Apple TV+ in 2026: Every Major Show and Season Premiere You Should Have on Your Radar
Apple TV+ is doubling down on scripted originals in 2026, leaning on returning fan favorites, new prestige dramas, and family content to keep subscribers engaged all year long. From international espionage to monster lore and grounded family stories, the platform is clearly betting on long-term franchises rather than one-off hits.
Below, you’ll find a month-by-month guide to the biggest Apple TV+ movies and series currently slated for early 2026, along with what to expect from each title and how they fit into Apple’s broader streaming strategy. This schedule will likely expand as Apple confirms additional premieres throughout the year.
Key Apple TV+ Releases, Month by Month
January 2026: Big Franchise Returns Kick Off the Year
Apple opens 2026 by bringing back several established series, signaling that long-running, recognizable brands remain central to its content plan.
“Tehran” Season 3 – January 9
The Israeli spy thriller Tehran returns with Tamar Rabinyan more isolated than ever. After breaking with the Mossad, she has to rebuild her network and influence from scratch in a highly volatile geopolitical landscape. Expect higher personal stakes, more morally gray choices, and a bigger focus on the psychological toll of undercover work.
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“Hijack” Season 2 – January 14
After the high-altitude tension of Season 1, Hijack shifts its crisis underground. Sam Nelson finds himself in the middle of a hostage situation in the Berlin subway, where split-second decisions can determine the fate of dozens of passengers. The new setting allows the series to play with tighter spaces, shifting alliances, and real-time suspense similar to the first season but in a totally different environment.
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“Drops of God” Season 2 – January 21
Drops of God continues its blend of wine culture, family drama, and global mystery. Camille and Issei resume their pursuit of a legendary wine, uncovering deeply rooted rivalries and long-buried secrets across multiple continents. Season 2 is set to deepen the exploration of heritage, identity, and how far people will go to protect (or reclaim) a legacy.
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“Shrinking” Season 3 – January 28
Jason Segel’s unconventional therapist is back, and his radical, rule-breaking approach to therapy keeps colliding with his own messy life. Season 3 leans further into the consequences of his methods—professionally, ethically, and within his closest relationships—while preserving the show’s blend of heart, humor, and emotional honesty.
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“Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” Season 2 – January 30
Apple continues to invest in family-friendly programming with the second season of Yo Gabba GabbaLand!. The series expands its colorful musical universe, designed to entertain kids while offering enough nostalgia and playful references to keep parents engaged too. Educational themes, songs, and positive social messages remain central to the show’s appeal.
February 2026: High-Stakes Mystery and Monster Mythology
February focuses on suspense-driven storytelling, from intimate family mysteries to large-scale monster lore connected to the broader MonsterVerse.
“The Last Thing He Told Me” Season 2 – February 20
After years on the run, Owen finally returns, dragging Hannah and Bailey back into unfinished business they thought they had escaped. Season 2 shifts the emphasis from pure survival to what it means to rebuild a family after years of lies, fear, and distance. Expect a mix of emotional drama, thriller elements, and revelations about Owen’s past choices.
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“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” Season 2 – February 27
Apple continues to explore the MonsterVerse with a second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. New episodes push deeper into Skull Island and other unexplored territories, as tensions rise between Monarch, the Titans, and the human world trying to coexist with them. Viewers can anticipate more world-building, new creatures, and higher geopolitical stakes in a universe where giant monsters are part of everyday reality.
March 2026: Dark, Character-Driven Thriller
“Imperfect Women” – March 18
Imperfect Women stands out as a psychological thriller that uses a crime investigation to dissect a decades-long friendship. As the story unfolds, characters are forced to confront guilt, loyalty, and the compromises they’ve made to protect themselves and each other. Rather than focusing only on the mystery, the series dives into the complex emotional history between its central women.
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April 2026: Suburban Satire, Economic Anxiety, and Small-Town Horror
April’s lineup stretches across tones and genres: biting social commentary, grounded financial struggle, and eerie folklore in a coastal community.
“Real Neighbors, Fake Friends” Season 2 – April 3
The social satire (originally released in French as Vrais voisins, faux amis) heads into its second season, continuing to peel back the glossy surface of an affluent suburb. Behind the manicured lawns and carefully curated images, residents hide secrets that become increasingly dangerous. Season 2 deepens the critique of image-obsessed suburban life, examining what people are willing to cover up to maintain status and appearances.
