By: Rick
There’s plenty of great shows starting or returning in 2026. Here are some of the returning shows we’re getting through the winter with.
Shrinking (Jan 28) – Season 3 on AppleTV
Shrinking is one of AppleTV’s top shows. It is every bit as good as Ted Lasso (if not better). Originally, the show was meant as a three-season story, but quickly became a fan favorite and, just like Ted Lasso, might go on a bit longer. A tremendous show dealing with grief and loss, season 3 might bring the emotions out with the way season 2 ended. There’s a good chance it will be an emotional roller coaster by the time it ends.
The Pitt (Jan 11) – Season 2 on HBO Max
Everyone loves a good medical drama, and The Pitt delivers. While most are cut-and-paste from their predecessors, this one added a new twist. With each 1-hour episode taking place in an hour of a shift at the hospital. With it airing on HBO Max, there is a bit more adult content that adds to the sense of realism of the show. Typical network television doesn’t have the language or as gruesome injuries, so with a bit more freedom, each character has a bit more personality than you might be used to.
Cross (Feb 11) – Season 2 on Prime Video
Just like medical dramas, police/detective shows always have a place on television. If anyone is a fan of James Patterson as an author, or the Alex Cross books in general, this one might be for you. Despite it only being loosely inspired by the books, it has a familiarity with the title character and pulls plenty from the source material. You just won’t get a word-for-word recreation of the books. Cross stands on its own while simultaneously staying true to its character.
Knight of The Seven Kingdoms (Jan 18) – Season 1 on HBO Max
HBO’s third attempt at revisiting the Game of Thrones universe was inspired by George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series. While fans would love to see where some characters from the original show have gone, and spinoffs based on that. HBO instead is diving deeper into the history of Westeros with prequels. There’s plenty of lore to build off of, but these were short stories turned into one large book. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt this story and if it’s even worth it.
Scrubs (Reboot Feb 25) – Season 10 – Hulu
A fan favorite in its original run, the cast of Scrubs will be back in February. The witty and, at times, over-the-top comedy was the perfect balance between humor and drama. Again, everyone loves a medical drama, and one that was a bit more lighthearted sure found its place in its prime. Where can they take the show that they already haven’t gone to is the big question. Will it be as funny as it once was, or will it fall flat like so many other reboots?
From now until the weather changes, these are some of our top shows. What other great TV shows are you looking forward to in the new year? Let us know!