May 2026 TV Collection
What are the best TV shows that have released from Jan–Apr?
The Pitt: Season 2
Jan 8HBO92 MetacriticThe best hospital drama on television got even better. Season 2 maintains the real-time urgency that made the debut a revelation while deepening its characters in ways that feel earned, not forced. No Grey's Anatomy hysterics — just the subtler pleasures of watching good people navigate impossible situations. The highest Metascore of any 2026 show so far.
One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) ★
Mar 10Netflix100% RT100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Let that sink in. Netflix's live-action adaptation somehow topped its already-excellent first season with bigger stakes, a larger scope, and Eiichiro Oda's world rendered in stunning detail. Collider called it "the greatest live-action adaptation currently on television." The bar for manga adaptations just moved to the stratosphere.
Industry: Season 4
Jan 11HBO87 MetacriticHBO's finance drama evolved from a satire about London bankers into one of the most fascinating character studies on TV. Charlie Heaton joins as an investigative reporter, Kit Harington gets an extraordinary showcase episode, and the Myha'la-Ken Leung dynamic remains electric. Its highest Metacritic score yet — and it earned every point.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Jan 18HBO88% RTThe most purely enjoyable trip to Westeros since peak Game of Thrones. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell as Dunk and Egg have undeniable chemistry, and the show's lighter, more adventurous tone is exactly what the franchise needed after House of the Dragon's grimness. Faithful to George R.R. Martin's novellas and full of heart.
Lord of the Flies
May 4Netflix95% RTJack Thorne's four-episode adaptation of William Golding's classic is harrowing, beautifully shot, and utterly gripping. Critics are near-unanimous at 95% Fresh — though the 54% audience score suggests the unflinching darkness isn't for everyone. A prestige limited series that demands to be watched in one sitting.
Bait
Mar 25Prime Video85 MetacriticRiz Ahmed as a struggling actor navigating Hollywood's casting machine in this razor-sharp six-episode comedy. Premiered at Sundance to rave reviews, then landed on Prime Video with an 85 Metacritic. Ahmed's comedic timing is revelatory — this is the satirical industry takedown that Entourage wished it could be.
The Night Agent: Season 3
Feb 19Netflix86% RTNetflix's spy thriller keeps leveling up. Season 3 opened with a 100% Tomatometer (settled at 86% as more reviews came in) and critics called it the show's best installment — tighter narrative, better twists, more compelling action. The popcorn thriller that keeps exceeding expectations.
Dark Winds: Season 4
Feb 15AMC80 MetacriticTV's best-kept secret continues. Zahn McClarnon's Joe Leaphorn takes the investigation from Navajo Nation to 1970s Los Angeles in a race against the clock. The setting shift divided some fans, but AMC's confidence is clear — they renewed it for Season 5 before Season 4 even premiered. Still one of the most underappreciated dramas on television.
Euphoria: Season 3
Apr 12HBO42% RT56 MetacriticThe most divisive show of 2026. After a four-year hiatus, Euphoria returned to its lowest-ever scores — 42% on RT and 56 on Metacritic. Critics say it feels like a different show entirely. The visual flair is still there, and Zendaya still delivers, but the narrative choices have alienated the audience that made it a cultural phenomenon. A cautionary tale about long hiatuses.
May 2026 TV To-Do
What are the best TV shows that will come out May–Dec?
Avatar: The Last Airbender – Season 2 ★
Jun 25Netflix7 episodesAfter Season 1 proved the impossible — a good live-action Avatar adaptation — Season 2 covers the Earth Kingdom arc with Toph Beifong joining the Gaang. Miya Cech takes on the fan-favorite role. If Netflix maintains the quality bar, this could be the streaming event of the summer. The source material for this arc is arguably the show's best.
Ted Lasso: Season 4 ★
Aug 5Apple TV+10 episodesTed returns to Richmond — but this time he's coaching a second division women's football team. Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein all return alongside new additions. The surprise return nobody expected after Season 3's farewell. Apple TV+'s crown jewel is back, and the weekly release schedule through October means months of discourse.
Spider-Noir
May 27Prime VideoNicolas Cage8 episodesNicolas Cage's first lead TV role, playing a grizzled noir detective in an alternate 1930s New York City — who also happens to be Spider-Man. Brendan Gleeson and Lamorne Morris co-star. The concept is bonkers in the best way, and the dual black-and-white format is a bold creative choice. This is either going to be brilliant or beautifully unhinged. Probably both.
Dutton Ranch
May 15Paramount+Yellowstone spinoffKelly Reilly's Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler start fresh on a Texas ranch. The Yellowstone franchise's most beloved characters get their own show, and the audience for this is massive — Yellowstone was a cultural juggernaut. Whether it can stand on its own without Kevin Costner's John Dutton is the question.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Final Season)
Jul 23Paramount+The most consistently praised modern Trek series bows out. Anson Mount's Captain Pike has been the anchor the franchise needed, and the show's willingness to experiment with genres (musical episode, crossover episode, Lower Decks animation) made it special. One last voyage.
Rick and Morty: Season 9
May 24Adult SwimThe animated sci-fi comedy keeps rolling post-Justin Roiland. Season 8 proved the new voice cast could carry the show. The interdimensional adventures continue — and at this point, consistency is the achievement.
The Four Seasons: Season 2
May 28NetflixTina FeyTina Fey's dramedy about six friends navigating a separation returns for its sophomore season. Season 1 was a warm, witty ensemble piece — not peak 30 Rock, but a reminder that Fey's comedic instincts remain sharp. If you liked Season 1, more of the same is a good thing.
Make Your Own TV Show Tier List
Rank these shows yourself with ME-DB's free tier list maker. Track what you've watched and build your watchlist — no sign-up needed to try.
Try This Tier List →How We Rank
Ranking the Collection
Aired shows (Jan–Apr) are ranked on critical reception (Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic), audience engagement, cultural impact, and quality relative to previous seasons.
Ranking the To-Do
Upcoming May–Dec shows are ranked on anticipation factors: showrunner pedigree, cast, source-material strength, platform investment, and franchise momentum.
S Tier = exceptional, must-watch regardless of genre preference
A Tier = excellent, highly recommended
B Tier = good, worth your time if the premise appeals to you
C Tier = decent, has strengths but notable weaknesses
What Changed from Last Month
This is the first edition! Check back in June when Spider-Noir, Dutton Ranch, Rick and Morty S9, and The Four Seasons S2 will move from the to-do list to the collection tier, and Avatar: The Last Airbender S2 will premiere.
