Assessing the best new shows of the year can, at times, feel like a lie — not a big lie, per se, but perhaps a little lie that feels big. I guess you could call it… oh, it doesn’t matter. Let me explain: Over the last two decades, as Hollywood studios weeded out mid-budget movies in favor of blockbuster entertainment, television has seen a huge upswing in limited series. Stars are attracted to the challenging storytelling and lesser commitments (compared to an ongoing show), while writers like a medium that offers ample time to tell intimate stories (sometimes too much time). Audiences like a definitive ending (not to mention those A-list stars), so there you have it: a proliferation of limited series.
So where’s the lie come in? Right now, when I make the list of the year’s best new shows, and the biannual question rears its nagging head: Should we count limited series? Well… are they new? Yes. Are they series? Yes. Are they new series? Argh, I guess so? But the real question becomes: When people search for new shows to watch, are they looking for a list of new series they can look forward to seeing over and over, year after year, for three-to-four seasons (if they’re on Netflix) or seven-to-eight seasons (if they’re on broadcast)? Or are they just looking for the best TV has to offer right now, immediately, longevity be damned?
At IndieWire, we house ongoing and limited series under the big tent of “new shows,” but I still feel an extra bit of excitement when our lists highlight the former more than the latter. And in 2026, there are far more great new ongoing series than limited series. Sure, “DTF St. Louis” is in the running for the year’s best show, period, and “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” leads a young year that’s been very good to horror fans. But nearly all of the other great shows are going to return (or are meant to return, so long as they get renewed).
“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” is bringing steady laughs back to broadcast TV. “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” brought David E. Kelley back to comedy. “Rooster” is one of HBO’s most popular half-hours ever (which had to be the plan when pairing Bill Lawrence and Steve Carell), and “Widow’s Bay” is a bonafide sensation, with everyone from critics to actors to regular folks (like my folks) eager to recommend Apple TV’s latest hit.
That’s just a small sample of favorites fans can look forward to visiting for the foreseeable future. Read on for the rest of IndieWire’s best new shows of the year so far (scripted only), and stay tuned for a final list as we get closer to the end of 2026. Until then, these shows should keep your queues full, I promise. What? You can trust me!
Wilson Chapman, Kate Erbland, and Sarah Shachat contributed to this story.
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“The Audacity”
Image Credit: Courtesy of AMC Creator: Jonathan Glatzer
Cast: Billy Magnussen, Sarah Goldberg, Lucy Punch, Meaghan Rath, Paul Adelstein, Everett Blunck, Thailey Roberge, Ava Marie Telek, Rob Corddry, Zach Galifianakis, Simon Helberg
Network: AMC
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Succession” and “Silicon Valley”
Best Performance: Zach Galifianakis
Best Episode: Episode 5, “Lamplighters”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? “The Audacity” has all the makings of a series primed to explode in Season 2. It’s smart, it’s made with conviction, and the cast is excellent — there are juicy dynamics left to explore further (more Carl and Duncan, more Xander with everyone), and plenty of material to mine for drama. Creator Jonathan Glatzer just has to settle the tone and hone his episodic structure a little more. But now is a good time to get in on the ground floor.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “The Audacity.”
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“DTF St. Louis”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Tina Rowden / HBO Creator: Steven Conrad
Cast: David Harbour, Jason Bateman, Linda Cardellini, Joy Sunday, Richard Jenkins, Arlan Ruf, Peter Sarsgaard, Chris Perfetti
Network: HBO
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Patriot,” “Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place”
Best Performance: Jason Bateman
Best Episode: Episode 4, “Missouri Mutual Life & Health Insurance Company”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? If you love a detailed investigation in your murder-mysteries, but you’re open to investigating in the suspects as much as the outcome, “DTF St. Louis” delivers big time. It’s a rich character study and a meticulous mystery in one, built on fantastic performances from the five series regulars. Also, it’s a limited series, so you know there’s a real ending here — and it’s a great one.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “DTF St. Louis” as well as our finale review.
