TL;DR
Apple TV is launching a slate of new and returning series across January–April 2026 after its biggest year in 2025. The list includes season returns for Tehran, Hijack, Drops of God, Shrinking and other new dramas and comedies featuring notable cast additions.
What happened
Apple TV has announced release dates for ten shows scheduled to debut in the first four months of 2026, a mix of returning seasons and new series. January opens with Tehran season 3 on January 9, which continues the story of Mossad agent Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan) and adds new cast members including Hugh Laurie. Hijack returns for season 2 on January 14, centering on a hostage crisis on a Berlin underground train with Idris Elba’s Sam Nelson at the center. Drops of God season 2 arrives January 21, expanding the wine-focused mystery across time and continents. Shrinking season 3 follows on January 28. February brings The Last Thing He Told Me season 2 (Feb 20) and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 (Feb 27). March and April include new titles and season returns: Imperfect Women (Mar 18), Your Friends & Neighbors season 2 (Apr 3), Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apr 15) and the comedic-horror Widow’s Bay (Apr 29). Many first seasons or earlier seasons are already available to stream on Apple TV.
Why it matters
- The lineup follows Apple TV’s strongest year to date in 2025, signaling continued investment in scripted series.
- A mix of returning hits and fresh series spans multiple genres — thriller, drama, comedy and sci‑fi — designed to appeal to varied subscriber tastes.
- High-profile talent and franchise entries (actors such as Idris Elba, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Garner, Michelle Pfeiffer; Monarch universe) may help retain and attract viewers.
- Staggered release dates across several months give Apple opportunities to sustain subscriber engagement into mid‑2026.
Key facts
- Apple TV reported its biggest year ever in 2025 (as stated in the source).
- Top 10 shows listed span January through April 2026.
- Tehran season 3 premieres January 9; Niv Sultan returns and new cast includes Hugh Laurie.
- Hijack season 2 premieres January 14 and centers on a hostage situation on a Berlin underground train with Idris Elba.
- Drops of God season 2 premieres January 21 and pursues the origin of the world’s greatest wine.
- Shrinking season 3 premieres January 28; previous seasons are available on Apple TV.
- The Last Thing He Told Me season 2 arrives February 20; Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 on February 27.
- New shows include Imperfect Women (March 18), Margo’s Got Money Troubles (April 15), and Widow’s Bay (April 29).
- Apple TV is offered at $12.99 per month and is also available through the Apple One bundle.
What to watch next
- Tehran (season 3) — Jan 9: continuing the espionage storyline with returning lead Niv Sultan and notable new cast members.
- Hijack (season 2) — Jan 14: a high-stakes hostage thriller anchored by Idris Elba.
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (season 2) — Feb 27: builds on the franchise’s monster mythology with events that span past and present.
Quick glossary
- Season: A set of episodes of a television series released as a group, typically over a single broadcast or streaming cycle.
- Espionage thriller: A genre focused on spies, intelligence operations and political intrigue, often with suspenseful plotting.
- Comedic horror: A genre blend that combines elements intended to scare or unsettle with comedic moments and tonal levity.
- Apple One: Apple’s subscription bundle that packages multiple Apple services, including Apple TV+, for a single monthly fee.
Reader FAQ
When do the top shows premiere?
Premieres are scheduled from January through April 2026: Tehran (Jan 9), Hijack (Jan 14), Drops of God (Jan 21), Shrinking (Jan 28), The Last Thing He Told Me (Feb 20), Monarch (Feb 27), Imperfect Women (Mar 18), Your Friends & Neighbors (Apr 3), Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apr 15), and Widow’s Bay (Apr 29).
Are earlier seasons available to stream?
Yes — the source notes that first or prior seasons for shows such as Tehran, Hijack, Drops of God, Shrinking, The Last Thing He Told Me, Monarch and Your Friends & Neighbors are available on Apple TV.
How much does Apple TV+ cost?
The source lists Apple TV at $12.99 per month and says the service is also available through the Apple One bundle.
Will there be additional shows later in 2026?
not confirmed in the source
iOS 26 lets you customize Liquid Glass on your iPhone, here’s how Ryan Christoffel Dec 23 2025 APPLE TV These are Apple TV’s top 10 shows that are coming soon…
Sources
- These are Apple TV’s top 10 shows that are coming soon
- 10 Most Anticipated Apple TV Shows of 2026, Ranked
- Apple TV January 2026 Schedule Announced
- 12 Best Shows Returning In 2026
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