The Most Anticipated Shows, Series, and Movies Coming to Apple TV+ in 2026 and Beyond

Jenny Lee January 18, 2026 | 08:44

From prestige dramas to blockbuster sci-fi, here are the most exciting upcoming shows and movies on Apple TV+, with release timing and viewing highlights.

Apple TV+ has quietly become one of the most reliable quality-first streaming platforms on the market. Instead of chasing volume, Apple continues to focus on curated originals with recognizable talent, cinematic production values, and long-tail viewing potential.

How to Approach Apple TV+ Going Forward

If you’re planning your watchlist:

For spectacle: Monarch, Foundation

For prestige drama: Severance, Slow Horses

For emotional storytelling: Shrinking, The Last Thing He Told Me

For event movies: Eternity, The Gorge

Apple TV+ rewards patience and consistency more than speed.

Big-Event Returning Series You Should Prioritize

The Most Anticipated Shows, Series, and Movies Coming to Apple TV+ in 2026 and Beyond

Apple TV+ announced that global hit “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” is renewed for season two, with plans for multiple spin-off series.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters — Season 2

Apple TV+’s Monsterverse drama returns as one of the platform’s most important franchise plays. After a strong first season that balanced kaiju spectacle with grounded storytelling, Season 2 expands both the mythology and global scope.

Why it matters:

Connects directly to Legendary’s Monsterverse films
Weekly episodes encourage long-term engagement
Appeals to sci-fi fans who want scale without losing character focus

This is Apple TV+ leaning confidently into blockbuster serialized television.

Severance — Season 3 (expected)

Few Apple TV+ originals have had the cultural impact of Severance. While Season 2 deepened the show’s mythology, Season 3 is expected to push even further into the ethical and psychological consequences of its central premise.

Why it remains a must-watch:

One of the most original concepts in modern TV
Strong critical and audience loyalty
Apple’s flagship example of prestige genre storytelling

Whenever Severance returns, it becomes appointment television.

Foundation — Future seasons

Apple continues to invest in Foundation as a long-term sci-fi epic. With each season, the series grows more confident in its adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s universe.

Who it’s for:

Fans of expansive world-building
Viewers who enjoy dense, serialized storytelling
Audiences looking for a streaming alternative to traditional sci-fi franchises

Prestige Dramas Apple TV+ Is Betting On

Apple TV+ announces season two renewal for global hit drama “The Last Thing He Told Me”

The Last Thing He Told Me — Season 2

Returning after a strong debut, this character-driven drama doubles down on emotional stakes rather than spectacle. Apple has positioned it as a dependable mainstream drama with crossover appeal.

Why it stands out:

Strong central performances
Focus on family, trust, and moral ambiguity
Designed for weekly viewing, not binge burnout

Slow Horses — Future seasons

With sharp writing and a refreshingly cynical tone, Slow Horses has become one of Apple TV+’s most consistently praised series. The show proves that spy stories don’t need glamour to be compelling.

Why it keeps growing:

Tight seasons with minimal filler
Character-first storytelling
A tone that separates it from traditional espionage dramas

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High-Profile New Series to Watch Closely

Sugar

Apple continues experimenting with genre blending, and Sugar is a prime example. Mixing mystery with a stylized narrative approach, the series reflects Apple’s willingness to take creative risks.

Why it’s worth sampling:

Distinct visual and narrative voice
Designed to attract cinephile audiences
Not easily replicated on other platforms

Dark Matter

Based on the bestselling novel, Dark Matter adds another science-driven thriller to Apple’s growing genre catalog.

What makes it compelling:

High-concept premise rooted in emotional stakes
Accessible sci-fi rather than dense lore
Strong appeal for fans of Severance and Foundation

Apple TV+ Original Movies Worth Waiting For

Eternity

Apple continues to treat original films as events, not filler. Eternity blends romance and speculative fantasy, positioning itself as a cross-genre crowd-pleaser.

Why Apple movies matter:

Strong creative talent
Occasional theatrical runs
Long shelf life beyond opening weekend

The Gorge

This upcoming action thriller signals Apple’s intent to stay competitive in high-concept feature films.

What to expect:

Big-scale production
Clear genre positioning
Designed to attract audiences beyond core Apple TV+ subscribers

Comedy and Dramedy: Apple’s Quiet Strength

Apple TV+ renews beloved, global hit comedy “Shrinking” for season three

Shrinking

With each season, Shrinking has cemented itself as Apple TV+’s emotional anchor. The series balances humor with introspection without becoming heavy-handed.

Why it works:

Relatable themes
Strong ensemble chemistry
Consistent tone across seasons

Ted Lasso — Future projects

Even as its main story concludes, Ted Lasso remains central to Apple’s brand identity. Spin-offs or related projects remain highly anticipated.

Family and All-Ages Programming Still Growing

Yo Gabba GabbaLand!

Apple continues investing in kids’ content that parents actually enjoy sitting through.

Why it matters:

High production value
Music-forward approach
Designed for repeat viewing

Family programming may not dominate headlines, but it builds long-term loyalty.

Why Apple TV+’s Future Slate Stands Out

Apple TV+ has resisted the urge to chase trends. Instead, it focuses on:

Fewer but bigger bets
Strong creator relationships
Clear brand identity

That approach means fewer releases — but also fewer disappointments.

Final Takeaway

Apple TV+’s upcoming slate confirms what the platform has been quietly proving for years: it’s not trying to win the streaming wars by volume. It’s building a library designed to age well, attract discerning viewers, and support long-term franchises.

If you value: