Published Jun 30, 2026, 7:18 PM EDT
The Collider Staff is a diverse collection of talented writers who bring a wealth of experience, thoughtfulness, and knowledge to their analysis of entertainment. Whether you want a searing hot take on the MCU or you still can’t get over that ‘Game of Thrones’ finale, Collider’s writers always approach the world of entertainment with a keen eye and a ready mind.
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It’s hard to believe that we’re already at the halfway point of 2026, but even in that time, viewers certainly haven’t been lacking in options for the small screen. In fact, when the Collider staff assembled to compile this list, we almost couldn’t narrow our selections down to the top 25! From hit romance novel adaptations that rapidly achieved new internet obsession status to some of the most inventive shows to ever hit streaming, the first six months of the year have delivered series that hooked us, whether it happened overnight or week after week. Below, here are Collider’s picks, listed alphabetically by title, for the 25 best TV shows of 2026 so far.
The first four episodes of ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 are now streaming.
After three seasons, Netflix’s Regency-era juggernaut Bridgerton shook up its formula when it shifted its focus to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) for Season 4. The second son has no plans of settling down until he meets the mysterious lady in silver at his mother’s masquerade ball. This beguiling woman is none other than Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a maid who snuck in just to experience a night on the inside of society. What starts as Bridgerton’s take on the Cinderella trope evolves into a forbidden love story that changes the fabric of the show forever.
For three seasons, Bridgerton kept its focus on the elite of the Ton. Audiences had gotten familiar with the formula. That’s why Sophie is such a breath of fresh air for the series. With her, Bridgerton was allowed to explore a new facet of this world we’d gotten used to. Plus, past seasons have crumbled under the weight of balancing different storylines across the show, and certain seasons’ couples have gotten lost in the shuffle as a result. Season 4 found a way to balance the secondary storylines in a way that helped strengthen Benedict and Sophie’s love story.
Speaking of which, Thompson and Ha anchor this season, balancing the fantasy-like wonder of falling in love with the dramatic weight of societal expectations. Add in some Pride & Prejudice aesthetics in the countryside and a heartwrenching storyline for Francesca (Hannah Dodd), and you’ve got a season that reinvigorates this romance series. Romance is having its own moment on TV this year, and *Bridgerton *Season 4 kicked it all off. — Meredith Loftus
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2020 - 2026-00-00
](/cape-fear-apple-tv-series-review/)
Apple TV’s ‘Cape Fear’ Is Easily One of the Year’s Best Psychological Horror Thrillers | Review ](/cape-fear-apple-tv-series-review/)
Showrunner Nick Antosca’s miniseries keeps tightening the screws, turning dread into the show’s sharpest weapon.
Barely making it into the first half of the year, Apple TV’s adaptation of Cape Fear from showrunner Nick Antosca is a humid, color-drenched mystery that has us on tenterhooks week after week. Filling the gap left by shows like Succession and The White Lotus, Cape Fear is scratching the “rich people making horrible decisions” itch while offering a fresh take on a classic psychological thriller. Oversaturated and simmering with heat and tension, the series adaptation of Martin Scorsese’s remake stretches out the story and turns the mystery into a must-watch.
**Patrick Wilson **sinks his teeth into the complex role of patriarch Tom Bowden, constantly wanting to be a good father while slipping so easily into the vices and traps set up by Javier Bardem’s Max Cady. Bardem is equally relishing his villainous role, delivering a certain level of unhinged campiness that really sells the psychological thriller’s unpredictable nature. While Amy Adams’ accent is occasionally distracting, her descent into madness as Anna Bowden is much more captivating as her enemy brings her to her breaking point. With five episodes left, Cape Fear is set to deliver one of the most thrilling mysteries of the year. — Samantha Coley
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Daredevil: Born Again
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‘Daredevil: Born Again’s Stunning Season 2 Finale Is Among Marvel TV’s Best | Review ](/daredevil-born-again-season-2-finale-review-disney-plus/)
It’s a “Brand New Day” for the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen.
Charlie Cox’s “Man Without Fear” officially returned with Daredevil: Born Again last year, but the results were fairly mixed, largely because of a last-minute creative overhaul that was instituted to canonize the original Netflix continuity. While there were various tonal inconsistencies in Season 1, that is not at all the case for Season 2, which not only feels more consistent overall, but also feels much more in line with the original version of Matt Murdock we all know and love.
While Daredevil and Kingpin’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) rivalry kicks things into high gear with some shocking twists and turns, it’s Wilson Bethel’s Bullseye who really gets his time to shine this time around, with a twisted take on a redemption arc cementing him as one of the MCU’s most interesting rogues. The only drawback is that Krysten Ritter’s return as Jessica Jones feels just a hair too fan servicey, but considering we’ll see her again alongside Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Danny Rand (Finn Jones) for Season 3, it’s good to know we’ll be getting a true Defenders reunion soon. — Aidan Kelley
Daredevil: Born Again ](/tag/daredevil-born-again/)
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](/dtf-st-louis-review-hbo-david-harbour-jason-bateman/)
‘DTF St. Louis’ Review: David Harbour and Jason Bateman’s HBO Mystery Wobbles, but Its Dark Comedy Still Hooks You ](/dtf-st-louis-review-hbo-david-harbour-jason-bateman/)
In the heart of suburbia, three lives intertwine through a dating app, but one death throws the town into chaos.
