A Geeky Guy'S Guide to the Best TV Shows of 2026
A couple of weeks ago, I posted my list of the best movies of 2025. Well it is finally time to do the same for television shows. This includes network television (at least 1 show made it) as well as all the streaming services. Like the movie list, I won't rank every show but I will let you know what my absolute favorites were.
**Andor ** (Disney+) Although they had to speed this one up in order to cram about four seasons worth of shows into one season. Andor was simply incredible. It is a slow burn about a resistance. The resistance can be in any war but it didn't hurt it was in the Star Wars universe.
Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+) - Vincent D'Onofrio is back as King Pin. Do I need to say anything else? The season takes a little while to get going but when it finally does, it is just as good as the previous three seasons were.
Duster (HBO / Max) - This was an incredibly surprising show aimed at fans of 1970s police shows... basically aimed directly at me. It has great characters and even manages to have some fun chase scenes. I'm bummed it died after this one season but it is a complete story so don't let that stop you from enjoying it.
The Eternaut (Netflix) - An Argentinian show that feels like Stranger Things for adults. Its too easy to spoil this one so I will just stop there. Although the fact that it is so easy to spoil shows how original it is. A piece of advice, yo have to get through the first two slow episodes. Its worth it.
Dept. Q (Netflix) - Proof that if you have great characters, actors and writing, police shows don't have to be the same old boring slog. While I watch Law and Order to turn off my brain, Department Q causes it to work in overdrive.
The Studio (Apple TV+) - Although it is an exaggeration of Hollywood, it is a very funny exaggeration. Its like Swimming With Sharks but instead of the urge to kill, you laugh... when you aren't cringing from second hand embarrassment.
Stranger Things – Season 5 (Netflix) - They didn't screw up the ending and tied up a lot of loose ends. But if you are looking for all plot holes to be filled, you are going to be very disappointed.
Fallout – Season 2 (Prime Video) It is still in progress but I love what I see so far. An interesting story with action and humor at times.
Arcane – Season 2 (Netflix) This series was simply the greatest thing I have ever seen on my television. The animation is beautiful, the characters are amazing and the action and story are incredible. Oh and the music is perfect!
Invincible – Season 3 (Prime Video) - If you haven't seen Invincible, it is a must watch. It is some of the best super hero content ever produced.
The Last of Us – Season 2 (HBO) - Nowhere near as good as the first year and I'm still furious about some things that happened, but it is still a great show.
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) - This was one of the most ridiculous and best seasons yet. It had a great mystery, fantastic guest stars, and lots more chances for Mabel to get annoyed at her pseudo grandpas.
Abbott Elementary (Hulu) - This Simpsons and Survivor are the only hings I still watch on network television. This show has a huge heart and even bigger laughs. Plus they had the gang from Always Sunny in Philadelphia join them
Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) - Thsi continues to be one of the funniest shows ever created. The crossover with Abbot was incredible! Even Janine swore!
**The Simpsons **(Fox) - Although the show has definitely lost its fastball, it still makes me laugh every time.
South Park (Comedy Central) - South Park is the best satire I have ever seen in my life. This year they pushed the boundaries once again and produced some of the most shocking and hilarious moments on television.
The Pitt (HBO) - This may be the best show ever made. It is flawless. The casting, acting, dialogue, story and pace are incredible. Plus it includes some messages of how we should honor those people who make sacrifices to treat patients. The scene involving a doctor asking a patient if they want a surgeon to wear a mask it one of the greatest moments in television history!
**Alien: Earth **(FX) - While the Pitt is the absolute best show of the year, Alien Earth was my favorite. It is the best Alien content since 1986 Aliens. It really develops the world and lore of teh Aline universe while also providing some incredible action and terrifying new species. I can't wait for the next season!
Pluribus (Apple TV+) - Incomplete. I am only half way through but I can already tell I'm going to love this.
What do you think of the list? What did I miss?
I’ve heard people talking about Arcane and how beautiful the animation is, but seeing you call it the greatest thing you’ve seen on TV makes me think I really need to stop putting it off.
Arcane is amazing in every single way, you def should watch it.
I don't know much about TV series, friends, but I trust you and your wisdom to choose. Without a doubt, given the details they offer, both Stranger Things and The Pitt could be favorites to watch. I have to choose to watch them when I have time; I'll do that very soon. Besides, I'll write them all down to see if I can watch any others later when our economic and health situation improves.
There is a long list of it....enough for the year i guess. Yesterday I began watching daredevil after completing landsman. There are some name which were on my watch list.
There are quite a few series with different plots: action, drama, science fiction, medical, and so many others, including cartoons. You should definitely try to watch as many as possible, but you also have to trust your ability to choose the best ones and give yourself the opportunity to not waste time. Best wishes and have a wonderful weekend with your family.
Honestly, you only forgot to tell us which one you consider the best, although it could be any of the ones you added to the list. It'll be a personal choice, the one we each like best. I've heard good things about some of them, especially "Eternauta" because it's made in Argentina. But if "The Pitt" is similar to or better than "ER," then it would be my favorite, since it's an excellent genre and seeing cases so close to reality is simply incredible—seeing what might be happening to us. Excellent list! I'll try to watch as many as possible and enjoy them at home.
As long as it has positive or constructive messages, tips for improvement, knowing JesusChrist, health, garden, and similar topics, it is a good program
I totally agree with your excitement about the second season of Arcane. I especially loved the animation and music. And thanks for including a show as diverse as The Eternaut on this list I think it's a real hidden gem.
Is fallout good? If be curious to see it
South Park always maintain its satire while the Simpsons are losing their shape for me
Arcane!!!
Arcane is the best, i like it together with animations like Blue Samurai, The mighty nein and vox machina. If you know any more like this im open to suggestions please.
Had been putting off Dept Q as im not that into cop shows. Gave it a try after this post. 3 episodes in and im hooked
Also hope we get Duster season 2.
The second season of Landman technically came out in 2025, but my wife and I haven't gotten around to starting it yet. We just watched His and Hers this weekend and now we are moving on to Emily in Paris season 5. I'm currently watching the seconds season of Fallout on my own. I haven't gotten to Dept Q yet, but it is on my list. I have been really impressed by the stuff that Apple TV Plus has been putting out, though I let my subscription lapse. I'll be sure to renew it when the second season of Monarch comes out.