I review TV shows for a living and these are the 10 shows from 2026 I’d actually recommend streaming right now

(Image credit: Apple) If you're looking for the best shows of 2026 so far, you've come to the right place. The year is now over halfway done, so it's the perfect time to check in on which shows from the best streaming services are a must-watch. Especially now that we know which shows are competing for the 2026 Emmy Awards.I watch dozens of shows each year, so I typically put together a list of the best shows a few times a year. As of the end of July, I've watched 38 shows so far in 2026. That feels like a good sample size, even if I still haven't seen quite every single new show this year.Some of these names on this list, like "The Pitt," will be familiar to those of you who watch TV regularly. But there are some new shows on my list you might not be familiar with yet. Four of my 10 best shows of 2026 so far debuted this year.As usual, these shows are all available on a variety of streaming services. So if you're a cord-cutter, don't worry. I've got you covered. I review TV shows for a living, and these are the 10 shows from 2026 I’d actually recommend streaming right now10 best shows of 2026 (so far)10. 'The Agency' season 2 (Paramount+) The Agency | Season 2 Trailer | Paramount+ - YouTube Watch On Genre: Spy thriller seriesWhat's it about? "The Agency” is adapted from the acclaimed French spy thriller series "Le Bureau des Légendes," also known as "The Bureau."This adaptation is set at the CIA's London office. It stars Michael Fassbender as a deep-cover agent named Brandon. However, he mostly goes by his codename: "Martian." His cover and his work life are dangerously intertwined. In season 2, he has betrayed the CIA to save the woman he loves (Jodie Turner-Smith) while hunting down a mercenary known only as "Viking" (Clayne Crawford).Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Why you should watch it: In my "The Agency" season 2 review, I landed firmly in the camp of loving this show for a second season. It's not a perfect show. Many problems that existed in season 1 are still there in season 2. But the things that worked in season 1 also work in season 2. This show knows how to build to an explosive finale, and I don't mean that as a metaphor.Stream "The Agency" season 2 on Paramount+ now Legends | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Watch On Genre: Crime thriller seriesWhat's it about? "Legends" is set in 1990s England. A select group within Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, led by Don (Steve Coogan), has come up with a new plan to win the war on drugs. The plan? Assemble a group of everyday customs officers, completely untrained in espionage. Then, train them and send them undercover to infiltrate gangs and global drug dealing operations.Why you should watch it: I will freely admit I'm a sucker for a British miniseries. Especially one from Neil Forsyth, who also created the excellent BBC series "The Gold." While this series will feel like other British thrillers, at just six episodes, it's perfectly paced. You get exactly what you need, and nothing more, and the show leaves nothing unresolved.Stream "Legends" on Netflix now8. 'Rooster' (HBO Max) Rooster | Official Trailer | HBO Max - YouTube Watch On Genre: Comedy seriesWhat it's about: From Scrubs" and "Ted Lasso" creator Bill Lawrence, "Rooster" stars Steve Carell as Greg Russo. He is a divorced best-selling novelist who arrives at Ludlow College to comfort his daughter (Charly Clive) after her husband (Phil Dunster) leaves her for a graduate student. Once he's there, he gets roped into being the new writer in residence by the college president (John C. McGinley), and the comedy ensues.Why you should watch it: I had essentially zero expectations for this show. But it quickly hooked me. I could not stop laughing when watching. The pedigree of the writing and acting talent makes this comedy special. Lawrence, in particular, is what makes the show special. Not only can he still write, but he also brings in veteran actors McGinley and Dunster from past shows. They, alongside Carell, prove that assembling a loaded cast list can still pay off in a major way.Stream "Rooster" season 1 on HBO Max now7. 'The Bear' season 5 (Hulu/Disney+) The Bear | Season 5 Official Trailer | Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach | FX - YouTube Watch On Genre: Comedy-drama seriesWhat's it about? If you've somehow never heard of "The Bear," it centers around Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White). At the end of season 4, the former hot-shot chef declared he's no longer in love with cooking. So he's leaving the titular restaurant and saying goodbye to his dreams of a Michelin Star-worthy establishment. Before he can leave, though, he and the rest of the staff have to get it together for one final service.Why you should watch it: This season was different and yet such a return to form. It's set mostly within a single day, and features a new original score from Hans Zimmer. But the ensemble cast and controlled chaos of the writing still are the show's main draw. Seasons 1-2 of "The Bear" were two of the best seasons of television this century, and season 5 is the best the show has had since. It may end a bit too neatly, but at least it ends on a high note.Stream "The Bear" season 5 on Hulu now6. 'Hacks' season 5 (HBO Max) Hacks Season 5 | Official Trailer | HBO Max - YouTube Watch On Genre: Dark comedy drama seriesWhat it's about: "Hacks" stars Jean Smart as legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance. She's joined, in most moments, by her young protege/writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). Together, they've revitalized Deborah's career. They've even taken the aging comedy legend to the pinnacle of the world of late-night television. But last season, it all came crashing down to earth. Now, in the show's final season, they have to find a way for Deborah to go out on top — and on her terms.Why you should watch it: "Hacks" season 1 and season 2 are two of the best seasons of a comedy show I've seen this decade. It's simply brilliant at times. It's never afraid to tug at your heartstrings, but it's also willing to go to dark places. It frequently makes you laugh uncontrollably at a politically incorrect joke. While seasons 3 and 4 were a bit of a drop-off in quality, season 5 was a return to excellence. It even delivered two of the best episodes of TV I've seen in 2026 so far.Stream "Hacks" season 5 on HBO Max now5. 