The Best TV Shows of 2026 (So Far)

“HBO’s audacious finance drama Industry has gotten bigger, buzzier, and more ambitious with each subsequent season, and its latest installment is perhaps my favorite thus far. The season 4 cast—which includes Myha’la, Marisa Abela, Ken Leung, Kit Harington, Max Minghella, and numerous others—is operating at a deliciously high level, particularly when it comes to communicating their respective characters’ moral quandaries (and frequent lapses) in the face of socioeconomic forces they’re desperate to manipulate to their advantage. Sharp yet still raw, Industry more than deserves its growing audience.”—Lauren Puckett-Pope, senior culture editor

Watch Now on HBO Max

“The Emmy-winning first season of HBO Max’s The Pitt introduced us to the hyper-competent, empathetic staff of the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center—already bearing the scars of COVID-19—and put them through the toughest day possible. Season 2 does something braver: It shows how all that lingering trauma can make even the best among us become less kind and effective. The Pitt remains an adrenaline rush and a meme factory (‘Baby Jane Doe!’), but it’s also a call to help the people struggling to hold our broken medical system together.”—Sara Austin, executive editor

Watch Now on HBO Max

“It really says something that a horror-averse baby like me finds Widow’s Bay to be one of the greatest, most exciting new shows of the year. But I’m willing to put up with the frights when they’re well done, and this Apple TV series certainly is done well. It stars Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a small New England town hoping to become the ‘next Martha’s Vineyard’—except that would-be Vineyard happens to be cursed. In fact, the island is now ‘waking up’ to a number of dormant Stephen King-inspired horrors, like mysterious fogs, killer clowns, sea hags, a boogeyman, and a murderous squall. Led by showrunner Katie Dippold, Widow’s Bay is the kind of horror-comedy where the horror is actually scary and the comedy is actually funny (its humor sometimes reminds me of Barry, maybe thanks to a supporting role by Stephen Root and direction by Hiro Murai). Watch out for a breakout performance by Kate O’Flynn and an A-plus cameo from Betty Gilpin.”—EG

Watch Now on Apple TV

“Hockey is the sexy sport of the moment, and Off Campus is cashing in big time. The hit Prime Video series is frothy, sure, but showrunner Louisa Levy’s exploration of the lasting effects of both parental and sexual abuse—and how they can manifest in our interpersonal relationships—is nuanced and considered. The male characters speak positively of the women in their lives, while the female leads embrace their sexuality with confidence and agency, setting a refreshing new standard for YA programming. With plot structures and devices that harken back to When Harry Met Sally and 10 Things I Hate About You, it’s no surprise that Off Campus is breaking streaming records. Belmont Cameli, if you’re reading this: I sincerely thank you for your sexy dance services.”—Burake Teshome, senior social media editor

Watch Now on Prime Video

“Rufi Thorpe’s heartfelt and hilarious 2024 bestselling novel was in good hands with the Fanning sisters, whose production company, Lewellen Pictures, was behind Apple TV’s adaptation of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, along with A24 and others. The story follows Margo, played charmingly by Elle Fanning, a young, struggling single mom who begins using OnlyFans to provide for her infant son. There are some differences between the book and series, but the story shines all the same, and despite her flaws, you can’t help but root for Margo and her alien alter ego.”—Kayla Webley Adler, features director

Watch Now on Apple TV

“All that time Rob Rausch has spent around snakes really came in handy for his time on Traitors. But as much as it pains me to say it, the wildlife heartthrob played the mafia-inspired game well, tricking every contestant and even turning on his teammates. His betrayal of longtime friend Maura Higgins in the finale was wickedly good, but at least he made it up to her with a Birkin of her choice.”—EG

Watch Now on Peacock

“In its second season, Your Friends & Neighbors did two smart things: hired James Marsden and promoted Amanda Peet. If Marsden is acting, I’m watching, and his turn as the charming, ultra-wealthy, maybe-evil Owen Ashe gave Jon Hamm’s Coop a foil as smart as he is. And Peet graduated from her confusingly written season 1 arc as Mel, Coop’s ex and co-parent, to a sparkier, meatier plot where she confronted her anger and loss over menopause. Behind the criminal hijinks, there was truth to be found about life in middle age.”—SA

Watch Now on Apple TV

“I watched the series finale of Hacks among friends because I knew I would need the emotional support—I was right. But as tear-jerking as this final season was, it was also genius-level funny. Deborah’s quest for an EGOT, her and Ava’s “fake” romance, the Amazing Race crossover, and Jimmy and Kayla’s many hijinks helped this Emmy-winning comedy end on a high. Bittersweet but satisfying, the final chapter is about loving what you do and loving the people you do it with.”—EG

Watch Now on HBO Max

“The sick, psychological experiment that is Love Island USA is back for yet another chapter. While this season’s relationship dynamics morph with each passing day, these are things I currently know to be true: The three henchmen of the apocalypse have been crowned (looking at you, Corbin, KC, and Sincere); girlhood always wins (as PPG previously taught us); and being earnest and faithful earns not only the support of your fellow Islanders, but that of the viewers at home as well. (Bryce, for the win!)”—BT

Watch Now on Peacock