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“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Scott Gries / NBC Creators: Robert Carlock, Sam Means
Cast: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall, Bobby Moynihan, Megan Thee Stallion, Corbin Bernsen, Craig Robinson, Heidi Gardner, Anna Camp, Ronny Chieng
Network: NBC
You’ll Like It If You Like: “30 Rock,” “Mr. Mayor”
Best Performance: Bobby Moynihan, although Daniel Radcliffe is right there, too.
Best Episode: Episode 9, “Mischief and Memories”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? It’s funny! It’s legitimately, consistently, almost constantly funny. It’s got the deep pop-culture knowledge you’ve come to expect from Robert Carlock and Sam Means, and it’s got an affable cast with chemistry to spare. Just sit back and enjoy.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.”
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“How to Get to Heaven from Belfast”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Christopher Barr / Netflix Creator: Lisa McGee
Cast: Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, Caoifhionn Dunne, Natasha O’Keeffe, Bronagh Gallagher, Darragh Hand, Michelle Fairley, Selin Hizli, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Jeanne Nicole Ni Ainle
Network: Netflix
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Derry Girls,” “Bad Sisters”
Best Performance: Sinéad Keenan
Best Episode: Episode 5, “The Box”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? I know, I know. There are far too many shows out there that try to combine a bevy of disparate genres into the same narrative with the misguided hope of attracting and satisfying the widest fanbase possible. But “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast” actually does it well. The murder-mystery is solid, the friends are funny, the winking pop culture references land, and the mid-life crises feel lived-in, rather than tacked on. It’s an ambitious show that’s still light on its feet. Plus, you know, it’s from Lisa McGee, the creator of “Derry Girls.” She’s always worth investing in (hint, hint, Netflix).For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.”
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“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Steffan Hill / HBO Creators: Ira Parker, George R.R. Martin
Cast: Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansel, Daniel Ings, Shaun Thomas, Danny Webb, Finn Bennett, Bertie Carvel, Daniel Monks, Ross Anderson, Cara Harris
Network: HBO
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Game of Thrones,” “Rome”, specifically just the first season of “The Mandalorian”
Best Performance: Peter Claffey
Best Episode: Episode 4, “Seven”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? Because this is how adaptations and spinoff series should work. “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” isn’t a half-hour comedy, but also, it isn’t not one. The show takes the elevated, epic tone of “Game of Thrones” and brings it down into the muck with the smallfolk, doing something new with it. That is what makes you fall in love with its characters. I’ve only had Dunk and Egg for six episodes, but if anything happens to them, I’ll destroy all nine of the Seven Kingdoms.
—Sarah ShachatFor more information on “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” read IndieWire’s review.
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“Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Apple Creator: David E. Kelley
Cast: Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Greg Kinnear, Thaddea Graham, Michael Angarano, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, Marcia Gay Harden
Network: Apple TV
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Ally McBeal,” “SMILF”
Best Performance: Michelle Pfeiffer
Best Episode: Episode 5, “Flamingoes”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? It’s sweet! Sure, David E. Kelley eventually falls back on his favorite setting — the courtroom — but most of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” flexes his comedic-drama muscles; the same ones that made “Ally McBeal” and “Harry’s Law” so appealing, back before he reinvented himself for the streaming age. Toss in a dream cast (including Pfeiffer, Kelley’s wife), and Apple’s got a solid formula brought to life by professionals who know how to do exactly that.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”
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“Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV Creator: David J. Rosen
Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jake Johnson, Jessy Hodges, Jon Michael Hill, Charlie Hill, Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg, Nola Wallace, Dolly de Leon, Brandon Flynn, Murray Bartlett
Network: Apple TV
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Weeds,” “High Potential”
Best Performance: Tatiana Maslany
Best Episode: Episode 6, “Rosebuds”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? Short answer: Tatiana Maslany. Longer answer… actually, never mind. You only need the short answer.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.”