DTF St. Louis is a deliciously dark comedy from HBO that stars three TV icons as you’ve never seen them before. In a story that spans seven parts, local celebrity and weatherman Clark Forrest (Jason Bateman) has an affair with his friend and colleague Floyd Smernitch’s (David Harbour) wife, Carol (Linda Cardellini), after setting him up on a dating app. The series is told in a non-linear way, opening with the revelation that Floyd has been found dead before gradually unpicking how we got there. Each episode adds another layer to the central whodunit, with twists and turns that mean you genuinely don’t know what has happened to Floyd until the final moment.
On the case are unlikely duo Jodie (Wednesday’s Joy Sunday) and Detective Donoghue Homer (Richard Jenkins), who have very different ideas about who killed Floyd and why. It’s also Harbour’s first TV role since Stranger Things, and one that is highly unexpected, while Jason Bateman plays his creepiest character to date. The series focuses on the tangled trio, particularly the genuine love Clark has for Floyd, who feels undesirable and emasculated, and is no longer able to sleep with his wife because of her umpire’s work uniform and a shocking groin injury. Linda Cardellini excels as a character with questionable motives, which has a similar feel to her role in Netflix’s No Good Deed, with the addition of sex scenes so uncomfortable you can’t look away. DTF St. Louis is twisty, awkward, and darkly funny, and it keeps resetting your expectations to hook you right up until the very end. — Greer Riddell
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2026 - 2026-00-00
For All Mankind
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‘For All Mankind’ Season 5 Review: Apple TV’s Best Sci-Fi Series Makes Another Colossal Change ](/for-all-mankind-season-5-review-apple-tv/)
There aren’t many shows out there like For All Mankind, a series that seems to shed its skin every season to adopt a new genre and look while still hewing closely to the themes and storylines that make the show so good. Season 5 is the most ambitious yet, taking the story completely to Mars, where the Happy Valley colony is now bursting with life but also in serious conflict with the powers that be on Earth. This season hit fans with a double whammy by delivering two major deaths, with one of them capping off the season in a hopeful and heartbreaking finale.
With a talented cast led by Joel Kinnaman, the story has gone from a historical drama set in the late 60s into a sci-fi epic set in the present day, showing the audience an alternate history of the world if the space race had continued beyond the 70s. Facing off against social conflicts and geopolitical crises, at the core of For All Mankind is hope. The show might expose the worst of humanity at points, but it is always there to remind us that there are good people who are willing to sacrifice everything for the good of all people, not just a few. With just one season left before the end, there’s no better time than now to catch up on one of Apple TV’s best sci-fi shows. — Therese Lacson
For All Mankind ](/tag/for-all-mankind/)
2019 - 2027-00-00
](/hacks-season-5-review-hbo-jean-smart-hannah-einbinder/)
‘Hacks’ Season 5 Review: HBO’s Best Comedy of the Last 5 Years Checks All the Right Boxes With Its Ending ](/hacks-season-5-review-hbo-jean-smart-hannah-einbinder/)
‘Hacks’ final season premieres April 9 on HBO.
With its spectacular final season, Hacks has solidified its place amongst the greatest television shows of all time. Bringing Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah’s (Jean Smart) captivating, complicated, and wholly unique love story to a satisfying conclusion, Hacks Season 5 highlights how much both characters have grown as a result of their relationship. The final season follows an Ava and Deborah who are finally completely honest with each other and devoted to helping one another achieve their wildest dreams. By the final episode, the two are on the best of terms for a finale that sees them go to the ends of the earth for each other. In its final moments, Hacks reminds viewers that laughing with the people you love is enough of a reason to keep going through life’s toughest challenges.
Beyond its central duo, *Hacks *delivers a satisfying conclusion for all of its supporting characters with a full-circle win for Kayla (Meg Stalter) and Jimmy (Paul W. Downs), and new journeys for Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins), Marty (Christopher McDonald), and DJ (Kaitlin Olson). Season 5 is also filled to the brim with Easter eggs from the past, underscoring the level of care and attention that went into crafting this story from start to finish. Einbinder and Smart also deliver some of the best work of either of their careers, through both the show’s unbelievably funny moments and its wildly vulnerable drama. Sticking the landing with a final season is no easy feat, but Downs, Lucia Aniello, and** Jen Statsky** make it look like a breezy walk down the Vegas strip. — Samantha Coley
2021 - 2026-00-00
](/half-man-review-hbo-richard-gadd-jamie-bell/)
Richard Gadd’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ Follow-Up ‘Half Man’ Is Raw, Brutal, and Absolutely Devastating | Review ](/half-man-review-hbo-richard-gadd-jamie-bell/)
‘Half Man’ premieres April 23 on HBO.
