2026 will have some of the best TV in years - here are the highlights

It looks like 2026 could give us some of the best TV in years, although with scheduling plans often only being made public weeks before transmission, it's impossible to know whether some shows will actually go on air in the coming year, or in 2027.

When we do get to see them, we'll be treated to everything from the return of much-loved favourites like Line of Duty and The Traitors, to exciting new projects from writers and actors that we adore.

Here are 15 TV shows or events to look out for in 2026 and beyond, both on streaming services and traditional broadcasters.

The first series of The Night Manager, based on John Le Carré's novel, was a huge hit for BBC One. Nine years later this new story promises to expand on Le Carré's source material, and alongside Tom Hiddleston's British intelligence operative Jonathan Pine, it sees the return of his fellow spy Olivia Colman's Angela Burr.

Release date: 1 January on BBC One/BBC iPlayer

The first series of ITV's claustrophobically intense drama series was mostly set on an international jet flight. This time, Jing Lusi's DS Hana Li is paired with Martin Compston's security chief Clay Brody, as they face a killer in the US Embassy, and threats to blow up a government plane carrying the head of MI5.

Release date: 1 January on ITV1/ITV Player

After almost 10 years, the Duffer brothers epic sci-fi series exploring psychic abilities, alternate universes, and so much more, will finally come to an end. Most of the main cast will be featured in the finale, which will stream at the same time around the world.

Release date: 1 January on Netflix

After the huge ratings enjoyed by The Celebrity Traitors, the non-celebrity edition returns on New Year's Day for its fourth series. Claudia will be welcoming 22 more people to the castle for another series filled with banishments and betrayal as they try to win up to £120,000.

Release date: 1 January on BBC One/BBC iPlayer

A new three-part adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic The Seven Dials Mystery sees Mia McKenna-Bruce as Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent, who finds herself having to unravel a deadly plot after a practical joke at a country house party appears to have gone horrifyingly wrong.

Release date: 15 January on Netflix

The second spin-off/prequel after House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is once again set in Westeros, but the action takes place a century before Game of Thrones. It follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, and his squire, Egg.

Release date: 19 January on Sky Atlantic/NOW

15 years after the last series of the popular medical drama, this reboot sees the return of original cast members Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke. The medical staff at Sacred Heart will also be joined by newcomers including British actor Jacob Dudman.

Release date: 25 February in the US, UK broadcast/streaming tbc

Director Guy Ritchie, who has of course tangled with the famous detective before, has this time opted to explore the origin story of Sherlock Holmes. It begins with his years as a young man in Oxford, before he becomes involved in a globe-trotting conspiracy.

Release date: 4 March on Prime Video

Even if Line of Duty does air in 2026, and The Traitors increases its huge ratings, the biggest viewing figures of the year could be provided by the World Cup. England and Scotland have already booked their spot, with Wales and Northern Ireland (but not both) are still capable of qualifying. A two-home-nations final could be spectacular.

Release date: 11 June - 19 July on BBC One and ITV1

As many England fans would testify, Gareth Southgate took on an England team that was seen as underachieving, and restored a degree of national pride to the game. Based on the play of the same name, this four-part BBC series is a fictionalised account of Southgate's tenure as England manager.

Release date: 2026 on BBC One/BBC iPlayer

When Doctor Who returns in Christmas 2026, the big question is... Doctor Who? Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper at the end of his final episode in May, but is she the new Doctor? Might we see David Tennant's 14th Doctor, who is still living in Chiswick, return? Or someone completely new? Who knows!

Release date: 25 December tbc on BBC One/BBC iPlayer

This ITV drama from the production company behind The Crown re-examines the events surrounding the killing by Jane Andrews, former dresser to the then Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, of her partner Thomas Cressman. She was convicted of his murder. This four-episode drama charts her rise and fall, from Buckingham Palace to prison.

Release date: 2026 on ITV1/ITV Player

Twenty years after the original series ended, Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair finds Malcolm with his own family and a new life. However, things turn rapidly chaotic when Malcolm's parents insist that everyone attends a special anniversary event.

Release date: 2026 on Disney+

The second series of the riotously enjoyable Rivals is again based on the much-loved novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper. All the main characters are returning for more power struggles, business rivalries, and forbidden romances in the Cotswolds-set world of 1980s TV.

Release date: 2026 on Disney+

When the glitzy entertainment show returns in 2026, it will see its biggest change since it began in 2004. With Claudia and Tess saying goodbye to the show on Christmas Day, the BBC will be looking for two new hosts to step in to their shoes.

Release date: Autumn 2026 tbc on BBC One/BBC iPlayer

Russell T Davies's first drama for Channel Four since the award-winning, much loved It's A Sin is in some ways a return to his origins. Like Queer As Folk - the show which established Davies - Tip Toe is set in Manchester. It stars Alan Cumming and David Morrissey as two neighbours who have lived next door to each other for 15 years.

Release date: 2026 on Channel Four/Channel Four On Demand

Award-winning writer and producer Steven Moffat's first project for Channel Four is a comedy drama set in the most famous address in the country. Rafe Spall will play the prime minister, Katherine Parkinson his chief of staff, and Jenna Coleman the deputy chief of staff.

Release date: 2026 or 2027 on Channel Four/Channel Four On Demand