Here are the top TV shows of 2026 so far, boasting impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores.
While viewership options are limited in January 2026, the five must-watch series that have already emerged this year boast astonishingly high scores from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. These include four returning series with a gap of several years and one groundbreaking new show.
The top-rated series so far is 'The Pitt', which stars Noah Wyle, and it received a 99% score across 74 reviews, narrowly surpassing the also impressive 95% for its first season. A 99 percent score indicates that almost all critics agree this new season of the HBO Max drama is exceptional, with even Wyle's star power contributing to such an overwhelmingly positive reception.
Another standout in the lineup is 'Industry' season 4, which garnered a 97% approval rating from critics across its entire episode run. Its impressive growth in viewership over past seasons and a highly Kit Harrington-led episode have contributed to its success, solidifying it as one of HBO's flagship shows.
Fans looking for something new can turn their attention to 'Ponies', the Peacock drama that boasts a 95% score from critics. Starring Haley Lu Richardson and Emilia Clarke, this Cold War spy thriller is receiving praise for its gripping storylines and stellar performances.
On Hulu/Disney+, viewers can find 'A Thousand Blows' season 2 with an impressive 93% approval rating, making it another standout in the lineup. Based on Steven Knight's novel about a female crime family and bare-knuckle boxing in London in the 1880s, this historical drama is attracting critical acclaim.
Two new shows also made the cut, including 'The Night Manager' season 2, with an 91% approval rating, featuring Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as a spy. Finally, there's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', an HBO spin-off that boasts an 88% score and has already garnered praise for its comedic take on George RR Martin's novellas.
With these exceptional shows leading the pack, audiences can look forward to engaging with their diverse storylines and outstanding performances in the coming months.
While viewership options are limited in January 2026, the five must-watch series that have already emerged this year boast astonishingly high scores from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. These include four returning series with a gap of several years and one groundbreaking new show.
The top-rated series so far is 'The Pitt', which stars Noah Wyle, and it received a 99% score across 74 reviews, narrowly surpassing the also impressive 95% for its first season. A 99 percent score indicates that almost all critics agree this new season of the HBO Max drama is exceptional, with even Wyle's star power contributing to such an overwhelmingly positive reception.
Another standout in the lineup is 'Industry' season 4, which garnered a 97% approval rating from critics across its entire episode run. Its impressive growth in viewership over past seasons and a highly Kit Harrington-led episode have contributed to its success, solidifying it as one of HBO's flagship shows.
Fans looking for something new can turn their attention to 'Ponies', the Peacock drama that boasts a 95% score from critics. Starring Haley Lu Richardson and Emilia Clarke, this Cold War spy thriller is receiving praise for its gripping storylines and stellar performances.
On Hulu/Disney+, viewers can find 'A Thousand Blows' season 2 with an impressive 93% approval rating, making it another standout in the lineup. Based on Steven Knight's novel about a female crime family and bare-knuckle boxing in London in the 1880s, this historical drama is attracting critical acclaim.
Two new shows also made the cut, including 'The Night Manager' season 2, with an 91% approval rating, featuring Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as a spy. Finally, there's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', an HBO spin-off that boasts an 88% score and has already garnered praise for its comedic take on George RR Martin's novellas.
With these exceptional shows leading the pack, audiences can look forward to engaging with their diverse storylines and outstanding performances in the coming months.
! I've been waiting for something new to binge-watch after finishing my favorite series. The fact that 'The Pitt' got a 99% score from critics is insane - I need to check it out ASAP! 
. And the new shows like 'Ponies' and 'A Thousand Blows' sound so intriguing with their unique storylines. The fact that Kit Harrington is leading an episode of 'Industry' is a bonus for me, I'm a huge fan of his work! 
. but what's up with all these amazing shows coming out this year? it feels like we're getting more and more awesome content to binge on 
.
I'm loving how 'The Pitt' is giving Noah Wyle a major boost for his acting skills 
99% on Rotten Tomatoes is insane! It's clear that both he and the show are firing on all cylinders right now.
Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson are absolutely killing it in this Cold War spy thriller. And I'm intrigued by 'A Thousand Blows', a historical drama with a unique setting and gripping storylines. 
. but hey, if 'The Pitt' is giving that 99% score, then i trust the critics. maybe it'll be the next 'Reacher'? 
ponies is also giving me major spy vibes with its cold war setting and emilia clarke + halee lu richardson = ultimate bffs 
a thousand blows season 2 is another one i cant wait to dive into... steven knight is like my spirit animal or something 
.
I mean I love him in ER, but "The Pitt" sounds super interesting what's it about? 
. And I love that 'Industry' season 4 is killing it, Kit Harrington's got some serious acting chops 
. I've been meaning to check out 'Ponies' and 'A Thousand Blows', both of those sound like gripping stories 
.
. What do you guys think? Are you gonna check out 'Ponies' or 'A Thousand Blows' season 2? I'm kinda excited to dive into both of those 
. As for me, I don't have a streaming service that offers all these shows (still stuck on Netflix 
), but it's awesome to see so many great options emerging this year 
Just saw this news about top TV shows of 2026... kinda sad, you know? The growth of online gaming has been outpacing traditional TV viewership by a landslide already... like, a lot of people are just streaming games on their consoles instead of watching these new shows 
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. what about 'Ponies'? it's got Emilia Clarke in it, but it's still just some spy thriller with cheesy one-liners 
. and don't even get me started on 'The Night Manager' season 2... Tom Hiddleston's been in way too many shows already 
. and what's up with all the old books being adapted into TV shows? can't they come up with something new for once? 
- that 99% score is insane! I'm also super stoked for 'Ponies', I've been hearing great things about Haley Lu Richardson and Emilia Clarke's performances. And can we talk about Kit Harrington's growth in 'Industry'? He's a total rockstar 
season 4 of 'Industry' is also gettin a lot of love 
emilia clarke and haley lu richardson are killin it 