After the resounding success of Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd’s follow-up, Half Man, is no less shocking or addictive. Gadd’s sophomore series follows two brothers, Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Gadd), who might not be related by blood but have been bonded since the day they met. Niall is soft-spoken and shy, Ruben is brash and violent, and when Ruben protects Niall from his bullies, the two form a co-dependent relationship, one that’s built on brotherhood but tainted by toxic masculinity.
Gadd once again stuns on-screen, delivering an intense performance that is only rivaled by Bell’s, who plays Niall as a man deeply struggling with his sexuality and unable to escape from his own prejudices. Every scene between the two men shows a careful balance between genuine fraternal love and hair-raising anxiety, and the audience is left waiting for the moment that it might all come crashing down. Half Man has Gadd’s fingerprints all over it, exploring repression, masculinity, and societal expectations. The six-episode miniseries is a masterclass in drama and tension, and it’s the perfect watch for those who enjoyed Baby Reindeer. — Therese Lacson
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2026 - 2026-00-00
](/industry-season-4-review-hbo/)
‘Industry’ Season 4 Review: HBO’s Most Underrated Thriller Series Returns With a Dark New Chapter ](/industry-season-4-review-hbo/)
‘Industry’ may share similarities with other HBO dramas, but it’s evolved into a definitive show of the moment.
Industry has been a bit of a dark horse for HBO if you weren’t paying attention to it — yet, even in the shadow of Succession, it’s quietly become one of the best series of the 2020s. After an explosive third installment, Season 4 takes this thriller to new heights. Gone are the days when Harper Stern (Myha’la) and Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela) were competing at the desks at Pierpoint. Now they have power at opposite ends of the spectrum. Thanks to her marriage to Henry (Kit Harington), Yasmin uses her influence to steer Henry as the CEO of Tender. Meanwhile, Harper teams up with her old mentor Eric Tao (Ken Leung) to create a short-only fund, with their eyes set on bringing down Tender.
Industry Season 4 is filled with outstanding moments that feel entirely earned across the series. Ken Leung gives one of its best performances, sending Eric Tao off into the sunset in Episode 6’s “Dear Henry,” while Abela’s Yasmin descends to new lows as a means of survival, ultimately following in her father’s footsteps. With the stage set for the final season, Industry remains just as kinetic and gripping as ever. — Meredith Loftus
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2020 - 2027-00-00
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
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‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Premiere Recap: This Is Westeros Like You’ve Never Seen It Before ](/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-premiere-episode-1-recap/)
A humble knight embarks on a journey that will change his life forever.
Nearly three years after it was announced that George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas would be adapted into a new prequel series for HBO, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrived to immediate critical acclaim from longtime fans and newcomers alike, proving that Westeros still has plenty of stories worth telling. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the second Game of Thrones spin-off series, but the first to be largely removed from impressive CGI dragons and the blood-soaked court politics. While the series still lends its attention to the Targaryens’ conflict-fraught history, the overarching appeal of Ira Parker’s series is the way it strips away the high-fantasy patina in favor of a more character-driven drama that strikes right at the heart of what many fans miss from the original series.
Peter Claffey’s earnest, grounded performance as Ser Duncan and undeniable chemistry with Dexter Sol Ansell’s Egg serve as the perfect anchor to the spectacular ensemble cast. Much like the original series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ ensemble is richly crafted, existing not only to benefit the plot but to prove that they are more than just threads in a storied narrative tapestry of Westeros. Seven months later, Daniel Ings, Bertie Carvel, and Sam Spruell remain among the franchise’s most talked-about additions, a testament to how quickly they won audiences over.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the best Westeros story since Game of Thrones was at its peak — not because it’s bigger, but because it understands that compelling characters are the true spectacle. Parker proves this world is just as fascinating when viewed through the lives of hedge knights and smallfolk as it is from the Iron Throne. There’s little doubt A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be remembered as one of the defining series of the decade, but for now, it’s simply one of the very best shows of 2026. — Maggie Lovitt
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms ](/tag/tv-show/a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms/)
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Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette
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‘Love Story’ Review: Ryan Murphy’s JFK Jr. Drama Hits Hardest in the Scenes That Never Made Headlines ](/love-story-fx-series-review-ryan-murphy/)
Ryan Murphy’s latest series tackles both the public fascination and the ultimate tragedy of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s relationship.
Having grown up during the height of John F. Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette hysteria (with countless photos of them also lining my locker), a show by Ryan Murphy about their love story definitely came with some initial discomfort. After all, so much of their relationship was taken from them for tabloid fodder before they could even just exist together. But it’s this very aspect that amplifies what we think we knew into something that is much more emotionally grounded for a standout series.
