We're well past the halfway point of 2026, and it's been a stellar year for television—especially on HBO. The network has dominated conversations with returning hits like The Pitt and House of the Dragon, the long-awaited comeback of The Comeback, and the bittersweet finale of Hacks. But what might surprise you is that HBO has only debuted five brand-new series this year. And almost all of them have been exceptional.
From a daring mystery miniseries to a melancholic comedy from the minds behind Ted Lasso and Shrinking, plus Richard Gadd's follow-up to Baby Reindeer and a long-awaited Game of Thrones spin-off, 2026 has been a banner year. Let's dive into our ranking of every new HBO show so far, from worst to best.
5. Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness (2026)
To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, HBO enlisted comedy legend Larry David to skewer U.S. history. Joined by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions, David and co-creator Jeff Schaffer crafted a satirical sketch series that feels like a conceptual cousin to Curb Your Enthusiasm. With Samuel L. Jackson narrating, the show filters major historical moments through David's signature neurotic lens.
The largely improvised dialogue and star-studded guest list—including Jimmy Kimmel, Jerry Seinfeld, Kathryn Hahn, and Bill Hader—make for a chaotic, often hilarious ride. But if sketch comedy isn't your thing, this might be a skip. Still, it's a fittingly irreverent birthday gift for the nation.
4. Half Man (2026)
Richard Gadd follows up Baby Reindeer with this intense six-part British limited series. Half Man explores the toxic, decades-long bond between stepbrothers Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Gadd). The story opens at Niall's wedding, where Ruben's unexpected arrival sparks a violent confrontation, then rewinds 30 years to unravel their shared trauma.
With dual casting and a non-linear narrative, the series dives deep into themes of bullying, queerness, and cycles of abuse. The performances are raw and compelling, though it lacks the shock value of Gadd's previous work. Still, it's a gripping character study.
3. DTF St. Louis (2026)
Steve Conrad's unconventional murder mystery is perhaps the year's most surprising entry. The miniseries follows a group of strangers who meet through a dating app and become entangled in a crime. With its sharp dialogue and twisty plot, DTF St. Louis keeps viewers guessing until the very end. It's a fresh take on the genre that proves HBO still knows how to deliver a compelling whodunit.
2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026)
The Game of Thrones prequel finally arrived, and it's a triumph. Set a century before the original series, it follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, on a journey across Westeros. The show captures the spirit of George R.R. Martin's novellas, blending adventure, humor, and political intrigue. For fans who felt House of the Dragon was too grim, this is a welcome return to the franchise's roots.
1. The Comeback (2026)
While not a new series, the return of Lisa Kudrow's Valerie Cherish after a decade is the highlight of HBO's year. The season picks up with Valerie navigating the streaming era, and it's as painfully funny as ever. Kudrow's performance is a masterclass in cringe comedy, and the show's sharp commentary on Hollywood's ageism and vanity is as relevant as ever.
So there you have it—HBO's 2026 slate so far. Whether you're into historical satire, dark dramas, or Westerosi adventures, there's something for everyone. And with more premieres on the horizon, the year is only getting better.
