Series
Winter TV Preview for 2025-2026: New and Returning Shows
The 2025-2026 winter television lineup is set to captivate audiences with a mix of new premieres and the return of beloved series. Viewers can look forward to a diverse array of genres and storylines as both streaming services and traditional networks unveil their upcoming content.
Highlights of Returning Series
This winter marks the conclusion of a cultural phenomenon with the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix. As the series wraps up, fans are eager to see how the story of Hawkins and the Upside Down will reach its climax.
Industry returns for its fourth season, continuing to delve into the high-stakes world of finance. Meanwhile, Bridgerton fans can anticipate the arrival of Season 4, with episodes releasing on January 29 and February 26 on Netflix.
Other returning series include Fallout on Prime Video, premiering its second season on December 16, and Dark Winds, although its specific release date is yet to be announced. Additionally, Percy Jackson and the Olympians returns for a second season on December 10, 2025, on Disney+.
New Series to Anticipate
A variety of new shows are set to debut this winter, offering fresh stories and characters. Among them is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel to Game of Thrones, premiering on January 18, 2026, on HBO.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to the next generation of Starfleet officers with its premiere on January 15, 2026, on Paramount+. The series promises to expand the iconic universe with new adventures and challenges.
The Abandons is set to debut on Netflix on December 4, 2025, offering a gripping narrative that explores themes of survival and community in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Upcoming Premieres and Specials
The winter season also brings a selection of holiday-themed specials and movies. Jingle Bell Heist, directed by Michael Fimognari, will premiere on November 26, 2025. My Secret Santa, starring Ryan Eggold and Tia Mowry, debuts on December 3, 2025.
For fans of action comedy, Playdate, starring Kevin James and Alan Ritchson, will be available on Prime Video. The film Champagne Problems, directed by Mark Steven Johnson and featuring Minka Kelly and Tom Wozniczka, releases on November 19, 2025.
Other noteworthy releases include Tinsel Town, starring Kiefer Sutherland as a washed-up action star, premiering on November 28, 2025, and Riot Women, set to release on January 14, 2026.
Exclusive Sneak Peeks and Casting News
The winter TV preview event for 2025-2026 promises exclusive casting news and sneak peeks into some of the most anticipated series. Among the shows generating awards buzz is Scarlet, inspired by Hamlet, which follows a girl's quest for vengeance.
The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, is set to premiere on December 19, 2025. This thriller is expected to draw significant attention.
Furthermore, The Pitt will return for its second season on January 8, 2026, on HBO Max, continuing to explore the complex dynamics within its gritty, urban setting.
With 20 new shows slated for the winter season, television audiences have a wealth of options to explore, from epic fantasies to intense dramas and lighthearted comedies. The upcoming months promise a captivating viewing experience for all.