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette fills the gaps all those gross gossip magazines could never reach, not by leaning into the buzz or assumptions from viral photographs, but through private moments shared by those close to the couple. While that might raise a red flag for fictionalization, so much of the nine-part series is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s best-selling biography, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, which helps the first chapter of Murphy’s latest anthology show feel human and quite tender.
A large majority of that appeal comes down to the writing and two very standout performances from Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, who give their respective roles of John and Carolyn room to be more than symbols frozen in time. These two have great chemistry and make every quiet glance or fight feel lived-in and personal. It’s a smart, tender show that understands their love story was not just about glamour, but about two people carrying very different relationships to fame while loving each other in their own way. — Tania Hussain
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Margo’s Got Money Troubles
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‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ Review: Elle Fanning’s Dysfunctional Apple TV Miniseries Is a Must-Watch ](/margos-got-money-troubles-review-apple-tv-michelle-pfeiffer-elle-fanning/)
Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer anchor a strong dramedy with far more heart than the premise would have you believe.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is what happens when every department — writers, directors, actors, production and costume designers, music supervisor, etc. — understands the assignment. David E. Kelley pays a beautiful tribute to the Rufi Thorpe novel on which the series is based, staying true to her bold, immersive story while giving it a stylish, cinematic touch. In a television landscape that often feels drab, characterized by a lack of color and dark lighting, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is refreshingly vibrant, leaning into its spunky and irreverent tone without ever losing its grounded, authentic core. The writing is a dramedy at its best, handling serious topics like addiction, sex work, and poverty with nuance and care, even in its zanier, more lighthearted moments.
The performances in the show are exceptional across the board. It’s impossible not to root for Elle Fanning in the titular role, even when she makes questionable decisions, and she plays off Michelle Pfeiffer’s deliciously layered Shyanne brilliantly. The two showcase a complex mother-daughter relationship up there with the likes of those showcased in Gilmore Girls and Lady Bird. Nick Offerman gives a career-best performance as Margo’s father, Jinx, a flawed but gentle former professional wrestler. Add in pitch-perfect supporting roles like Nicole Kidman as wrestler-turned-lawyer Lace and Lindsey Normington and Rico Nasty as Rose and KC, OnlyFans creators who show Margo the ropes, and you have a recipe for greatness. — Taylor Gates
Margo’s Got Money Troubles ](/tag/movie/margos-got-money-troubles/)
2026 - 2026-00-00
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed
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Tatiana Maslany’s Unpredictable Thriller ‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’ Is a Solid Apple TV Addition | Review ](/maximum-pleasure-guaranteed-apple-tv-review-tatiana-maslany/)
‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’ premieres with its first two episodes on Wednesday, May 20.
Apple TV is a consistently reliable streamer, with practically every new release being a strong show with a singular voice. Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is no exception. Created by David Rosen, the darkly comedic thriller stars Tatiana Maslany as Paula, a single mother whose life is turned even more upside down when she finds herself at the heart of a murderous blackmail scheme with an online sex worker. Don’t you just hate when that happens?
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is the perfect vehicle for Maslany to show off her captivating range that viewers first fell in love with in Orphan Black and She-Hulk. Paula is deliciously messy and charming as she navigates a custody battle with her ex, Karl (Jake Johnson), and tries to get to the bottom of what the hell is going on with the mysterious Dennis, played by a terrifying Murray Bartlett, while coaching her daughter Hazel’s (Nola Wallace) soccer team. Plus, Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg and Charlie Hall are delightful scene-stealers as Geri and Rudy, Paula’s arrogant, snooty co-workers who might actually prove to be helpful. Watching this show is sure to bring maximum pleasure, guaranteed. — Emily Bernard
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed ](/tag/tv-show/maximum-pleasure-guaranteed/)
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Prime Video’s ‘Off Campus’ Is Exactly What Romance Novel Lovers Want From a TV Adaptation | Review ](/off-campus-tv-series-review-prime-video/)
‘Off Campus’ premieres May 13 on Prime Video.
Many romance novels have been successfully adapted for the screen in recent years. From Netflix’s Bridgerton, with its sizzling Regency-era romance, to Prime Video’s contemporary young adult hit The Summer I Turned Pretty, fans of the genre have shown up in force every time. This year, Off Campus joined their ranks. Based on Elle Kennedy’s bestselling sports romance series, the hit drama follows music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright), who strikes a deal with hockey team captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli), in which the two agree to fake a relationship to make Hannah’s crush notice her, while Hannah helps Garrett pass their Philosophical Ethics class by tutoring him.
While the premise may sound lighthearted and fun, Off Campus also does an excellent job of tackling much heavier subjects. Hannah’s journey as an assault survivor and the ways she copes with her trauma are handled with care and nuance, while Garrett’s experience with abuse is equally compelling. Combined with impeccable casting, powerful writing, and electric chemistry between its leads, it’s no surprise that *Off Campus *has become the internet’s latest obsession. — Laura Adams
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The Other Bennet Sister
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BritBox’s ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ Is the Perfect Period Romance for 2026 | Review ](/the-other-bennet-sister-review-britbox/)
The show debuts its first three episodes on May 6.
