From the incredible conclusion of Cassian Andor’s story to Daredevil’s resurrection to the much-anticipated grand finale of Stranger Things, 2025 was a good year for sci-fi and fantasy television. The excitement continues into 2026, with a series of new and returning TV shows scheduled for release throughout the year. Whether you are a fan of sprawling space operas or intimate superhero character studies, this year promises not to disappoint for fans of the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Here are 31 TV shows that are set to air on television and stream on OTT platforms this year. There will be some spoilers for previous seasons of returning shows, so be mindful if you’re currently watching!
1. Fallout season 2 final stretch (January 7)
Fallout season 2 began its run in late 2025, picking up immediately after the explosive revelation of Lucy’s father and the Ghoul’s past. The story shifts its focus to the iconic ruins of New Vegas as Hank MacLean arrives at the desert gambling hub. The final stretch in early 2026 will see Lucy and the Ghoul finally catching up to their targets amidst the warring factions of the Mojave. Fans can expect the high-octane violence and dark humor of the first season to escalate as the secrets of Vault-Tec are further unraveled. Three episodes were released in December, and the remaining episodes of the second season will be released on Wednesdays from January 7 to February 4 on Amazon Prime.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 (January 8)
One of the most popular anime series in recent memory will return early in the year with its third season, adapting its longest and darkest arc yet—The Culling Game. The story picks up after the Shibuya incident that saw Gojo Satoru get sealed in the Prison Realm and Sukuna taking over Itadori Yuji’s body to devastate the neighbourhood. Season 3 will debut on January 8 (only subbed versions) on Crunchyroll with a special two-hour premiere of the first two episodes of the season. Fans who want to watch the dubbed version or have a Netflix subscription may have to wait a couple of weeks longer to watch the episodes.
3. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (January 15)
This new series on Paramount+ takes place in the 32nd-century setting established during the final seasons of Star Trek: Discovery. The story picks up at the newly reopened Academy, where a fresh class of cadets navigates rivalries and a new threat to the Federation. Legacy characters like Sylvia Tilly and The Doctor are confirmed to mentor the young recruits. Expect a blend of coming-of-age drama and classic Trek exploration as the students take their first steps into the final frontier.
4. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End season 2 (January 16)
One of the most loved fantasy anime shows of 2024 is set to return to Crunchyroll in January. The slow-burn, magical series follows Frieren, the titular immortal elf-mage, who once traveled the world with her campaign party of three—Eisen, Himmel, and Heiter. Together, they defeated the demon king half a century ago. It is heartbreaking when she finds out about Himmel’s death upon reuniting with her old friends. Traveling with her apprentice Fern, she honors the memory of her fallen ally by revisiting the locations from their past adventures. Fans speculate that season 2 will cover the Golden Land Arc, the manga’s most climactic sequence yet.
This (HBO) Max prequel drops you in a more grounded prequel, set roughly a century before Game of Thrones and nearly a century after House of the Dragon. The majestic, magical dragons all died during the Dance of the Dragons civil war, but the Targaryens still sit on the throne. But instead of the political intrigue surrounding the Iron Throne or the inner turmoil of the ruling dynasty, this show will be far more intimate and adventure-focused, following the wanderings of Ser Duncan the Tall, or Dunk, and his squire, Egg. The duo’s journey through the Seven Kingdoms will bring legendary figures from George R. R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas to life.
6. Wonder Man (January 27)
Following the events of Echo and Agatha All Along, the MCU expands into the world of Hollywood satire with Simon Williams. The series picks up with Simon Williams, a stuntman and actor, gaining “ionic” powers while navigating the competitive Los Angeles film industry. It is expected to lean heavily into comedic elements while addressing Simon’s complex relationship with his brother, the Grim Reaper. The Disney+ show will also feature the return of Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), the struggling actor who impersonated the Mandarin in Iron Man 3.
7. Daredevil: Born Again season 2 (March 4)
Following the high-stakes legal and vigilante battles of the first season amid Wilson Fisk’s tyrannical rise to power, Matt Murdock continues his crusade against the corruption of New York. Season 2 on Disney+ picks up with Matt and Fisk locked in a tenuous political stalemate as the Kingpin settles into his new role as the city’s mayor. The series will introduce new antagonists while Matt forms a resistance force to protect Hell’s Kitchen from Fisk’s anti-vigilante legislation. Expect returns of Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher and Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones.
