- Primary Subject: 2026 Most Anticipated TV Newcomers
- Key Update: Major streaming platforms have locked in release dates for the next wave of flagship series, including a March premiere for the Nicole Kidman-led Scarpetta.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 19, 2026
- Quick Answer: Five major series, Scarpetta, Spider-Noir, The Boroughs, Crystal Lake, and Lanterns, are confirmed to premiere in 2026 across Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock, and HBO.
This year marks the end of two of the biggest TV shows around: Stranger Things and the upcoming fifth and final season of The Boys. With both series achieving massive success and expanding into franchises with their own spinoffs, it’s no surprise that streaming platforms and television networks are now racing to deliver the next big hit.
As a wave of new shows arrives, it may not take long before audiences discover another television phenomenon capable of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
With several exciting projects set to premiere this year, here are five upcoming TV shows poised to become the next big sensation.
Lanterns
The DC Universe will continue to expand its Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate with the upcoming TV series Lanterns.
The show follows legendary Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a mysterious murder in rural America, only to uncover a cosmic conspiracy far greater than they ever expected.
While some fans may anticipate a story similar to previous adaptations, Lanterns promises a different approach by blending a grounded mystery drama with sci-fi elements.
The series has even been compared to a prestige crime drama rather than a traditional spectacle-driven superhero story, marking a major shift in how comic book stories are told on television.
Lanterns is currently slated to premiere on HBO in mid-2026.
Spider-Noir
Fans are about to see a very different Spider-Man in the superhero noir TV series Spider-Noir.
In his first lead role on television, Nicolas Cage stars as Ben Reilly / The Spider, an aging private investigator and superhero in 1930s New York City who must confront the shadows of his past.
Evidently, this one will be different from the usual Marvel-style Spider-Man story. Spider-Noir is set in an alternate universe within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) franchise, offering a darker, noir-inspired take on the beloved character.
Spider-Noir is set to premiere on May 25, 2026, on MGM+ in the US, with a global release on Prime Video scheduled for May 27.
The Boroughs
After Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers are set to deliver the next big TV hit with The Boroughs.
Reports suggest the new series will carry a similar nostalgic vibe to the showrunners’ Netflix hit, following a group of unlikely heroes as they confront a cosmic threat that’s stealing time in a seemingly picturesque retirement community.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Bill Pullman, Jena Malone, Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, and Dee Wallace, combined with touches of classic ‘80s nostalgia, The Boroughs already looks very promising.
The Boroughs is slated to premiere on Netflix this year.
Crystal Lake
Travel back in time to uncover the story of a young Jason Voorhees in the upcoming Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake.
Starring the talented Linda Cardellini as Jason’s mother, Pamela Voorhees, the series will delve into the origins of both mother and son, leading up to the infamous murders at Camp Crystal Lake.
Set in the early 1980s, this slasher series marks Jason’s return to the small screen, giving fans another chilling glimpse of the legendary killer.
Crystal Lake is expected to premiere in 2026 on Peacock.
Scarpetta
Imagine a TV show starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis; it’s bound to be a hit.
Amazon Prime Video has brought these two A-list stars together for the adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novel series, following forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta in Scarpetta.
Inspired by former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Marcella Farinelli Fierro, the series will see Scarpetta (Kidman) using advanced forensic technology to solve complex crimes while taking her investigative journey across different parts of the world.
With true-crime series becoming one of the most sought-after TV genres today, Scarpetta is already poised for success.
Scarpetta will premiere on March 11 on Amazon Prime Video.
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