TheWrap Picks 35 Best TV Shows of 2026 So Far as Apple TV Leads Breakouts

1 articles · Updated · TheWrap · Jun 30

TheWrap published a midyear list of 35 standout TV shows from 2026, arguing television still cuts through despite Hollywood consolidation and audiences drifting toward YouTube and social media.
Apple TV emerged as a major winner on the list, with breakout horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” touted as a possible Emmy upset and “For All Mankind” expanding with Russia-set spinoff “Star City.”
Broadcast networks also scored recognition: ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” CBS’ “Matlock” and “Elsbeth,” NBC’s “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” and even ABC’s one-episode “The Muppets” made the cut.
Prestige and streaming entries rounded out the rankings, including Netflix’s “Beef” Season 2 and HBO’s limited series “Half Man” and “DTF St. Louis,” underscoring the range of acclaimed 2026 programming.
With 6 months left in the year, TheWrap said the list will be updated, framing the first half as evidence that TV remains a unifying medium during rapid industry change.