8. Outlander season 8 (March 6)
The epic time-traveling saga concluded its seventh season in January 2025, with Jamie and Claire finally returning to the American colonies and a shocking revelation suggesting that their daughter, Faith, may have survived. The eighth and final season picks up as the Revolutionary War reaches the doorstep of Fraser’s Ridge, forcing the couple to defend their home against both invading forces and long-held family secrets that threaten to tear their settlement apart from within. As they navigate the transition from soldiers to defenders of their own land, Jamie and Claire must decide what they are genuinely willing to sacrifice to stay together as their legendary journey comes to an end.
9. One Piece season 2 (March 10)
The first season of the live-action One Piece ended with the Straw Hat crew successfully entering the Grand Line after defeating Arlong. Season 2 picks up with the Alabasta Saga, focusing on the crew’s arrival at Drum Island and their encounter with Tony Tony Chopper. Luffy and his friends must navigate the treacherous waters of the Grand Line while facing the shadow organization Baroque Works. The Netflix production has promised massive practical sets and more faithful adaptations of the manga’s most iconic creatures.
10. Invincible season 4 (March 2026)
Season 3 concluded with a massive shift in Mark Grayson’s understanding of the Viltrumite Empire’s hierarchy. Season 4 picks up as the war for the galaxy intensifies, introducing the ruthless Grand Regent Thragg as a primary antagonist. Mark must balance his growing responsibilities as a father with his role as Earth’s primary defender against cosmic extinction. The voice cast expands this year to include Lee Pace, bringing more gravitas to the Amazon Prime show’s intense political maneuvering.
11. The Boys season 5 (April 8)
The fourth season ended on an apocalyptic note, with the Supes officially taking control of the United States government. This final season picks up six months later, as Billy Butcher and the surviving Boys make one last desperate push to take down Homelander. Expect high body counts and shocking conclusions as the Amazon Prime series wraps up its critique of celebrity and absolute power. Soldier Boy is confirmed to return in a major capacity, adding more chaos to the final confrontation.
12. Human Vapor (April 2026)
This new Netflix thriller serves as a modern reimagining of the classic 1960 Japanese tokusatsu film The Human Vapor. The story takes place in a contemporary setting, where a scientific experiment gone wrong grants a man the ability to transform into a gas. The narrative follows the “Vapor Man” as he utilizes his powers for crime and survival, while being hunted by a dedicated team of investigators. It promises a grounded, dark take on superhuman abilities with a heavy emphasis on crime drama and psychological suspense.
13. Daemons of the Shadow Realm (April 2026)
Fans of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and His Dark Materials may find their next obsession in this upcoming anime by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa. Set to premiere in April 2026 on Crunchyroll, the series promises emotional shojo storytelling with high-energy shonen action. The story follows estranged siblings Yuru and Asa, twins living in a world where only certain humans can wield power by forming bonds with powerful, supernatural beings known as Daemons. Forced onto separate paths, the brother and sister must reunite and learn to master their abilities before those without Daemons reshape the fate of the world.
14. Witch Hat Atelier (April 2026)
For fans of anime who want to get into a new, dreamy fantasy series in 2026, this Kamome Shirahama creation could just be the thing. In the Studio Ghibli-esque world of Witch Hat Atelier, where magic and magical beings are taken for granted, Coco’s dream of becoming a witch seems impossible. Moreover, she was not born with the power of spells. However, things change when she meets Qifrey, voiced by Natsuki Hanae (Kamado Tanjiro in Demon Slayer). The first season on Crunchyroll follows Coco as she becomes Qifrey’s apprentice and travels the world, learning and unlearning things about magic.
15. X-Men ’97 season 2 (Summer 2026)
Following the reality-shattering finale of the first season, the X-Men find themselves scattered throughout different points in time. The new episodes on Disney+ will pick up with Magneto and Professor X leading separate groups in the past and future, respectively. Cyclops and Jean Grey must find a way to reunite the team across the timeline to stop Apocalypse’s rise. The show continues its ’90s retro aesthetic while tackling mature themes of loss, identity, and the struggle for mutant survival.
16. Interview with the Vampire season 3, or, The Vampire Lestat (Summer 2026)
Season 2 ended with Louis and Armand’s relationship in ruins and the vampire community in Paris decimated. The third season of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, rebranded as The Vampire Lestat, will follow Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) as he becomes a world-famous rock star. The show will delve into Lestat’s origin in 18th-century France while he tells his side of the history in the present day. The tone is expected to shift toward the flamboyant and operatic, reflecting Lestat’s larger-than-life personality. There are rumbles this show could arrive earlier in the year, but as of right now the only confirmed release window from AMC is Summer 2026.