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“Off Campus”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Liane Hentscher / Amazon Prime Video Creator: Louisa Levy
Cast: Ella Bright, Belmont Cameli, Mika Abdalla, Stephen Kalyn, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Antonio Cipriano
Network: Amazon Prime Video
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Sex Education”, “Never Have I Ever”, The Night Shift on “The Pitt”
Best Performance: Mika Abdalla
Best Episode: Episode 3, “The Orgasm”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? Because it’s a long wait until “Heated Rivalry” Season 2.
—Sarah Shachat -
“The Other Bennet Sister”
Image Credit: Courtesy of BBC / Bad Wolf Creator: Sarah Quintrell
Cast: Ella Bruccoleri, Indira Varma, Richard Coyle, Varada Sethu, Richard E. Grant, Ruth Jones, Tanya Reynolds, Ryan Sampson, Dónal Finn, Poppy Gilbert, Laurie Davidson, Grace Hogg-Robinson, Maddie Close, Molly Wright, Anna Fenton-Garvey, Reggie Absolom, Aaron Gill, Roisin Bhalla, Jasmine Sharp
Network: BritBox
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Bridgerton,” any and all Jane Austen adaptations
Best Performance: Ella Bruccoleri, who turns the most maligned Bennet sister into a delightful heroine invested in (gasp) making her own choices and pursuing her own passions
Best Episode: Episode 8, “Chapter 8”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? With just 10, 30-minute episodes (that really feel episodic), it’s an easy, satisfying watch that delights at every turn.
—Kate ErblandFor more information, read IndieWire’s review of “The Other Bennet Sister” and our interview with its creator.
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“Ponies”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Peacock Creators: David Iserson, Susanna Fogel
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester, Artjom Gilz, Vic Michaelis, Nicholas Podany, Petro Ninovskyi
Network: Peacock
You’ll Like It If You Like: “The Afterparty”, “Slow Horses”, “Slow Horses” memes about River Cartwright having a bad time
Best Performance: Emilia Clarke
Best Episode: Episode 5, “Turn The Beat Around”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? Because we need to reward good TV shows — with episodes that begin, middle, and end in surprising, satisfying ways rather than being just part of the endless morass of streaming sludge. “Ponies” is really good TV, emphasis on “TV.”
—Sarah ShachatFor more information, read IndieWire’s interview with the creators.
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“Riot Women”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Helen Williams / BritBox Creator: Sally Wainwright
Cast: Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, Amelia Bullmore, with Taj Atwal, Chandeep Uppal, Macy Jacob-Seelochan
Network: BritBox
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Happy Valley,” “We Are Lady Parts”
Best Performance: Rosalie Craig
Best Episode: Episode 4, “Episode 4”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? The first season doesn’t end with the band’s first performance. While that may sound arbitrary, Sally Wainwright’s seasonal construction is a huge part of why “Riot Women” hits so hard; the band is just the unifying force that brings its members together, face to face, so they can work through life’s isolating adversities, which are the real hurdles in “Riot Women.” Depressed? Start a rock band. Angry? Start a rock band. Menopausal and routinely silenced by the patriarchy? You guessed it: Start a rock band. It would be easy to put all the characters’ hopes and dreams on the success of their first concert, but it’s far harder to earnestly wrestle with what ails them in a story that’s designed around the people, not just what they play. What they play is awesome, though. What a show. -
“Rooster”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Katrina Marcinowski / HBO Creators: Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses
Cast: Steve Carell, Charley Clive, Danielle Deadwyler, John C. McGinley, Phil Dunster, Lauren Tsai, Annie Mumolo, Connie Britton, Alan Ruck, Robby Hoffman
Network: HBO
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Cougar Town,” “Shrinking,” “Old School”
Best Performance: Charly Clive
Best Episode: Episode 4, “Angry, Like an Angry Person”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? It’s so easy. Bill Lawrence is great with ensemble comedies, and the soft premise — a father takes a job at his daughter’s college so he can check in on her while she considers a divorce — makes building a kind, charming ensemble around Steve Carell, one of the most likeable actors on the planet, an easy lift. “Rooster” isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, and that’s OK. Sometimes, a smooth ride with great people is the best ride you can ask for.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Rooster.”