With so many Bennet sisters in Pride & Prejudice, it might be easy to forget Mary, the quiet and shy middle child of this massive clan. ***The Other Bennet Sister ***pulls her into the limelight in a ten-episode series that is easily one of 2026’s most charming shows. Ella Bruccoleri’s Mary Bennet is clever and kind-hearted, but she is often looked over compared to her more beautiful and vivacious sisters. Taking place parallel to the novel, the series fills in the gaps in Mary’s story while also giving audiences a completely new look at the Bennet family and Jane Austen’s most memorable characters.
At the core of the series is Bruccoleri’s amazing chemistry with co-star Dónal Finn, who plays the charming Mr. Thomas Hayward, a gentleman Mary meets when she goes to live with her aunt and uncle in London. Finn and Bruccoleri are so endearingly sweet you might just get a toothache watching the show, and the cozy vibes of the series will make you long for a vacation in the English countryside. It might even give you a different outlook on oft-hated characters like Mr. Collins (Ryan Sampson) and Caroline Bingley (Tanya Reynolds), which is a feat in itself. With a talented cast featuring the likes of Richard E. Grant and Indira Varma, this show is required viewing for any lover of romance or Austen. — Therese Lacson
The Other Bennet Sister ](/tag/tv-show/the-other-bennet-sister/)
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](/the-pitt-season-2-review-hbo-noah-wyle/)
‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Review: HBO’s Smash-Hit Medical Drama Doubles Down on What Worked (and Didn’t) the First Time ](/the-pitt-season-2-review-hbo-noah-wyle/)
Noah Wyle’s real-time ER drama is finally back.
2025 was the year of The Pitt. The HBO Max medical drama took the world by storm, racking up every award possible while highlighting the day-to-day issues medical professionals face. All eyes were on the series as Season 2 premiered in January, and unsurprisingly, it kept that momentum going.
As the Fourth of July shift begins, Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) gears up for an extended leave while Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) makes his return after a ten-month absence. Over the course of this 15-hr holiday shift, the season continues to highlight the current obstacles facing ED doctors and nurses, from cyberattacks to ICE agents and the arduous process of a sexual assault forensic exam. The interpersonal relationships between the doctors and nurses remain as compelling as ever, as well as the mental toll of these professionals that often gets ignored for the sake of pushing through.
Season 2 is stacked with exceptional performances from returning favorites, like Katherine LaNasa’s Dana Evans, and newcomers, like Sepideh Moafi’s Dr. Al-Hashimi. Wyle himself gives another heartbreaking performance that will likely earn him another Emmy statue. While the series is set to make some changes for its upcoming third season, there’s no denying that *The Pitt *has kept its finger on the pulse in the TV landscape. No other show is doing it like this one. — Meredith Loftus
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](/ponies-series-review-emilia-clarke-haley-lu-richardson/)
‘Ponies’ Review: Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson Deliver a Gripping Spy Thriller With a Perfect Final Shot ](/ponies-series-review-emilia-clarke-haley-lu-richardson/)
Two unlikely spies navigate danger and betrayal in this wild ‘70s-era series.
When ***Ponies ***arrived on Peacock earlier this year, it quickly established itself as one of 2026’s most exciting and addictive new series, making its recent premature cancellation all the more devastating. While contemporary espionage dramas often lean on hyper-stylized action, co-creators Susanna Fogel and David Iserson stripped the Cold War spy thriller back to its psychological essentials, transforming 1977 Moscow into a high-stakes chessboard built on human vulnerability, paranoia, and tension. But as gripping as the espionage is, the series’ greatest strength lies in its cast.
Emilia Clarke’s sharp, guarded intensity as Bea and Haley Lu Richardson’s magnetic charisma as Twila anchor an exceptional ensemble that makes every corner of the show’s paranoid world feel fully realized. Petro Ninovskyi, Artjom Gilz, and Lili Walters, in particular, help forge some of the year’s most compelling character dynamics — relationships that deserved far more than a single season.
While Clarke and Richardson are the series’ emotional center, Ponies’ cancellation also robbed audiences of Vic Michaelis continuing in one of the year’s greatest breakout performances, quietly stealing scene after scene. Ponies wasn’t simply the best thriller of the year because it was fast-paced and witty; it stood apart because it gave every character a reason to matter. Though its run was tragically brief, Ponies will be remembered as one of 2026’s finest — and one of television’s greatest missed opportunities. — Maggie Lovitt
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2026 - 2026-00-00
](/rivals-season-2-review-hulu/)
‘Rivals’ Season 2 Is Bigger, Better, and Raunchier Than Ever | Review ](/rivals-season-2-review-hulu/)
‘Rivals’ Season 2 premieres May 15 on Hulu.