17. Lanterns (Late summer 2026)
This DCU series introduces a detective-style mystery centered around the intergalactic peacekeeping force. The story picks up with legendary Lantern Hal Jordan mentoring the younger, more rigid John Stewart. Together, they investigate a terrestrial murder in Nebraska with deep ties to an ancient cosmic horror that threatens the entire sector. The show will reportedly aim for a “True Detective” tone, grounding the high-concept sci-fi within a dark and gritty procedural framework. Expect Nathan Fillion to reprise his role of Guy Gardner from Superman and Peacemaker in this (HBO) Max show.
Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3. | Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
18. House of the Dragon season 3 (Late summer 2026)
Season 2 concluded with the various armies of the Blacks and Greens finally marching toward a total, bloody confrontation. The ongoing Targaryen civil war promises more dragon-on-dragon combat and violent deaths that will eventually change the face of Westeros forever. Season 3 picks up with the Triarchy entering the fray and bloody conflicts like the Battle of the Gullet and the Butcher’s Ball looming on the horizon. We can expect to see some major shifts in the power balance in King’s Landing this season, as Rhaneyra and her husband Daemon set their sights on the Iron Throne.
19. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity (July 2026)
Fans have been waiting for the final battle in Bleach forever, and it will finally be here in 2026. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity is set to premiere in July 2026 on Hulu (in the US) and follows Ichigo Kurosaki’s central role in the final arc of the escalating war between the Soul Reapers and Yhwach’s Quincy Army. The latest teaser hints at the finale’s apocalyptic scale, spotlighting the overwhelming power of the Soul King and the last-ditch stand of the remaining Gotei 13 captains as everything hangs in the balance. Expect a visually stunning and relentlessly intense finale that’s poised to dominate anime conversations for years to come. The US audience can watch it on Hulu.
Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Hudson Thames) in Marvel Animation’s YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, exclusively on Disney+. | Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.
20. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man season 2 (Fall 2026)
The first season explored Peter Parker’s early days as a hero within a non-MCU canon timeline. Season 2 on Disney+ picks up during Peter’s sophomore year of high school as he balances teen drama with rising threats like Doctor Octopus. The animation style remains a tribute to the early Steve Ditko era of comics, offering a vibrant and unique visual palette. New allies and villains from Spidey’s extensive rogues’ gallery are slated to make their debut in this installment.
21. Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 (Confirmed 2026)
The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender will come in three installments, just like its animated counterpart. Netflix has confirmed that the second season will release in 2026, bringing to life a host of new characters from “Book 2: Earth” of the original show, as well as some new ones. Season 2 picks up as Aang begins his search for an Earthbending teacher, leading to the introduction of the fan-favorite character Toph Beifong. The “gaang” must reach the capital of Ba Sing Se, evading Princess Azula’s relentless pursuit, while Zuko and Uncle Iroh try to survive in exile. The live-action adaptation is expected to expand on the lore of the Dai Li and the political corruption within the Earth Kingdom.
22. Maul: Shadow Lord (Confirmed 2026)
Lucasfilm keeps finding stories to tell about the prequel era, and I’m not complaining. Taking place shortly after the end of The Clone Wars, where we see Maul escape from a crashing Tribunal, this animated series follows the fall and rise of Darth Maul. The narrative picks up as Maul, played by the incredible Sam Witwer, begins consolidating power within the criminal underworld, building the syndicate known as Crimson Dawn. It explores his transition from a discarded Sith apprentice to a feared crime lord during the early reign of the Empire, and bridges his arc in Star Wars: Rebels. Maul will have an apprentice in the show, one that many believe would be the notorious Twi’lek Sith, Darth Talon.
Paul Bettany as The Vision and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios’ WandaVision. | Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021 All Rights Reserved.
23. Vision Quest (Confirmed 2026)
After his departure at the end of WandaVision, the “White Vision” has been wandering the world in search of his lost identity. The series picks up with the synthetic former Avenger attempting to reclaim his humanity and memories while avoiding those who wish to weaponize him. It is rumored to feature several key characters from the comics’ “West Coast Avengers” era. The tone is expected to be more contemplative and philosophical compared to the typical Marvel action flick. Fans naturally expect Elizabeth Olsen to reprise her role of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in the show, even though we saw the character “die” in Multiverse of Madness. Olsen has denied the rumors, but that could be a tactic to throw us off.
