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So many shows have already returned with new seasons on Netflix in 2026, including a few of my favorites like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Night Agent, and The Four Seasons. But this year has seen the introduction of compelling new shows that are worth watching as well. Some have already been renewed for second seasons. A few are miniseries that are designed to be a single season. And one has regrettably already been cancelled, despite the overwhelmingly positive reception.
Netflix is one of those streaming services of the many to which I subscribe that I always go back to when there's "nothing on." No matter when, you're always bound to find a hot new mystery, drama, reality show, or documentary to sink your teeth into. And for 2026, there's an abundance of choice. But a few shows in particular stand out among the pack.
Why You Should Trust Me: I have been writing about TV for more than a decade and watching it for even longer, having been subscribed to Netflix since it first launched. I'm obsessed with shows of all kinds, from dramas and thrillers to comedies, sitcoms, and everything in between. I'm a binge-watcher, too, which means I love seeing a story through from beginning to end in as little time as possible. This, along with the countless hours I spend watching, puts me in a unique position to speak on shows that are fantastic and worth your time.
Honorable Mentions
'Mating Season' (May) – Nick Kroll had a massive hit with Big Mouth, and now that the adult animated sitcom has ended, Mating Season has taken its place. As an adult animated romantic comedy, it hilariously tells the story of anthropomorphic forest animals who explore love, sex, and mating. It's only for those who appreciate raunchy humor, though.
'Nemesis' (May) – One of those underrated shows you probably hadn't even heard of, Nemesis is a crime drama about two people on opposite ends of the law who butt heads. Isaiah Stiles (Matthew Law) is an LAPD lieutenant working in the robbery and homicide division, while Coltrane Wilder (Y'lan Noel) is a master thief and career criminal. If you love gripping cat-and-mouse stories and appreciate the sunny backdrop of Los Angeles, it's a guilty pleasure worth watching.
'Man on Fire' (April) – There were high hopes for Man on Fire, an action thriller loosely based on the A.J. Quinnell novel, as was the movie of the same name. While the series received lukewarm reviews, it's still worth watching if you love high-octane shows. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as John Creasy, a former U.S. Army Special Forces Captain who has been having a rough time since his last assignment. But when he's recruited by his friend to work with a new team, and his friend sadly perishes, he goes on the warpath for revenge. It's exciting from the beginning to the end of the seven episodes.
'The Boroughs' (May)
A Gripping Show That Shouldn't Have Been Cancelled
One of the worst cancellation decisions this year, The Boroughs is a delightful tale that combines horror, sci-fi, and comedy. The A-list veteran cast includes Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Denis O'Hare, Clarke Peters, and Geena Davis playing retirees living in a lavish community. When new resident Sam (Molina) discovers something strange, he teams up with the others to investigate.
Described as Stranger Things with seniors, the series, which was executive produced by The Duffer Brothers, explores ideas of aging, time, life, and death through a humorous, compelling, and thought-provoking lens. The Boroughs combats ageism in Hollywood, showing that the elderly can be more than just side characters. Even though it's cancelled, the story has a satisfying end.
Watch This: If you love Stranger Things and appreciate incredible actors with impressive resumes who sell the story.
Skip This: If you didn't like Stranger Things or you're looking for a show that will have more seasons.
'I Will Find You' (June)
An Emotional Story With a Shocking Twist
The latest Harlan Coben crime drama, I Will Find You, takes you on a wild and twisted ride about a murdered young boy and the father who was convicted of killing him. When David Burroughs (Sam Worthington) finally finds an ally in his former sister-in-law Rachel (Britt Lower), the two pair up to investigate and run from the law until they can uncover the truth. Rachel not only believes David was wrongfully convicted, but she is also convinced that Matthew (Ashton Cressman) might still be alive.
Arguably one of Coben's best shows yet, that has become one of the biggest shows on streaming, the eight episodes take you on a journey with surprises and some unbelievable plot twists. But you'll feel satisfied, likely even shocked by the end. It's the kind of show you'll be talking about with others once you finish watching.
Watch This: If you watched and liked other Harlan Coben shows and appreciate twists and turns.
Skip This: If you don't like twists that come out of left field and moments that seem far-fetched and unbelievable.
'Beef' (April)
Social Commentary About Privilege and Gen Z
Technically, Beef is a returning show since the first season streamed in 2023. But since it's an anthology series and Season 2 features an entirely different story with a completely different cast, I'm saying it qualifies. The story follows the lives of two couples that become dangerously intertwined when one discovers damaging information about the other. Joshua (Oscar Isaac) and Lindsay (Carey Mulligan) are a married couple in turmoil whose private life is far different than the one they show in public. This reality is threatened when a young in-love couple, Ashley (Cailee Spaeny) and Austin (Charles Melton), witness something awful between them.