That isn’t to say the season has been without missteps. The decision to break with Jilly Cooper’s canon and kill off Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook) was a bold gamble that left many readers disappointed, particularly those hoping to see her queer romance adapted with more depth than the novel gave it. Meanwhile, Rupert (Alex Hassell) and Taggie (Bella Maclean) — the relationship that should be driving the series — never quite generated the spark Part 1 needed. Fortunately, Lizzie (Katherine Parkinson) and Freddie (Danny Dyer) stepped into that emotional void, delivering a romance that was equal parts tender and devastating. Combined with the endlessly charismatic ensemble, particularly David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Nafessa Williams, and the writing’s razor-sharp wit, Rutshire remains every bit as irresistible as ever.
Rivals earns its place among the year’s best not because Part 1 was flawless, but because even its shortcomings can’t overshadow everything the series gets right. With Part 2 still to come in November, there’s every reason to believe it can capitalize on its bold creative swings and deliver one of television’s defining dramas of the year. — Maggie Lovitt
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](/rooster-hbo-review-steve-carell/)
‘Rooster’ Review: Steve Carell’s Smart HBO Comedy Belongs at the Top of Your Must-Watch List ](/rooster-hbo-review-steve-carell/)
The Bill Lawrence comedy is a must-watch for anyone who loves a feel-good comedy.
It feels foolish to bet against Bill Lawrence right now. Seriously, look at this year alone: the Scrubs revival was a success and earned a Season 2 renewal; Shrinking Season 3 completely delivered; and his HBO comedy-drama series Rooster starring **Steve Carell **was everything we could’ve asked for. The jury is out on whether Ted Lasso Season 4 can keep this streak going, but for now, Rooster is proof that Lawrence’s creative juices are still flowing.
Carell stars as Greg Russo, a best-selling author who finds himself becoming a writer-in-residence at the same college where his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), works. Katie herself is going through her own crisis – her husband, played by Phil Dunster, cheated on her with a grad student who ends up pregnant. While initially being there to support her, Ludlow College ends up becoming a haven for Greg to work through his own identity issues post-divorce and create a new life for himself.
Through the cozy collegiate setting, Rooster blends Lawrence’s sharp humor with heartwarming moments that don’t shy from the heavy themes at play — not to mention, it boasts an ensemble featuring Danielle Deadwyler, John C. McGinley, Robby Hoffman, and Connie Britton. At the heart of this show, however, is Carell, giving his best TV performance since The Office. Season 2 can’t come soon enough! — Meredith Loftus
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](/scrubs-revival-season-10-review-zach-braff-donald-faison-sarah-chalke/)
‘Scrubs’ Season 10 Review: An Imperfect Revival Still Wins With Zach Braff & Donald Faison Back in the Spotlight ](/scrubs-revival-season-10-review-zach-braff-donald-faison-sarah-chalke/)
The medical comedy doesn’t hit with every joke, but the revival retains the heart of the original.
Fans always hold their collective breath before pressing play on a reboot, but Scrubs Season 10 blows every reservation away almost immediately, and it’s entirely down to the return of the core cast. Turk (Donald Faison), J.D. (Zach Braff), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), and Carla (Judy Reyes) are back at Sacred Heart, instantly recapturing the comforting feel of the original series with its unique blend of slapstick, surrealism, and sadness. At the same time, it’s fun to see where the characters have ended up and what they’re navigating in 2026. We also get to see John C. McGinley return as the iconic Doctor Cox, delivering put-downs and rapid-fire rants that are every bit as sharp as they were in Season 1. Yet his relationship with JD has matured, evolving from calling him girls’ names to needing him by his side when it matters most.
The season also introduces new performances worth watching. Forget Season 9’s attempt at integrating interns into the storyline, as this time around, they work. Amanda Morrow stars as Dr. Dashana Trainor, a surgical intern who makes the perfect mentee for Turk, mirroring many of the qualities that made his character so entertaining in the early seasons. The familiar rhythm, warmth, and camaraderie between the returning cast create a strong foundation that allows the new characters to slot in naturally rather than compete for space.
Scrubs became one of television’s biggest “do not resuscitate” cases, written onto countless lists of shows with bad endings. But by the end of Season 10, you’ll be happily back in 2002, shouting “Eagle!”, drinking an Appletini (easy on the ‘tini), and hanging out with your taxidermied golden retriever. Roll on Season 11! — Greer Riddell
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‘Shrinking’ Season 3 Review: One of Apple TV’s Best, Most Heartfelt Comedy Series Should End Here ](/shrinking-season-3-review-apple-tv-jason-segel-harrison-ford/)
Will this be the last we see of Jimmy and his found family?