24. Spider-Noir (Confirmed 2026)
Set in an alternate 1930s New York City, this live-action series on Prime Video stars Nicolas Cage as an aging, cynical private investigator. The story follows the titular hero as he grapples with his past while investigating a mystery involving the city’s elite during the Great Depression. The show is produced in a noir style, utilizing high-contrast visuals and a gritty crime-thriller atmosphere. It marks the first live-action outing for the character, separate from the animated “Spider-Verse” films.
Hunter Schafer at US-ENTERTAINMENT-TELEVISION-AWARD-EMMY-RED CARPET | PATRICK T. FALLON/GettyImages
25. Blade Runner 2099 (Confirmed 2026)
Serving as a direct sequel to Blade Runner 2049, this Prime Video series jumps further into the future of Los Angeles. The plot picks up with a new protagonist, Cora, played by Hunter Schafer, navigating the societal collapse and environmental decay of the late 21st century. Michelle Yeoh stars in the other leading role, titled Olwen, a Replicant who is facing mortality. Expect the same breathtaking cinematography and neon-noir aesthetic that the franchise is known for.
26. Ark: The Animated Series part 2 (Confirmed 2026)
The first half of the Paramount+ series established the basic survival struggle of humans from various time periods stranded on a mysterious island. Part 2 picks up as the survivors discover the true nature of the “Ark” and the high-tech forces controlling their environment. The voice cast, including Michelle Yeoh, Gerard Butler, and David Tennant, continues the epic saga of taming dinosaurs and forging alliances. Action sequences are expected to ramp up as the tribes move toward a final confrontation with the island’s overseers.
Geralt of Rivia (Liam Hemsworth) in The Witcher season 4. | Image courtesy of Netflix.
29. The Witcher season 5 (Confirmed 2026)
The fourth season of the Netflix fan-favorite show introduced Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, picking up after the chaotic events of the Conclave. He had big shoes to fill after Henry Cavill’s departure, and the reactions to his portrayal were mixed. Season 5 serves as the series’ final chapter, focusing on Geralt’s quest to find Ciri before the Wild Hunt or Nilfgaard can. The world is at war, and the White Wolf must decide his place in a conflict that threatens to consume all of the Continent. Fans can expect an epic finale that ties together the fates of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri.
Daniel Stern in “For All Mankind,” now streaming on Apple TV. | Image: Apple TV
27. Star City (Rumored 2026)
This Apple TV+ spinoff of For All Mankind shifts the focus from the American space program to the Soviet side of the space race. The story begins at the height of the Cold War, exploring the sacrifices and triumphs of the cosmonauts in the secretive “Star City.” It offers a different perspective on the alternate history timeline in which the USSR reaches the moon first, changing the course of aerospace (and political) history. Expect a blend of political intrigue, high-stakes engineering, and intense psychological drama.
Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols in Silo season 2. | Image: Apple TV+.
28. Silo season 3 (Rumored 2026)
Following the massive cliffhanger of season 2, Juliette’s (Rebecca Ferguson) journey outside the Silo reaches a turning point. Season 3 picks up on Apple TV+ with the realization that there are dozens of other silos, each with its own society and secrets. Tensions within Silo 18 are at an all-time high as the truth about the outside world begins to leak to the remaining residents. The series remains a faithful adaptation of Hugh Howey’s “Wool” trilogy, moving toward the series’ ultimate conclusion.
30. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 (Rumored 2026)
The third season of the Paramount+ show somewhat resolved the tense cliffhanger involving the Gorn and the Enterprise crew. Season 4 picks up with Captain Pike continuing his five-year mission while the threat of the Romulans begins to loom in the distance. The show maintains its episodic “mission of the week” format while deepening the character arcs of Spock and Uhura. There is likely to be more experimental episodes, following the success of the series’ past musical and crossover outings.
31. Neuromancer (Rumored 2026)
Apple TV finally brings William Gibson’s seminal cyberpunk novel to the screen with a high-budget adaptation. It features Case (Callum Turner), a washed-up computer hacker, who is hired for one last job that takes him deep into the Matrix. He is joined by Molly Millions, a street samurai with razor-sharp implants, as they target a powerful artificial intelligence. It is expected to be a very timely exploration of the blurring lines between humans and machines, and the exploitation of both by money-hungry, power-hungry megacorporations.