In one of my previous articles, I shared some of the most anticipated movies expected to be released in the remainder of this year. If you want to see what you missed from upcoming movies, you can check out my article here: https://sites.cortland.edu/dragon-chronicle/2026/09/14/the-best-new-films-to-watch-at-the-end-of-2026/. Still, there is even more to come from the entertainment industry, with new seasons of shows or entirely new series coming out. Here’s a list of just a select few from many new shows set to be released in 2026:
The Great British Baking Show, Season 17 (September 25)
Although its initial release in the UK is on September 22, The Great British Baking Show will debut on Netflix on September 25 for the US. There will be twelve new amateur bakers to enter the tent, along with returning hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Judge Paul Hollywood will also return with a new judge, Nigella Lawson, who replaces his former co-judge, Prue Leith. While it may be sad to see Prue leave, I’m excited to see what playful banter and comments are to come from this new duo. As an avid baking show fan, I can confidently say this show is one of the greatest ones to do it by far, so I’m eager to see the new contestants compete every week for the title.
East of Eden (October 1)
East of Eden is another one of Netflix’s period pieces. It’s set to be released on the streaming service on October 1, and the cast is stacked with Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Joseph Zada, and more. Based on the novel of the same name, the show takes place in the early 1900s and follows an independent woman who comes between two brothers, which sparks a feud that unfolds over two generations. There will only be seven episodes in this limited series, but they are all expected to air simultaneously, making it a perfect long watch during a slow weekend on campus.
Nobody Wants This, Season 3 (October 22)
Joanne and Noah’s romance will continue on Netflix on October 22. This third season will see Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) take the next step in their relationship as they move in together. The plot will explore the couple navigating all of the ups and downs of a new relationship, as well as all of the humor that these lovebirds are known for. You can expect to see more dynamics between Morgan, Sasha, and Esther as they tackle new challenges in life. There will also be some familiar guest stars to join the cast, such as Avan Jogia, Sadie Sandler, Poorna Jagannathan, and the creator Erin Foster, who will make an appearance. Both previous seasons spent weeks in a row at the top of Netflix’s English TV list, and I’m confident that this new season will prove just as exciting and leave fans wanting more.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Season 3 (November 20)
Unlike the previous new shows in this article that will release on Netflix, you’ll have to go to Disney+ to stream the third season of Percy Jackson & the Olympians on November 20. The core cast members from the first and second seasons will return, alongside new major characters like Artemis, Apollo, Zeus, the children of Hades, and more. The storyline will be based on The Titan’s Curse, Rick Riordan’s third book, which follows Percy as he tries to save Annabeth after being captured by the forces of Kronos. This installment marks a shift in tone in the series as things start to get darker and more intense for the demigods. The new Hunger Games film will also release on November 20, and because these YA books from the 2000s have overlapping fandoms, it will be a long emotional rollercoaster for these people.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (December 25)
If you weren’t already looking forward to Christmas, you’ll be even more excited now that the new Harry Potter HBO series is premiering on the same day. This first season will consist of eight episodes, in a longer-form book-adaptation style than the movies. Each episode will be roughly one hour long, as the show is aiming to include minor details that we didn’t see in the movies. As for the series as a whole, it is planned to be a 10-year-long ride with seven seasons, each based on one book that will delve deeper into J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels. The main trio stars new faces, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Many fans are embracing this reboot with excitement and hoping for a more faithful adaptation of the books, while others feel it’s “too safe” and merely copying the original movies. Still, based on the teasers we’ve seen so far, I’d say this Harry Potter TV series will bring us nostalgia and deeper development to the already beloved movie franchise.
Even though there are numerous anticipated film releases for the rest of 2026, these new shows and upcoming seasons are just as exciting. For longtime fans who have been waiting for new installments of their beloved series, like The Great British Baking Show or Percy Jackson & the Olympians, the end of this year couldn’t come soon enough. As for fans of period pieces or Harry Potter, I’m sure you’re eagerly awaiting the new shows set to come out based on these categories. Now that you’ve seen this list of the most anticipated TV shows for the remainder of the year, I hope you’re ready to grab a comfy blanket and your favorite snack to spend some time binge-watching these upcoming premieres.