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” – April 15
In Margo’s Got Money Troubles, viewers follow a young mother navigating economic instability, social pressure, and difficult, sometimes uncomfortable survival choices in contemporary America. The show taps into very current themes—cost of living, gig work, family expectations—offering a character-driven look at what financial precarity really feels like from the inside.
“Widow’s Bay” – April 29
Set on a remote island off the New England coast, Widow’s Bay mixes political drama with supernatural dread. The town’s mayor is desperate to revive the struggling local economy, but as long-dormant legends begin to manifest in unsettling ways, it becomes clear that the past isn’t just history—it’s alive, and it’s dangerous. The series pairs eerie atmosphere with an examination of how isolated communities handle change, fear, and old wounds.
What Apple TV+ Is Really Betting On in 2026
Looking at this slate, a few trends stand out that are particularly relevant for U.S. audiences and for anyone deciding which streaming service to prioritize in 2026.
1. Thrillers and Dramas Lead the Charge
In 2026, Apple TV+ is clearly prioritizing:
- Thrillers and suspense: Tehran, Hijack, Imperfect Women
- Contemporary dramas: Margo’s Got Money Troubles, The Last Thing He Told Me
- Genre and sci-fi adjacent stories: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Widow’s Bay
- Character-driven comedy-drama: Shrinking, Real Neighbors, Fake Friends
This mix is designed to appeal to viewers who like tense, serialized storytelling with strong characters—similar to what has worked on other prestige platforms like HBO Max and Netflix.
2. Long-Term Franchises Over One-Off Events
Most of the major titles are returning seasons rather than limited series. That’s a clear signal: Apple wants viewers to build habits around its shows, coming back week after week and year after year. Investing in Season 2 and Season 3 runs also helps Apple grow branded universes—whether that’s the espionage world of Tehran or the Titan-filled MonsterVerse.
3. Weekly Release Model Remains the Norm
While Apple often launches new seasons with multiple episodes on day one, episodes typically roll out weekly after that. This approach keeps shows in the cultural conversation longer and encourages subscribers to stay month to month instead of binging and canceling. For audiences, it also recreates some of the “event TV” feel of traditional networks.
4. Space for Families and Younger Viewers
Alongside intense thrillers and mature dramas, Apple is maintaining a lane for family content. Yo Gabba GabbaLand! is a key part of that strategy, giving households with kids a reason to keep Apple TV+ active even when adult-focused shows are between seasons.
How to Get the Most Out of Apple TV+ in Early 2026
- Plan your watchlist by release dates: January is ideal for catching up on ongoing series, while February and March skew darker and more suspenseful.
- Pair genres by mood: Balance heavier fare like Imperfect Women or Widow’s Bay with lighter, more comedic series like Shrinking.
- Use the weekly drops: If you prefer binging, wait a few weeks into a season’s run, then watch in larger chunks.
- Keep an eye on updates: This release calendar isn’t final—Apple is likely to add more series, specials, and possibly films as 2026 unfolds.
FAQ
Which genres are most prominent on Apple TV+ in 2026?
Apple TV+ is leaning heavily into thrillers, character-driven dramas, and sci-fi or genre-adjacent stories, with titles like Tehran, Hijack, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Widow’s Bay. Comedy-drama hybrids such as Shrinking and social satire like Real Neighbors, Fake Friends round out the lineup, while Yo Gabba GabbaLand! anchors the family and kids offering.
Does Apple TV+ still release episodes weekly or drop full seasons?
Most Apple TV+ series follow a hybrid model: the season often premieres with two or three episodes at once, then switches to weekly releases. This keeps conversation going over several weeks, while still giving new viewers enough content up front to decide if a show is for them.
Is the 2026 Apple TV+ release list final?
No. The schedule outlined here focuses on the early months of 2026 and on shows with confirmed premiere dates. Apple regularly updates its slate, so more series, seasons, and possibly original films are likely to be announced as the year progresses.
What should new subscribers watch first on Apple TV+ in 2026?
If you enjoy high-tension storytelling, start with Hijack Season 2 or Tehran Season 3 (after catching up on previous seasons). Fans of emotional, character-centered stories might prefer Shrinking, The Last Thing He Told Me, or Margo’s Got Money Troubles. For genre and monster fans, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is the must-watch pick, while families should check out Yo Gabba GabbaLand!.
