what happened next. With her husband (Andrew Buchan) seemingly poised to become prime minister, she is even better placed to steal secrets than before. We particularly liked several of the secondary characters in season 1, and were impressed at Knightley’s portrayal of a mother, wife and spy.
Bridgerton
If waiting for next Christmas for more Black Doves seems a chore, Bridgerton has you covered. Season 4 drops in two tranches, one in January the other in February. While we begin to wonder just how many more times fans will flock to watch essentially the same story each season, we are keen to find out how Lady Whistledown works as a concept now her identity has been revealed.
ONE PIECE
What will no doubt be a highlight of the year is ONE PIECE season 2. It seems like a very long time since we were thrilled by season 1, and even if you’ve never seen the anime version it’s a very accessible and entertaining show. Did we mention pirates? Treasure? A collection of larger than life characters? If you’ve yet to watch, you’ve plenty of time to get on board before the next season arrives.
Slow Horses
Slough House survived the existential threat from first desk in season 5, and Slow Horses returns for season 6 later this year (we assume autumn like previous seasons). We know it will comprise six episodes, and filming took place a while ago, so potentially it could arrive sooner than later.
We understand the season draws from two of Mick Herron’s novels — Joe Country and Slough House. For a lot of fans, as long as Gary Oldman plays Jackson Lamb as well as he does, the plot is almost secondary to the character. More details should appear next year.
Ted Lasso
They said the show had ended with season 3, the story was told and Ted was moving back to America. Three years later we have season 4, with many of the core cast returning as Ted comes back to manage Richmond Women’s team. It’s an interesting (and topical) angle, plus with the Mens World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico it’s a good time for Apple TV to bring back the show. Hopefully it will air in the summer.
The Boys
Events in The Boys reach their conclusion in 2026, and will anyone be left to pick up the pieces? Will Butcher wipe out all the super? Will Annie (aka Starlight) help with such? How can there be a season 3 of Gen V if the super are gone? Will the finale be an epic battle between Homelander and everyone else? Only one way to find out and that’s to watch.
The Witcher
Last, but not least is the final season for The Witcher. It’s fair to say a lot of fans never adjusted to the change of lead actor, and the show does feel in some ways like five seasons will be enough. Not to say there’s not still plenty left for each of the characters, and several (including Ciri, Yennefer and Jaskier will be missed. There’s a lot to resolve and plenty more action to come. The show probably returns later in 2026 once post-production is complete.
There we have it, seven of the returning shows we’re looking forward to next year. Hopefully we picked some of yours, if not there’s several here you might want to consider. Have a great New Year!