It’s rare that, three seasons in, a show that’s been great from the beginning still manages to get better and better, but that’s exactly what Shrinking has done. Wrapping up the original arc that creator Bill Lawrence had in mind (though don’t worry, the show has already been renewed for and begun filming a Season 4, which will feature a timeskip), Season 3 brings long-marinating plotlines to satisfying, hilarious, and often tear-jerking conclusions. Between Alice (Lukita Maxwell) graduating, Sean (Luke Tennie) moving out of the pool house, and Paul (Harrison Ford) retiring, this season perfectly captured how bittersweet growth and change can be for both Jimmy (Jason Segel) and the audience alike.
Even in a career as long and iconic as Ford’s, Shrinking Season 3 stands out as some of his best work, allowing him to showcase a deeply vulnerable side of the secretly caring curmudgeon. The friendship between Gaby (Jessica Williams) and Liz (Christa Miller) continues to be one of the funniest, most refreshing dynamics on television, and it will be downright criminal if Miller and her other partner in crime, Ted McGinley, don’t finally receive some long-overdue Emmy love this year. I could go on shouting out the show’s best performances, but my editor said I had to keep this under a million words [Editor’s note: ;) ]. To put it simply, the entire cast somehow elevates writing that is pitch-perfect on its own, providing a sweet, feel-good series that never feels cheap or saccharine and keeps improving year after year. — Taylor Gates
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Nicolas Cage’s ‘Spider-Noir’ Is a Fun, Pulpy Superhero Throwback | Review ](/spider-noir-review-nicolas-cage-prime-video/)
“Wherever I go the wind follows, and the wind smells like rain.”
When it comes to*** Spider-Noir***, Prime Video’s foray into a chapter with one of Marvel’s most beloved superheroes is exactly the kind of swing we wish more studios tackled. It takes something familiar from Spider-Man lore and makes it feel super fresh, leaning hard into a detective story that could rival the likes of James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, or Humphrey Bogart’s biggest and best classics. Alongside its smoky, shadowy noir style, the series never once loses its essence of the comic book, helping create a balance that makes the show a fun surprise with sharp twists.
What I love most is how committed the show is to its own weird little corner of Marvel. The mystery unraveling across its eight episodes has real momentum, the black-and-white version is gorgeous in just about every frame (but also watch the color version for its full scope), and the production design makes this alternate 1930s New York feel grimy, stylish, yet completely alive. It never for a moment feels like an accent for the sake of it. Instead, it’s a well-rounded detective story hitting every film noir vibe with gangsters, femme fatales, but mixing in that sci-fi, fantasy aspect with strange powers.
And then there’s the incredible Nicolas Cage, who feels perfectly at home here. His version of Ben Reilly lands somewhere between classic hard-boiled detective and full Cage oddball, with some very funny moments that let him fly his one-of-a-kind charm proudly. But the performance never tips into parody for a second. He makes Spider-Noir funny, strange, wounded, but also so genuinely exciting, which is exactly why it stands out as one of 2026’s best superhero shows. — Tania Hussain
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The Vampire Lestat
](/the-vampire-lestat-review-interview-with-the-vampire-season-3-amc/)
Watching ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Gave Me a TV Hangover | Review ](/the-vampire-lestat-review-interview-with-the-vampire-season-3-amc/)
The third season of the retitled ‘Interview with the Vampire’ premieres June 7 on AMC.
Not every television show demands a reinvention, but every once in a while, shaking up the existing formula is never a bad thing. Take AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, which concluded its initial narrative about the titular vampire, Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), after two fantastic seasons, although its most recent finale certainly left the door open for a continuation. Once journalist and interviewer Daniel Molloy’s (Eric Bogosian) book was published, it was only a matter of time before Louis’ maker decided to tell his version of the story — and with that shift in perspective came a brand-new title for the series in The Vampire Lestat.
Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) has always been a captivating figure in his own right, but up until now, he’s mostly been viewed through someone else’s lens. Now that he’s standing in the spotlight, however, the series and its depiction of crucial events look drastically different. Paired with Lestat’s recent decision to embrace his rockstar era and begin touring with a new band, the result is a chaotically compelling season that pulls back the curtain on one of the show’s most mercurial characters. The good news is that Louis is still around and kicking, exploring a completely original storyline this season, and Armand (Assad Zaman) has currently embarked on a tour of his own in an effort to make amends with those he’s wronged — including Daniel, his new fledgling. (And whatever’s going on with this new character Regina, we couldn’t say, but at least **Delainey Hayles **is back in some form.) With beautiful original songs from series composer Daniel Hart that track Lestat’s biggest emotional swings in real time and creator Rolin Jones still keeping things moving at the helm, The Vampire Lestat isn’t like anything that came before, and TV is only better for it. — Carly Lane
The Vampire Lestat ](/tag/tv-show/the-vampire-lestat/)
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
](/widows-bay-review-apple-tv-matthew-rhys-katie-dippold/)
Matthew Rhys’ Horror Series ‘Widow’s Bay’ Is Apple TV’s Weirdest, Boldest Show Yet | Review ](/widows-bay-review-apple-tv-matthew-rhys-katie-dippold/)
‘Widow’s Bay’ premieres April 29 on Apple TV.