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“Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix Creator: Haley Z. Boston
Cast: Camila Morrone, Adam DiMarco, Jeff Wilbusch, Karla Crome, Gus Birney, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ted Levine, Sawyer Fraser
Network: Netflix
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Ready or Not,” “Widow’s Bay,” most of Mike Flanagan’s TV offerings
Best Performance: Camila Morrone, plus a special shout-out to Victoria Pedretti, who breaks hearts in just one episode
Best Episode: Episode 4, “The Witness” and Episode 7, “Something Living, Something Dead, Something Stolen, Something Red”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? Scary, funny, sexy, gruesome, and wise, the series surprises at every turn, with blood to spare.
—Kate ErblandFor more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” and our interviews with its creator and star Camila Morrone.
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“Star City”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV Creators: Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, Ronald D. Moore
Cast: Rhys Ifans, Anna Maxwell Martin, Agnes O’Casey, Alice Englert, Solly McLeod, Adam Nagaitis, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Josef Davies, David Dencik, Eliot Salt
Network: Apple TV
You’ll Like It If You Like: “For All Mankind,” “The Americans”
Best Performance: Agnes O’Casey
Best Episode: Episode 4, “Dark Forest”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? Whether you’ve seen “For All Mankind” or not — and it may be better if you haven’t — “Star City” is for anyone who enjoys tense espionage action. These Soviet cosmonauts are constantly trying to get away with shit, whether it’s their job to do so or not, and the attentive camera, dedicated performers, and shadowy production design bring all their misdeeds to life with riveting drama. You can’t help but be drawn in.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Star City.”
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“Widow’s Bay”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV Creator: Katie Dippold
Cast: Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, Kevin Carroll, Dale Dickey, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Stephen Root, K Callan, Jeff Hiller, Nancy Lenehan, Neil Casey, Meredith Casey, Bashir Salahuddin, Toby Huss, Hamish Linklater, Betty Gilpin
Network: Apple TV
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Atlanta” (specifically “Teddy Perkins”)
Best Performance: Kate O’Flynn
Best Episode: Episode 4, “Beach Reads”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? It’s the whole package. “Widow’s Bay” is scary without being off-putting with its violence, funny without betraying its thrills, and character-driven in a way that deepens its odd island’s mysteries. Plus, there’s Matthew Rhys makings some of the goofiest faces you’ve ever seen. What a joy.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Widow’s Bay” and interview with Katie Dippold and Hiro Murai.
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“Witch Hat Atelier”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Crunchyroll Director: Ayumu Watanabe
Cast: Anjali Kunapaneni, Joshua Waters, Madeleine Morris, Sarah Wiedenheft, Nerida Bronwen, Reagan Murdock, Bryn Apprill (English voice cast)
Network: Crunchyroll
You’ll Like It If You Like: Thoughtful fantasy worldbuilding, beautiful animation, “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” and Art Nouveau aesthetics.
Best Performance: Joshua Waters
Best Episode: Episode 5, “The Dragon’s Labyrinth”
Why Should I Invest in this Show? Because this manga adaptation is providing some of the best visual storytelling on television right now.
—Wilson Chapman -
“Wonder Man”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Suzanne Tenner / Disney+ Creator: Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Guest
Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ben Kingsley, Arian Moayed, Josh Gad, X Mayo, Zlatko Buric, Joe Pantoliano
Network: Disney+
You’ll Like It If You Like: “Barry,” “Party Down”
Best Performance: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Best Episode: Episode 2, “Self-Tape”
Why Should I Invest in This Show? It is not like the other MCU shows. I’m sure you’ve heard such claims before, but I can’t emphasize enough how little superhero mumbo jumbo is included in this ongoing series about a super-powered actor looking for his big break in Hollywood. There’s a ton of meta comedy, an endearing central duo (between Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley), and a heartwarming arc rooted in truth and acceptance. This is blockbuster entertainment told on a human scale, not just silly special effects dressing up Marvel’s latest MCU puzzle piece.For more information, read IndieWire’s review of “Wonder Man” and interview with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
