Ranked roundup
The best series of 2026 so far
9 ranked · updated June 2026
The television landscape of 2026 is defined by a bold collision of nostalgic revivals and gritty genre reinventions. From the sweeping, high-fantasy landscapes of Westeros to the tense, modern-day procedural shifts in Montana, these series capture the diverse storytelling power currently dominating our screens during this mid-year milestone.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 100 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to series released in 2026.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
George R. R. Martin
This series earns its top spot by masterfully grounding the expansive lore of Westeros within the intimate, character-driven bond between a knight and his squire.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair
Linwood Boomer
The revival succeeds through its unflinching examination of generational trauma, proving that even a dysfunctional family comedy can carry significant emotional weight and narrative maturity.
Young Sherlock
Matthew Parkhill
By stripping away the polished veneer of the iconic detective, the series excels as a compelling origin story that highlights the vulnerability of an intellectual underdog.
The Dinosaurs
This documentary stands out for its ambitious scope, utilizing high-quality animation to bridge the gap between scientific evolution and accessible, epic historical storytelling.
Marshals
Spencer Hudnut
The show earns its place by blending the classic tropes of a western with the complex ethical dilemmas inherent in modern-day military and law enforcement procedurals.
Man on Fire
Kyle Killen
This gritty thriller secures its position by focusing on the intense, redemptive power of a protective bond forged amidst the chaos of a dangerous urban environment.
56 Days
Lisa Zwerling
Its strength lies in the non-linear narrative structure, which effectively builds suspense by reconstructing a doomed romance through the lens of a clinical crime investigation.
Wonder Man
Andrew Guest
The series provides a sharp, cynical look at the entertainment industry, finding humor in the desperate ambition and career rivalries of two actors chasing elusive fame.
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen
Haley Z. Boston
This drama captures the audience through its sustained atmospheric dread, transforming the traditional wedding setting into a claustrophobic stage for an unfolding psychological mystery.
Common questions
What is the best fantasy series of 2026 so far?
The highest-ranked fantasy series of 2026 is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. This show explores the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, set in the world of Westeros a century before the events of Game of Thrones.
Are there any new detective shows released in 2026?
Yes, Young Sherlock is a notable 2026 period detective thriller that follows a disgraced, young version of the famous investigator. Additionally, 56 Days is a crime drama that focuses on detectives reconstructing a deadly romance following the discovery of an unidentified body.
Is there a sitcom revival on the list of best series?
Yes, Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair is featured as a sitcom revival. It follows Malcolm after he is forced to reconnect with his family for his parents' 40th anniversary party, dealing with themes of estrangement and generational trauma.