In a show that absolutely lives up to its hype, Widow’s Bay is pretty much everything I want from a horror-comedy. It’s got a strong sprinkle of spookiness without ever losing its sense of fun and is genuinely laugh-out-loud without undoing the scares. It’s this sharp balance that audiences have embraced as Apple TV continues to release the best original television on streaming, with this 10-episode series being a near-perfect masterpiece at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
But what I love most about Widow’s Bay is how it never settles for being just “Stephen King meets Parks and Recreation.” Instead, creator Katie Dippold’s clever writing builds an entire island that feels lived-in with eccentric residents as nearly every ridiculous joke feeds into something darker. Best of all, as the mystery unfolds across the season and grows beyond the genre’s usual “monster-of-the-week” setup, the show actually blends those scares into a surprisingly emotional story about legacy and grief, and for its protagonist, Mayor Tom Loftis, played immaculately by Matthew Rhys, the burden of carrying a town’s cursed history.
The performances are every bit as strong as the writing. Whereas Rhys gives Tom just enough earnestness and exasperation to ground the show’s increasingly bizarre world, Kate O’Flynn is an absolute revelation as Patricia, effortlessly stealing every scene with razor-sharp comedic timing before transforming into the series’ unlikely scream queen. While O’Flynn has had a long career in British television (you have to check her out in Everyone Else Burns), it’s this breakout performance of hers that feels impossible to ignore, and one of the biggest reasons Widow’s Bay has become one of 2026’s absolute best shows. — Tania Hussain
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‘Wonder Man’ Review: The MCU’s Best, Smartest TV Show Since ‘Loki’ Is Your New Cure for Superhero Fatigue ](/wonder-man-show-review-disney-plus/)
Marvel Television has finally found its groove.
If you were wondering exactly how Yahya Abdul-Mateen II would follow his award-winning superhero turn in HBO’s Watchmen, you’re not alone. Yet what proved to be most intriguing about the actor slipping into the shoes of another comic book character was that it wasn’t accompanied by bombastic action or major stakes for the wider cinematic universe. Instead, Wonder Man is as much a story about an actor struggling to land jobs in a difficult industry as it is about the stress of secretly grappling with dangerous abilities. When Simon Williams (Abdul-Mateen II) learns that director Von Kovac (Zlatko Burić) is helming a remake of his all-time favorite superhero movie, Wonder Man, he immediately becomes determined to score a role in it. The only problem is that Hollywood has effectively created a clause banning superpowered individuals from working in film and television — and anyone with special abilities has to disclose them ahead of time.
While Simon has spent his entire life keeping his powers a secret, a series of small eruptions — tied to both emotional stress and professional difficulties — puts him on the Department of Damage Control’s radar, and the shadowy organization tasks a blast from the MCU’s past with keeping an eye on him. Sir Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery has had his ups and downs, but the capper of the character’s unofficial trilogy (which began with Iron Man 3 and continued with Shang-Chi) is rooted in a heartwarming and unlikely friendship, as Trevor’s increasing guilt about deceiving Simon under the guise of mentorship culminates in an act that’s more selfless than anything he’s ever dared to pull off before. With Wonder Man, creators Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest have issued a much-needed reminder that sometimes, Marvel’s best stories have the most personal stakes, especially when they’re anchored by a duo of immensely impressive performances. Bring on Season 2! — Carly Lane
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Science Fiction
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2026 - 2026-00-00
Your Friends & Neighbors
](/your-friends-and-neighbors-season-2-review-apple-tv/)
‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ Season 2 Review: Apple TV’s Crime Drama Still Has All the Messiness You Could Want ](/your-friends-and-neighbors-season-2-review-apple-tv/)
James Marsden plays a new neighbor in the sophomore season.
Season 1 of Jonathan Tropper’s Apple TV dark comedy crime thriller Your Friends & Neighbors was fun and sharp, following Coop (Jon Hamm), a hedge fund manager without a financial care in the world who, in the blink of an eye, gets sucked into the world of petty theft after he is fired from his job. Hamm nails the role of “suburban James Bond” as he steals from his peers while he simultaneously figures out how to raise a family and take care of his sister.
So how could Season 2 up the ante? Two words: Owen Ashe. James Marsden perfectly slips into the role of the enigmatic, Gatsby-esque bachelor who crash-lands into Coop’s life and immediately takes it over, whether Coop is ready or not. And let’s not forget Hamm’s strong supporting cast in Olivia Munn, Amanda Peet, and Lena Hall, all of whom affect Coop’s life in wonderfully chaotic ways. Your Friends & Neighbors more than successfully repeated the edge and charm of the first season — with Episode 6 being a particular stand-out — ending on a shocking, fatal note that has us wishing we could hit play on Season 3. — Emily Bernard
Your Friends and Neighbors ](/tag/tv-show/your-friends-and-neighbors/)