Netflix's 2026 schedule is shaping up to be one of its most ambitious yet, blending prestige literary adaptations, buzzy returning series, and star-driven comedies. Whether you're a fan of period dramas, soapy thrillers, or Will Ferrell's brand of absurdity, there's something to get excited about. We've ranked the most anticipated upcoming Netflix shows to help you prioritize your viewing—because with a slate this packed, you'll need a game plan.
7. 'Little House on the Prairie' (July 9)
Rebecca Sonnenshine, a writer known for The Boys and The Vampire Diaries, is bringing a fresh take on Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic stories. This version follows the Ingalls family as they build a homestead on the Kansas prairie in the 1870s, facing fever, fire, wolves, and the harsh realities of frontier life. Ten-year-old Alice Halsey (Brie Larson's daughter in Lessons in Chemistry) stars as Laura, with Luke Bracey and Crosby Fitzgerald as Charles and Caroline.
What sets this adaptation apart is its commitment to historical accuracy: it directly engages with the Osage people whose land the Ingalls settled on, casting Native actors like Meegwun Fairbrother, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, and Wren Zhawenim Gotts. Sonnenshine describes it as part family drama, part survival epic, and part origin story of the American West. Members of the original 1974 cast have publicly endorsed this version, and Willa Dunn is already cast as Nellie Oleson for season two.
6. 'The Hunting Wives' Season 2 (Late 2026)
This soapy crime drama about wealthy Texas housewives became an unexpected phenomenon, becoming Netflix's most-watched show in the U.S. within a month of its July 2025 debut. Season one ended with multiple bodies and Sophie (Brittany Snow) crashing her car into Margo's (Malin Akerman) brother. Season two finds the two "on the outs" before "old secrets and new foes" drag them back together. New cast members include John Stamos, Dale Dickey, Cam Gigandet, and WNBA star Angel Reese as "Trainer Barbie." Filming wrapped in March 2026, and a third season is already in development.
5. 'The Hawk' (July 16)
Will Ferrell's first TV comedy casts him as Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a former world No. 1 golfer whose 2004 peak is two decades behind him—but he's convinced he has one more major left. His ex-wife (Molly Shannon) thinks he's delusional, his son Lance (Jimmy Tatro) has replaced him as golf's golden boy, and the PGA Tour wants him gone. The cast includes Fortune Feimster, Luke Wilson, and Chris Parnell, with Ferrell co-creating alongside Harper Steele and Chris Henchy. All ten episodes drop July 16, offering a perfect mid-summer palate cleanser.
4. 'Pride & Prejudice' (Fall 2026)
Netflix's answer to the question "why bother?" is an all-star cast: Emma Corrin as Lizzie Bennet, Jack Lowden as Darcy, Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennet, and a script from Dolly Alderton. Rufus Sewell plays Mr. Bennet, Jamie Demetriou is Mr. Collins, and Fiona Shaw is Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The six-part series, directed by Euros Lyn (Heartstopper), is Alderton's first major literary adaptation, and her sensibility seems tailor-made for Austen's sharpest novel. Corrin also executive produces.
3. 'East of Eden' (TBA 2026)
This adaptation of John Steinbeck's epic novel has been in development for years, but the casting of Oscar-winner Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames has pushed anticipation into overdrive. The series will explore the intertwined fates of the Trask and Hamilton families in California's Salinas Valley, with themes of good versus evil, sibling rivalry, and redemption. With a powerhouse creative team and Pugh's proven ability to play complex, morally ambiguous characters, this could be Netflix's next awards-season darling.
2. 'The Gentlemen' Season 2 (TBA 2026)
Guy Ritchie's crime comedy series, a spin-off of his 2019 film, was a surprise hit when it debuted in 2024. Theo James returns as Eddie Horniman, who inherited his family's estate—and the underground cannabis empire attached to it. Season two promises more of Ritchie's signature blend of sharp dialogue, stylish violence, and eccentric characters. With the first season ending on a cliffhanger, fans are eager to see how Eddie navigates the criminal underworld while keeping his aristocratic cover.
1. 'The Hawk' (July 16)
Wait, we already covered this one. But it's worth repeating: Will Ferrell's golf comedy is the most anticipated show of the year for a reason. It's the perfect blend of sports satire, family dysfunction, and Ferrell's trademark physical comedy. If it channels even half the energy of Talladega Nights or Step Brothers, we're in for a treat.
Netflix's 2026 lineup is a testament to the streamer's ability to cater to every taste. Whether you're counting down to Little House on the Prairie's July 9 premiere or marking your calendar for Pride & Prejudice this fall, one thing is clear: your DVR is about to get a workout. For more on what's streaming, check out our coverage of Tom Hardy's 'MobLand' crime epic and 'Oasis,' Netflix's 'Elite' replacement.
