These 8 Beloved TV Shows Were All Renewed In 2026
Whether a show has aired for a record-breaking number of seasons or premiered this year, there have been many renewals for some of TV's most beloved and popular shows. With all the cancellations this year, I also think it's important and nice to celebrate the good news in TV. As much as I like movies (and I do, a lot), I’m always going to be a TV fan first and foremost.
The (usual) consistency and intimacy of the medium have always made it stand out to me. I like getting to spend time with characters over seasons that span years. I like the water cooler conversations that come from weekly releases. It’s all a part of the experience. The good news for the following beloved shows is that we get to experience that all again because they’ve been renewed this year. You can watch them on HBO Max, Hulu, and more.
Despite conversations about the alternative, I don’t ever want Grey’s Anatomy (2005) to end. Yes, it feels and looks and sometimes sounds very different from when it debuted, but I still love this show—TV’s longest-running medical drama. I’ve watched Grey’s Anatomy consistently, once a week for months over so many years, and I don’t really want my TV schedule to exist without it. So, I’m excited that Grey’s Anatomy has been renewed for Season 23.
After two major cast exits (Kim Raver as Teddy Altman and Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt), there is a dwindling number of original, or at least tenured, cast members. While that will be an adjustment moving into the new season, I’m eager to see what the newer cast does and how the familiar faces evolve. I’m in it forever (literally) with Grey’s Anatomy!
Bundle HD
Bundle HD
Bundle HD
Bundle HD
Severance (2022) is a daunting show for me to get into for no reason other than the one I’ve built up in my mind, which is why I keep kicking that ball down the road. That said, I know people love this show, and I’m sure I will too when I finally commit to it. Until then, some of my best friends will continue to nudge me towards giving it another chance.
From its accolades to its cultural relevance, there’s no denying that Severance is a phenomenon. I’m happy that the people who love it get to watch it for another season. Considering the huge twist with Mark and Helly (I haven’t avoided spoilers for this one), I hope there’s a tighter turnaround with Season 3. Having more than two years between seasons isn’t ideal.
Widow’s Bay (2026) is such an exciting show to me as a TV fan. It is like nothing else on right now, though it may have similar vibes to Twin Peaks (1992). I’ve seen that GIF of Matthew Rhys diving off the chair as many times as I’ve seen people recommending the show online. I love that the show has really grown from passionate fans wanting people to tune in.
It’s just really thrilling to see the show succeed and get bigger every single day. It’s also nice that fans want to preserve the viewing experience. I started the show later, and thankfully, the biggest twists remained a surprise. I can only imagine what a second season will entail as the show can spend even more time with the characters in the haunting yet quirky titular town.
As someone who never dove into Game of Thrones (2011), I find it interesting that I gravitate towards its prequels and spin-offs. I don’t know if it’s because all of the big twists of the original show have been spoiled for me as someone who exists online and writes about TV. Either way, I like to see what’s happening in other places and times within this giant world.
For that reason, I checked out A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026) with little-to-no context—and enjoyed it. I found the leads—Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg—to have a great bond and energy. The show itself felt accessible to someone like me who isn’t all that well-versed in the Game of Thrones lore. I’m excited to see the next chapter of this specific story.
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025) is tricky for me because I shouldn’t like it. Clowns terrify me. Younger me would be shocked to learn that present me really enjoyed It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019). So much so that I really sought out a show starring a clown and really enjoyed it. It helps that I know Bill Skarsgård is underneath Pennywise’s makeup—or at least that’s what I tell myself.
He’s so good in the role that I’m glad he gets to do more with it in the show. IT: Welcome to Derry really has the opportunity to go on for many, many seasons because it can continue to move through time with the titular clown and town. There is no shortage of stories to find in that. Therefore, the show has been renewed for a second season, peeling back time to 1935 during the Great Depression.
I have no limit to my love for Only Murders in the Building (2021). I could wax poetic about it forever. I could even do so about why I think the show should last forever. It couldn’t find a better leading trio than Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—they make the show. It’s charming and hilarious, and there’s usually a new season every year, which has become incredibly rare for streaming shows.
Every time I think the show can’t outdo itself, it does, even with its latest move from New York City to London. The cozy murder mystery series also has an impressive Rolodex of guest stars that keeps getting better. You truly won’t believe the stars that walk through the Arconia. I can’t recommend Only Murders in the Building enough, so I’m thrilled it's returning for a sixth season.
As someone who grew up with Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993), I was hesitant to tune in for Wednesday (2022). I’m glad that I did, though, because it’s been a real delight. Jenna Ortega is incredible in the titular role. Her performance anchors the whole series.
Moreover, I really like Wednesday as a YA supernatural series. It has a fantastic ensemble. Wednesday and Enid Sinclair’s (Emma Myers) friendship is at the heart of so much of the show. I know it’s controversial for some viewers who don’t want it, but I also really like the romantic dynamic between Wednesday and Tyler (Hunter Doohan). I just wish the gaps between seasons weren’t so ridiculously long. Here’s to hoping it shrinks a bit for Season 3!
I feel like I waited too long to jump on the Outlander (2014) train. Now that it’s over, I feel like catching up would mean missing out on the hype. As it turns out, that’s not necessarily as true as I thought. Thankfully, Outlander: Blood of My Blood (2025) creates a different entry point into this world of historical drama and romance.
If you’re like me and have always been interested from a distance but didn’t know where to start, Outlander: Blood of My Blood is a prequel series. It’s about Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire’s (Caitríona Balfe) parents. It also only has one season, but it’s been renewed for a second season. So now’s the best time to catch up before the new season.