The danger begins as the two play a game of blackmail, one couple looking to protect their image and the other hoping to use this information to get ahead in life. There's important social commentary behind the plot, and the eight episodes will have you hooked from beginning to end. From the superb acting to the reflections of privilege and the stereotypes of the new generation, Beef Season 2 might not live up to Season 1, but it's a solid follow-up with an end that also rises to a crashing crescendo.
Watch This: If you love a show that satirizes everything from the privilege of the one percent to Gen Z culture and stereotypes.
Skip This: If you're expecting the same vibe and tone of Season 1, as it's quite different with a slower, more methodical, and subtle plot.
'His & Hers' (January)
A Highly Bingeable Show With an End You Won't See Coming
When it comes to unpredictable plot twists you'll never see coming, His & Hers delivers in spades. The story follows the murder of a woman in a small town and the intersecting lives of estranged married couple Jack (Jon Bernthal), the local detective, and Anna (Tessa Thompson), a news reporter. When Anna returns home to investigate, the pair clash as both know the victim and have their own agendas.
His & Hers received decent reviews, and at just six episodes, it's one of those shows you can, and will want to, watch in a single sitting.
Every episode delivers a new revelation and points the finger one way or another. Hints and clues convince you of what's going on until the next moment that makes you think twice. You'll be at the edge of your seat to find out what really happened. It's gripping right to the bitter end, and I literally mean the final moment.
Watch This: If you love a highly bingeable show with a plot twist you'll never see coming and appreciate dark and sexy yet emotional undertones to a mystery.
Skip This: If you don't like shows with too many plot holes, soapy storylines, and that gloss over darker, more important themes.
'Being Gordon Ramsay' (February)
Fuel Your Love of Cooking and Everything Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay is one of the most recognized professional chefs in the world, and if you love him and appreciate a good docuseries every now and then, Being Gordon Ramsay will satisfy your appetite. You'll learn about his massive restaurant empire and the hard work that goes into running all his top restaurants, opening new ones, and maintaining his reputation for consistency, quality, and fantastic food.
The miniseries also dives into Ramsay's personal life and how he balances that with opening five new restaurants, which are chronicled on the show. It's a nice departure from his usual foul-mouthed, angry on-screen persona, and something different from his other exploratory food shows.
Watch This: If you love Gordon Ramsay and want to learn more about his work behind-the-scenes and his family dynamics.
Skip This: If you've grown tired of seeing him on screen or prefer to watch his many other cooking reality shows and his amped up personality for TV.
'Detective Hole' (March)
Dark, Gritty, and Underrated
Also known as Joe Nesbø's Detective Hole, this Norwegian crime drama flew under the radar but received rave reviews. As an on-screen adaptation of Nesbø's Harry Hole novels, the title character, played by Tobias Santelmann, is a police detective in Oslo who is simultaneously dealing with a serial killer and a corrupt colleague, Tom Waaler (Joel Kinnaman).
With just nine episodes, Detective Hole is a quick binge-watch that has been praised for its twists and turns, keeping you invested all the way through. It's dark and gritty at times as well, providing something less soapy than some of the other crime dramas that have been released of late.
Watch This: If you love foreign shows and Kinnaman's work as one of the more recognized actors among the cast.
Skip This: If you don't like shows you have to watch with subtitles or dubbing.
'Something Very Bad is Going to Happen' (March)
Gothic Horror With a Purpose at its Finest
Following on the heels of the end of Stranger Things, The Duffer Brothers launched right into other projects by executive producing several shows, including Something Very Bad is Going to Happen. The horror miniseries is about a young couple that is about to be married. But when Nicky Cunningham (Adam DiMarco) brings his fiancée Rachel (Camila Morrone) to his family's secluded Upstate New York home, things start to get strange.
The wild one-night binge series takes the idea of wedding jitters and amplifies it into a surreal horror theme. Something Very Bad is Going to Happen will capture your attention as both a traditional horror and a show with thought-provoking commentary. It's just eight episodes, so a quick watch, too.
Watch This: If you love the vibe of The Duffer Brothers' projects and you're into the horror and gothic genre.
Skip This: If you prefer stories that can be more condensed versus stretched over multiple episodes, since some episodes feel like filler.
'Big Mistakes' (April)
A Satisfying Genre Mashup Between Crime and Comedy
Dan Levy is back on the small screen in Big Mistakes, a crime comedy about openly gay pastor Nicky (Levy) and his sister Morgan (Taylor Ortega), who get involved in the criminal underworld when they are blackmailed. Already renewed for a second season, the series, which also stars Laurie Metcalf and Elizabeth Perkins, earned high praise for its cast and witty story.
With eight episodes in the first season, you'll love the suspense, chaotic tone, and the secondary themes of dysfunctional family dynamics. There's fun banter between the siblings and a tone that combines both comedy and crime thrills in a unique way that effectively blends the genres. Plus, with just 30-minute episodes, it's a quick binge.
Watch This: If you loved shows like Schitt's Creek, appreciate genre-bending stories, and love a good LGBTQ project.
Skip This: If you don't like Levy's work or you're looking for something that’s a fully intense drama without so much comedy, too.
