If you're looking for new series to binge-watch in 2026, you've come to the right place! This guide is for those who don't know what to watch after finishing a memorable series, or for those who want to enjoy their free time with captivating, exciting, and well-reviewed stories.
Here you'll find a selection of recently released productions, from different genres and platforms, that are winning over audiences and critics alike. We consider ratings from respected sites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, ensuring that only the best make it onto this list. Get ready to find your next favorite series!
Fallout (2024)
Based on Bethesda's iconic video game franchise, Fallout presents a post-apocalyptic universe full of danger, irony, and plot twists. The story takes place 200 years after a nuclear war devastated Earth, and follows Lucy, a young woman who lives in one of the underground shelters created to protect the elite. Upon venturing into the outside world, she discovers a chaotic and brutal reality, very different from what she imagined.
Produced by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy (Westworld), the series stars Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, and Aaron Moten in the main roles. The first season was acclaimed for its striking visuals and faithfulness to the game, earning an 8.5 on IMDb and 93% approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Available on Prime Video and the first of the new series to binge-watch on our list.
Ripley (2024)
Inspired by the classic character Tom Ripley, created by Patricia Highsmith, this Netflix miniseries is a modern adaptation of the psychological thriller. The story revolves around Tom, a skilled con man hired by a millionaire to bring his son back from Italy. The mission, however, turns into a web of manipulation, lies, and murder.
Starring Andrew Scott (the "Hot Priest" from Fleabag) in the lead role, Ripley was filmed in black and white and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian. The series received praise for its elegant cinematography and sharp acting, and is one of the new series to binge-watch, with a 7.8 rating on IMDb and 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is available on Netflix.
The Three-Body Problem (2024)
From the creators of Game of Thrones, this Netflix blockbuster adapts the acclaimed science fiction trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The plot begins during the Cultural Revolution in China and jumps to the present day, where scientists begin to die mysteriously, while an alien threat looms over Earth. This plot makes the series one of the new shows to binge-watch!
With an international cast led by Eiza González, Benedict Wong, and Liam Cunningham, the series impresses with its grand visuals and complex narrative. Audiences and critics were divided, but the show maintained good ratings with a 7.2 on IMDb and 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. A great choice for fans of philosophical sci-fi.
Shogun: The Glorious Saga of Japan (2024)
Based on James Clavell's best-selling novel, this FX/Hulu miniseries (shown in Brazil via Star+) recreates feudal Japan with visually stunning production, making it one of the new series to binge-watch with sensational cinematography. The story follows English navigator John Blackthorne, who is shipwrecked in 17th-century Japan and becomes entangled in political games, wars, and ancient traditions.
Starring Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai in the lead roles, Shogun has been described as a new benchmark in historical dramas, with a 9.0 rating on IMDb and an impressive 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One of the most acclaimed series of the year.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Baby Reindeer is one of the biggest phenomena of 2024. Based on true events, the series, written and starring Richard Gadd, narrates his personal experience dealing with an obsessive stalker, revealing deep layers of trauma, abuse, and male vulnerability. The success of Baby Reindeer puts it on our list of new series to binge-watch.
The production garnered attention for its authenticity and narrative courage. Gadd delivers a raw and moving performance, which led the series to achieve an 8.4 rating on IMDb and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Available on Netflix, it's a short, intense, and unforgettable work.
Bodkin (2024)
Produced by none other than Barack and Michelle Obama, Bodkin is a mystery comedy that follows three podcasters investigating the disappearance of three people in a quiet Irish town. As they delve deeper into the investigation, bizarre and comical secrets come to light.
Starring Will Forte and blending suspense and humor, the series appealed to fans of "true crime" stories with a touch of satire. It received a 7.1 rating on IMDb and 74% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's available on Netflix and is one of our top recommendations for new series to binge-watch.
The Sympathizer (2024)
Blending espionage, social commentary, and identity, The Sympathizer is a miniseries based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. The plot follows a Vietnamese communist spy living as a refugee in the U.S. after the Vietnam War, while continuing to send information to North Vietnam.
Directed by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) and starring Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles, this HBO Max production stands out for its originality and depth. The series received an 8.2 rating on IMDb and a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Inspired by the 2005 film, this is one of the standout new series to binge-watch, as it is a... new version of Prime Video which transforms the spy couple into a duo recruited by a mysterious agency. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine play the protagonists in a mix of action, comedy, and modern romance.
The chemistry between the actors, the irreverent script, and the well-choreographed action scenes guaranteed the series' success, earning it a 7.0 on IMDb and 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. A good choice for those who enjoy binge-watching something light, fun, and full of adrenaline.
The New Look (2024)
For fans of fashion and history, The New Look is a rare gem. The Apple TV+ series portrays Christian Dior's journey during the Nazi occupation of Paris, showing the rise of haute couture and his clashes with other iconic names, such as Coco Chanel.
Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche are incredible in the lead roles, making this one of the great new series to binge-watch. The sensitive storytelling and luxurious visuals have charmed critics, who gave the series a 7.7 on IMDb and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dark Matter (2025)
Rounding out the list with a hot new release from 2025, Dark Matter is a sci-fi thriller from Apple TV+ based on the book by Blake Crouch. The plot follows a physics professor who is kidnapped and transported to a parallel reality where his life has taken a different turn — and now he needs to return to his original world.
Starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, the series has stood out for its engaging exploration of themes such as identity, choices, and the multiverse. It already has an 8.1 rating on IMDb and promises to be one of the best premieres of the year.
Conclusion
As we've seen, there's no shortage of new series to binge-watch in 2026. From science fiction to historical dramas, including intelligent comedies and impactful true stories, this selection caters to all tastes and occasions. If I could recommend a favorite, I'd say Baby Reindeer deserves special mention for being a sensitive and powerful work that stays with you for days.
If you enjoyed this list, be sure to also check out our articles on: Little-Known Tarantino Films You Need to See.