'The Vampire Lestat' (AMC+) The Vampire Lestat | Official Trailer | Debuts June 7 on AMC & AMC+ - YouTube Watch On Genre: Fantasy drama seriesWhat it's about: "The Vampire Lestat" is technically the third season of "Interview with the Vampire." It stars Sam Reid as the titular vampire, who now has aspirations of being the next rock star. Unfortunately for everyone else, it seems more likely that he might bring about the Great Conversion. That's an event where the vampires take over the world. Bad news for us humans.Why you should watch it: Reid is incredible as Lestat. His biting wit and rock star looks are a star-making combination. But the rest of this cast also impresses, particularly Jacob Anderson as Louis, Lestat's on-again-off-again vampire boyfriend. Yes, this show is campy at times. Its budget also doesn't do it any favors. But despite being the least "prestige TV" show on this list, it still delivers incredible moments of drama, sometimes across entire episodes rather than mere scenes. Don't sleep on this series.Stream "The Vampire Lestat" on AMC+ now4. 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (HBO Max) A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Official Final Trailer | HBO Max - YouTube Watch On Genre: Fantasy drama seriesWhat it's about: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" tells the tale of Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey). As the series begins, the hedge knight (a knight with no lord) is headed to the tournament at Ashford Meadow. He's been freshly knighted by his late master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb), and wants to make a name of his own. But along the way, he meets a young boy named "Egg" (Dexter Sol Ansell). That meeting has consequences that will reverberate not just throughout Westeros, but throughout history.Why you should watch it: This show is a change of pace from "House of the Dragon." It manages to implicate itself in larger storylines while remaining relatively focused and grounded. It takes place over just six 30(ish)-minute episodes, which is a potentially jarring shift for those used to Westeros' history being told in hour-long drama episodes. But it works. In my review of "Seven," which is still the best episode of any show this year, I declared that "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" proved that "Game of Thrones" is finally back.Stream "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" season 1 on HBO Max now3. 'The Pitt' season 2 (HBO Max) The Pitt Season 2 | Official Trailer | HBO Max - YouTube Watch On Genre: Medical procedural drama seriesWhat it's about: "The Pitt" is set in the emergency department of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Each season takes place over a single 15-hour workday in the ED.In season 2, the show juggles many storylines across those mere hours. Top of the list, though, is a potential cyber attack that's already taken out other hospitals in the area. There's also the looming countdown to the end of Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch's (Noah Wyle) shift. Once he clocks out, he's going on sabbatical and a motorcycle road trip. The show strongly hints it's one he might not come back from.Why you should watch it: This show is "ER" meets "24." That's not an insult either. Across 30 episodes, it's proven to be a recipe for success. Season 1 was my best show of 2025. It cleaned up at the Emmys last year, and I expect season 2 to be the favorite for Outstanding Drama Series once again this year. Episode 11 of this season, "5:00 P.M.," is one of the best of any show so far this year, and will have you feeling all sorts of emotions. This show is, once again, must-see TV.Stream "The Pitt" season 2 on HBO Max now2. 'Widow's Bay' (Apple TV) Widow's Bay — Official Teaser Trailer | Apple TV - YouTube Watch On Genre: Comedy horror seriesWhat it's about: "Widow's Bay" is set in the titular New England island town. It has aspirations of being the next Martha's Vineyard. Unfortunately for Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), his town has more in common with Sleepy Hollow. His island oasis is secretly cursed, and it's not just the tourists who could be in danger.Why you should watch it: "Widow's Bay" perfectly strikes a balance between workplace comedy and dark horror. It's simply impressive. A lot of this balance is thanks to show creator and former "Parks and Recreation" writer Katie Dippold. The hit 2000s sitcom's fingerprints are all over this new show. Still, there are truly horrifying moments. Top of the list is a creepy clown that would put Pennywise to shame. This new series is undeniably one of the best shows of 2026 so far.Stream "Widow's Bay" on Apple TV now1. 'Industry' season 4 (HBO Max) Industry Season 4 | Final Trailer | HBO Max - YouTube Watch On Genre: Thriller drama seriesWhat it's about: "Industry" started as a drama about a group of young investment bankers at Pierpoint & Co. in London. That plot took a major turn in season 3. In that season, Pierpoint was sold off to the Egyptian firm Al-Mi'raj, and the show's cast went in separate directions. Now, in season 4, Harper (Myha'la) is running an innovative new fund that's heavily shorting the fintech company Tender. However, Tender just hired her best friend (and worst enemy) Yasmin (Marisa Abela) and just made Yasmin's husband, Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), the new CEO. It's going to get messy.Why you should watch it: I declared "Industry" season 3 the best show on HBO in 2024. Season 4 might be the best show on HBO of the 2020s. The drama is incredible. There are moments where I genuinely forget to think or breathe because it's so enthralling. And while "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" and "The Pitt" both have contenders for best episode of the year, right now, three of my top spots are occupied by this season of Industry. How this show got zero Emmy nominations is beyond me.Stream "Industry" season 4 on HBO Max now (Image credit: Future)Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!More from Tom's Guide'The Odyssey’ is the best movie of 2026 so far — and maybe topples my favorite Christopher Nolan filmApple TV's new crime thriller show features two of my favorite actors but not much elseDenzel's directorial debut is a biopic drama movie you've probably never heard of, but it's a must-watch Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.