The television landscape in 2026 is already shaping up to be a crowded one, with 53 new and returning shows generating significant buzz, according to a report published Jan. 2 by Variety. Streamers have been unusually forthcoming with release dates, leading to an early glimpse into the year's programming slate.
Kate Aurthur and Emily Longeretta of Variety noted the abundance of scripted series, with only a few major reality events like the 50th season of "Survivor" and "The Traitors" making the list. The article highlighted a shift from previous years, where release dates were often kept under wraps, particularly during the Emmys season. This year, however, a packed schedule is already in place for the first few months.
January is expected to be particularly busy, with the return of HBO Max's Emmy-winning "The Pitt" and Netflix's "Bridgerton," along with franchise expansions like HBO's "Game of Thrones" spinoff, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." The early announcements suggest a competitive year for streaming platforms, all vying for audience attention.
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